Nezumi's sandals struck the ground with a nervous rhythm, sweat beading on her forehead.
She glanced over her shoulder, making sure no one was watching.
Once she was certain, she broke into a run toward Baiyu.
Baiyu sensed her approach. She didn't turn around, but she bent slightly, waiting.
Nezumi leaned close, her lips near the priestess's ear. In a hushed, trembling voice, she whispered,
"My lady…"
She inhaled deeply, catching the faint scent of Baiyu's robes. Her cheeks warmed with a soft blush.
"My lady, we shouldn't go now. It's already late… and the old man still hasn't returned."
Listening to Nezumi's words, Baiyu realized the old man had not yet returned.
Her face turned pale as she remembered the last day clearly, as if it had all happened just a moment ago.
She dug her nails into her robes, trying to release the fragments of memories.
Nezumi felt an ache in her heart again. "My lady… it hurts to see you like this."
Baiyu sensed the change in Nezumi's aura instantly, and Nao Shu was still watching.
It left Baiyu with no other choice. She had to convinced both children, and now she decided to use her special playful magic.
She cleared her throat, pretending to be serious, then called out,
"Nezumiiii… you think too much! Don't you want to help him? Just look at him don't you feel pity?"
Her face lit up with so many expressions at once mischief, cuteness, and charm that it was almost impossible to resist.
Nezumi's face turned red. She could almost feel a silver tail fluttering in the air behind Baiyu.
"L–lady…" she whispered, flustered.
Baiyu turned, leaving behind one last remarkable sentence:
"Also… we don't know when he will return. I'm sure he'll be late again."
Nezumi understood the hidden meaning. Baiyu was trying to say: 'These days, that man always comes late sometimes even disappears for days. He might be planning something… or involved in some mischief.'
Nezumi straightened her back, her voice steady and loyal as a true follower.
"You are right, Lady. We should move to check on Nao Shu's sister- in-law ."
Baiyu spoke to Nao Shu , her voice neither commanding nor gentle, but firm enough to be obeyed.
"Show me the way to your house."
Hearing those promising words, Nao Shu smiled and rose to his feet.
The three of them readied themselves to depart.
——————-
Somewhere in Prahavia.
In a dark alley, the roads were narrow, and the air reeked with a foul stench. Shops lined the street, their banners shouting of regional liquors, run-down bars, and cheap markets.
Drunk men staggered and fought with each other.
"Arrey, can't you watch where you're going?" one shouted.
"Do you even know who you're talking to?" another snapped back.
"You're nothing but a worthless man!"
Nearby, someone sobbed loudly.
"My wife left me and ran away… it's her upbringing, I tell you it was rotten from the start!"
Here, in that alley, the old cadger was walking. His steps dragged with a limp, and his cane struck the ground again and again with a dull thud.
His face was hidden beneath a mask, but his eyes burned red with anger.
"Where is this place you've brought me?" he growled.
The younger worker, already irritated with him, snapped back,
"Sir, the kind of information you're looking for is always found in places like this."
"If it weren't for the money left to be paid, I'd never be accompanying you," the worker muttered under his breath.
But the old cadger's ears were sharp. His cane struck the ground harder, echoing in the alley.
"What did you just say…?" he growled, his voice low and dangerous.
The worker stiffened, realizing too late that his words hadn't stayed private.
The worker, thinking fast at the right moment, blurted out,
"Sir, we've arrived. This is the place where you'll find the information about the royal family.
—————-
The place turned out to be a small brothel and alcohol house, though at first glance it carried the air of tradition.
Despite its modest size, it was easy to tell this was no common den. Everything about it hinted at wealth and exclusivity a place only the well-connected or the wealthy could afford.
Handmade lanterns cast a warm glow across the entrance, their light dancing with an almost auspicious charm.
The fabrics draped along the walls and doorways were of fine quality, chosen with a professional eye.
Inside, the sharp scent of liquor was nowhere to be found smooth and intoxicating.
Women in bright silks moved gracefully between the tables, their laughter soft yet professional .
A musician strummed a stringed instrument in the corner, filling the air with a low, melancholic tune.
The men who sat drinking here were not ordinary townsfolk they dressed in silks and fine robes, their rings flashing with every careless raise of the cup.
At the far end of the room, where the lanterns dimmed and shadows held sway, sat a few figures apart from the revelry.
The worker turned to the old cadger and said,
"Sir, please wait here. I'll go inside first and check."
With that, he stepped into the establishment and approached a man ( was old enought to said his child might been already merried )who was clearly a heavy drinker.
The man was sleeping while sitting, one arm hanging over the table with the alcohol bottle.
His hair was completely messy, and his expensive robes were drenched and wrinkled, as if he hadn't changed clothes for many days.
This man had been banned from all dealings with the royal family, having either served out all his obligations or been forcibly removed from their service.