The Empress’s request seemed very simple at first glance, but in reality, it was extremely difficult.

The task was to lure someone to the temple, and upon their arrival, attack them regardless of their identity.

Initially, the Empress did not reveal who this person was. Despite receiving numerous mercenary requests, it was the first time that the target wasn’t disclosed. Such requests usually suited assassins more than mercenaries.

The Empress added that since there would be no one else in the temple on that day, others need not worry.

Sensing an ominous premonition from the Empress’s words, Owen thought it necessary to know who the target was supposed to be. Therefore, if they were to embark on a ship, he decided to gather all the information without hiding anything.

Fortunately, there seemed to be no replacement for them, and unexpectedly, the Empress easily provided the requested information.

The individuals slated to come to the temple were Herena Rosentia and Kaern Laverion.

Kaern Laverion—a renowned expert in the Empire, if not the entire continent. Killing such a skilled individual was akin to throwing one’s life into the void. Aware of the danger to his life, especially with a substantial promised sum, Owen understood that in this case, it wasn’t risking his life but rather throwing it away in vain.
Knowing that his life was in danger, especially with a substantial promised sum, Owen was aware of the risks. However, in this case, it wasn’t a matter of risking his life; it was more akin to throwing it away in vain.

Therefore, Owen, after careful consideration, declined the Empress’s request and was about to leave immediately. However, the Empress suddenly placed something on the table. In response to Owen’s question about what it was, she replied that the bottle on the table contained a potent poison.

She added that if he used it as a coating on his weapon, it would only inflict minor wounds.

Seeing this, Owen became even more suspicious of the Empress’s intentions. Typically, if one possessed such a deadly substance, it would make more sense to employ an assassin. It was unclear why she chose them instead.

Caught in contemplation without providing an answer, Sierra’s name slipped from the Empress’s lips. The Empress was aware of Sierra, and the fact that her family had not yet cleared its name from the accusation of rebellion added to the confusion.

To alleviate Owen’s perplexity, the Empress proposed that if this mission succeeded, she would not only help clear the Harper family’s name but also support Sierra’s vindication.

In response to the Empress’s offer, Owen picked up the bottle from the table and placed it in his pocket. For the sake of Sierra and Chloe, pride and even life were no longer significant. Owen ultimately decided to accept the proposal.
However, as soon as Owen agreed to take on the task, the Empress, as a precaution, insisted on him bringing Sierra along. It seemed like she was preparing for the possibility of betrayal. Faced with the idea of involving Sierra, Owen found himself in another dilemma. If he went astray, there would be no one to protect her.

Seeing Owen’s inner conflict, the Empress offered him a day to think it over. After agreeing to the condition, Owen returned home. When he informed Sierra about the task commissioned by the Empress, as expected, she staunchly opposed the idea. However, looking at their peacefully sleeping daughter nearby, Owen managed to persuade her.

This opportunity was like a heaven-sent chance. The one offering to clear the family’s name was none other than the Empress of this country. If they missed this opportunity, there might not be another.

Although Sierra was reluctant to be used as a pawn by the Empress, it was a matter of ensuring a perfect completion of the task. After persistent efforts, Sierra eventually succumbed to Owen’s persuasion—for Chloe, and for the unjustly deceased parents and family.

The next day, when Owen met the Empress again, he proposed drafting a contract after receiving a firm affirmation. The need for a mechanism to ensure the Empress’s commitment applied not only to taking Sierra along but also to Owen himself.
At the mention of a contract, the Empress seemed momentarily hesitant but soon acquiesced. After drafting the contract, Owen entrusted Chloe to someone he deemed trustworthy. Sierra then followed the Empress into the palace. Owen maintained contact with Sierra until the day they started their mission. Perhaps due to the change in hair color, nobody in the palace recognized Sierra.

Contrary to concerns, the Empress treated Sierra exceptionally well. With a sense of relief, Owen pushed forward with his task to conclude it successfully. However, Kaiserin La Berian was, unsurprisingly, a formidable opponent, and his unexpected capture marked a significant turn of events.

Having recounted all he had experienced so far, Owen paused to take a breath. “Well, you probably know what happened after I was captured; no need to dwell on that.”