‎After Usman revealed everything to Anastasha and Rasmus, those two left the tent so Usman could focus on his work. They were still thinking about what Usman had said, especially about his younger brother who had made a deal with the masked beings. But what made Rasmus even curious was the Asghar family and their connection with the demons.

“If the Urion family has made a connection with the demons, have you thought about your family? The Asghar family is the most feared family between the two sides of East Neva. Have you ever tried to dig that deep?” Rasmus asked as he walked beside Anastasha, who used her fan to cover half of her face.

“I don’t know. I can’t gather much information about my brothers because I have tried many times to infiltrate and gather information, but my people always ended up dead, floating in the river with bloated bodies,” Anastasha answered as she shook her head. “I know my brothers well, and they might have contacted the demons, especially that Usman’s brother is also close to one of my brothers. The possibility is there, I just don’t know,” she added.

Rasmus hummed as he created a wind barrier around them, preventing anyone from listening to their conversation.

‎”What about them? Your achievements must have reached your brothers’ ears. Your declaration to compete with your brothers for the succession should threaten their position,” Rasmus asked and looked at Anastasha’s big eyes and her light tanned face.

‎

‎”Oh, they have sent their spies and tried to gather information about me as well. But unlike my brothers who didn’t hesitate to kill my spies, I gave them half of the information willingly. The moment they know my move, that’s also the moment where I can predict their movements. It’s safer that way,” Anastasha answered, smiling with her eyes.

‎

‎Rasmus always found Anastasha’s strategies to be similar to his own. That was one of the many reasons why he chose to agree to play her game and help her.

‎

‎”Although, they might cause you some trouble, Count. Just a few days ago I just heard whispers that both of my brothers had sent more spies and even made contact with the two of the most notorious assassin clans,” Anastasha looked at Rasmus, folding her fan to reveal her mischievous smirk. “I hope you don’t mind it. They’re quite persistent when it comes to getting rid of individuals that can threaten them no matter how small it is,” she continued as she tapped her folding fan on Rasmus’ chest.

‎

‎”How bad is it?” Rasmus glanced at his surroundings and people were stealing glances at them.

“Hmm, let’s assume they would do anything to make you lose everything that you have,” Anastasha answered as she chuckled mischievously. “But I know that’s nothing to you, right? You have an Orthias, a Saint, a Dark Spirit, Elder Spirit, an elite assassin, and the Black Hands on your side. I don’t think my brothers can touch you, not even a strand of your hair,” she teased.

Rasmus didn’t feel threatened by that because he had nothing to lose, and with his current condition, he knew that no humans could hurt him even if they tried their best. However, he thought of playing along so he could dig up some information about Anastasha’s brothers and their family.

“Let’s get back to the previous topic. What about the current head? Do you think he has made contact with the demons?” Rasmus asked.

“My father? I doubt that he would bother to let anyone see him. He has been in seclusion for almost ten years, and he hasn’t even met his children,” Anastasha shook her head as she glanced at her surroundings, noticing there were eyes on her. “My family is currently showing no aggression, meaning this isn’t a time of peace, it’s merely a time for everyone to take a breather,” she pointed out.

“You believe your father will initiate war soon?” Rasmus looked at Anastasha with his brows raised. He was curious on what kind of person Anastasha’s father was, and that his absence could cause such an effect on the whole continent.

“He’s a warmonger, he’s the worst compared to his late father or even the generations before him. The whole East Neva is restless because my father breathe the same air as them,” Anastasha nodded, exhaling softly as she glanced at Rasmus. “Well, it’s even worse that my mother is also…” She paused, and then stopped herself from continuing her sentence.

“I also received an information from Luke and the cultist,” Rasmus said, not letting the silence take over the atmosphere. “Luke said that a powerful family knows about the Zevrathi, and that family he revealed to be yours. Do you know anything about it,” he asked with his arms crossed, his eyes focused on the workers carrying heavy loads.

“That I don’t know, Count,” Anastasha shook her head. “I’m not sure if it’s my father’s people or my mother’s people. That kind of information is deep within the roots where me and my brothers are only busy with gathering the fruits on the tree. But if I have to assume, it might be my mother’s side, not my father’s side who got involved with the Zevrathi family,” she answered without hiding anything to Rasmus.

“Even Luke doesn’t know much about them as well, even though he’s the trusted enough to make contact with the Zevrathis,” Rasmus said, his mind could see the entangled mess of this matter that he wouldn’t be able to gather much information even if he tried to probe into it.

“Speaking of the cult, I saw them leave this morning. Where are they going?” Anastasha asked with her eyes narrowed. “The fact everyone is fine with the existence of the cult here, and you give them protection, it’s a bit worrying to see that group of fanatics to be free,” she arched her brows.

“The deal is made, so I granted their wish. They’re going to secure candidates to become vessels for higher beings. If you can be bothered, just send someone to keep an eye on them. I don’t really keep an eye on them because I know they will show themselves later,” Rasmus answered.

Although Rasmus said that, Videl had used his power to brainwash one of the cultists and used her as his informant. So far, Luke and Harrot haven’t noticed it, and if needed, Rasmus and Videl could track them and find them when needed.

“A mess, everything is a mess…” Anastasha sighed but then it turned into soft laughter. “Too many things to grab, but my hands can only handle so little. I would rathe not to chase the clouds and find myself in a place I don’t want to,” she unfolded the fan and let her expression be visible. “Well, I’m not like you. You’re going to chase those clouds, or should I say you have to,” she smirked as she folded her arms under her chest.

Rasmus knew that Anastasha was right that he had to keep an eye on every corner of Neva. He had to keep an eye on every movement from the demons, the people, the cult, and everything that might jeopardize his plan. He had to anticipate everything, and the fact there were too many unknowns ahead of him, it only made things harder for him.

“You know that if you asked me to help you, I wouldn’t hesitate,” Anastasha offered as she tilted her head to look at Rasmus’ face from the front. “You said it yourself that you’re allowed yourself to be used by me, so as a lady of my status, I will do the same,” she smiled softly at Rasmus.

“We are even now. You want me to use you so you can use me later, don’t you?” Rasmus asked as he looked down at Anastasha’s smile.

Anastasha unfolded her fan and covered the bottom half of her face.

“Of course, isn’t that the rule we follow?” Anastasha giggled mischievously. “But don’t you worry. I just want you to come to the East with me once you’re done in the West. I don’t know how long it will take for you to finish your business there, but I also have matters to do here as well,” she revealed as she glanced at the mega-structure. “Also, this is the best place to stay when I know my brothers are hunting me. This is the safest place in the whole world,” she added.

“You know without having you to ask me, I would go there eventually,” Rasmus said with his arms crossed. “You just want me to escort you back and help you sit in that chair of succession. You could just say so.”

“Where’s the fun in it if I didn’t let you think for a moment? I know you like this kind of play,” Anastasha said as she noticed her trusted guard coming toward her. “Well then, it seems I have something important to attend. It’s always a pleasure to speak with you, Count Blackheart,” she said and then bowed gracefully.

Rasmus bowed his head as he removed the barrier and watched her leave. He then glanced at the distance where Videl was watching him, smiling and waving at him.

Source: Webnovel.com, updated by NovelKeep