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New Hierarchy (1)
Cadis was unbelievably large as a highland city.
Even if one ignored the road and crossed the shortest path between the north and south gates, it would have taken a person half a day of travel.
The central boulevard stretched like a spider’s web from the central plaza, but it ran endlessly along the complicated side road like a thread. In other words, it was difficult to access, but once in, you could hide anywhere.
Especially on nights when the sun set early, no one could easily leave. The bloody chill of the winter mountains roamed through the alleys like a demon.
In the midst of this, those who wandered around fearlessly were mainly those who believed that they had the power to protect themselves.
Under the wall of a mansion built on the boundary between the city center and the underdeveloped area, rogues gathered and giggled.
“The duchess is pretty? Did you see it when you entered the house?” The short man’s cheekbones were swollen and the eyes were slit. He tapped on the brick wall.
The bald man leaned against the wall and grunted, “That is the duchess’s brother.”
Another fat man looked up at the wall. “He lived here a few months ago. I feel like he was kicked out.”
“Was he exiled?” The short man frowned and clicked his tongue.
“You bastards. How is it exile? Thanks to having a sister, he can get off the hook easily!”
“That’s true. I’m sure she’s pretty. Moreover, the duke could have any woman he wanted, but he married a commoner.”
“How can she live with that guy? I’m sure she’ll want to run away immediately!” The short man stuck out his belly.
The fat man scratched his chin. “The Duke of Winter… Even if he’s a duke, he’s a monster. How anyone could stand it, I wouldn’t know.”
The short man licked his lips. “The duchess must be a masterpiece to endure such a monster. He’s rich, he’s half-faced, he’s good at making use of his… I wish I could do that too!
“If I have her, will I fall asleep?” The bald man who was listening grabbed an illusion in the air and thrusted his waist.
Cold water suddenly poured over their heads as they burst into laughter.
“Ugh, it’s cold!”
“What!”
With the harsh weather, if cold water was poured, their skin immediately froze.
Shaking off the water, they looked up at the same time.
“What…? Heuk.”
A small head in the moonlight protruded above the wall.
Shining silver hair as if dyed with starlight. Big, round eyes. From the aquiline nose to the lips that shone like cherry blossoms.
Because he looked paler in the cold light, his beauty was so refreshing.
Dandelion, who appeared like a fairy, spat on their heads. “Urgh. Eww. You’re ugly. I need to wash my eyes.”
“W-what?”
“Bastards like you who don’t even know who you’re up against. You don’t know anything and are talking bullshit.”
The men’s faces turned red at the same time.
“You cheeky bastard. You’re dying today, whoa!”
Dandelion threw the wooden bucket he was holding at them.
It tumbled and rolled on the snow.
The bucket filled with water seemed to be quite heavy. Dandelion rubbed his trembling arms and stuck out his tongue. “It is you who will die. I will reach out to my sister and brother-in-law! Blegh! Are your heads going to hang on the wall? I don’t want to see them any more because they’re all ugly. Whoops.”
The bald man pulled the sword from his waist. “I’m going to kill this kid right now… Argh!”
He vomited blood. But without realizing what had happened, the blade that had protruded from his stomach was pulled back.
“S-suddenly… Cough!”
It was over in an instant. A man in a black robe slaughtered them without mercy.
“Ugh…”
Blood splattered over the pure white snow.
Dandelion, who was just astonished at the horrific sight, stumbled as his legs lost their strength.
He slipped and squatted down on the ladder, retching. His hands trembled violently.
What the hell is this… I-I have to report this.
Dandelion remembered the Cadis guards watching him from the main gate.
Damn. Why didn’t they see him when he needed help…
“Dandelion!”
Green eyes widened at the familiar voice flying over the wall.
Oh, this voice…
He jumped up and leaned against the wall. The man standing in the middle of the bloody alley lowered his hood.
He was a man Dandelion knew all too well, but his appearance was quite unexpected. Dandelion’s eyes widened.
His short red hair, like flames, was exposed in the cold winter air. Emerald green eyes. A hard chin with a scar about the size of his finger.
He was a handsome man with a cool, big mouth.
“Crocus? Why are you here…”
“I can’t believe you were not intimidated and stood up for your sister. You’ve grown up. I’m very proud of you. Really!”
Crocus, who was covered in blood, grinned and tapped his hard chest with his fist.
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