Walking to one’s own grave

Time quickly passed by as negotiations were made, deals were finalised, several things happening within the city, arrangements were being made and people were training.

Several people were successfully recruited along with the twins and many young or older girls were purchased along with some other materials by Ki which were scheduled to be transferred to the village as soon as possible.

While the others would be transported later, the twins would come along during the first opportunity which was as Ki and the others returned past the border.

Many things were packed away and the sleds were set up to return through the snowy terrain.

Several people were placed inside Alf's sleighs to bring them back but they could not bring that many people so there was a limit to how many they could carry along with the twins.

Packing away several of the agreements and contracts that had been made during her time within slate city, Ki felt that everything was in order after completing her visit to the city.

As for the rest of her further plans she would just wait until later to solve some of the smaller troublesome elements or promote her influence further.

After questioning several others she came to know about the northerners and their cultures.

She especially liked to hear about the capital where she had never been along with the various activities they have to keep themselves entertained.

Besides hunting the nobles enjoy various forms of entertainment whether it be gladiatorial fights between humans or humans versus a beast but there are also less barbaric sports and forms of entertainment that they tend to enjoy.

Sled dog racing is a popular sport that the nobles enjoy watching, sometimes it is performed on a small course while other times it is often performed on a dangerous terrain or mountainous area to help increase the thrill of the game while another form of entertainment is ice skating but is also ice dancing.

As for music they tend to focus on using their own instruments like the agiarut which is a version of the fiddle, the Qilaut which is a frame drum made from caribou skin, Tautirut which is a bowed zither and finally the Yakatat which is a bowed string instrument and other types of similar instruments.

They tended to enjoy drums, fiddles, zithers, violin or even horn based instruments that gave off a heavier or deeper tone unlike the capital who much preferred things like zither and flute music that was gentle and pleasing to the soul.

Right away Ki requested that some known musicians be contacted so that they could take up the role as a teacher.

Although her music skills were lacking it did not mean that she could not pick up the basics for when it may be needed in the future.

After all it would not be too long before her social debut and then she may be required to perform.

Although she could perform a drunken sword dance performance she felt that it may not be so well accepted by everyone so it would be best to pick up another noble ladies skill for when she debuts and becomes known to the public.

Ki decided to request for a three stringed lyre to be made after thinking about it and also requested for a teacher to be found.

Although she did not know about her own talent in music she can remember that in her early years during her previous life she did learn a little from her mother before the family was wiped out but after that she had never picked up an instrument again because her body was too injured to be able to do anything that required high precision and delicate movements without feeling pain from the wounded parts of her body.

Even in the later years of her life when she had somewhat managed to nurse her body to better health, she did not have much free time to focus on such things again and before she knew it she had already grown old and at the end of her journey to think of anything but achieving her goal of revenge.

After she returned she had been solely focussed on increasing her and the families power and influence in a stable manner so that they could defend themselves against any threat and that was not an easy feat but now that she had completed her bone metamorphosis and was taking strides to get closer to perfection in her martial arts she felt that she could take some time to learn something new.

Just as Ki and the rest were heading towards the city gates and were ready to leave several people bid them farewell while some other people did not show up.

Instead there was a sudden gathering within the city walls as a man burst into the dark room with several people who had hidden their faces. "The heir of the Bombyx family is heading back to the border right now. We have received information from the higher ups that while the family may have some reputation within the central lands they are not a powerful family so they may not have the strength to develop a high presence within the north without help. So.. what do you wish to do about them? Shall we wait and see or shall we act now that a chance has presented itself?"

One of the cloaked people was deep in thought for a moment and then spoke. "I have a feeling that this person is very troublesome to deal with. Don't ask me how I think so because it's just my intuition that makes me believe so and the conclusion made after our several losses after their appearance within the city so we need to remain cautious if we are to act or we may suffer greater losses."

Another man in a cloak who Ki would probably recognise if she were there spoke up. "I agree with you. If we must act and eliminate the threat to stop their potential rise then we must send out our best. Otherwise we risk underestimating the enemy again."

Another man in a cloak frowned and replied in an angry voice. "Are you sure you aren't overreacting? Just because one of your men got bested by them during a surprise attack? Are you sure it is worth worrying about?"

The man immediately retorted. "I would rather send my best and succeed than take the enemy lightly and suffer another defeat at their hands."

The man who seemed to have the most intimidating presence within the room finally spoke in a cold voice. "Fine then but no witnesses can be left or it will be troublesome for us all if it were to get out and reach the ears of certain individuals who are looking for their chance to throw us out of the city. Then it is agreed. We will send our best men to eliminate the heir of the Bombyx family."

As for matters like what happens after the successful assassination of the Bombyx heir and the others it did not matter so long as they covered their tracks.

Even if they were discovered to have been a part of it least of all did they fear the retaliation of the Bombyx family for what they were about to do.

Little did they know but in reality they were just walking closer towards their own graves.