Lord Of The Mysteries モ横映

Chapter 3:Long Time No See

Zouteland Street, northern district of Tingen, was cloaked in the deepening shadows of night as a four-wheeled police carriage bearing the emblem of "crossed swords and a crown" rolled into the parking lot beside the police station. The horses snorted softly, their breath visible in the cool night air.

Leonard and Shin had borrowed the police carriage from Blackthorn Security Company. They often needed to intervene in cases involving Beyonders, and regular police forces couldn't handle such matters. As the carriage came to a stop, Shin gently opened the door, carefully cradling the box that contained the extraordinary item. Leonard jumped down from the driver's seat, his movements swift and practiced.

"Blackthorn Security Company," a vertical sign on the wall read. The name sparked a sense of familiarity in Shin, aligning perfectly with the fragmented memories she had received earlier. This was the base of the Nighthawks, their haven amidst the chaos. The name had a classic mercenary gang style, and considering the long historical heritage of the Church of the Goddess of Night, it was likely that this name had been in use for many years.

Leonard pushed open the front door, with Shin following closely behind. Inside, a girl with brown hair sat at the reception desk, engrossed in a newspaper. Shin's heart gave a small leap of recognition—Rozanne. The familiarity was comforting in this sea of uncertainty.

Shin took a moment to look around. The interior was far more luxurious than the simple sign outside had suggested. The reception table facing the door was neatly organized, with papers and pens for guest registration, along with scattered documents and newspapers. A wooden coffee table on the side was surrounded by a set of plush sofas and soft-backed chairs. The large gas lamp overhead emitted a soft, inviting light. The atmosphere was so refined that, had it not been for Rozanne's presence, Shin might have mistaken it for the lobby of a high-end hotel.

Rozanne looked up from her newspaper and noticed them. "Oh! Leonard and Shin. Is the mission done?" she asked, her tone bright and welcoming.

Shin nodded, her voice steady despite the weariness seeping into her bones. "Yes, it's done. Where is the captain? We need to report what happened."

Rozanne smiled knowingly, a hint of amusement in her eyes. "Captain Dunn Smith is in his office. I think Miss Daly is with him. They're probably talking again," she added, her smile widening with a hint of mischief.

Leonard and Shin exchanged a glance, a shared understanding passing between them. They both smiled, the weight of their burdens momentarily lightened by the familiar banter. Thanks to the memories Shin had received, she knew all about Dunn and Daly's unspoken relationship. While they hadn't confessed their feelings, the atmosphere between them was unmistakable. Every member of the Nighthawks in Tingen was aware of the underlying tension, including Shin.

Leonard stepped forward, his demeanor professional but relaxed. "Thank you, Rozanne. We'll head to Dunn's office."

Walking through the corridors of the Blackthorn Security Company, Shin couldn't help but feel a sense of belonging. The memories she had received painted vivid pictures of her time here, each corner of the building holding echoes of conversations, plans, and camaraderie. This was a place of both mystery and comfort, where the dangers of their missions were balanced by the bonds they shared.

Shin and Leonard walked through the hall, their footsteps echoing softly in the quiet building. The hallway was dimly lit, and the atmosphere was thick with the anticipation of the impending conversation with Captain Dunn Smith. As they approached the door to Dunn's office, they saw Miss Daly leaving through a side door.

Daly was a striking figure, draped in a hooded black robe that seemed to blend seamlessly with the shadows. Her silver bracelet, adorned with a hanging white crystal pendant, caught the light as she moved. Her makeup—a deep blue eyeshadow and a touch of blush—highlighted her sharp features, giving her an enigmatic presence. Despite her poised exterior, there was an air of warmth about her that contrasted with her striking appearance.