" We've infiltrated group seven's territory," Jack reported as Sloane took care of the unconscious soldiers.
"Good work. We need to target group three and one once we reach the foot of the mountain."
—"This may become risky. The Nethilorian army might be stationed at the borders near the mountain."
"We need to wrap this up within two days." She mumbled.
"Is something bothering you milady?" Jack asked Sloane.
She looked at his clear indigo eyes that were filled with curiosity and concern.
"It's nothing big. Just calculating their movements so far." She reassured him.
"Go on ahead."
He left as per her command.
"Milady! I can see the foot of the mountain up ahead." Tristan quenched the thirst of their ears with good news.
"Aah finally! We'll be able to relax a bit. I'm sore all over."Nine groaned.
" Big brother, all you've done is complain."Twelve roasted him.
"That's mean coming from you Twelve."
Twelve had to coop up with her older brother's whining while wrapping up the flags of the defeated group.
—"I wonder who's the older one."Sloane thought unaccustomed by their twisted behavior.
Two men in black uniform appeared. Sloane handed the unconscious soldiers to them.
They were from the central headquarters of the Atlantan army.
"Let's head out." She commanded them.
————————
At the hunting grounds...
The nobles had to stay on the grounds for three days concerning the new knights.
The event only ended when the new soldiers were officially awarded their titles in Atlantan Knighthood.
The noblemen enjoyed hunting whereas women would spend their time in the tea parties and other meetings.
Commoners had a greater chance to sell their prized goods in high society gaining more profit.
Yulia sat in her tent with Jane. She was quite frail compared to her elder sister. That was one of the reasons why she rarely participated in physical activities.
Azriel was more cautious about her health since Estelle's death.
"Jane, do you think sister will win?" She flipped the page of the economics book.
"Milady, I believe that young miss will certainly win. After all, she has gone through much harsher training than any other knight." Jane said earnestly.
"I too believe that!" Yulia smiled brightly.
—"Honestly, what's with this country? Sending young and innocent children into the battlefield. They turn back as monsters."Jane shrugged getting rid of the thought remembering how Sloane was after her neck. After that incident, she had nightmares the entire week.
Yulia sighed heavily. She closed the book and placed it on the side table.
"Milady, do you want to do something else?"
Yulia looked at her listlessly.
"What else can I do Jane?"
"Why don't you embroider handkerchiefs for the young lady and her team?"
"That's a great idea! Jane, could you please bring in plain handkerchiefs and the rest of the stuff?"
"Why of course.Right away milady." Jane rushed out of the tent to buy some.
"Now why don't I go to father's place."She jumped from the chair and left the tent.
———————
They stepped up at the foot of the mountain.
The land was barren. There was a stream flowing through the mountain. They were stationed at the edge of the forest.
" Let's go further up. We need to take measures before others attack us."
The assassins left to survey the other side of the mountains which was the riskiest part. The other side originally belonged to their neighbors, Nethiloria.
— "The real test begins now."