“Lord Angus, this is already the fifth incident that’s happened today.”
The squad leader wiped the sweat still clinging to his face and saluted Angus, who had personally come to the prison after the oversight.
“I came here precisely because of this. Tell me what happened.” Angus’s face was as dark as the night outside the window.
“This morning, two peddlers got into a fight over a spot to set up their stalls; then there was a robbery; at noon, a horse ran into someone’s shop causing a commotion. The Store Owner, to minimize loss, killed the horse, and the owner of the horse shouted, ‘How dare you kill my horse,’ and stabbed the Store Owner more than thirty times.”
“And after that?”
“Afterwards, there was another robbery; finally, a thief got beaten up, and out of spite, gathered some people to retaliate, which escalated into a brawl.”
Angus stroked his chin thoughtfully.
Aside from the poor Store Owner, none of these were particularly serious incidents, but having so many chaotic events crammed into one day was hard not to be suspicious about.
“Have all the suspects been detained?” Angus asked again.
“Yes, both locals and outsiders. We’ve interrogated them all and found nothing suspicious.” The squad leader anticipated what Angus was thinking and answered preemptively.
“Nothing related to the Incubus? Or… could these people have been influenced by some kind of enchantment?”
“We’ve had professional mages examine them. There’s no sign of external manipulation; all were active perpetrators.”
Angus paced a few steps, then faced the squad leader: “What’s your take on this?”
“Me?” The squad leader paused briefly, then spoke frankly, “The Sacred Knight assessments are ongoing. Many people are passing through the city; it’s bound to be a mixed crowd. Today’s the only rest day during the assessments, and once they’re over, everyone will hurry to leave…”
“There are only two such days, but I get what you mean.” Angus interrupted, fixing on his choice of words.
“You think this isn’t a coincidence?” the squad leader dared to ask.
“That’s exactly what worries me. We’ll strengthen patrols across the city and enforce the curfew. After the assessments end, I’ll definitely be held accountable by His Majesty, but there can be no more incidents now.”
“But our manpower is already stretched thin.”
“Do as I say. My instincts tell me tonight won’t be easy.” Angus emphasized his tone heavily: “Especially at the Lord’s Mansion — the Fourth Princess absolutely cannot have any trouble in Solus City.”
Inside the Lord’s Mansion.
Cecilia sat at her desk, staring at the pile of documents before her, pen moving hesitantly, often drifting into deep thought.
The work related to the assessments was far from easy.
Although as the chief examiner she only needed to review the procedures and data submitted by others — and could have just approved everything without checking — Cecilia insisted on doing it herself to prevent any foul play.
As the chief examiner, she had to do her best.
Cecilia was well aware she was only struggling against herself; no matter how well she performed, others would not change their perception of her.
She would still be the cursed princess that no one believed in.
Angus obeyed her only because she was a princess, and he was an upright man who cared about the assessments.
Also, a sudden assassination attempt forced him to take her seriously.
The merchants and soldiers were no different; they obeyed her either out of need or because of her status.
All their compliance and submission was superficial.
Compared to them, Rita, whom she had only known for a week, was more genuine, making their interactions more comfortable.
Right, where was Rita now?
Cecilia set down her pen and called for a maid.
“Send Rita to the study. I have something I want to say to her.”
“Your Highness, Lady Rita is not at the mansion today. She left early this morning,” the maid answered.
Cecilia swallowed the disappointment in her heart. “She left this morning? It’s nearly evening now, and she still hasn’t returned?”
“That’s correct.”
“Do you know what she went out to do?”
“No idea, but she seemed very happy when she left.”
In Cecilia’s mind, she already pictured Rita smiling foolishly as she walked out.
Since today was a rest day, it was only natural for Rita to go out and relax.
She’d just let her enjoy herself.
Cecilia picked up the pen on the desk again. “Forget it then. Just inform me when she returns. You may leave.”
The maid left the room, and Cecilia returned her focus to the documents on her desk.
Hours passed, and the work she was responsible for was all cleared, yet Rita still hadn’t come back.
An ominous feeling began creeping through Cecilia’s heart, making her uneasy.
When Rita and Klos left the theater, night had already fallen.
Due to the curfew, there were far fewer people on the streets than before.
Rita should have refused Klos’s invitation and gone back early to rest and prepare for tomorrow’s exam.
But Klos’s sincere expression was impossible for Rita to turn down.
Some time later.
“Welcome, Lady Rita.”
Klos unlocked the door to a small house not far from the pleasure house and invited Rita inside.
Rita looked around the room.
The house was tiny — a narrow corridor connected all the rooms: a bathroom at the front, a kitchen at the end, and Klos’s bedroom on the side.
Klos led Rita into the bedroom.
The only seating was a hard wooden single bed.
Besides that, there was a wardrobe, a table, and some essential household items.
Even the cheapest inns Rita had stayed in felt more livable than this place.
It was as if this house served no other purpose than to be lived in.
Klos scratched his cheek awkwardly. “Sorry, most of my earnings go to repaying debts left by my parents. I don’t have much left to buy household goods. Today’s hospitality is thanks to the little I’ve saved.”
“Can’t you live at the shop?” Rita asked.
“No, the shop’s space is limited, mostly converted into guest rooms. There’s no place for employees to live, and it’s inconvenient to come and go,” Klos replied. “Besides, I don’t like that place…”
To prevent Klos from sinking into gloom again, Rita swiftly changed the subject. “Then, what are we having for dinner tonight?”
Although it felt a bit forced, it did the trick.
Klos’s eyes brightened. “I’ll cook dinner for Lady Rita myself. Will you mind?”
“Not at all! I’d be happy!”
“Then please sit and wait a moment. I still have some ingredients left at home.”
Klos hopped out of the room like a little rabbit.
Good.
So far, everything was going according to plan.
Bringing Rita into the shop had been too risky.
The prearranged room was secluded yet could be monitored from the shop.
There was even a secret passage leading to the basement — the perfect place to ‘deal’ with Rita.
Now, all that remained was the simple part.
Klos clenched the small bottle emitting a faint pink glow in his pocket.