Ian spun around and saw that the fake merchant had an arrow buried deep in his back—just below his left shoulder blade, frighteningly close to the heart. The man collapsed, his face pale as a sheet, as bright red blood soaked through the fine teal brocade of his robe.
His body trembled uncontrollably, but none of his companions even looked his way.
"Catch him!" Harui barked.
His servants, along with the salt workers scattered around the area, immediately pulled iron swords from beneath the sacks of salt loaded onto the mules and wagons, swarming into the nearby woods like a pack of hounds.
Several rogue riders appeared out of nowhere and chased after the direction from which the arrow had been fired.
Harui's eyes gleamed with excitement and bloodlust. He had completely forgotten Ian's presence.
But this clearly wasn't a good moment for Ian to strike. Right now, there were several "salt workers" with drawn swords gathering protectively around Harui, eyes sharp and alert.
Mercenaries, disguised as laborers? Ian's gaze flickered with a hint of surprise. He actually dared to hire mercenaries for this? Bold move.
And just like that, his plan was ruined.
Still, Ian wasn't rattled by the mercenaries' presence. Even if they weren't ordinary workers, his original plan would've worked.
As long as there were no carts and mules blocking the path between him and the gate, he could have killed Harui and escaped the mine within seconds. Just outside was the King's Road.
So what if Harui had some cavalry hidden out there?
They were riding Riverland horses at best. But Ian's mount? A choice stallion from the Dornish sand-horse line, known for endurance above all. Even after nearly 60 kilometers on the road—mostly at a steady trot just above 10 km/h—and an hour and a half of midday rest, the horse's stamina was still solid.
Ian could feel it—his horse wasn't even close to exhaustion. If he could just break free of the mine, those Riverland horses could grow wings and still not catch him—
...Wait. Wings? That'd be cheating. Not even a Dou Emperor's mount has wings. Let's not be ridiculous.
Anyway, the point was, those hired riders had no chance of catching up to him.
Unfortunately, that window had closed. Ian glanced at Harui again.
Thanks to that surprise attack, Harui now had four swordsmen guarding him closely. Any chance of a sneak attack was gone.
"What... what's going on?" Ian forced himself to sound confused, feigning ignorance as best he could.
"Oh, Ser, it's nothing serious," Harui's tone was light now, energized by the thrill of the hunt. He didn't even bother pretending to respect Ian anymore. He'd caught his prey—who cared what anyone else thought?
Seriously? Someone actually thought there was real profit in this tiny salt mine?
"I've got an old enemy," Harui explained casually. "He's been chasing me for a long time. So I set up a little trap here. Don't worry, Ser—I'll be out of your hair soon."
A perfectly plausible explanation—and even if it wasn't, who cared? This was Riverlands business. Ian was just a Lannister bastard. Not his problem.
Believe it or not, I just lied straight to your face. What're you gonna do, hit me?
"So you're the real owner of this caravan?" Ian played along, acting surprised.
"Yes, Ser," Harui replied with a smile—mocking, yet polite.
Before long, a commotion broke out as the mercenaries returned. One of the rogue riders galloped toward them, dragging a bloodied man behind him, bound by horse rope.
The man was clad in a simple tunic, his face smeared with blood.
Clearly a Brotherhood hunter. Ian couldn't tell if the guy had come here on purpose to assassinate someone, or if he'd just happened to see Harui and acted on impulse.
Ian leaned toward the latter. Anyone who could snipe someone through the heart from over 120 yards out must've been some kind of archery master in their past life.
But if he was that good—why didn't he confirm the situation before taking the shot?
Now he'd walked straight into Harui's trap.
The Brotherhood hunter stumbled along, trying to keep up with the horse dragging him, but eventually tripped and fell. Stones tore at his skin as he was dragged along the ground, leaving a long, bloody trail in his wake.
As the victorious rogue rider drew closer, Ian could even see the dried wine stains on the man's beard. And yet, Ian's heart grew heavier.
He looked at Harui again. The four guards were still tight around him. Like Ian, none wore armor—but Ian wasn't confident he could kill Harui and escape with his life under their watch.
One by one, more mercenaries returned. Over a dozen now.
It's over. Ian's opportunity to strike was completely gone.
Maybe I should just let it go. Harui hadn't uncovered his identity. Ian could just stay quiet and walk away. Sure, he'd miss out on the "First Blood" bonus—but with his disguise intact, he could always ambush other merchants once he got to Saltmarsh Town. As long as he could earn four points, he'd be able to gain a foothold in this world. No need to get greedy.
But then, he looked up—and his eyes landed on the captured Brotherhood hunter.
Harui raised his dagger, aiming for the man's throat.
But at the last second, he hesitated. His hand trembled slightly.
"Want me to do it, boss?" a mercenary offered.
"No, no!" Harui quickly shook his head. Let you do it? Hell no! That'd cost me two whole points!
Still, he couldn't bring himself to strike.
So you're hesitating too? Ian smiled bitterly. You're also from a law-bound society, aren't you? No wonder you're afraid of killing.
Ian's gaze once more fell upon the hunter.
He was close. Incredibly close.
In just a split second, Ian had a bold thought—so wild it startled even himself.
Less than two meters. With the length of his arm and his sword, he was within thrusting range.
No one was paying attention to him. If he drew his blade now—he could steal the kill. He just needed a reason.
Ian narrowed his eyes. His entire focus locked on the captured player.
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