Solnisca de Amarthia

[You killed an Osprey (+2)

You kill a fish (+1)

(+1)

(+1)

(+1)....

You killed a water snake (+2)

You killed an aquatic insect (Poor soul quality; cannot accumulate to dark energy).

Your current dark energy total: 139.]

Gris stared at another river area as the system stopped notifying him. The total number of fishes he had killed was twenty-five. It stopped there.

The poison only dissolved around the place where it was spread. It would take many poison bottles to wipe out the entire river ecosystem.

"What are you doing?" Seeing the osprey's body floating in the river, Leander was a little uneasy. "People still use this river. They could get health problems if the poison affects the river."

Gris went down to the river to take the osprey body. "Let's report this incident to Bertrand," he said.

"What if we're also investigated?"

"It's possible. But the main suspect is a group of criminals who often roam here. Don't you remember what Bertrand said?"

Leander recalled that Bertrand had told him about a group of criminals harassing the knights who wanted to train at the doomkeep.

"The Empire will be furious if there are human casualties because of the poison-contaminated river," Gris spoke again. "Therefore, we must report this immediately so the empire prohibits people from approaching the river."

"You're right. The empire will care more about the safety of the people than the animals dying in the river," Declan responded.

"That's why I kill river animals to increase my dark energy. People will focus more on cleaning the river of toxins to ensure they have enough water and fish to survive."

Leander massaged his dizzy head. "Young Master, you can ask someone to bring animals to kill. Doing something like this in public is too risky."

"I know. But doing things too easily can sometimes make them less enjoyable," Gris grinned and walked first to meet Bertrand at the guard post.

He showed him the osprey's body and explained what happened according to his version. Because of his convincing speech, Bertrand willingly believed him.

Moreover, the group of criminals harassed the area before Gris arrived. Thus, he aroused no suspicion whatsoever. Instead, Bertrand apologized that something terrible happened during Gris' first raid.

"You're fit to be a spy," Declan commented after the business with Bertrand was over. He was amazed that Gris could maintain his body language while lying.

Gris only responded with a smile. His experience as a mercenary assassin enabled him to lie effortlessly and convincingly.

If the empire investigated him regarding the river case, he could provide an alibi to escape the case.

There was no one else but Leander and Declan at that time. Blayz's good reputation could also help him. He just needed to sympathize and send full assistance to clean up the river.

The poison he used could be obtained as long as one had money. So, the empire would probably investigate the criminal group and the individuals recorded as having purchased the poison.

"What is that?" asked Gris, not getting into his carriage because he saw the pedestrians that would soon reach him.

"It's from the empire," Leander replied when he saw the imperial flag they were waving. "But I'm sure they're not coming to investigate the river case. Perhaps they will attend the global gathering of alchemists, just like us."

Curious, Gris asked Leander and Declan to wait for the group. His eyes widened when he saw a girl sitting on a palanquin carried by four people.

The girl cast a glance at him, her bright green eyes shining. Her golden hair swayed gently with the movement of the fan. Beneath the scorching sun, her porcelain skin appeared flushed.

"Isn't that Princess Solnisca?" Gris could not hide his surprise.

Leander and Declan were not surprised by their young Master's reaction. Princess Solnisca de Amarthia was famous in the empire thanks to her beauty and kindness.

She used her Palace budget to help the people affected by the Doomsday Wave. Her influence exceeded Blayz's as she was actively involved with the church.

After the gods decreed the apocalypse, people naturally turned to religion, leading many kingdoms to adopt theocratic governance systems. Within the Amarthia empire, the church wielded significant influence.

The palanquin stopped. Solnisca smiled at Leander, greeting him, "Is that you, Sir Leander? It's been quite a while since we last met."

Leander was a bit shocked that Solnisca still remembered him. He had taken Blayz to church, and they met the princess there once.

"May the blessings of Goddess Amarthia be upon Your Highness," Leander bowed to Solnisca, followed by Gris and Declan.

He then asked, "Your Highness, might I suggest traveling in a horse-drawn carriage? The weather is quite warm today. We would be honored to escort you comfortably to your destination in our carriage."

"Oh, Sir, I'm afraid there might have been a misunderstanding regarding how the empire treated me. In fact, I had access to a horse-drawn carriage to attend the alchemists' gathering.

However, during my journey, I encountered a family afflicted with a severe skin condition. I offered them my carriage so they could reach the health post faster for treatment."

The people accompanying Solnisca showed tearful expressions, deeply touched by their princess's kindness.

"Your Highness, if I may be so bold, we are also headed to the alchemist society. I find it difficult to sit comfortably in the carriage knowing that you would endure the heat on your journey there," Gris spoke like a gentleman.

Solnisca examined him. "Forgive my ignorance, but may I inquire about your identity?"

"Please accept my apologies for neglecting to introduce myself earlier, as my concern for your well-being took priority. I am Griswalden of the Silverth family."

Hearing Silverth mentioned, people's expressions turned to surprise. All they knew was that Gris was sick and unable to go outside.

"Our young master is steadily improving, all thanks to the care of Sir Blayz," Leander immediately clarified. "He is undergoing training to become a knight, driven by his desire to contribute to the empire."

Once again, the people showed admiring glances, but this time for Gris. They were aware that his mother had sacrificed her life in service to the empire during the Doomsday Wave.

Despite such a story, Gris still aspired to become a knight, touching the hearts of everyone who knew his story.

"I would feel guilty if you have a hard time on the journey," Gris said, not letting go of the chance to get close to Solnisca. "If you decline, I shall accompany your entourage on foot."

Solnisca laughed softly. "Is that meant as a threat? I have no intention of inconveniencing Sir Blayz's son by making him walk," she ordered the four men to lower the palanquin.

Thus, Solnisca found herself riding in the carriage alongside Gris. They could talk comfortably, as Gris had already asked Leander and Declan to keep their distance.

"You appear fatigued. Your dedication to the empire has undoubtedly been immense," Gris made small talk, unsure if the girl before him was also a transmigrator.

Solnisca adjusted her hair with care, letting out a long sigh. "Yeah, dang it. I'm sick of putting on this act like some pristine princess. You feel the same, Number Zero?"

Gris's body tensed up, his eyes narrowing. Number Zero was his codename, known only to his association and closest colleagues.