Summoner's Second Chance

Chapter 23

The sun gently seeps through the curtains, slightly illuminating the library. At one corner, Trace can be seen reading a book, seemingly absorbed by the book's content. Opposite of him was his fiancee, Olivia Windwalker. The same as him, she is holding a book in her hand, but she is not as concentrated on reading as Trace. Her gaze would wander to Trace's outline, and her face would turn warm. She then shook her head, and continued reading, but it did not take long for her concentration to be broken once again. Trace closed the book he's reading, startling Olivia.

"Is there something bothering you, Olivia?" Trace's question was filled with genuine concern, and it made Olivia happy. She shook her head, and closed the book she's holding. "No, it is nothing." Trace smiled and put the book he's holding on the table. "If you say so, Olivia. But remember, you can ask me anything. If you need something, then I will definitely do it to the utmost of my ability." Olivia closed her eyes, and shook her head. She smiled at Trace and stood up. "I will. Thank you for your concern, but I am alright." Trace nodded and gently smiled at Olivia. "Then it is alright."

Trace opened up the curtains, and noticed that the sun is starting to set. He lit up the candle beside him, and turned to Olivia. "It is getting late. Shall I escort you home?" Olivia took Trace's offer, and let him escort her home. After excusing herself, Olivia was escorted home. The road is starting to get darker as the sun sets. The hustle and bustle can no longer be seen, and the sound of cicadas was the only company they had going down the road. Olivia looked around, making sure that no one is following them, and circled her arm around Trace's. Trace looked at Olivia and smiled, but did not say anything.

Olivia was rather disappointed by Trace's reaction, but she did not care. She only wanted to feel Trace's warmth. She snuggled closer to him, and smiled. Trace could feel her soft chest from the fabrics of her clothes. Trace unintentionally compared Olivia with his sister, for the one who frequently clings to him was his sister, but he quickly shook the thought away. He sighed through his mouth, catching Olivia's attention. "Is there something wrong?" Trace shook his head. and smiled at Olivia.

They finally arrived at Olivia's mansion, and Olivia parted ways with him after she said her goodbye. Trace waved at her as she entered her mansion, and turned around when the gate is closed. "Thank you for always taking care of the young mistress." A guard came up to him and greeted him in a friendly manner. Trace smiled at the guard and shook his head. "It's the least I can do. Night guard duty again?" The guard sighed and rubbed his head. "Yes. We heard that criminal activities is starting to rise lately, and the guard captain said that it could be from the Black Moon. Those guys just do whatever they want without caring what grunts like us feel. This is the second time this week where I need to come in as day, and night guard." Trace laughed at the guard's rambling, and took out three bottles from his bag. "Just a drop of this and you'll feel re-energized. Make sure you give some to your friends too, okay?" The guard accepted the bottle with a smile and bowed to him. "Young master is always so kind, even to us grunts." Trace smiled and patted the guard's arm a few times. "You all make us feel safer at night while we sleep. If there is anyone I should thank for that, it's you guys." Trace walked away and waved at the guard once more, before turning to an alleyway for a shortcut.

After arriving at a deserted cross-road, Trace stopped dead in his tracks. "I know you're there." He said loudly. Three shadows jump down from the rooftop, surrounding him. "So you can feel our presence..." Trace sighed, and shrugged. "You didn't even try to hide yourself." The three men chuckled, and unsheathed their swords. "Well, that's also fine. The Black Moon is quite busy these days you see, and obstacles like you should be eliminated early." Trace took out his small, hidden knife and sighed. "If you guys know something then you still have some worth to me. I'll try not to kill you, but no promises." The three men laughed, and charged at Trace.