The Stonehearted Knight
Chapter 201: The greater picture (1)

Chapter 201: The greater picture (1)

Hex stood covered in blood and gore.

The Refined Knights didn’t know how to feel at the moment. The ant they searched for, hid and bit them when they dropped their guard.

As seasoned fighters, the loss of their lower body didn’t hurt as much as their shattered pride. They were bested by a bumpkin from the desolate north.

Hex enjoyed the look on his opponents’ faces. His carefree stance didn’t do justice to the amount of risk he took in his endeavor.

...

His effort to sneak around in the wolves’ territory alone could have cost him his life. At all times, no matter how much effort it took, Hex ensured to have the wind with him, not against him.

Years of experience with the wolves taught him that they were intelligent creatures. Luring them out of their territory wouldn’t be easy. Not only the Disasters but even the younger and weaker ones wouldn’t be duped by a halfhearted approach.

By following the pattern of how they spread out, he discovered their nest. Usually, the nest of wolves was guarded but the lack of predators in this area seemed to have dulled their vigilance. As the local overlord, they never faced a threat.

Without alarming the bigger wolves, he lured the pups out. He used small creatures such as rabbits as bait.

After they left the territory, he killed the pups as he ran to the location of the Refined Knight. Once again, he took great care of his position. It took less than five seconds for the wolves to discover the pups missing. But it was enough.

Hex made it to the intended location but he knew, if he moved again, the wolves would track him. They would ignore humans who could threaten them. So, they stayed behind, covered in blood and flesh.

At this point, he gambled. It was uncertain whether the alpha would detect him beneath the pile or not. Thankfully, as soon as the alpha smelled the blood of its pups, it lost control and pounced on the only humans in sight.

He hoped the wolves would finish the Refined Knights but in his heart, he knew it was wishful thinking on his part. Humans relied less on absolute power and more on their craftiness to dominate others.

And sure enough, despite being on the weaker side, the humans triumphed. Hex didn’t see how they had done it. Lying at the bottom of the pile he didn’t move even an inch. The risk of being discovered was too great to take such a chance.

He didn’t attack the Refined Knights even when he sensed their weakened energy. He waited. And as soon as they dropped their guard, he used the moment of shock to his advantage.

...

"I thought your voices sounded familiar. I should have expected it to be you two," Hex grinned at the two people on the ground.

"The new governor surely places great importance on me if he sent his two trusted aides to capture me. I wonder who is welcoming guests now at his mansion."

The people on the floor grimaced. They were the two Refined Knights who welcomed the guests during the governor’s feast. He knew the elder Knight to be the prince’s steward. Although he didn’t know the status of the female Refined Knight, it should be similar to the older guy’s.

"Why does he wish to capture me? Does he think I will survive such a mission?" Seeing the two remain silent, Hex questioned them. He picked the steward’s sword and threatened both.

"Kill me!" The old guy said calmly but his partner didn’t share his sentiment.

"Are you an idiot? Why die here like trash," Alvira cursed at her partner and turned her gaze toward Hex. "I am not like him. If you spare me, I can answer your questions and even help you escape."

"YOU!" The steward lost his composure. His calmness disappeared and he looked at her with disgust.

"What?" Alvira looked at the steward with scornful eyes. "Unlike you, I don’t wish to lick the boots of the prince. They act high and mighty but they use us to do their dirty work. They keep spouting shit about the greater picture but what use is that picture if I am not alive to see it?"

Alvira turned toward Hex, who looked in silence at their quarrel.

"You are young and hold a lot of promise. I don’t mind serving you if I can survive all this nonsense. If we manage to heal my legs, I will happily spread them for you. I rather have a young stud like you stick inside me instead of those old codgers from the royal family."

Alvira laughed viciously the more she spoke. It seemed she had a lot of pent-up anger that needed to be released. She laughed maniacly as she spoke.

"That’s enough. I know what to do," Hex interrupted her or she might have continued for some time. Alvira stopped and looked at him sullenly.

She didn’t blink as Hex raised his sword. She glanced briefly at her old partner and shook her head. It looked like a final greeting.

The steward didn’t say a word. He watched the descending sword, accepting his death. His master would win. With or without him. That, he was certain of.

Swing!

"Wha..."

Alvira’s short exclamation pulled his gaze. His mouth fell open as he watched her head fly up in the air.

Thud.

As if transfixed he watched her head fall on the ground and roll over to him. Her eyes remained open. Even death didn’t manage to hide her shock. In a trance, he looked up at Hex.

"W-Why her? W-Why me? Why...?" He struggled to string the words together required to utter a meaningful question.

"Why did I kill her? Why did I spare you? And, let me guess, why didn’t I trust her?" Hex helped him out. The steward nodded. He couldn’t understand why the boy before him killed Alvira.

"Well, she sounded genuine. I felt sympathy and an urge to save her."

"They why?" The steward pressed on. It didn’t make sense. If he believed her, why kill her?

"Isn’t it simple? If in a few words, she can win my trust, what about a few hours or a few days? Wouldn’t I simply trust her one day with my life?" Hex shook his head. "I rather have someone like you as my captive. At least, you can’t lie about your loyalty, so I won’t drop my guard around you."

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