Assassination

The Eunuch recited out the names of the animals loudly.

"Hunt 1, a rare breed of rabbit seen rarely out in the open. This rabbit is infamous for it's wild nature, hard to subdue, Angora rabbit! Rarity level 2!"

"Hunt 2, Right-peck bird, the famous bird who's flesh is often used in high quality medicine. It's instinct to attack predators is very strong. Rarity level 2!"

The first two hunts had already captured everyone's interest.

Angora rabbit and right-peck bird, who didn't know of these two animals? They were rare to find, hard to hunt.

And to have level 2 rare animals right of the bat, impressive!

"Hunt 3, Rigora snake, the 2nd most poisonous snake in the forest. It's poison can kill within minutes. It is hard to come by, and doesn't attack unless attacked. Rarity level, 4!"

"Finally, national treasure, Hunt 5, born in the toughest of environments, a wolf breed designed to kill instantaneously upon locking it's target, Canis Rufus, Red wolf! Rarity level 5!

Level 5?!

Rarity level 4 and 5!! Everyone simultaneously sucked in a cold breath, astonishment flickering in their eyes.

To have found an animal with rarity level 4 and 5, this...was she really just a 15 year old?!

Even Aria's highest record was rarity level 3!

Amazing!

Even Azer couldn't help but gape at Iris. He was originally disgruntled with Aria's loss, but for Iris, his country bumpkin of a daughter, to have secured level 4 and 5, he was stunned speechless.

The importance of this matter, couldn't be defined in words anymore!

Iris looked at his expressions from the corner of her eyes, she felt a slight throb in her heart.

She knew, she always knew he was a selfish good-for-nothing of a father. She knew he would sell her off without batting an eye. She knew, yet why did she still feel slightly pained from the deep greed and desire in his eyes?

Was she still as soft as before, as kind as before?

No, she can't be that way.

All sorts of kindness lead to pain and torture.

Kindness is pain, love is hell.

She can't afford to be soft hearted, not this time!

Iris's eyes became slightly darker, more murderous. She could feel a layer of black over her heart.

Still standing on the same spot, Azura squinted his eyes slightly, they flashed with an unfathomable light. His smile became slightly meaningful.

He was about to step forward to go towards Iris, when his footsteps abruptly paused!

Whoosh!

"Gah...!"

Suddenly, a blazing arrow made it's way in everyone's vision, tore through the air and pierced the back of the Eunuch standing close to the Emperor!

That Eunuch immediately screamed in pain, falling to the ground in a pool of blood along with the people's horrified screams.

"!!!"

Not just one, more arrows flied to the people, piercing and injuring them easily.

"Ahhh! A-Assassin! Assassin!"

"Protect the Emperor! Protect the Princes!"

The people started to shout and panic, running here and there in confusion. Immediately, a bunch of guards surrounded the Emperor, protecting him with their swords drawn.

And then, a big group of people in black clothes appeared, clashing with the imperial guards. They all had their faces covered, but their strength was extraordinary. They easily started to take down the imperial guards.

The people ran about in fear and panic, evacuating the hall after the Emperor left through the back door, bustling out in huge numbers along with their family members. Some of them drew their swords and started fighting, only to be defeated quickly.

Iris stood rooted at her spot, staring at Azer fleeing with Aria and his other daughters, not even glancing at her once.

She didn't have time to look at him and condemn him anymore, her eyes were shocked upon this sudden development, unforeseen in all aspects.

The door to the exit was swarmed thoroughly, it was hard to move out, not just because people were leaving, but because more and more imperial guards were trying to enter as well.

Iris contemplated her next move, to escape or not to escape.

Considering the situation at the door, it was highly likely that she would be caught in the crowd.

It would be wisest if she only stood here, not doing anything until the path cleared.

Iris quietly picked up a sword on the ground, clutching it for defense if necessary. She looked at the ongoing battle, predicting that the guards would soon fall. In worse case scenario, some of the nobles not able to evacuate would be killed before reinforcements came in.

She should just quietly wait for whatever would come.

"Idiot! What are you standing there for?! Hurry up and come!"

"Athia!"

As she was inspecting, Iris heard Athia's and Azer's voice simultaneously. She turned to see Athia wriggling out of the crowd towards her and shouting at her to come while Azer was chasing after her.

"Iris, hurry! Idiot, hurry up and come here!" Athia continued to shout and started to move towards her.

"You're the idiot! Go back to where you came from!"

Iris vigilantly signaled Athia to go back, she had seen 3 black clothed people escaping from the imperial soldiers.

She wanted to warn her to stay away, but it was too late.

The guards grabbed Athia and pinned her to the ground, holding a blade against her neck. They took her hostage in case of a dire situation.

"Damn..." Iris cursed under her breath, staring vigilantly at the 3 shadows.

Her second sister Athia was a strange person, she was both cruel and kind.

She left Iris alone most of the time, but would occasionally help her, and when she did help, she would go all out for that help.

Iris didn't have good feelings for her, but she owed her.