"My dear brother, there is so much you have yet to learn. You must learn to trade, to exchange non-core benefits for core interests, to be used by others without being turned into a blade in their hands. These lessons are a noble's required curriculum. You should think on these yourself, but as your older brother, I'll teach you a trick."
As he spoke, he pulled Xino aside and whispered instructions.
"She wants to kill him, doesn't she?"
"Don't be a fool and do it yourself, just create an opportunity for her."
...
Elsewhere, in the wilderness on the outskirts of Demon City, a towering ghost horse, tethered to a pitch-black carriage, stood beside a granite-paved road.
A boy of about twelve stood next to the towering ghost horse, craning his neck, looking around as if waiting for someone.
