Chapter 30: The Assassin from Cat Tribe
In the dark chamber, a floor was laid with black marble, and the walls were of a deep and intense gray.
On a round table made of rich dark oak, a silver candlestick flickered with an orange hue.
The faint light occasionally illuminated the silhouettes of those seated at the table.
Usually, in such an ambiance, there were two scenarios.
Either they had gathered to share scary stories in turn, or they were conspiring in secret, things that could not be done in the public eye.
Rarely, they were the latter.
“Did you send ‘that’ to the emperor again today?”
“Of course. He drank it without any suspicion. What a foolish Emperor.”
The leader, seated in the center of the table, inquired.
A man tilted a bottle, the luminescent liquid within shimmering, and laughed sinisterly.
“It's a potion containing century-old phoenix grass, the breath of a salamander, and slander from an alchemist. It’s worth as much as a house.”
“Yes. Continue to send it. Use only the best ingredients and ensure they're organic. Take care that no impurities get in.”
“Of course. The empire would be in a mess if the emperor dies even one day sooner.”
They were a shadowy secret organization known as ‘The Spider.’
A group formed by those who loathed the empire, gathered solely to bring its downfall.
“We’ll keep him strong enough to even go hunting. Hehe.”
If the current Emperor were to die now, it would be problematic.
If the competent crown prince were to take over, their plans to destabilize the empire would certainly become more difficult.
“Now, to our second agenda for today.”
The leader of The Spider tapped on a chessboard.
Each chess piece represented a figure from the empire.
“We need to decide on our next assassination target. The competent figures in the empire must be eliminated.”
The piece he tapped was one holding a staff. It represented the Minister of Magic, Robin. The leader knocked the chess piece over.
“Let's vote for our assassination target by majority.”
A figure on the left spoke with a hint of boredom.
“Well, isn’t it obvious? Someone dedicated to the empire, competent and selfless…”
“Indeed. The Minister of Magic, Ro…”
“Ascal Debrue.”
“Ascal Debrue.”
Their voices echoed in unison.
The leader cleared his throat before speaking.
“That's right. Lately, the most dangerous one is undoubtedly Ascal Debrue.”
Subtly, the leader switched the chess piece. The mage piece was replaced by one with a dark-haired man.
“Who will assassinate him then? Proud legs of The Spider?”
“I will.”
The figure seated on the left rose.
A dim light revealed his furry face.
“Ah, the Seventh Leg. I trust you with this.”
“I've always loathed the empire that looked down on our kind. Now is our chance for revenge. This time, we’ll snatch away the gem they possess.”
He* was from the Cat Tribe.
A race that had been oppressed by the empire for a long time.
****
Laika inhaled the salty scent of the harbor. The aroma of fresh fish melded with the mustiness of aged wood and the tang of human sweat, teasing his sensitive nostrils.
He had successfully smuggled himself in.
It had been a decade since he last set foot on the land of the Barba Empire.
Merely recalling that time made the scars on his back feel as if they were burning anew.
"Damn the Empire..."
His stomach growled.
A flush crept over Laika's face.
One's bodily functions never lied. Unfortunately, during his smuggling journey, he'd opted to pack lightly, taking a minimum of supplies with him– especially food.
He needed to find some local provisions.
"I'd like to buy some fish."
Luckily, he was at a port. Merchants selling fish were aplenty.
However, whether or not they'd willingly sell him the fish was a different story.
'They're staring at me.'
In the empire, the cat people were rare.
The merchant gave Laika an up-and-down glance, then nodded in acknowledgment.
Before the merchant could change his mind, Laika quickly reached out, grasping a plump herring. He felt the sturdy flesh beneath its slippery scales.
"How much is it?"
Laika was on edge. Even if the merchant had decided to sell him the fish, he might still overcharge him.
"No need for money. Take it for free."
"What do you mean?"
"You're from the Cat tribe, aren't you?"
"Indeed."
The merchant grinned broadly.
"They say the Cat people bring good luck. I've just gifted a fish to a hungry Cat people. Perhaps my sales will skyrocket today?"
That was something new to Laika. A decade ago, the people of the empire would shoo away anyone from the Cat tribe, believing they brought bad luck.
What on earth had happened in these ten years?
Pondering this, Laika bit into the herring, its scales stripped off. The taste of the sea was prominent.
Regardless, his mission remained unchanged.
To assassinating Ascal Debrue.
Laika unfolded a crumpled piece of paper from his pocket. It contained a map of the Evaluation Department office where Ascal Debrue was located.
"I don't need a map. Just his scent will do."
Laika then took out a handkerchief Ascal had used and sniffed it.
He knew exactly where to go.
However, getting to the office was no easy task.
Not because he lost his way, but because everyone he encountered stared at Laika with fascination.
"Wow! A Cat people! Can I touch your tail?"
"Hey! That's rude!"
A young child, who appeared to be about seven, looked up at Laika, holding their parent's hand.
Instinctively, Laika took a step back.
His tail stiffened defensively.
- 'What are you thinking?! Stay away from that filthy beastfolk. You might catch germs!'
- 'No, mother. I was practicing my rock-throwing skills.'
But this time even as time passed, no stones came flying his way.
The child's parent bowed their head, speaking apologetically, "I'm sorry. Our child was impolite."
"No, it's alright. Do you... want to touch the tail?"
"Really? Can I?"
"Yes."
The touch on his tail was gentle.
"Thank you so much! Old man from Cat tribe!"
"Hey, I'm not an old man... Ah, never mind."
It wasn't entirely unpleasant.
Laika had to admit, something had changed in the empire. Perhaps, for the better.
A sigh escaped his lips.
At that moment, a flyer was carried over by the wind.
Laika's face contorted as he held the flyer.
'As expected of the Empire... You haven't changed.'
Laika crumpled up the flyer and tossed it away.
<Exclusive Cat Tribe Massage Parlor>
Skillful Cat people will melt away your fatigue! Visit us now!
- Empire's Liender Street, 2nd Avenue No. 3
"They still exploit my kin. Unforgivable."
Sniff sniff.
Following the scent of the flyer, Laika made his way directly to the shop. Before assassinating Ascal, he would deal with these cunning humans and rescue his kin.
"Welcome~"
"Oh, a Cat tribe customer? What seems to be the problem?"
Upon entering the Cat tribe massage parlor, Laika instantly drew his blade.
He advanced menacingly towards the shop owner.
"What do you think you're doing!"
Blocking Laika's path was another Catfolk.
"Why are you helping the humans? Aren't they exploiting you?"
"...What kind of nonsensical thing are you saying?"
The Catfolk replied, seemingly baffled.
"Do I look like I'm being exploited to you? I work a legitimate 5-day work week."
"5-day week? What's that?"
"It means I don't work on Saturdays and Sundays and rest at home."
"There's a system like that?"
The Catfolk placed a hand on his hip.
"By the looks of it, you're quite old-fashioned. You're not from around here, are you?"
"...Correct."
"How about you try working at this shop as a trial? Do you know how to massage?"
"I can use some acupuncture techniques."
"A rare talent! This is great! Boss!"
The previously knocked down boss suddenly appeared as if nothing had happened, holding a contract.
"Just sign here. Work hours are from 10:30 AM to 6:00 PM, and as you heard, Saturdays and Sundays are off. Lunch is provided, and the starting salary is 3 silver. As for the annual leave system and retirement benefits..."
"Annu... Annual leave? Retirement benefits? What are those? They provide lunch and pay on top of that?"
It was a cultural shock.
Laika's eyes widened as he quickly scanned the contract.
"This is why Catfolk needs to be educated..."
The Catfolk looked at him with a mix of pity and contempt.
****
"Sir, are you satisfied?"
"Just right. Ouch. Laika's acupuncture hurts, but once you've been treated, the pain in that area clears up completely. That's why I can't quit coming here."
"Thank you for the compliment."
Thanks to his exceptional acupuncture skills, Laika quickly became the star masseuse of the parlor. His unique method, combining massage and acupuncture, was peerless and highly praised.
"It's already been two months since I started working here..."
Strange. He was sure he had an important mission when he entered the Empire...
Ding.
"Welcome!"
As soon as the shop door opened, Laika greeted reflexively.
Laika's eyes narrowed slightly. The one who entered was another Catfolk.
"Laika, I came to scout you today."
"...Scout?"
"I am the massage team leader at the Evaluation Department's rest area. We need someone with your talents in our department."
"I decline. I cannot betray the kindness of the owner who hired me."
"A 4-day workweek. 10 silvers a month."
"Just give me a moment. I'll pack my things."
Laika switched jobs.
****
Surprisingly, office workers often experience muscle pain.
Always hunching over, shoulders bent forward. When this becomes chronic, it was quite bothersome. Moreover, most office workers lack exercise.
"As expected... your trapezius and latissimus dorsi muscles are quite tense. I'll focus on these areas. It might be a bit painful."
Laika became a specialized acupuncturist at the Evaluation Department's rest area.
He skillfully inserted the long needle into the trapezius muscle.
Swoosh.
"Ouch..."
"Just bear with it for a moment. You'll feel better soon."
And then, he gently moved the needle, carefully easing the knotted muscles. He then softly pushed and pulled the latissimus dorsi muscles, as he always did.
In the relaxed latissimus dorsi, he inserted the needle diagonally and whisked it around. It was a skillful touch, accompanied by an extreme understanding of the human body.
"It... It's refreshing..."
Ascal lay on the massage bed, feeling sheer bliss.
At first, when he received the acupuncture, he felt a slight aversion, but now he even found the mild pain somewhat addictive. Because it felt so refreshing afterward.
"Director-nim, you're always the hope of our Evaluation Department! Keep up the good work today!"
"Thank you, Laika. I'll do my best today."
And with that, Ascal left the rest area.
Laika cleaned up the used tools and prepared to finish his shift. It was another fulfilling day.
'Hmm, it feels like I've forgotten something...'
The Catfolk, while skilled with their hands, often forget things. However, they never forget important memories.
'Well, if I can't remember it, it probably wasn't that important...'
****
"No news. Did something happen to Laika?"
The leader sounded worried. Ascal was still alive. And there was no news from Laika. The implication was simple. Laika was in so much trouble he couldn't even contact them.
"Ascal, he was more dangerous than we thought. We need to increase his threat level."
The Spider lost one of its legs.
"Is this the prowess of the Empire's sleeping dragon?"
The legs buzzed in agreement.
"He probably underestimated him because he's a bureaucrat. That's his bad habit."
Laika was an exceptional assassin.
For the spider, this was a significant loss.
"But it's okay. The spider still has seven legs left. We will still bring down the Empire."
The leader was resolute.
– – – The End of The Chapter – – –
[TL: He: The gender of Laika is somewhat ambiguous in the original text. Although ‘Laika’ is a typically female name, the author initially uses ‘그는’ (which translates to ‘he’ in English), suggesting a male identity. However, subsequent references to Laika in the chapter are gender-neutral or didn’t uses gender at all, a common feature in Korean as the language often omits gender-specific pronouns. Therefore, I have chosen to use ‘he’ in the translation, aligning with the author’s initial gender designation for Laika.
You can support the translation and read 5 chapters ahead of the release here on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/OracleTls
