Flying high in the sky, Lancer reflected on the whirlwind of activity back at the village. The increased popularity wasn't just for its own sake—he had been using it as a cover to gather information about the attackers. Merchants from across the country passed through the village, and someone had to know something. His patience paid off when one of his customers, a black-market trader, claimed to have seen the man and woman Lancer was searching for.
The trader said he'd seen them frequenting a specific tavern in the capital, The Crimson Lantern. Lancer, not wanting to waste time negotiating, used Data Transfer to verify the merchant's memory. The images in the trader's mind were clear—they had indeed been there recently.
Now, Lancer was headed to the capital for reconnaissance, but first, he had another stop to make.
In under an hour, the capital came into view, and Lancer was struck by its grandeur. The sprawling city was far larger than he had anticipated. With how medieval the world seemed, he'd expected something modestly larger than Ostia, but this was a true metropolis.
The city stretched out in all directions, bustling with life. At its center stood a massive, gleaming castle, its towers reaching high into the sky. The structure was clearly the main attraction, exuding authority and power. A massive wall encircled the city, with multiple gates acting as entry points.
As he approached the city's main gate, Lancer noticed a long line of people waiting to enter. His sudden landing drew surprised looks from the soldiers stationed there.
"Flying in broad daylight? That's not something we see every day," one soldier muttered before stepping forward.
Lancer produced his card and the soldier examined it, nodded, and waved him through.
The sight of the bustling city streets hit Lancer with a wave of nostalgia. It reminded him of home, where such sights and sounds were a daily occurrence. But he quickly pushed those thoughts aside—he had a mission.
He stopped a passing guard and asked for directions to the Eldrion residence. After a brief conversation, he learned that the city was divided into three sections: the outer ring for commoners, the inner ring for nobility, and the royal district surrounding the castle.
The Eldrion residence was easy to find in the upscale noble district. The sprawling mansion stood behind tall gates, with a manicured garden visible from the street. Lancer approached the gate and informed the guard of his purpose.
"Wait here, sir," the guard said, disappearing into the estate.
Moments later, Luna appeared at the gate, her expression brightening slightly when she saw him. "Welcome, Master Lancer."
"Thanks, Luna," Lancer replied with a smile, following her into the estate.
The interior was as extravagant as he'd imagined, with polished marble floors, intricate tapestries, and chandeliers that glimmered like diamonds.
"Lady Yumiella is in the back garden," Luna informed him as they walked.
When they arrived, Lancer found Yumiella practicing her swordsmanship, her movements precise and fluid. He called out to her. "Hey, Yumiella!"
She stopped mid-swing, turned, and immediately frowned. "What are you doing here?"
Before Lancer could reply, Carina entered the garden, her serene demeanor immediately softening the mood. She greeted Lancer with a slight bow. "So, this is the famous Lancer. I've heard a lot about you from the girls."
Yumiella's face turned beet red. "W-what are you saying, Mother?! I didn't talk about him that much!" she exclaimed, flailing her sword slightly as she tried to deflect attention.
Lancer raised an eyebrow. "You didn't, huh? Then why do I feel like your mom knows my entire life story?"
Yumiella shot him a glare. "Don't get cocky!"
Carina chuckled. "You're just as spirited as they said."
Lancer's curiosity got the better of him. "I didn't know you were a Shade, Lady Carina. That must've been an interesting story."
Before Carina could respond, Yumiella leveled a sharp look at him, her blush intensifying. "Lancer, stop prying!"
Carina waved her hand dismissively, her tone light. "Oh, it's nothing, really. Just a story for another time."
Lancer laughed, raising his hands in mock surrender. "Alright, alright. No need to glare at me like that, Yumiella."
Luna, watching the scene unfold, hid a smile behind her hand.
Yumiella crossed her arms, eyeing him suspiciously. "What are you here for, anyway? If you're looking for more dungeon adventures, I hate to disappoint you, but Father has banned us from leaving the compound."
Lancer shook his head. "Nah, nothing like that. I'm just passing by on my way to take care of something."
Yumiella raised an eyebrow. "Well, now that you've said hello, you can leave now," she said dismissively.
Luna, ever the diplomat, chimed in. "Lady Yumiella, don't be so rude. Master Lancer came all this way."
Lancer chuckled and reached into his satchel. "It's fine. I'll leave if that's what she wants. But I guess I'll just take this ice cream with me then," he said, pulling out several small containers of the treat. He made a show of turning to leave, the faint sound of the containers clinking together in his hands.
"Wait!" Yumiella's curiosity betrayed her. She huffed, trying to cover her interest. "Fine. Maybe you can stay a little longer… since you came all this way."
"How generous of you," Lancer teased as they made their way back into the house.
Inside, Carina served tea as Lancer handed out the ice cream. Yumiella and Luna each took a bite, and their reactions were immediate.
"This… this is incredible!" Luna exclaimed, her eyes wide with delight. "It's sweet, creamy, and cold all at once!"
Yumiella, trying to maintain her composure, ate another spoonful before blurting out, "What kind of sorcery is this?!"
Carina laughed softly at their reactions, and even she couldn't resist trying a spoonful. Her expression shifted from calm to surprised. "Lancer, this is remarkable. You've truly outdone yourself."
Lancer leaned back, a smug grin on his face. "Go on. Shower me with more compliments."
Yumiella glared at him, her cheeks puffed slightly. "Don't let it go to your head!" she snapped, though she continued eating with gusto.
As the conversation settled, Yumiella glanced at Lancer. "So, what are you really doing in the capital? You're not the type to just 'pass by.'"
Lancer's smile faded, and he leaned forward. "I'm looking for the two who attacked the village a while back. The ones who killed a friend of mine and the previous chief. I got some information from a merchant. Apparently, they've been spotted at a tavern here in the city."
Carina's expression softened, and she dabbed at her eyes with a handkerchief. "Oh, Lancer, I'm so sorry."
Lancer nodded solemnly. "Thanks, Lady Carina. But I have to follow through. I'm heading to the tavern later to confirm if they're still there."
Yumiella's spoon froze mid-air. "Are you crazy? You're not going alone!"
Luna nodded fiercely, her usual calm demeanor gone. "We're coming with you, Master Lancer."
Carina's voice cut through, firm yet caring. "Absolutely not. Your father has forbidden you from leaving the compound, and I'm going to ensure you stay right here."
Lancer held up his hands in agreement. "She's right. I appreciate the offer, but I don't want anyone else getting hurt because of me."
"But—" Yumiella began, but Carina silenced her with a look.
"If you're serious about this, Lancer, then you'd better be cautious," Carina said gently. "The man you're looking for… if he's dangerous enough to have done all that, you shouldn't fight him alone."
Lancer gave a small smile. "Don't worry, Lady Carina. I'm not planning to fight him—just confirm if he's still around. That's all."
Carina sighed but nodded reluctantly. "Then be careful. And if you need anything, don't hesitate to ask."