The Two Faced Emperor

Lady Marianne took the two bounty hunter papers… She walked over to the bar and slowly placed them on the table. Faithless was nearby.

The bartender had a cold expression, as if he didn't care at all… He stopped wiping one of the glasses and looked at the papers. His eyes widened in shock.

He picked up the paper and looked directly at her, a surprised smile forming on his face as he spoke loudly:

"Hunting the Crimson Horns and the Black Group at the same time?"

Silence filled the tavern as all eyes turned toward Marianne and Faithless… Faithless slowly lowered his head toward the bar and spoke in a deep tone:

"And what's the problem with that? They're just ordinary missions."

One of the men sitting at a table stood up, walked over to Faithless, and spoke in a suspicious tone:

"My handsome friend, hunting the Crimson Horns is simple—they're just a group that destroys crops and causes trouble for farmers."

He continued:

"Some bounty hunters have managed to deal with them… but the Black Group, I wouldn't advise messing with them. They don't spare young or old."

Faithless placed his index finger on his chin, gazing at the man with mysterious eyes, and replied sarcastically:

"My friend, there's no person or group that doesn't fall… unless most of you kneel to them so they don't step on you."

Some people in the tavern felt insulted by Faithless's words, while Marianne leaned against the bar table, hands folded, smiling calmly.

As for the two girls, they were drinking while admiring Faithless for his boldness and confidence… One of the men slammed the table and placed a large amount of money on it.

He spoke in a sharp tone, challenging Faithless:

"I wager 200 Nis that you can't bring the heads of the Crimson Horn creatures and the Black Group."

Everyone in the tavern was shocked by this strange decision… Faithless approached the fat man with the thick black beard.

Faithless smiled at him and spoke in a sarcastic tone:

"Don't spend my money before I return… and if I don't find them, I'll take your head instead."

Everyone in the tavern was stunned… Some whispered among themselves, others laughed. The bearded man responded while drinking:

"Let's see how strong you really are, little cat."

Faithless turned toward the bartender, placing his hand on the counter as he spoke in a calm voice with a mysterious look:

"So, where are the Crimson Horns and the Black Group located?"

The bartender replied in a shocked tone. He even glanced at Marianne, expecting her to make him change his mind—but she was smiling at him.

Meanwhile, the two girls were talking about Faithless in admiration:

"This is our leader…" Lily said playfully.

"How strong do you think our leader really is?" Lulia asked in wonder.

"I don't know… but he's terrifying—not in appearance, but there's something strange about him," Lily replied while staring at his eerie eyes.

The bartender took the bounty paper for the Crimson Horns and spoke in a hesitant voice:

"The Crimson Horns are currently appearing at Frein's Farm, north of the city. They only show up at night and destroy his crops. You'll get 350 Nis."

"A good amount for a simple group of enemies," Marianne said with excitement.

The bartender continued:

"As for the Black Group… they reside in the south of the city, near Lucia Falls. There are five of them. If you bring their bodies, you'll get 500 Nis—but if you bring their heads, you'll get 1,000 Nis."

Faithless wasn't surprised by the large amount—he had lived in luxury and wealth. But the girls spit out their drinks in shock when they heard the number, and even Lady Marianne found it a hefty reward.

"Is that all? I don't care about the money. But I'll make everyone here owe me for life," Faithless said with a voice full of pride.

Faithless looked at Marianne and the two girls… and smiled at them as he spoke in a deep tone:

"Hey, let's go. Tonight, we have a grand hunt."

The four of them left the tavern heading toward the hunt… but what was suspicious was a mysterious girl silently watching them. Her blue eyes were fixed on Faithless as she sipped her drink.

The group walked through the city, taking in its atmosphere… until they looked toward the castle. Faithless felt a dirty, ominous aura emanating from the place.

One of the guards approached him and spoke in a harsh tone:

"What are you staring at, boy? Move along."

Faithless said nothing, but his stare made the guard step back and grip his sword cautiously… Faithless then turned to the right path, leading north, with his group.

The guard returned to the gate, his expression filled with fear and anxiety. He was even sweating heavily… The other guard looked at him in confusion and said:

"What's wrong with you? You look like you've seen a ghost."

The guard smiled a fake smile and replied:

"No, nothing… it's just a hot day."

"Hot? It's a mild day… you're probably sick and running a fever," the second guard said, puzzled.

The guard gave a faint laugh and muttered to himself:

"I don't know what I saw… but were his eyes black or golden?"