The Deadly Assassin Robin Novel

After bidding farewell to Nigels lifeless body , Catherine stepped out of the mourning hall at Westeria Residence .

Catherine , wait ! Hannibal caught up with her outside , blocking her path .

Before your grandpa passed , he entrusted me with the Westeria Token .

From now on , youll wield it in his place .

The Westeria Token holds immense power , overseeing the Intelligence Bureau , holding the highest decision making authority in the Westeria Military Zone , and granting one of the eight key leadership roles in national defense .

Catherine , this token carries great significance .

Your grandpa entrusted it to you with boundless expectations Never forget Draconia rose from nothing .

It withstood the pressure of powerful nations because its people refused to surrender ! Their unyielding determination is what kept this country standing .

And remember this a nations honor is not earned through submission or flattery .

Its built on independence , unity , and resilience ! Any act of bowing to foreign influence or deceiving ones people is nothing but hypocrisy .

This token is a symbol of responsibility .

You must wield it with strength and stand firm against oppression .

Just like what you swore before your grandpas memorial .

Even if everything ahead is filled with despair , you would rathe give up your life than let our last shred of dignity be trampled ! Tears streamed down Catherines face as she clutched the token tightly .

Dad , I swear I wont forget ! Ill carry on Grandpas legacy .

No matter how difficult the road ahead , Ill never submit to those who choose disgrace over honor ! Hannibal gently wiped her tears away and placed Lord Westerias gun in her hands .

Catherine , I cant stand the thought of you stepping into such danger , facing life and death ! Its humiliating to have a girl like you shoulder the burden of our pride and honor … Catherine stubbornly wiped away her tears .

So what if Im a girl ? As long as I refuse to give up , this is what youth is all about ! Grandfather always quoted the Dragon Lord , saying that we only live once , and life and death arent worth fearing ! What truly matters is making your actions last forever .

As for the Snow Valley incident , General Quintana issued a statement ten days ago , but its been completely ignored .

Theyre still caught up in endless debates , unable to reach a decision .

When things are dragged out like this , they lose all meaning .

Hannibal shook his head bitterly .

Catherine , dont be so quick to judge .

Not everything is as straightforward as vou think .

1/3 09:23 Wed , 9 Apr AD .

I dont understand these so called diplomatic strategies .

I dont know what the greater good really means , nor do I care about this so called peace for everyone .

Im a descendant of Lord Westeria ! And I know one thing dignity is earned through action , not begged for , and certainly not justified with empty words ! I have nothing more to say .

Its all just frustrating ! Dad , take care ! Catherine gave her father a tight hug , then turned and walked away without hesitation .

Just then , two military vehicles approached .

Ms.

McKay , please wait ! Hadley Herrera , head of the Decision Research Directorate , stepped out , flanked by four bodyguards .

He adjusted his suit , attempting to fasten his jacket .

After struggling momentarily , he realized his stomach had grown too much to allow it .

When he reached Catherine , his belly was already inches from her .

Instinctively , she took a step back .

Mr.

Herrera , thank you for coming to pay your respects to my grandfather , she said politely .

A Hadley gave a stiff nod .

Thats not the only reason Im here .

I have an important matter to address .

Taking a file from his secretary , he cleared his throat .

This is a directive from the Decision Research Directorate .

With Lord Westerias passing , both our department and Zayns authorities will temporarily oversee the Westeria Token together .

After a transitional period , full control will be handed over to Zayn .

Hannibals face darkened .

Mr.

Herrera , what are you saying ? The Westeria Token was never meant to be jointly managed .

Under whose authority was this decision made ? What legal grounds do you have for it ? Hadley smirked .

Mr.

McKay , this is an official order from the Directorate .

The legal framework for it will be established tomorrow .

Additionally , Lord Westerias gun must be surrendered immediately .

Catherines anger flared .

No ! The Westeria Token represents the legacy of Lord Westerias generation it stands as an eternal testament to their existence and dedication to the world and its people ! Hadleys expression turned cold .

Ms.

McKay , are you planning to defy the law ? The law applies to everyone equally .

Even as a descendant of nobility , youre not exempt ! The Westeria Token is a matter of great importance you cant act impulsively ! At his signal , four guards tensed , ready to take action .

The Roval Houses guards responded immediately stenning forward to defend Catherine 2/3 09:23 Wed , 9 Apr AD .

Tears welled in Catherines eyes as she clenched her teeth so hard that it hurt .

She hurled the Westeria Token and the gun at Hadley before leaving without hesitation .

A hint of coldness flashed in Hadleys eyes .

Mr.

McKay , by order of the higher authorities , youre being relieved of your position as head of the Westeria Intelligence Bureau and deputy commander of the Westeria Military Zone .

However , in recognition of your long years of service , youll be granted a slight promotion and reassigned as the deputy head of the Decision Research Institute .

It takes effect immediately .

Hannibal was stunned for a brief moment before letting out a low chuckle .

Understood .

Ill carry out my new duties after my fathers funeral .

Hadley handed him the official appointment letter .

Mr.

McKay , well be colleagues from now on .

If you encounter any challenges , dont hesitate to ask for assistance .

The organization will support you with its best .

Hannibal nodded curtly .

I appreciate it , but I have no concerns .

Good .

Hadley tilted his head slightly and passed the Westeria Token to a waiting guard .

My condolences.

Ill go pay my respects to Lord Westeria now .

As Hadley disappeared into the mourning hall , Hannibal finally lifted his gaze toward Catherine .

A bitter wind howled through the courtyard , carrying specks of dust that stung his reddened eyes .

The sharp pain forced unshed tears to the surface .

The chill intensified , rustling the skeletal branches outside the residence as if they , too , were grieving .

Then , the sky darkened , and snowflakes began to fall .

After ten long days of restraint , the storm finally erupted .

The furious blizzard raged , mercilessly tearing through the white roses in front of the residence .

Each fragile petal , caught in the storms grasp , became a silent elegy and a final tribute to the legend who had passed .

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