The Skeleton Soldier Failed to Defend the Dungeon

"So the emperor himself will come to pass judgment?"

I nodded. I recalled that the meeting of Rubia's retainers had predicted the marquis would be sent instead. The emperor was a far more difficult opponent because it didn't matter if it was a scarecrow or a double. We knew nothing about him. Only one thing was certain: when he descended, Gith-Za-Rai would attempt to assassinate him.

What if I spread that fact?

The attempt could be thwarted without ever facing her directly, and the emperor might never come to Erast at all. With T&T's reach, scattering rumors would be trivial. That was only a stopgap. In the end, Rubia still had to be acknowledged as lord.

I was still lost in thought when Rubia suddenly asked, "Should we kill him?"

Startled, I took a step back.

Clatter.

Her voice was quiet and steady. "Should we kill Kirk Ray?"

I nearly tripped. "What?"

I had killed Kirk Ray myself countless times, but hearing the suggestion from Rubia's lips in such a calm, matter-of-fact...