Kestia couldn’t quite grasp why they only addressed public safety issues after they’d already spiraled out of control. What were they doing before that?
Yufi led her to an office door and rapped sharply.
"Enter," came a stern voice from within.
Yufi pushed the door open. Behind the desk sat a female knight, impeccably neat and radiating a sharp, commanding presence.
"Fenrelle," Yufi greeted with a smile. "This is Fenrelle van Astris, Tenth Seat Captain of the Knighthood." She introduced her to Kestia.
"Pleasure to meet you, Miss Fenrelle. I’m Kestia Klairein," Kestia said politely, bowing slightly.
"The pleasure is mine, Miss Kestia. I’ve heard of you," Fenrelle replied calmly, nodding as she rose from behind her desk to welcome them.
After pouring tea, the three settled into chairs. No pleasantries—straight to the crisis.
"The Knighthood is under immense pressure," Fenrelle sighed lightly. "Noble houses are pressuring us, and even His Majesty is inquiring."
"But we can’t catch the culprit because someone’s deliberately obstructing us. An organized group is shielding these criminals."
"So if we eliminate that organization," Kestia asked, "the Knighthood could solve these cases and restore order?"
That would simplify things. Chasing clues like a detective across endless cases would drain her time.
"That’s the current plan. Prince Reina is also hunting this shadow group, but we’ve found no leads yet." Fenrelle’s expression tightened. "Criminal syndicates multiply daily across the kingdom. We don’t know which one’s the mastermind, and they keep slipping through our fingers. My comrades are running ragged."
"Could it be a Demon Kin conspiracy?" Yufi ventured. With border skirmishes flaring between humans and Demon Kin, many suspected sabotage.
"Possibly," Fenrelle conceded. At least it made a convenient scapegoat.
"But with zero leads," Kestia pressed, "how do we even start?"
"We dissect the crimes themselves. Hunt for traces." Fenrelle leaned forward. "Their targets are always nobles or merchants with... questionable records. We’re monitoring that angle closely."
Kestia nodded silently.
No leads. They’d have to dig themselves.
And they’d need to move faster than others. A troublesome prospect.
She stilled her mind, recalling Lanche’s words: *Stay cautious with what you can control. Stay optimistic about what you cannot.*
---
That same night, Lanche slept soundly in his room when Enami slipped through the shadows and into his chamber.
"Hey. Wake up. Stop pretending. They’re chasing me," she hissed, refusing to approach the bed.
Lanche’s scheme had failed, but he didn’t mind. Eyes still closed, he waved a hand. "Hide in the wardrobe. They won’t get in."
"Aren’t you going to fight them for me?" Enami glared.
"No need. Trespassers in this house? They’re as good as dead." Lanche lazily rolled over.
Kestia had already returned home to sleep. Her maids’ senses were dull, but Sileus—the steward—greeted every "guest" who entered the estate.
Enami’s initial stealth was impressive, but hiding was wiser now.
Hesitating, she ducked into the wardrobe.
Right on cue, a knock sounded on Lanche’s door. Sileus stood outside, checking on his safety.
Lanche answered, brushing him off.
"What happened to the intruders?" he asked casually.
"They claimed to pursue a traitorous comrade," Sileus replied smoothly. "I found no one. Likely escaped."
"I released them. Let them warn others: never disrespect this household’s master." His tone was calm, dignified.
"Ah, reliable as always, Mr. Sileus," Lanche praised.
"You flatter me," Sileus said, a hint of warmth in his voice. "Lock your windows before bed." His tone turned stern again.
Lanche nodded eagerly.
"Rest well. I’ll ensure your safety." Sileus bowed and left to resume his patrol.
He’d sensed Enami earlier but assumed she’d fled. To him, identities mattered less than deterrence—especially since Lanche couldn’t defend himself.
---
Certain the coast was clear, Enami crept from the wardrobe. The room was empty except for a figure in a black trench coat and a gleaming golden masquerade mask.
"What are you doing?" Enami frowned. Who hid in black yet wore such a flashy mask?
She didn’t know the word "chuunibyou"—she just knew this guy begged for a beating.
Sure, he looked cool. But that arrogance? Definitely beatable.
"Let’s go. We might still catch them," Lanche grinned beneath the mask.
"Can we even leave now? What if we’re spotted?"
"With me? No one will see us." He tucked her under his arm.
Enami squirmed but stayed still, letting him carry her.
Lanche slipped out the window, melting into the night beyond the Claire Family estate.
"Why aren’t *you* detected? And how do you always find *me*?" Enami demanded.
"Sound. Presence. Instinct." He shrugged. "Genius can’t be taught."
Enami scowled, unsatisfied.
"Hey. Put me down already?"
Clamped awkwardly under his arm, she felt like a doll.
Lanche released her once they cleared the estate grounds.
Enami stared, bewildered by his antics.
"What do you even see me as?" she burst out. "I’m short, but I’m not a kid—or a pet!"
"Of course not," Lanche chuckled, ruffling her hair. "Touching kids? That’d be illegal."
"... ..."
Enami had no words for this creep.
