Morning sunlight spilled into Wynmor Estate, but my mind was already somewhere else. Yesterday's short trip to town wasn't enough. The noise, the warmth, the chaos—it felt alive. Today… I wanted more.
I pulled on my simple tunic, tied the hood low, and slipped out through the side corridor again. A maid in the hall called, "Young Master, don't forget lunch!" but I waved lightly and vanished around the corner.
Father didn't notice yesterday… he definitely won't notice today.
Oh, how wrong I was.
Inside his office, Amane leaned back in his chair, swirling tea with the energy of a man who loved dramatic timing. Through the window he saw me disappear past the gate.
A faint smirk curved his lips.
"Go follow him and keep him safe."
From the shadow behind him, a figure stepped forward—not walked, materialized. Black coat, masked face, steps silent.
"Yes, Master."
Then he vanished again, melting into thin air.
The Shadow Faction—Wynmor Estate's invisible force. Known only to Amane. Not to me. Not to mother. Not even to the king.
And I, the proud escape artist, didn't sense a thing. Of course.
Town felt even livelier today. People shouted prices, kids chased each other between stalls, and the smell of frying buns filled the air.
Then I saw her again—the cloaked girl from yesterday.
She stood by a fruit stall, unsure which coin to hand the vendor. I walked over before thinking.
"Need help?"
She looked up, surprised—then smiled softly. "Ah… it's you."
We didn't exchange names. Something about keeping distance felt natural. But still, we walked around together.
We checked stalls, tried snacks, even sat by a fountain while pigeons strutted around like they owned the place. Sometimes she asked questions.
"What brings you to town alone?"
"I like seeing things firsthand," I replied.
She nodded, as if she understood a little too well.
At one point, she cut her finger on a fruit peel. Instinctively, I took her hand.
A faint green glow.
Her cut vanished in seconds.
She blinked, stunned. "You can heal…?"
"It's just a little trick," I said quickly.
But her eyes softened—almost admiringly.
Above, unseen, a mask-wearing shadow guard watched us from a rooftop.
As the sun dipped lower, I decided to head back. She took another road, alone under her hood.
I walked only a few minutes before hearing muffled shouts.
A woman's voice.
My heartbeat quickened. I ran toward the alley.
Three men surrounded her.
"Hand over the bag, sweetheart," one sneered.
Another twirled a knife.
The girl stood firm, posture steady. Controlled breathing. She knew how to fight. But she didn't move. Didn't resist.
I realized why.
She was hiding her identity.
…She can't reveal her skill.
Before the knife could reach her, I stepped into the alley.
"Let her go."
They turned.
"Oi, kid. Scram."
I didn't.
The first thug lunged. I sidestepped, grabbed his wrist, and twisted—he screamed and dropped the blade.
The second rushed at me with a punch. I reinforced my legs with mana and kicked his stomach. He flew back, crashing against crates.
The third grabbed the girl by her cloak.
I snapped my fingers—mana surged.
A small shockwave burst out of my hand, striking him in the chest. Not enough to kill. Enough to make him collapse.
Silence.
The girl stared at me, frozen.
"You… okay?" I asked.
She nodded slowly.
Her hood stayed low.I still didn't see her face.
I stepped closer to make sure she wasn't hurt. Our hands brushed.
A faint spark—mana recognition.
I didn't notice.
She definitely won't find out who I am. I kept the hood low. No slip-ups.
"Stay safe," I said, turning away.
She whispered a tiny "thank you" that I barely heard.
I ran out of the alley, heading back toward the estate road.
Behind me, the shadow guard silently followed, making sure no one else approached.
The girl waited until my footsteps faded. Then she tugged her hood back slightly, revealing only her lips as she exhaled slowly.
She placed her hand on her chest.
"That mana…"
Her eyes widened behind the shadow of her hood.
"I've never felt mana that pure."
She looked at her palm where my touch had left a faint warmth—my mana signature.
"Whoever you are… you're not ordinary."
She clenched her hand gently, as if holding the sensation before it faded.
"I will remember your mana. Even if I don't know your face."
She took a final glance at the alley where I had stood.
"And I will find you again."
Then she disappeared into the crowd.
Back at Wynmor Estate — Thinking I'm Unnoticed
I slipped through the side gate, dusted off my clothes, and exhaled.
Two days straight. No one caught me. I'm a genius.
Inside his office, Father was still drinking tea.
"How was town?" he asked casually when I walked by later.
My soul froze.
"H-How did you—"
He chuckled. "A father knows."
Behind me, from the wall's shadow, the guard briefly appeared, nodded, and vanished before I could turn.
I didn't see him.
But Amane did.
And he smiled like he was watching a play unfold.
Am i going to get punished...