Chapter Fourteen: A Sudden Turn of Events

In a dim alley of Dallas City's slums, a massive lion padded gracefully through the shadows, its powerful back serving as a lazy couch for a provocatively dressed young woman. She hummed an unknown tune with a relaxed expression, as if she were not in a filthy, chaotic slum but rather in a springtime garden.

Suddenly, a shadow darted out and addressed her urgently, “Please, young lady. You’re drawing far too much attention like this.” The voice belonged to Sir John.

The girl didn’t respond directly but instead flashed him a coquettish smile. “For just $998, I’ll leave you breathless with delight!”

At her words, John straightened and replied, “Time is money, my friend!”

“All right, password confirmed. Long time no see, Masked Rider Schmidt,” she said as she nimbly slid off her mount.

“It’s been ages since anyone called me that. Feels strange,” John—no, Schmidt—remarked. With a casual swipe of his hand across his weathered face, his features transformed in a second into those of a strikingly handsome man with a hawk-like nose. “But seriously, you’re far too conspicuous. Don’t forget, we’re deep in enemy territory.”

“Hmph, my Dodo’s sense of smell has been enhanced. No one can escape its nose. With it, I’m safer than ever.” The girl explained impatiently, “Enough, let’s get to business. I’m here on the leader’s orders to check your progress.”

“It’s not going well. I tried to instigate the Collin family to target Stein the Wizard’s favorite apprentice to spark a conflict between them, but I failed—twice, in fact. Still, I’ve uncovered something important: Stein’s old injury has flared up. He probably can’t hold out much longer. He’s not even in town right now, running everywhere looking for a cure.”

“That’s certainly good news. Without Stein, the Wizard’s Tower is useless. Dallas City’s defenses will be cut in half. But it’s not enough. Ever since the legendary Marshal Vaughn of the Eran Kingdom took command at Silverwing Fortress, the duchy’s military pressure has been mounting. You must find a way to finish the mission quickly,” the girl urged.

“I understand. I’ve already made contact with the Gillian Brotherhood and am waiting for the right moment. When the time comes, I’ll incite them to cause chaos in the city and distract the guards. I’ll then seize the chance to burn the Dallas City supply depots—especially the granaries. Also, I’ve found a promising candidate: a fourteen-year-old advanced wizard apprentice, already highly skilled in fireball magic. A fool with a fool’s luck. With a little guidance, he’ll be our tool—a real asset when it comes to burning the granaries,” Schmidt declared, full of confidence.

“As long as you have a plan,” she replied, climbing back onto her mount. “I can’t linger outside. The circus is leaving Dallas the day after tomorrow. If you need anything these next two days, find a way to contact me.”

“Actually… I do need something now.” Schmidt spoke up quickly.

“Go on,” the girl sighed helplessly. She’d only been making polite conversation.

“Could you speak to the leader for me? See if I can get an increase in the mission bonus…”

“What? You want a bigger reward? Isn’t this already the most lucrative assignment of the year? It might be difficult for others, but for you, it should be a walk in the park—practically tailor-made. What more do you want?” she retorted bluntly.

“I thought so too, at first. After a month of observation, I finally got rid of John, then used transformation magic to take his place. My mimicry talent made my act flawless—even Stein the Wizard didn’t notice a thing.” Schmidt’s face suddenly twisted in misery. “But… but… John had a wife in her fifties! I’m only twenty! Do you have any idea what it’s like to force yourself to sleep with a middle-aged woman every day? And John had some very… unusual tastes…”

———

At Phillips Manor.

As the guest of honor, Andy felt his face would freeze from smiling before the coming-of-age ball finally drew to a close. By tradition, he was still required to make a final speech, thanking everyone for attending.

He glanced around and realized Bill and Jera were missing from the crowd again, leaving him speechless. He smiled and thanked the guests for coming, with special mention to Mr. and Mrs. Phillips.

Andy’s speech was proper and composed, his manners impeccable. At the end, he raised a glass of wine to toast his guests, but suddenly froze.

Crash! The glass slipped from his hand, shattering on the floor, wine spilling everywhere—some even splashing onto his dress clothes.

The guests began whispering and murmuring among themselves, puzzled at Andy’s loss of composure.

They quickly understood why. The sound of marching boots, the clatter of armor, the ring of drawn blades, and curt, gruff orders filled the manor. Dozens of fully armed soldiers stormed into Phillips Manor. Silent and efficient, they quickly secured every exit. Any servant or guest who got in their way was roughly kicked aside.

Cries of alarm, screams, and children’s wails filled the manor until two middle-aged knights in ornate armor strode into the hall. Their sword-sharp gazes swept the room, silencing everyone. The only sounds were the muffled sobs of children, their mouths covered by frightened adults.

The tall, lean knight strode to the center of the hall and barked, “Who is Andy Charles?”

All eyes inevitably turned to Andy.

“I am,” Andy replied, all the while inwardly complaining, “If I really were an underground agent, with these teammates I’d have been betrayed long ago.”

The tall knight scrutinized Andy, then pulled a scroll from his coat and unrolled it—it bore Andy’s likeness. “Excellent. Take him.” With confirmation, he gave the order.

“Yes, sir,” two soldiers stepped forward to seize Andy.

“Wait, Sir Knight… What are you doing? Our young master is a noble descendant, a disciple of Lord Stein the Wizard!” Old Brown emerged from the crowd, shouting at the tall knight.

At his words, the two soldiers hesitated.

“We have received reports from concerned citizens that Andy Charles has consorted with spies from the Duchy of Sain. Anyone found harboring, sheltering, or aiding him will be charged with treason.”

“Sir Knight, may I ask where these citizens are? Is there any evidence of my collusion with spies? I am willing to confront my accuser face to face,” Andy said, looking the tall knight in the eye. “But if anyone slanders me without cause, he will have to answer to a wizard’s wrath.”

“We would not convict a wizard’s apprentice on a whim. We merely ask you to accompany us and assist in the investigation. However, if you resist or delay, not only you but everyone present will be implicated.”

“Sir Knight, we… we’re just here for the ball. We have nothing to do with Andy Charles…” a rotund merchant sputtered, only to be seized by the throat and lifted into the air by the squat, heavyset knight. The fat merchant kicked and choked, foam bubbling from his lips, until he fainted dead away.

The squat knight tossed him aside like garbage, his cold gaze sweeping the terrified guests before settling on Andy. His voice dripped with menace. “Please…”

“Sir Knight…” Old Brown attempted to intervene, but the squat knight’s slap came whistling through the air—there was no holding back. Andy raised his right arm just in time to block it, but the force left his arm numb and nearly dislocated. The squat knight remained expressionless, hand instinctively moving to his sword.

“All right! I’ll go with you,” Andy said, enunciating every word. “I trust Viscount Collin will give me justice.”

“A wise choice,” the tall knight said, pressing the squat knight’s hand down.

“Tie him up!” he suddenly barked. Several soldiers immediately drew out prepared ropes and advanced toward Andy.

“What’s the meaning of this, Sir Knight?” Andy asked, displeased.

“Routine procedure, nothing more. Please bear with us,” the tall knight replied with a faint, almost sympathetic smile.

Andy did not resist. He allowed the soldiers to bind his hands behind his back and lead him out of Phillips Manor.

Preoccupied with his predicament, Andy failed to notice that only the tall knight and the soldiers escorting him left the manor. The squat knight and a group of soldiers remained behind.

“Sir, we’ve searched everywhere. The target isn’t here,” a soldier reported to the squat knight.

“Oh?” The knight responded, then slowly raised his left hand. He surveyed the men, women, elders, and children cowering in the hall. Suddenly, his hand fell.

“Kill them all!”