Chapter 23 - Unexpected Variable

"Well, that's true, but isn’t it just a coincidence?"

No way. That could never be a coincidence. Perhaps this was a fragment of the culprit’s failed plan.

'Did they attempt to kill Russell with the explosion but fail, leaving the general store to bear the brunt of the damage?'

The blast had been devastating—powerful enough to completely demolish the largest general store in the area. If those explosives had reached the Duke’s residence as intended, the destruction would’ve extended straight to Russell’s chambers.

'But the methods… aren’t they too contrasting?'

Murder by arson was brazen and conspicuous, drawing far more attention than a subtler approach like untraceable poison—the quietest tool for such a sinister act. Something about this didn’t sit right.

Wait… What if the general store wasn’t destroyed as a murder ploy at all?

'A warning? A threat?'

But that didn’t make sense either. Such a dramatic display would only sharpen Russell’s vigilance. What reason could the culprit have for this?

Caught in my spiraling thoughts, Marvin’s voice interrupted.

“By the way, my lady, why do you care so much about Duke Bolev?”

“Yes?”

“You seemed… off earlier when his name came up. Perhaps…”

Marvin’s eyes narrowed as he studied my reaction.

I froze, his gaze heavy with newfound curiosity. Did he finally figure it out? Not that it mattered. I had never gone out of my way to hide my involvement in the Russell case from him.

“Were you friends with Duke Bolev?” he asked cautiously.

My mouth opened in surprise, then snapped shut. Finally, I shook my head and deflected.

“Since we’ve completed a lap, how about we head inside?”

I decided it would be better to speak directly with Amon rather than rely on Marvin, whose insight was, well… limited.

The shop we passed earlier stood three stories high, with terrace seating on each floor. It provided an ideal vantage point to observe the general store ruins further down the street.

As we stepped onto the third floor, I glanced around, scanning for Amon.

“Sir Spencer…”

“There.” Marvin gestured toward the window, where Amon sat opposite Eloise. Both were dressed plainly, adopting the inconspicuous look of aristocrats on a casual outing—or perhaps lovers.

'Lovers.'

The thought struck me absurdly. Their expressions were far too serious for that.

“Let’s join them,” I muttered, dragging Marvin toward the table beside theirs. Amon acknowledged us with a fleeting glance but didn’t betray any recognition.

Undercover protocol, of course. Still, I found it mildly irritating.

'I’d like to discuss the connection between the Russell case and the general store incident…'

“What would you like to eat, Lady?” Marvin’s voice snapped me back.

“Eat?”

“Yes, I’m placing an order.”

I stared blankly, realizing this was my first time ordering food for myself. I’d always accepted whatever was given to me without question.

“Order something delicious for me,” I replied, distracted, leaving the decision to Marvin. My focus returned to Amon and Eloise.

Eloise’s voice carried over, low and rigid.

“Captain, why are you here? Don’t you know the arson case is mine to handle?”

Her tone was sharp, teetering on restrained fury—completely different from how she addressed Marvin or me. Amon, however, responded with his usual indifference.

“You’re in charge of catching the culprit, and I have no intention of stealing your thunder. Rest assured, no document will ever link me to this.”

“Ha!” Eloise let out a harsh laugh, slamming a glass of ale on the table. “Then why team up with me? To play protector?”

“The Vice-Captain of the Blue Knights hardly needs protection,” Amon replied coolly. “It’s about maintaining order. If I partnered with another member, the command might become muddled between us.”

As I mulled over this revelation, Eloise’s eyes flicked to me briefly. I quickly turned my gaze away, guilt tugging at me. After all, it was my involvement that had led Amon here.

Marvin broke my thoughts. “Would you like ale too, Lady?”

“Excuse me?”

“You keep staring at it.”

His misunderstanding amused me, so I nodded nonchalantly. “Sure.”

Time passed quickly as we dined. The sun dipped below the horizon, and a sense of anticipation thickened in the air.

'Midnight.'

If the culprit planned to strike, they still had time. Yet, a prudent mind would arrive early to scout.

Soon, two mercenaries in plain clothes entered, ordering food but subtly signaling to Amon. The patrol had concluded with no findings.

Shortly after, Amon and Eloise rose, preparing for another round of patrol. One by one, others followed suit until only Marvin and I remained in the restaurant.

“I’m sorry,” I murmured, passing Marvin another glass of ale.

“You were so excited about this being your first case, and now—because of me—you can’t act…”

“What?” Marvin shook his head vehemently. “A knight’s duty is to protect, my lady. Don’t say such things.”

“But still…”

“It’s fine. Truly. I’ll have plenty of opportunities in the future.”

His sincerity tugged at me, but I couldn’t help recalling his earlier enthusiasm.

“Besides, this is already more than I’d dreamed of. It’s not common for someone like me to rise so quickly.”

“What do you mean?”

Marvin’s face grew warm. “The Captain gave me this chance. He believes in me.”

Unbidden, I smiled. His admiration for Amon shone with childlike earnestness.

“Sir Spencer is a good man,” I said softly.

Marvin nodded, his voice dropping. “He’s one of the rare ones. Most wouldn’t even consider me—a commoner—worthy of this path…”

As he continued, the voice suddenly resounded in my head.

[A dark figure lurked about, slipping through the shadows, concealing a blade.]

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