Having no choice, I returned to the slums where Lyall was stationed. The window to his room was slightly ajar, making my entry quiet but swift. As soon as I landed inside, the cold edge of a blade pressed against my throat.
Lyall, standing in a rigid stance, looked like a cornered predator ready to pounce. His eyes widened in shock as he recognized me.
"M-Master?" he gasped, stumbling back and hastily lowering his sword, his face turning ghostly pale.
"Your reflexes are great as always," I remarked, brushing my fingers over the unscathed skin of my neck, my tone dripping with nonchalance.
"I-I'm sorry, Master! You startled me." He looked genuinely panicked. "What brings you here so late?"
"I was planning to investigate the royal palace for clues," I said, strolling over to the cluttered desk illuminated by the soft, flickering glow of a burning oil lamp. "But they've got a mana-canceling dome around the entire place."
