𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐕𝐈𝐋𝐋𝐀𝐈𝐍𝐄𝐒𝐒' 𝐅𝐀𝐈𝐓𝐇𝐅𝐔𝐋 𝐃𝐎𝐆 | 𝘷𝘢𝘥𝘵𝘥 𝘹 𝘔.𝘺/𝘯 |

(53) Hidden Love Interest.

୨⎯ "  Ρєиєℓσρє'ʂ ΡσƲ  " ⎯୧

✦ SYSTEM ✦

Item acquired! Sorcerer's help (1) Shout [help] at the time of use.

One last glance at the system box, then I swung open the door and left.

The alley was cloaked in darkness.

"Shit,"

I muttered, the realization hitting me like a cold shower.

I'd forgotten to request Winter for a carriage back home.

My head had been spinning with everything that happened inside I even forgot teleporting wasn't an option of mine.

'Should I go back and ask for help?'

The thought was quickly dismissed.

I'd acted so confidently in front of him, saying I wouldn't need his help.

Admitting my need for a ride now would be humiliating.

I couldn't face the ridicule.

"Great, a long walk home it is,"

I grumbled, hoping Duke Eckhart was still at his office.

He wouldn't notice my absence anytime soon, would he?

I peered down the alley, relieved to find it opened onto a brightly lit main street.

The festival was in full swing, the crowd noise a comforting backdrop.

"Head to the main street first, then find a carriage,"

I decided, quickening my pace.

Thankfully, this wasn't the labyrinthine alley where I'd been ambushed with Eckles.

And the other two.

The main street was familiar, reminiscent of my recent outing with the Duke's sons.

I needed a carriage but saw none, only a sea of people.

A frown tugged at my lips.

Then I spotted them - two knights in silver armor demanding identification from a nervous-looking man.

"Show us your identification card," One knight insisted.

"Why do you need my identification card?" The man stammered.

"There's an order to crack down on criminals during the festival," The knight replied sternly.

The man fumbled for a response.

I recognized the armor.

'I've seen those before.'

But where?

My mind raced, trying to place the familiar symbol on the armor.

Then it hit me.