Late at night, In a certain room in the house of a certain noble, the sound of music could be heard as scented candles lit up the area.
Its aroma wafted across the room, creating a surreal atmosphere in what would have been a normal hotel room.
Kara was seated on the bed with her legs crossed while holding a pipe. Her expression showed that she was in deep thought.
Currently, her appearance was at a peak as she was dressed in a night dress that left little to the imagination, with her assets and curves on full display.
She drew on the pipe and let out a puff as she seemed to be waiting for someone. "Fools, always have to waste my time."
Just then, an even more alluring voice came from the balcony. That area was currently covered up by a thick curtain thus one wouldn't be able to see who was speaking.
"You should be calm mistress, sooner or later, the boy will die. If you are so impatient, you can always let me do the deed."
Kara drew out a puff again as she sighed. "I need to test the waters before doing anything. He was able to face off against Cedric and even got a high evaluation from him. If I allow him to grow any further it would become problematic."
The voice at the other side of the curtain sighed. "Fine then, do as you wish."
Just then, there was a knock at the door.
Kara quickly adjusted her mood as she tossed the pipe to the side. "Come in."
The next moment and the door knob was turned as the door flew open after which two men walked inside.
The first was undoubtedly a noble with his expensive attire and somewhat chubby appearance with his most notable feature being the weird mustache on his face.
The second had a more dubious appearance as his face was covered with a hoodie and his aura oozed blood.
With a glance, Kara could tell that he had soaked in the blood of many. It made her feel somewhat assured about what was to happen next.
"Lady Kara, as you requested, an assassin straight from the Assassin's guild. Don't worry, he is top notch and you won't find someone better around these parts. You can rest assured that he would be able to get the job done." The chubby noble cordially explained.
Kara nodded as she appraised the hooded man. "Mn, he indeed seems capable. What magic circle are you at?"
The hooded figure replied. "Your question has nothing to do with the mission, Mrs. Rion."
Kara chuckled. "Of course it does but never mind that. How confident are you in defeating an Advanced level magician at the seventh circle?"
The hooded figure gave Kara a sidelong glance before responding. "It will be no issue for me."
Kara nodded in satisfaction. She was using Cedric as a measurement for Max's level of power, of course, it was not exactly accurate but she hoped that she wouldn't be too far off.
She turned back and reached for a piece of paper. Grabbing hold of it, she passed it to the hooded man.
"That is the person you are to kill, ensure that it is done without alarming anyone. I want him to be gone before the magic tournament begins, can you do that?"
The hooded figure appraised the drawn-out image on the paper for a while before crushing and throwing it away. He had already memorized it.
Nodding casually, he turned to take his leave. "I will have his head by the morrow. Discuss my fees with the lord, I will be back to collect them." With that said, he left the room.
Once the door was closed, the chubby noble rushed to Kara but the latter put up an arm to stop him from coming closer.
The chubby noble crumbled as he went to his knees. "What's wrong?... I did as you asked and got an assassin, isn't it time to fulfill your end of the deal?... Let me just have a taste, just a little." He was like a child begging his mother for a treat.
Kara stared at him for a moment, a suggestive look in her eyes.
The noble's breathing turned ragged, his cheeks turned red and the little guy inside his pants made its presence known.
Kara gestured for him to come closer and the latter happily obliged as he moved to her while on his knees.
"I'm feeling a bit tired, how about you massage my feet first," Kara suggested.
"Of course, I'll do so right away." Not surprisingly, the noble did as he was told.
At that moment, Kara watched as the noble tended to her like as though he were a common servant.
Sighing in her heart, she praised herself. "My charm is impeccable."
***
Two hours later
"Are you sure about this?" Lloyd asked. He was currently in his study and the place was sufficiently dark.
A voice came from somewhere. "Yes, I wish to meet him."
Lloyd thought about it as he shook his head. "But it would be suspicious if I send him out, don't you think so?"
The voice replied. "Does it matter?... Just do this and I'll handle the rest."
Lloyd could only resign himself as he sighed. "Fine then, I'll do as you have said."
***
Lara had slept off in Max's embrace with the latter smiling happily as he watched his mother's peaceful expression as she laid on his lap.
He stroked her hair with one hand while brushing off the locks that ended up covering her face.
Max could not help but admire Lara's otherworldly beauty. She was indeed like a pure goddess that was too good for the world she found herself in.
He sighed in his heart as he blamed himself for allowing her to keep on suffering even though he could help to ease that burden by staying by her side.
But he chose not to do that. His goals were important and the risk of dying if he did not complete them was very high.
"If I don't seize the opportunity now to get stronger… I might end up regretting it later." He reminded himself.
Just as he was pondering on his thoughts, Lloyd's butler approached from behind.
"Sir Max." He called out.
Max turned to face him. "Hello, may I help you with something?"
The butler nodded. "The master wishes to speak with you in his study, I hope you would be able to honor his invitation."
Max did not respond as he turned to the beautiful woman laying on his lap, sleeping soundly.
The butler followed his gaze. "You do not have to worry, I can help you lead lady Lara to her quarters."
Max shook his head. "Just show me the way, I'll tuck her in myself, then I'll honor Sir Lloyd's invitation."
The butler readily agreed after which they left in the direction of the bedrooms.
Fifteen minutes later and Max stood outside the door of the study. He was about to knock on the door when a familiar voice called out to him from inside.
"Come in, Max. I've been waiting for you."