Irina had just finished changing her clothes when she heard a child's voice outside the door, talking to Dunn.
"Will Iri really leave? Are you taking her because she did something bad?"
Light footsteps followed, and another child chimed in, their high-pitched voice full of concern. "She's a good teacher! She's a good person! Don't take her away, you ugly old grandpa!"
Oh… poor Dunn. He's being bullied by children, Irina thought with mild amusement.
Dunn's calm, rough voice responded, "I'm not taking her away. She's just taking on a new job—"
"Liar!" one of the children interrupted.
Let's save his poor soul, Irina decided, rolling her eyes with a smile. She opened the door, stepping out with her recently packed belongings in hand. The two children looked up at her expectantly.
"Mika, Ella," she said gently, crouching down to their level with a warm, reassuring smile, "go back and play outside. He's not lying, and you shouldn't scream at an adult and call them a liar. That's rude, you know?"
Both kids fidgeted under her gaze as they listened.
Irina continued in a softer tone, "I've been looking for a new place for a while. That old grumpy guy," she gestured playfully toward the upper floor, where the owner's bedroom was, "didn't want me working here anymore, so I found a new job. It's a super important one, which means I won't be able to visit often, okay?"
The children looked a little sad but nodded, understanding.
After sending them off with a smile and a wave, Irina straightened up and began walking alongside Dunn, heading back to the Security Company in comfortable silence, at least until her new Captain decided to break it.
"You seemed quite willing to work as a Nighthawk when we brought up the subject," Dunn said, glancing sideways at her, his tone mildly curious.
He looks genuinely curious, Irina thought, noting his expression.
"To be honest," she admitted, "the salary was the real deal. It's much better than my old one. Plus, I want to understand this whole 'Beyonder' and 'new sequence' situation."
And of course, she added inwardly, I want to figure out where the Library of Alexandria came from, and why Nefiref popped out of nowhere. Also, how exactly did I end up here? It can't be connected to Sefirah Castle, or I'd remember the ritual that... She paused, changing the course of her thoughts. I just slipped from a rooftop and ended up here!
"I see your points," Dunn said thoughtfully. "Still, it's surprising that it's just because of something so… insignificant."
Irina grinned. "Hey, I place high importance on my income. How else am I supposed to sustain my lifestyle?"
He raised an eyebrow, slightly surprised by her response. "You didn't seem the type to lead an expensive lifestyle. Quite the opposite, in fact."
"Ouch," she feigned offense, "are you saying I look poor?"
"That's not what I meant," Dunn replied quickly, a hint of defensiveness in his voice.
Trying to save yourself, I see. Irina smirked.
"Also," she continued, her tone light but pointed, "it's not like I had much of a choice, am I wrong?"
Dunn didn't seem surprised by her quick deduction.
"I might've just turned 18, but I'm not brainless," she added. "It was expected. It's your job to protect civilians, right? I can't fault you for that. And don't worry, I forgive you for that stunt—both of them, by the way. I blacked out after that one hit. Ten out of ten, good job! Next time, though, maybe contain your displeasure. I wasn't hitting on your wife."
Dunn, who had started to nod, froze. "Of cour—she's not my wife! We're not married—"
"So you admit you're dating?" Irina teased, grinning mischievously.
Dunn let out an exasperated sigh, clearly tired of her playful banter. If I keep this up, Daly might blame me for making his hair even grayer than it already is. Irina stole a glance at his receding hairline. This job is really stressing him out. Daly should help him unwind~
"Whatever," Dunn muttered, choosing not to argue further. "Also, don't take it personally, but your situation is pretty unique. Your sequence still hasn't been fully settled, and there's that mirror issue too."
Right, this morning we discussed the future of my pocket mirror, Irina recalled. They still haven't deemed it 'safe,' but because it hasn't caused me any problems, and in their eyes, keeps me from losing control, they've let me keep it. I'm some sort of 'test subject,' I guess. They want to see what happens with prolonged use. I told them I've had it my whole life, but I don't think they fully believed me.
I should've asked Nefiref if 'He' knew anything about it. I can always check the Library and do some research. I still don't get how it can be used to watch videos or whatever Irina did with it before I got here.
"As I said, I can keep it on me with no problems," Irina reassured Dunn as they continued walking.
This morning was a bit of an adventure, she mused. I even accidentally found myself in front of Chanis Gate before running into Seeka. Luckily, she pointed me in the direction of Dunn's office—and more importantly, the bathroom!
Afterward, Seeka waited outside, probably to make sure I didn't get lost again or maybe to observe me. Either way, I ended up in Dunn's office, where we talked, one of the topics being my employment. It's a way to help me out and, at the same time, keep an eye on someone who mysteriously became a Beyonder of a newly discovered pathway.
Irina leaned back, her gaze shifting to the golden pocket mirror resting in her hand. "As I mentioned earlier," she began, her voice soft, "for as far back as I can remember, I've always had this mirror. Nothing bad has ever happened with it. In fact…" She paused, tilting her head in thought. "I'd even say it's helped me somehow, though I can't quite explain how."
Dunn, ever calm and measured, considered her words. "Whatever type of sealed artifact it is, it seems harmless as long as it stays with you. Other than returning to your possession, it hasn't done anything—not even when Leonard held it. It didn't show any major hostility."
Irina couldn't help but smile mischievously. "Maybe it just likes me~"
The Captain didn't share her lighthearted tone. "If it had a personality, it would be considered far more dangerous than it is now. You wouldn't be able to keep it, let alone use it."
Her smile faded, and an unexpected sadness washed over her features. "That would be bad…" she murmured, a soft sigh escaping her lips.
Should I unlock my tragic past for him? She wondered, glancing at the stoic captain. Yeah, he's Daly's husband—or will be. He's got enough friend points.
Dunn's brow furrowed slightly as he caught the shift in her mood. "Why would that be bad?"
Irina's fingers traced the surface of the mirror. "Along with this fake green gem," she said, her voice quieter now, "those two are the only things I've had since birth. When I was left at the orphanage, they were tucked in the blanket with little baby me." She gave a faint, wistful smile. Or at least, that's what I could piece together from the fragments of Irina's memories.
Dunn nodded solemnly. "It would be a shame to lose them, then."
A heavy silence hung between them for a moment. Both walked quietly, the cobblestone streets beneath their feet echoing softly. Irina bit her lip, her mind racing. Great. Thanks to my big mouth, now the atmosphere's all awkward. Whyyyyyyyyyyy…
Dunn cleared his throat, mercifully changing the subject. "The way back is long," he said, glancing at her luggage, "and considering all your baggage, we should take a carriage."
Thank you for saving me, Captain! You're the best! Irina thought with relief. She flashed him a polite smile. "You're quite the gentleman for carrying most of it, thank you~"
Dunn gave a small nod. "It's the bare minimum. You can stay in the room in the security company while we search for a more permanent place nearby."
Irina's eyes gleamed with an idea. "What if the place were near one of the current Nighthawks? Wouldn't that be convenient?"
Dunn stopped for a second, briefly considering her suggestion. "That's a good idea," he admitted after a moment. "I hadn't thought of that."
Of course you didn't. You're constantly forgetting things. Irina chuckled to herself, keeping her thoughts to herself.
Sometime later, Irina stood in front of the Blackthorn Security Company, excitement bubbling up inside her as she glanced at the signboard.
Finally! I'm about to work with the squad! And later on, Klein! He hasn't joined yet, though. If I remember right, he died near the end of the year before moving to Backlund. That twist was unforgettable when I first read the novel.
She mulled over the timeline in her head. Right now, it's the first of June, 1349. And in 1368, the apocalypse hits. So I've got time—19 years, to be exact. Klein arrived about 15 to 20 years before the apocalypse, so he should show up in the next three years.
A frustrated thought crossed her mind. Why can't I remember exactly when he woke up as Klein? I know so much about the Gods, the world, and the lore, but I can't recall a simple date?!
Her thoughts raced ahead. Well, it doesn't matter. I've got time to prepare. Maybe Klein will show up next summer or the one after that. I just hope it's not this year; I've got too many things to do before then. I need to break the seal and reach Sequence 6 first.
A small smile crept onto her lips at the thought. Imagine me joining the Tarot Club as a Sequence 6! I'll be a powerhouse compared to the others. Maybe I can even help Audrey… She'll definitely pay well. She was basically the bank of the club in the early days!
"—rina? Hello! You there?"
Irina blinked, snapping out of her thoughts. "Huh?"
Rozanne, the receptionist, was looking at her with a raised brow, standing next to Seeka, who had a smile on her face. Right, Rozanne… and Seeka. Her style is nice, but not as good as Daly's.
Rozanne tilted her head. "You were totally lost in your head just now. Everything okay?"
"Sorryy~" Irina replied with a sheepish grin. "I was just thinking about my new apartment. Maybe I should find one near a Nighthawk. It might be more convenient."
I doubt Rozanne knows about my situation, but Seeka probably does, she's a Midnight Poet, Sequence 8. Dunn must've told her.
Seeka chimed in with a thoughtful expression. "I remember Captain mentioning he had a noisy neighbor who got kicked out about a year ago. Not sure what happened after that, though."
Irina straightened as she watched her approach the doorway, curious. "Oh? Heading out on a mission?"
Seeka nodded. "Yeah, I was waiting for Captain to come back so I could give him my previous report."
Just as she turned to leave, Irina quickly called out, "Wait!"
Seeka paused, glancing back with a curious tilt of her head.
"Are there any other female members? Civilians or Nighthawks?" Irina asked.
Rozanne nodded. "Of course! There's Mrs. Orianna, our accountant, and Royale Raideen, she's a Sleepless. And of course, Madam Daly, our Spirit Medium."
Irina's eyes lit up with an idea. "Do you think we could organize a girl's night? You know, just us women spending time together?"
Seeka raised an eyebrow. "Girl's night? What exactly do you mean?"
Rozanne looked puzzled as well. "Yeah, what's that?"
Irina grinned. "It's when we girls get together, hang out, maybe gossip a little, wear pajamas, and just have fun! I've heard about them but never got to experience one. And with all the seriousness of being a Beyonder, I think we deserve a night to relax and enjoy ourselves."
Rozanne blinked, considering the idea. "Hmm… don't we already do something like that with the whole squad?"
Seeka nodded in agreement. "Yeah, we sometimes have dinners together."
Irina pouted, shaking her head. "That's not the same! The guys are there, too. It's not as fun with them around."
Rozanne's eyes widened with understanding. "Ohh! I see what you mean now! That does sound fun!"
Seeka nodded, warming up to the idea. "You're right. I've never done anything like that before either. It could be nice."
Rozanne clapped her hands, excited. "Where would we have it, though? Here at work?"
Irina shook her head vigorously. "No way! Work isn't the right place for something like this. Hopefully, my new apartment will have enough space since it was my idea."
Rozanne smiled brightly. "I can help with the preparations! I'll convince Mrs. Orianna to join too!"
Seeka added, "I'll talk to Royale when I see her after my mission."
Irina nodded enthusiastically. "I'll ask Madam Daly myself since I'll be seeing her soon anyway."
Both Rozanne and Seeka stared at her in surprise.
"With Madam Daly?" Rozanne asked. "Why?"
Irina shrugged, grinning mischievously. "I need her to introduce me to her tailor. I absolutely love her style."
Seeka shook her head, amused. "Well, that was unexpected."
Rozanne chuckled. "You took the words right out of my mouth."
With Seeka off on her mission, Irina made her way to Dunn's office and knocked softly.
"Come in," Dunn's voice called from inside.
Irina entered, her face calm and expressionless.
The Captain looked up from his desk. "Can I help you?"
"I asked Seeka for some tips," Irina began, "and she mentioned you had a noisy neighbor who was kicked out?"
Dunn's brow furrowed. "Noisy neighbor…?"
Irina stared at him, waiting. Unbelievable. His memory issues seem worse every time I talk to him. Are we sure he doesn't have early Alzheimer's?
Suddenly, recognition sparked in Dunn's eyes. "Oh, right!"
He stood up, reaching for his windbreaker. "Let's go ask my landlord. The sooner we figure out your apartment situation, the better."
Later, at the apartment complex, Irina stood outside her new place, reflecting on her conversation with Dunn.
From what Dunn told me, his apartment is pretty small—just one bedroom, no office since he spends most of his time at the security company anyway.
The landlord accepted my proposal right away, especially with Dunn vouching for me personally.
Ah, the perks of good old-fashioned nepotism!
The landlord handed over the keys with a wink. "Here you go. The apartment's the same layout as Mr. Dunn's, so no need for a tour—I'm sure you've already been to his. I didn't take you for the type to go for younger women, Mr. Dunn. Quite the charmer, aren't you?" He chuckled. "Miss Dunn, I hope you enjoy your stay here... though I expect you'll be spending most of your time in his bedroom."
Huh? Does he think we're dating or something?
Dunn's face turned red. "Wait, no—"
Irina cut him off, smiling brightly. "Thank you so much for the keys! I'll be sure to bake a cake to show my appreciation. See you around, Mr. Landlord!"
The landlord grinned widely as he started to walk away. "What a sweetheart! You've really struck gold, Mr. Dunn. Don't forget to put a ring on that finger soon! Enjoy your night, you two!"
He disappeared toward his home, leaving Dunn flustered and speechless.
Irina raised an eyebrow and teased, "Captain, I had no idea you saw me in that light."
Dunn, still flustered, stammered, "What? No—I don't—"
Irina gave him a sly grin. "And to think you'd betray the amazing Madam Daly like that. No heart at all."
Dunn sputtered, "I'm not dating her—I don't know why he'd say that—I—"
"Relax, Cap," Irina said, her grin widening. "I'm just teasing. If his little misunderstanding got me this apartment, then I'm not complaining. But you'll have to explain things when Madam Daly eventually drops by for a visit."
"Why would she visit me?" Dunn asked, still baffled. "For work—?"
Irina sighed dramatically. "Men are so dense. Even when you throw facts at them, they refuse to see it. And then they have the audacity to claim women are the clueless ones."
Dunn stood in silence, clearly at a loss for words.
Irina smirked. "See? Silence speaks volumes, Captain."
He and Daly need a little push, or they'll stay in this awkward limbo forever.
She released a tired sigh as she turned the key and stepped inside.
The apartment was simple but cozy. The setting sun filtered through a large window across from the entrance, casting a soft orange-pink glow over the space. Cabinets lined the walls, and a small dining table with four chairs sat in the middle of the room. To the right, a door likely led to the bedroom, and on the opposite side, two open doorways revealed a small kitchen and bathroom.
"Just leave the bags by the door," Irina said. "I'll sort them out later. Do I need to go back to the Company today?"
Dunn followed her inside, setting the old suitcases down gently. "Not today. Tomorrow visit the library and try to study your Sequence. The more we understand about your pathway, the better, for both you and the church. Report back to me at three in the afternoon."
"Got it," Irina replied with a cheerful wave. "I'll start organizing things here. Have a good day, Cap~"
Dunn gave her a tired nod. "When we're not at work, just call me Dunn. But at the company, Captain will do."
A mischievous smile spread across her face. "Whatever you say, Cap~"
With a sigh, Dunn left, closing the door behind him. Once alone, Irina glanced around the apartment, scanning for cleaning supplies. Time to make this place feel like home.
After searching every cabinet and drawer, she realized there weren't any supplies at all.
Great. I'll have to buy some. But where? Her face fell as she thought of the expenses.
My poor money...