The crystals hung off a chandelier like fruits in a tree. They were the major source of white light that illuminated the room. The main attraction of the room was a sparkling ocean blue cabinet in the corner. It displayed colorful shells and rainbow pearls on the other side of the glass.
A grand study table matching ocean blue made the room look like it was decorated in an exquisite blue hue. But the golden armor in the opposite corner spoiled the overall sight. The armor seemed to be floating in the air with a silver broadsword engraved with deep sea waves. Theon observed the sword while drinking a blue-colored wine.
"Minor matters, but a driver delivered your sword." A voice said. It sounded like honey. Apparently, a man was present in the other corner of the room.
"I am sorry for the trouble. In reality, I asked the driver to just drop the cheap piece of metal by the road." Theon replied and since the man spoke, it opened an opportunity to bring up the important topic again. "The witch is very crafty. I didn't get to pin down her exact location, but I know where she lives."
"Such delicate tasks require a fine amount of time and adequate risks. Don't worry, our Garrison Knight will be here any minute now."
Theon found the wait annoying, but to hint a complaint for the second time was his limit. The Garrison Knights were on the upper echelon of individual strength, but heavily lacked political influence. Their power could be justified by the fact that only one Garrison Knight was assigned to guard this village.
"How can we be sure if this girl is a witch?" The voice asked again as the owner stepped forward to the middle of the room. He looked like a man nearing his 30s but actually was older. His blue hair was neatly combed backwards. He was wearing a blue coat with golden borders and white buttons. The sleeves were especially long and folded, like that of a pirate captain's coat. He was the Scholar Knight stationed at the Yanyawn village, Gerome.
"You will know as soon as you meet her and see her actions and attitude. She is a witch within and without."
"A witch, you say." Suddenly, another man entered the room.
"Oh hahaha. A fine evening to you. Never has there been one time when you failed to surprise me." Gerome's voice was excited.
"Yes, yes, a witch. Good evening, sir." Theon immediately straightened his back. He bowed on one knee after carefully examining the newcomer. "Please look at it." He took out the paper and very respectfully showed the sketch of Arnacia.
The newcomer was wearing a robe wrapped multiple times around his chest and shoulder. He had a turban like cloth around his head but right now it didn't cover his sharp eyes. Usually, this person sat under the Sycamore tree with the 'Get Strong In 7 Days! Crash Course.' He was the Garrison Knight stationed in Vanyawn village, Sheafer.
"This girl is a witch, you say." Sheafer extended his hand to hold the paper. He ran his finger over the jaw, followed by bangs of the girl in the sketch. The sketch now looked like that of a young man with long hair.
Theon nervously stepped forwards to see what this old man was doing with the only sketch of Arnacia. His eyes widened on seeing the new look of the person drawn in the paper. He immediately remembered what the shopkeeper in the village market said, "Yeah, I saw her mister, she is the daughter of the scum of Vanderlin. I saw her two days ago. She was with Miss Naomi from the Eecih family. Greet her if you ever see her. Miss Naomi has green hair just like her grandfather, Mr. Eeich. He is such a generous and righteous man, if you don't know. You might have heard of him. He is just and impartial. I can only sigh in awe at his decision to help the scum family. The risk and the…"
Theon shook his head in terror. The suspicious boy was the witch disguised as her brother! He wasn't cautious enough, and now the witch knew he was in the village.
"We have to hurry. The witch knows I am here. She will definitely try to use some underhanded scheme."
"Or she will just run away." Gerome said while looking at Sheafer.
"You better find her before she runs away." Sheafer threw the paper back to Theon. The sketch was back to normal.
"I need assistance." Theon urged. "She is a resurrected witch. Her powers might have returned."
"Sure, we will accompany you. It's a rare chance to have Aciano Alucard owe us a favor." Gerome said.
"I am getting old for this." Sheafer said as if he was not interested in doing any favors. His face was expressionless, and the other parties were rude enough to question his seniority.
"Seems like I will have to risk my life alone." Gerome shook his head and walked away from Theon.
"This is a matter more serious that you entertain." Theon took out the triangular badge given to him by Aciano.
Gerome looked at the badge, then at Sheafer. It was a once in a lifetime opportunity and the task was simple and easy. This girl is not a threat, Gerome concluded by Sheafer's attitude. But there must be a catch since Aciano Alucard valued her deeply.
"I am ready to take action anytime and I alone would be enough." Gerome said. "But it seems like you won't be able to get a hold of her location now that she saw you."
Theon tightened his fist. Indeed, there was no way to pin down the witch's location. But searching alone wasn't an option for him. What if the witch ambushes him?
"There is only one place she can go tonight," Sheafer, the wise old man, said at last.