Chapter 3. The Dragon Slayer 3

The Oasis near Suskas, the capital of Trisis, it is
one of few places where greens can be seen in Trisis desert. Carls was waiting
for someone with staring at the oasis. Soon, a guy was teleported behind him.
He was the Imperial Chancellor, Beradin.

“How is it going, General Carls?”

Carls politely greeted him, and said,

“How did you come here, sir?”

“Do you still remain any feelings to the Imperial 7
heroes?”

Carls was hesitating for a while,

“What are you talking about?”

“If I ordered you to kill them all, would you mind
following my order?”

“…….”

Carls was silent for a while.

“Haha, I know it is really difficult command for you.”

Carls shook his head, and said,

“No, sir! I have already sworn my loyalty to you. If
it is your command….”

Beradin smiled,

“Ok, good.”

Carls asked Beradin,

“Are you planning to remove them?”

“Aside from the others, I cannot stand Bernstein in
Cutis anymore. He failed to capture the remnants of Pandragon, and he has been
against the empire with the people in Cutis.”

Carls thought for a while and asked,

“Any evidence, sir?”

“Unknown group of people have been gathering around him”

“He is popular with all ranks of society. I think it
is not enough evidence.”

“That’s why he must be removed. The empire should be
feared by everyone. He has hidden intension of rebellion. According to the
spies, he has met Arshia, the leader of Cutis resistance.”

“Then, it is obvious.”

“But, he is a meritorious retainer. We cannot carry
him out a public execution. That’s why I need your help.”

Carls said,

“Assassination?”

“Exactly. And, it must seem to be done by Cutis
resistance. It will be a good reason to suppress them.”

Carls nodded,

“Yes, sir.”

“I will count on you.”

After the conversation, Beradin disappeared by his
teleportation magic.

After he disappeared, Carls was still staying there.
He suddenly said,

“Come out now.”

At that moment, dark shadow came out from his back and
threw a dagger toward him.

“Chaaaang!”

Carls defended the dagger with his sword, and the
shadow rushed into him. From the shadow, hundreds of daggers came out and they
covered him. Carls’ body disappeared with remaining afterimage.

After Carls defended all attacks, and said,

“You are too mischievous!”

Carls looked back, and there was a man whose body was
fully covered with black suit, which is the typical imperial assassin costume.  The guy whispered,

“As the moon fades into the darkness of the night, the
Grim Shadow sows destruction and plight.”

Carls smiled,

“Hanzo! Brother Hanzo! It’s you! You were on the tree
next to me, weren’t you?”

“You already knew it.”

“I guess sir Beradin also recognized it.”

Hanzo said in angry tone,

“Carls! Are you really betraying your brothers?”

“Haha, do you think so?”

“Why are you willing to be his dog?”

“Dog? Bro, it’s not like that. Sir Beradin is one of
the Dark Prince’s closest friends. Why don’t you trust him? And, maybe he can
be superior to the Dark Prince.”

“So? Are you betraying your brothers for your benefit?”

“If so?”

“Then, I have to kill you!”

Hanzo looked black at Carls,

“Well, do you think it’s possible?”

“If I give up my life, it is!”

“…”

They were staring at each other for a while. At that
moment, everything around them became silent, it seemed that time stopped.

The one who broke the silence was Carls.

“Let’s stop it, bro.”

Carls put his sword back, and kept saying,

“Actually, I was waiting for you, bro. I want you to
help me to deal with Bernstein bro. Well, I’m not asking to kill him, haha. Do
not be so serious.”

“…”

“Well, how about killing someone else who looks alike
him?”

“Are you telling me to trick Beradin?”

“Yes, I am. Well, Beradin won’t care about it much.
Defeating Cutis resistance is more important for him. “

“Well, fine. How can I help you?”

“Let’s discuss the details in Cutis.”

After Carls’ saying, Hanzo disappeared, and Carls also
got out from the oasis.

After 15 days later, there was news that an Imperial
general was assassinated.

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