Conquering His Cold Heart

Frost struggled to breath under Maya's vice grip but he didn't push her off instead he simply bared with it until she calmed down. His heart that had been through the wringer from the sudden assassination calmed down as the smell of Maya's hair filled his nose, bringing him a sense of peace. When he was with her, he was safe, he was home.

A few moments later Maya removed herself from Frost with reluctance and donned a serious expression fit for a resolute bodyguard. Frost was surprised at first and instantly put his guard up thinking there was another danger lurking around but relaxed when he sensed who had come.

General Anya, General Warik, Sir Dalamar as well as the crown prince all arrived within moments of one another. It was clear that they came to investigate the situation given the blaring bloodlust Maya emitted in her rage which was kind of intentional. She wanted the bigwigs in the town to arrive so Frost could get an explanation.

An assassination almost happened in the middle of a highly defended town, there were even 3 A-ranks present in the area.

Frost also changed his demeanour quite drastically, he was pissed, incredibly so.

General Anya who was more acquainted with Frost recognised him immediately and despite her wariness to Maya who was no longer hiding her strength she inquired about his health. Which painted her in a good light in Frost's eyes but he kept a dark expression. He practically glared at General Warik and the crown prince, his hatred almost seething.

Maya informed him telepathically that General Warik and the crown prince were actually in the vicinity when he was attacked. Though they tried to hide their presence and even arrived at roughly the same time as the others Maya was able to find the locations of everyone the moment she arrived.

It was clear to her and Frost that the two of them at the very least had some inkling into the assassination attempt. He didn't think they were the ones behind it given that he hadn't pissed them off enough to warrant such action -at least not yet. He guessed that they must have gotten wind of the job and probably intended to use him as bait.

With Frost's death they'd have enough clout to go after the assassin and even the one backing him. His death would merely be an acceptable loss to them. Given how close they were they could have possibly intervened and rescued him but from what Maya said they showed no signs of movement despite the assassination already being in play.

'It seems I've been too involved with the Northrend empire, not everyone is like the Furanos.' Frost's identity as a dungeon core and not a sapient was reaffirmed in that moment. They were not the same. Despite having friends in Furano, people and monsters that weren't under his dungeon's purview were in the end possible prey, food for him to feast on.

He had played this adventurer and sapient act for too long, forgetting who he was. It was time to change that mindset.

As though a fog had been lifted Frost rose from the crumbling wall, his clothes were in disarray and spatters of blood dotted his body but thanks to the health potion he was no longer in severe pain.

His back stood straight and he looked dead ahead at the three A-ranks and one crown prince, focusing on the latter in particular which caused the arrogant man to wince and frown momentarily before doing his best to regain a friendly demeanour. Frost's royal aura naturally spread out as he walked ahead with Maya remaining closely behind, clearly stating her position in the power dynamic.

Frost was the master whereas she was the guardian. This of course caused the three A-ranks to open their eyes in disbelief whereas Randolph burned with jealously. Not only was Maya a kingdom toppling beauty she was at the S-rank, a level no one in the entire empire had reached yet she was Frost's bodyguard. He'd never felt so poor in his entire life.

Frost turned to look at General Anya who had at this point curtailed any hope in having Frost join her outfit, his backing was far too high to be drafted into the frost wolf battalion. He gave her a slightly less chilling look given their past relationship.

"I apologise for my partner and I for causing such a commotion in the middle of town. Unfortunately I was met with an attack that sought to deprive me of my life and hide any traces of the act. An A-ranked assassin forced my partner to reveal her true strength thus resulting in all of you being informed." Frost spoke solemnly, his gaze washing over the four as well as those who started arriving.

His announcement rang like a bell in the minds of those who rushed over. Who would dare try to assassinate Frost the hero of the monster stampede? He was a promising youth yes but he was only at B-rank, wasn't an A-rank assassin overkill? And why would someone risk attacking him now when 3 A-ranks were in town?

This question caused some of the later arrivals to ponder a conspiracy, their gazes unconsciously turned to the two generals. Anya trembled and felt defamed, she was a loyal soldier why would she move to act against a promising junior. General Warik however sported a frown, Frost's words clearly conveyed a not so subtle accusation.

If Maya wasn't by his side General Warik would have likely suppressed Frost in that moment so as to prevent any suspicions developing. However the worst was about to come, Frost cared little about status before this incident but now he really didn't give two shits.

Frost didn't want to remain here any longer than he had to so without any fear or care he once again glared at Randolph before taking several strong steps towards him. General Warik immediately moved to stand in front of the crown prince but received a harsh glare from Maya which halted him in place.

Randolph didn't expected Frost to not even care about his status as crown prince nor the A-rank General by his side. He looked down on him as if he was nothing but a mere bug before leaning over and speaking into his ear in a not so whisper.

"If you ever try to use me as bait again little prince, it will be the last thing you ever do." Frost blatantly threatened the crown prince in front of multiple witnesses including two generals.

Randolph felt incensed, his faced turned red and his hands balled into tight fists. No one had ever dared to speak to him like that, he wanted Frost dead, and his pride urged him to order the two generals to kill him, but his rationale won out. Frost's partner was a S-rank fighter, his two generals were nothing in her eyes.

Plus the look Frost gave him as he leaned back filled him with fear, he truly was nothing but a bug in Frost's eyes.

Randolph did his best to keep a somewhat neutral expression, trying to pretend that he didn't hear what Frost just said. He needed to keep his reputation, if he lashed out now it wouldn't only demean his standing. As long as he didn't respond it would be nothing more than meaningless slander as long there wasn't any evidence.

"Hmph! Let's go Maya." Frost hmphed before deeper into the money pit sector with Maya, paying no more attention to Randolph and the other onlookers. Maya took care of the assassin so there was no need for Frost to remain, he said his piece and informed those who needed to know about the events. It was time to finish what he set out to do.

"Yes, young master." Maya acted in accordance with Frost, helping to paint a certain picture as she trailed after him.

Frost still had one place he wished to visit before finally leaving this town, it was a shame he wouldn't get to partake in the festivities tonight, but Douglas and Cassandra surely wouldn't blame him.

General Anya tried to speak out and have Frost stay so she could give her word that she and the frost wolf battalion had nothing to do with the assassination attempt as well as promise to look into the situation to the best of her ability but he turned a deaf ear. The looks on the crown prince Randolph's and General Warik's face also prevented her from chasing after him.

Frost basically accused their prince of a serious crime and she for one actually believed it had merits, she never did trust Randolph. However being so proactive in placating Frost would be a target on her back, one that was already big enough.

"Young master?" Maya asked as she and Frost continued to walk deeper into the money pit, leaving the multiple observers behind.

"Not now, we'll talk later. I want to finish one last thing before we leave." Though Maya didn't agree with postponing their departure, one thing was fine plus Frost's current attitude left no room for negotiation. She could only bite her lips and stifle her emotions for his wellbeing until they reached safety. At that point she'd wrapped him up in her arms and refuse to let him go.

Though it seemed as though Frost was untouchable at the moment the truth was the exact opposite. The teleporting talisman allowed Maya to use her full strength in defence of his life once, thus leaving him only one opportunity left. Frost didn't want to waste and or risk another chance here and now, who knows what sort of trouble could crop up before the next family gathering.

It was best to be more cautious.

Frost walked with brisk pace towards Borris's weapon store, he needed to plant one last seed before his departure as he likely wouldn't be visiting Furano again anytime soon.