By afternoon, the group finally reached the village. The Inspection Team couldn't help but marvel at these elite soldiers. Their own legs felt like jelly from the relentless march, while the soldiers barely seemed to break a sweat.
"Sir, we've arrived. The village you mentioned is just ahead."
The Captain spoke with utmost respect, his face drenched in sweat beneath his mask. He could tell these individuals were not to be trifled with.
"Very well, you may return."
Hearing that icy voice, he suddenly felt a warm current surge through his body. Who would've thought these people were so reasonable?
But in the next instant, he was dumbfounded. The other figures vanished as if they'd teleported, and the soldiers behind him collapsed to the ground, their heads severed from their bodies.
"What are you doing?!"
Rage boiled within him. Even though they were scum who should have perished in the Ursus Snowfield long ago, they didn't see themselves that way.
They considered themselves soldiers loyal to the Ursus Emperor, faithful servants gathering resources for the empire.
As for the commoners? Well, that couldn't be helped. After all, the empire needed to wage war, and sacrifices had to be made.
But to be attacked like this? Even though he'd long anticipated such an outcome, and knew his superiors wouldn't risk offending the nobles for their sake, the reality of it still felt unbearable.
"This is for Ursus's future. May you rest in peace here!"
With that, the Inspection Team Captain's head fell to the ground. Blood stained the earth crimson, only to be swiftly covered by fresh snow, as if nothing had happened there.
That was only natural. On this land known as the Ursus Snowfield, no one could count the countless corpses buried beneath the snow.
The men marched toward the village, following Duke Kashchey's orders to eliminate someone obstructing Ursus's development.
The target had produced a portrait depicting a golden-haired girl with violet eyes—the very individual Duke Kashchey had mentally instructed them to eliminate.
They were also to set the village ablaze, sparing only the Draco and Elafia, who still had their uses. If the opportunity arose, it would be best to kill the girl in front of them.
Though the mission was bizarre, they were Duke Kashchey's sharpest teeth, the Deathless Black Snake's razor-sharp "Serpent's Fangs"!
Their sole purpose was to clear every obstacle from the path of Duke Kashchey's grand ambition.
Before long, they entered the village. The villagers, spotting their black uniforms from afar, paled instantly and scrambled into their homes, refusing to emerge.
The Serpent's Fangs paid no attention. They were here to massacre the village, not collect taxes, and the villagers' opinions mattered little.
Just then, a man stumbled forward, his ragged clothes reeking of alcohol. His face contorted in a servile grin as he stammered, "L-Lord... do you need a guide? There's nothing about this village I don't know! Just waive my taxes, and I'll tell you everything!"
The leader glanced at him and coldly produced a painting. "Do you know where this person is?"
The drunkard perked up at the sight of the girl in the painting, exclaiming eagerly, "Lord, I know her! She's the adopted daughter of Old Ivan! She wandered into our village a few years ago. Their house is the patched-up one at the far east end!"
Without a word, the Serpent's Fangs turned and sprinted toward the east end, leaving the gleeful drunkard behind, shouting excitedly, "Lord! Remember to waive my taxes! I'm Anthony! Don't forget to waive my taxes!"
With that, he turned and headed home, already savoring the thought of another drink. He felt no guilt whatsoever for betraying Jeanne.
He'd seen through their charade instantly. These men weren't from the Inspection Team at all; a shrewd man like him could tell at a glance they were the aristocrats' henchmen!
How did he know? Well, their gloves and boots were trimmed with gold and emblazoned with noble crests! Subtle details, perhaps, but nothing escaped his sharp eyes.
Could those Black Bugs ever afford such luxuries? If they had that kind of money and connections, they would have long since petitioned their superiors to transfer out of this godforsaken backwater.
As for Jeanne... she was as good as dead anyway. Better to trade her for something worthwhile!
He still had the meat Old Ivan had traded him yesterday, along with two bottles of fine vodka! Time to cook up a feast and celebrate Anthony's clever saving of another batch of grain!
Meanwhile, Jeanne suddenly sensed imminent danger and urgently told Talulah and the others, "Talulah, get Grandfather and the others out of here immediately. Gather the villagers too. Forget about valuables—just get everyone away from the village as fast as possible!"
"What's wrong, Jeanne? The Black Bugs wouldn't go this far, would they?"
Seeing Talulah about to press further, Alina interrupted her and quickly ushered the two elderly villagers away.
"You must not act rashly, Jeanne! Promise me you'll come back alive! Even if we lose everything—our home, our money—promise me you'll protect yourself!"
The others still worried and tried to convince Jeanne to flee with them, but she refused.
She knew the attackers were after her. If she vanished, the entire village would suffer.
Watching the four figures recede into the distance, Jeanne turned to face the approaching enemies. Though she didn't know their identities, their murderous intent was unmistakable.
Yet this didn't faze her. After all, she had experienced war firsthand in her dreams. Now, those dream-born memories had become her strength. How could she possibly lose her composure?
The ten members of Serpent's Fangs quickly spotted Jeanne, disguised as a village girl, and the fleeing group of Talulah and the others.
Just as they were about to split up and pursue them, a blinding light erupted. The "village girl" had transformed, now clad in silver armor with a purple robe and cloak draped over it, and wielding a massive flagstaff.
She's tough! She's definitely seen battle!
At first glance, most people would praise the blonde girl's beauty. But these assassins felt a prickle of unease.
This woman was no ordinary opponent. If they underestimated her, they could very well fall here.
Abandoning their plan to split up, the assassins decided to eliminate Jeanne first before dealing with anything else.
Jeanne tightened her grip on the flagpole, drawing the Sword of St. Catherine with her other hand. Originally a Noble Phantasm meant for self-destruction, it could now be used as a standalone weapon.
Meanwhile, Talulah, relying on her exceptional stamina, had already led Grandfather a considerable distance away. Behind them, Alina was running with all her might.
As they fled, they raised the alarm in the village, urging everyone to evacuate immediately. But only some villagers left; the rest preferred to bury themselves in their homes rather than come out.
"Alina, take care of Grandfather and Grandmother."
As she spoke, Talulah sensed strange energy fluctuations emanating from the village. Filled with unease, she turned back toward it.
She couldn't abandon her friends and flee alone; that was simply not something Talulah would do.
Besides, while her sewing skills left much to be desired, she remained confident in her combat abilities.
"Go, child. Alina is more than capable of taking care of us. Just promise me you'll return safe and sound with Jeanne!"