"Ahh, there are so many people here... Mom, table number 7's food still hasn't arrived!" Isla cried out to her mother for help.
The Rosemount Festival, celebrating the city's birthday, had packed the inn to capacity.
"Excuse me, I'd like to place an order!"
"Yes, coming right up!" Isla responded hurriedly. "Where is Dad, anyway? Now that Robin's been caught, he could at least help out a little!"
Though she wanted to enjoy the festival like other teenagers her age, Isla knew the night would be a busy one.
---
"Captain, it's the festival. Shouldn't you be spending time with your family?" Cedric asked.
"It's precisely because it's the festival that I'm on patrol. You'd be surprised how many pickpockets there are tonight," Gerrard replied while walking through the district.
"We can handle the patrol. You've been away from your inn ever since the Robin case. Now that it's resolved, it wouldn't hurt to take it easy."
Swift-finger Robin, huh?
No matter how hard he tried, Gerrard couldn't shake the feeling that something was off. A thief so elusive that she'd evaded capture for five years, only to be found unconscious and delivered right to their doorstep? It didn't add up.
"You're worrying about that again, Captain? It must've been some hero working behind the scenes or something," Cedric said casually.
It would be nice if that were all there was to it.
Still, the fact remained that Robin had been captured. Perhaps he was overthinking it.
He could only hope it was just some unsung hero who didn't want recognition.
"The Viscountess is taking Robin to the Baron tonight," Cedric continued. "Apparently, whatever item she stole really pissed him off."
"Sent to the Baron? I hadn't heard about this."
"That's what the rumors say."
If Cedric's information was accurate, then maybe Gerrard was indeed overthinking it. Once the thief was sent away from Rosemount, all the cases connected to her would come to an end.
"Perhaps I will help out at the inn after all."
"Is that so? Then—"
Crash!
"Oi, you! I dare you to repeat what you just said!"
"What? Is it not true that garbage like you should just die?"
A fight had broken out in a nearby tavern. Two men stood facing each other, beer glasses in hand, eyes glazed with drunken rage.
"You!! I'll kill you!!"
"Go ahead! Bring it on!!"
The moment punches were thrown, the crowd scattered, toppling chairs and tables in the chaos.
"I'll handle this one, Captain."
"Haha, then I'll leave it to you." Gerrard chuckled. There were always brawlers when a large crowd gathered.
Cedric nodded and approached the fighting men.
"Oi, you two! Stop this right now, or it's going to get messy!"
"Huh? Who the fuck are ya? Just because you're a—hic—guard doesn't mean—hic—"
Gerrard sighed, leaving Cedric to deal with the situation. He turned and walked away, looking for a quieter path home. But the streets were alive with festival-goers, making a peaceful route impossible to find.
Stalls lined the streets, vendors shouting to attract customers. Children darted about, their faces painted in bright colors, while performers entertained small crowds with tricks and dances.
"Excuse me—ugh—"
As expected, the deeper he went into the busier district, the more crowded it became. Gerrard tried to weave through the crowd of people, but it was slow going.
"Ahhh!! T-thief, someone help!!"
Gerrard's attention snapped to a nearby stall where a woman pointed frantically, he spotted someone in a black hood sprinting away from the scene.
"Someone!!"
"Tch, can one man be off the job for one night?" Gerrard complained but still gave chase.
The thief moved quickly, definitely a mage who knew buff magic, but he could keep up.
In a few more seconds, he should be able to catch up.
'Now.'
Just as the thief was within reach and Gerrard lunged, the thief shoved a group of festival-goers into Gerrard's path, causing him to stumble. He cursed under his breath, regaining his balance quickly.
'Kgh-, this is why I hate festivals!'
The thief used the chaos to gain some distance, now he had to start the chase all over again.
Gerrard looked around but failed to notice any guards nearby. They were probably all busy with other disturbances, given the festival's high spirits.
Looks like the inn will have to wait.
Crash
"Ahhh!! What's that?"
"H-help!"
Just as he thought that, the thief began thrashing the vendor's stalls, knocking over displays and scattering merchandise as he went further.
Tch, now you've done it. It's no longer just pickpocketing but battery.
Now he actually cannot give up.
---
Fuck, I didn't mean to destroy that stall!
This was the first time I had pickpocketed someone, so I panicked and thrashed everything around me!
Unknown stall owners, please forgive me for ruining your night!
Still, it slows Gerrard down for a little bit, kinda?
So maybe it's not so bad...
I check the situation behind, and Gerrard is just inches away from jumping on me.
Scary!! Please make it in time!!
If I get caught, I'd definitely be dead! I knew this was a terrible idea!!
Just a little more, the forest near the Viscountess Mansion can be seen.
Benjamin will strike right after Lucia's home when everyone is asleep.
There's no way he'll sneak in through the front gate, where a dozen guards are standing, so this is where the "secret tunnel" comes into play.
A small tunnel that immediately reaches the Rosemount family hunting ground. Deer, rabbits, and some hunting game animals were released here for sports.
Since the Viscountess was always busy, and her daughter had no interest in hunting, the forest was barely guarded.
Benjamin will be able to sneak in with ease from behind the mansion in an instant.
And there will be no witnesses of him even getting close to the Viscountess's mansion since he uses the underground route.
All those hours searching for the tunnel entrance were for this moment—
Kgh, is it just me, or is Gerrard getting faster?
I have to step up the speed!
---
Gerrard couldn't shake the feeling that something was off.
The person he was chasing decided on each route too quickly.
It wasn't unusual for a thief to plan an escape—darting down alleyways, vanishing into shadows, and slipping away just as pursuit tightened. Gerrard had patrolled these streets for years and seen every variation of that trick.
But this time was different.
The route was planned, yes, but the thief never let Gerrard lose sight of him.
It felt deliberate.
Is he luring me somewhere?
The chase was heading toward a quieter part of town. Normally, a thief would stick to crowded streets, blending in to avoid being caught. Instead, this one was making himself visible in an area where every step exposed him further.
This is dangerous... should I stop now?
Still, Gerrard reasoned, it would be easier to catch him where there were no people. He was faster than the thief. Just a little more, and he'd close the distance.
Then recognition hit him.
Wait... isn't this the Viscountess's hunting forest?
A cold unease settled in his chest. Why here?
The thief suddenly slowed, his movements growing uncertain. Gerrard narrowed his eyes. Was the thief trying to draw him closer?
An ambush?
The thought gnawed at him, but it didn't add up. The thief's hesitations—subtle stumbles, uncertain steps—suggested something else entirely.
Maybe he's struggling in the dark? No... that's ridiculous.
Gerrard pushed forward, closing the gap. If the thief was faltering, he wouldn't waste the opportunity.
The darkened forest loomed ahead, its shadows swallowing the faint glow of the distant streetlights. The thief darted inside, his silhouette barely visible against the black. Gerrard followed, his steps steady and deliberate.
Suddenly, the thief made a move.
A pouch glinted as it arced through the air, aimed at a large tree ahead.
Gerrard slowed.
The pouch should have struck the trunk—but it didn't. Instead, it vanished.
What?
The pouch disappeared as though swallowed by the tree itself.
Illusion magic?
Before he could react, the thief had already vanished into the forest, leaving Gerrard alone in the oppressive quiet.
Gerrard unsheathed his blade, gripping it tightly. He approached the tree cautiously, scanning his surroundings. Illusions didn't last long—five minutes for basic magic, fifteen for advanced spells.
Unless.
Unless this is a Magic Item.
Such items weren't common. They were exorbitantly expensive, even for nobles, capable of sustaining magic for weeks or months.
Gerrard crouched low, brushing aside dirt near the tree's base.
A tunnel. Small and narrow, just large enough for a single person. It extended deep beneath the forest floor.
Could this be the Viscountess's emergency escape tunnel?
It wasn't impossible. But that begged the question—why would the thief reveal it?
Gerrard tightened his grip on his blade. The thief's intentions were a mystery, but the tunnel demanded investigation.
With one last glance toward the path the thief had taken, Gerrard exhaled sharply.
It's going to be a long night.
---
"You will watch the fireworks tonight, right, m'lady?" Margarret asked, her mouth full of skewers.
"Of course." Lucia managed a worried smile, unsure how Margarret could still eat after everything she'd already consumed.
She just had a few slices of cake at the mansion; she'll be fine... right?
"Hm? Why are you looking at me like that, m'lady? Is there something on my face?"
Despite Margarret's chipmunk-like cheeks, she seemed perfectly fine.
"I'm just thinking about the fireworks," Lucia replied softly.
"Is that so? Oh! Blueberry pie!"
And just like that, Margarret dashed off again.
Lucia's gaze drifted upward to the vibrant night sky. The moonlight bathed the bustling festival grounds in soft silver hues, where lanterns glowed warmly.
A cool breeze brushed her face as her thoughts wandered to the changes ahead. Next month, her life would take a new direction, and tonight felt bittersweet.
"Are you tired, m'lady? You don't have to force yourself," a nearby guard asked softly, misinterpreting her sigh.
"I'm fine. Please don't worry."
Yes, she was a bit sleepy, but she wanted to watch the midnight fireworks with Margarret before her departure. She was determined to end this event on a good note.
"Ahhh, it's you!!"
The sudden shout startled Lucia.
What made Margarret yell like that?
She turned toward the source of the voice and saw Margarret curiously speaking to a young man.
Who...?
The boy's simple clothing suggested he wasn't a noble or a merchant's son, but his strikingly handsome face told another story.
Lucia lingered at a distance until Margarret called her over.
"M'lady!!" Margarret waved enthusiastically, grabbing Lucia's hand.
Thud, thud.
Her footsteps echoed on the cobblestones as Margarret practically dragged her over.
"Come here! Let me introduce you both!"
"W-wait, Margarret—"
"M'lady, this is Noel, the person I was telling you about earlier. Noel, this is m'lady Lucia Rosemount."
Ignoring Lucia's protests, Margarret beamed with pride as she introduced them.
Lucia offered an awkward smile, and Noel returned it, looking almost apologetic.
"I'm sorry my servant is so brash..."
To his credit, the boy bowed respectfully.
"No, no, I'm the one at fault for not realizing the lady she spoke of was the Viscountess's daughter herself," Noel said politely.
Lucia studied him with mild curiosity. Margarret had mentioned meeting a "pervert" who thanked her for being hit, but this boy seemed anything but improper.
After the introductions, they exchanged polite small talk until the conversation naturally wound down.
"Well, I don't want to take more of your time. It was nice talking to you, Noel," Lucia said.
"The pleasure was mine, m'lady. Then, I'll take my leave."
Noel bowed again, offering a warm smile before disappearing into the crowd.
"See? I knew you'd get along with him! He's such a nice person!" Margarret chirped, clearly delighted.
Lucia turned to her with a stern look.
"Margarret."
"Yes, m'lady?"
"It's impolite to drag someone by the arm and force them into an introduction," Lucia scolded.
"And you shouldn't impose on others like that. Couldn't you tell how uncomfortable Noel was?"
"A-alright, I'm sorry! So please stop smiling so innocently while radiating murderous intent!" Margarret pleaded, her eyes brimming with tears.
The dark aura around Lucia dissipated as quickly as it had appeared.
"Honestly..." Lucia sighed.
Meanwhile, Erwyn, the guard standing by, finally spoke up.
"Noel, huh?"
"Is something the matter, Erwyn?"
"His hand. It's the hand of someone used to wielding a blade. He's strong."
Lucia raised an eyebrow. "Hmm... It's rare for you to compliment someone like that."
Noel had mentioned applying to the Arcane Academy. If he passed Erwyn's assessment, perhaps they would meet again.
"Strong doesn't necessarily mean skilled, m'lady. Even I can only judge so much from observation."
The Academy's entrance exam was notoriously rigorous. Without the backing of a prominent family or the resources for specialized training, gaining entry was nearly impossible.
Erwyn had once been hailed as "talented" during his youth, but encountering true "genius" had tempered his self-assessment to one of humble realism.
"Still, I do hope the best for him."
He glanced at his rough palm, calloused from years of training and service.
If there's anyone who understood the value of effort, it was Erwyn.