We followed the edge of the slope, the cold wind stinging our faces as the muddy ground gradually shifted into firmer, rocky soil.
The farther we walked from the crash site, the fewer trees remained. Eventually, faint lights flickered in the distance—lamps marking the presence of a nearby settlement.
To be more precise, it resembled a small city more than a village, judging by its structure.
Stone-paved streets stretched before us, smooth and well-maintained, preventing puddles and filth from accumulating the way they usually do in rural towns.
The scent of wet earth mixed with the smell of old wooden storefronts that had long closed for the night.
Street lamps lined both sides of the road. Their warm glow reflected on the stone buildings standing tall and unshaken against the harsh weather.
That could only mean one thing—there had to be an inn still operating this late. So we began searching for one. Fortunately, the rain had stopped a while ago, and our clothes were already starting to dry despite their terrible state.
Even so, I was certain we'd catch a fever after this.
The headache from earlier still throbbed at the back of my skull… but now wasn't the time to dwell on it.
I exchanged a brief look with Athena. No words were needed—we had both noticed the same thing.
Someone has been following us for a while now.
We continued walking without giving any hint that we were aware of him. When we found an isolated corner… we turned.
---
A man dressed in black stood by the city's main road. He scanned the area, turning his head left and right, clearly searching for something.
When he reached an empty alleyway, his footsteps slowed. He began inspecting the darkness with caution, instinct warning him something was wrong.
His fingers slid silently toward the dagger at his waist.
A sharp metallic clang split the silence as his blade clashed with a sword striking from behind.
He narrowly blocked the attack, but another strike shot toward his neck—only to stop at the last moment as his back hit the wall.
A cold female voice pierced the dark alley.
"Two options. Surrender quietly… or die."
"Well now… put that sword down, little lady."
"That voice!"
Both Gilbert and Athena stiffened in recognition.
Gilbert exhaled sharply, sheathing his sword before glaring at the man.
"…Why are you following us like this, Ethan?"
Ethan removed his mask with a sigh and a strained smile. After putting his dagger away, he spoke in a mocking tone:
"You two are as intense as ever. Anyway, I was assigned to observe from afar and assist if anything happened. The lady seemed more worried about this mission than she let on."
"…"
"…"
The two of us exchanged a suspicious glance, but Ethan paid it no mind. He placed a hand dramatically on his chest and bowed with exaggerated elegance.
"You have no idea how shocked I was when the horses suddenly went wild and the carriage tumbled off the cliff—"
Athena's expression darkened noticeably. She stepped forward to shut him up, speaking through clenched teeth.
"So you enjoyed the spectacle from your perfect little vantage point instead of doing your job?"
Ethan straightened, giving her a disappointed look before turning away with a sigh.
"Does the young lady truly believe I'm that heartless…? I told you, I was surprised! I was too far to act in time. This incompetent servant feels crushed for failing you, my lady… Please forgive me and grant me a chance to redeem myself."
Athena froze at his theatrics before shooting him a look of pure disgust. Regaining her composure, she changed the subject.
"Enough. Do you actually believe the horses panicked on their own?"
Ethan grinned, bowing briefly.
"Of course not ♪♪ My apologies, my lady—I wasn't clear enough."
His posture shifted—still wearing the same forced smile, but his eyes turning sharp.
"When the carriage fell, the driver was still standing above the cliff… shaking. He didn't even get the chance to flee. A clean shot took him down within minutes.
His role ended the moment he completed the job."
Athena inhaled slowly while I crossed my arms, leaning against the wall.
"Because of the storm, I couldn't track the culprit. Priority was checking on you two. By the time I reached the bottom, you'd already vanished. I followed your footprints on the muddy ground straight to this city. The rest… you already know.
Ah, and don't worry—I sent an urgent report to the lady. An investigation should begin soon."
Athena turned away, exhaling.
I finally pushed myself off the wall and cut in.
"So you continued your mission and got this close because you're… watching us?"
"I prefer the term guarding, young master ♪"
I narrowed my eyes.
"…Right. Guarding. Anyway, we've wasted enough time. We'll resume our journey at dawn. Since you're guarding us, do us a favor and prepare a carriage for tomorrow."
I turned toward Athena.
"Let's go."
She nodded. Ethan answered cheerfully:
"As you command, young master ♪"
We parted ways.
Soon after, as Athena and I returned to the main road, the sound of flowing water reached us—the fountain at the center of the city.
A large stone building stood nearby, its windows glowing with warm golden light.
Finally… the inn we've been looking for.