Karinbana led Roland to a secluded corner of the town where a few ordinary houses stood.

“This is it,” Karinbana said, halting before one. She studied the house carefully, a trace of nostalgia in her eyes.

“I’ll rent it for a month. How much?” Roland asked.

“Hmm…” Karinbana paused. “Seven gold coins. If you think it’s too much—”

“No need. That’s fine.” Roland pulled a small pouch from his coat and tossed it to her.

Karinbana handed him the key, then peeked inside the pouch—ten gleaming gold coins!

“Hey! Did you give me too much?”

“The extra three are for your pretty face,” Roland said with a raised eyebrow and a faint smile. He unlocked the door.

“But—”

“It’s dark and cold tonight. Head home safely. Something dangerous is lurking in town. If trouble finds you, run here and call my name.” He closed the door.

Karinbana stood frozen, clutching the pouch. After a moment, she shook her head and walked away, silver boots clicking softly against the path.

“What a strange person.”

…

Karinbana returned to the Investigators’ Headquarters. Even at night, lanterns glowed inside; three officers were on duty.

Since her parents’ passing, she rarely went home, living mostly at Headquarters with her master.

“Sis Karin’s back?” a young officer greeted.

“Mm.”

Karinbana replied flatly and walked toward the dormitory, the rhythmic *clack-clack* of her silver boots fading down the hall.

*“Something dangerous is lurking in town…”* Roland’s words echoed in her mind.

But the town had been peaceful lately—only petty thefts. If something truly sinister had entered, wouldn’t there be casualties?

She sighed inwardly. No use overthinking. He *was* a strange Bard, after all.

Only after she vanished did the officers resume whispering.

“Just a squad leader—so full of herself.”

“Yeah. Once I climb above her, I’ll make her play my game. Refuse? I’ll fire her. Let’s see how smug she stays.”

“Dream on. Can you even beat her? And don’t forget her crippled master,” another lowered his voice. “Rumor says he was crippled fighting a Grand Sage-tier Demonkind sword-to-sword. He’s high-ranking—sent from above. Even Baron Pulman wouldn’t dare cross him.”

“Tch.” The first officer clicked his tongue, feigning indifference, but fell silent.

Unseen by them, a shadow flashed past the bushes outside Headquarters—so fast only a faint rustle in the grass betrayed its passage.

Night deepened. Darkness swallowed the town in eerie silence. Only one lavish manor still burned with light: Baron Pulman’s estate.

A single lantern flickered at the Investigators’ Headquarters, tiny against the endless dark—as if the shadows might lunge and devour it any second.

Unnoticed, something had already locked onto the town. With a cold, malevolent gaze, it watched… and waited. Waiting to bring death to all…