Sidney Warden, mercilessly striking the ice.

Who was that resentment and indignation directed at?

Her brother Anthony Warden, who died after dumping everything on her? Her sick younger sister Emilia Warden who needs to be supported? Or the Warden family name that only had its shell left?

With each strike of the scoop, ice and water splashed up and hit Sidney. Just as she was about to approach the one who had lost their senses.

The hoarse voice squeezed out of her throat was close to the cry of a beast.

It was always like this. Sidney Warden, that cold-hearted one, cried so sorrowfully and pitifully, holding back her sobs.

So precariously, as if she would die if anyone approached…

At times like these, he always felt utterly powerless. But if this was what was tormenting Sidney Warden…

Logan Redford glanced at the frightened Peter.

A being whose body and mind had weakened from unjust torture, and who had unfairly lost a friend. Of all things, to have all the conditions that Sidney would pity.

She would try to help again, unable to turn away. Just as she did with children, the elderly, widows, and even prisoners from enemy countries…

He had thought it was reckless. When he criticized her for having such clumsy and cheap sympathy, telling her to get rid of it.

Her answer was unexpected. On the battlefield where they killed each other, in a situation where everyone was unhappy, she was so precarious.

If things continued like this, her body and mind would be ruined.

Then and now, he couldn’t understand why Sidney Warden acted like that, or even why he himself didn’t punish her according to military law.

Perhaps he would never know. Moreover, this time too, he would do as she wished.

Logan stood up, holding Sidney’s hand.

“Peter, was it? The investigation will proceed based on what we heard just now.”

“What? Th-thank you.”

After that, Logan moved to the hallway. Whenever Sidney tried to pull her hand away, he tightened his grip to not let go.

As they reached the stairs at the end of the hallway, Sidney called out to him and stopped walking.

“Commander.”

“We’ll take on this case.”

He slowly turned around, pulling Sidney’s hand towards him.

Her face was tinged with bewilderment. Admirably, she was worried about him.

“But the police won’t hand it over, and they won’t acknowledge it as a serial murder…”

“Nevertheless… you’ll help that fellow. Recklessly, as always.”

“…!”

Logan smiled faintly as he looked at his reflection in Sidney’s green eyes.

Her cheeks turned slightly red. Just like Marien did that day, in that place…

Logan murmured lowly, recalling the moment he embraced Marien.

“Sidney, even I can’t deal with imperial law.”

“Who said you should…”

Clean skin, white down, the scent of flesh, and even the ragged breath… all of it was Marien as he remembered her.

“So… I have no choice but to let you wield your sword legally.”

If they really are the same person…

He hadn’t thought about it. Why Marien disappeared that morning, why Sidney was trying so hard to hide Marien.

Amidst the confusion, Sidney Warden lightly pushed his shoulder. Her head turned away and her lips were as stubborn as ever.

“Commander, this is uncomfortable.”

Uncomfortable? Why? Afraid of being found out as Marien?

Indeed, perhaps finding out why Marien disappeared should be the priority. Or at least confirming that the two are the same person…

Logan obediently let go of her hand.

“I see.”

Then he passed by Sidney and went down the stairs. As he came out of the entrance on the first floor, Andy Spencer approached. Behind him, the Imperial Guard could be seen in a standoff with the police.

“Sidney, come here.”

“Why?”

“I have something to say.”

As she was being pulled along by Walter Asner, Sidney glanced back.

Amidst the gathered members of the Imperial Guard in black coats and the police in dark coats, Logan Redford was talking with the police officers.

She stopped walking and pointed in Logan’s direction as she spoke.

“The commander will look for me. Say it here.”

“That over there won’t end soon. The police are really angry. Geez… why did you seal off the building?”

Walter put his arm around Sidney’s shoulder and urged her to walk.

What on earth happened? Sidney shook off her friend’s arm and snapped back.

“Something happened. What were you doing here?”

“I was waiting for someone to introduce to you. Ah, there he is.”

Walter pointed behind a carriage with a good-natured smile.

There stood police officers in dark coats. The most striking among them was a man with black hair.

If Logan’s eyes were like the blue sea, that man’s eyes reminded one of an even deeper abyss.

If Logan was a fierce beast like a leopard, that man brought to mind a stag encountered by a lake.

It’s funny. Comparing a strange man to Logan. Sidney averted her gaze, feeling oddly apologetic.

But the person Walter was introducing…

“Sidney, this is Police Chief Steve Deniro. I told you before, right? About… having a good superior in my former unit.”

Sidney looked up at the black-haired man with a puzzled expression.

It was very unusual for the police chief to come to the scene where a commoner woman was murdered.

Perhaps because she kept staring, Steve Deniro extended his hand first. Sidney thought it was fortunate she was wearing white gloves as she responded to the handshake.

“I’m Sidney Warden of the Imperial Guard.”

“I’ve heard rumors about Warden’s excellent case analysis skills.”

“You flatter me.”

“And modest too, I see.”

The Imperial Guard and the police have been in a standoff since earlier.

He must be aware of that, so why is the police chief here? And being so friendly at that?

Sidney narrowed her eyes as she looked at Steve Deniro’s colonel rank insignia.

The police and Imperial Guard are affiliated organizations of the imperial army. When the two agencies clash, the balance of power is determined by the rank of the commander.

For that reason, the police were pushed back by the Imperial Guard led by Lieutenant Colonel Logan Redford, but…

Sidney pointed towards the building, indirectly asking why he was here.

“It’s impressive that the police chief personally attends to the crime scene.”

Steve Deniro shrugged once and smirked. As if he had no interest in such trivial matters.

“Hmm, how embarrassing. Actually, today… I came to meet Warden.”

It was strange that Steve was using honorifics with her, who was of lower rank, and that he said he came to meet her…

“For what reason did you come to meet me?”

“Let’s talk as we walk.”

“…”

Sidney glanced over her shoulder towards where Logan had been. He was watching Andy explain something to the police officers.

He’ll probably look for me… Walter pushed her hesitating back.

“Sidney, go on.”

And so she ended up walking down the street with Steve. As they passed the sixth building, Steve opened his mouth.

“Have you ever thought about using your abilities in the police force? I promise the best treatment.”

Sidney kept her gaze distant and shoved her hands in her pockets.

The best treatment in the police force.

Even without knowing exactly what he meant… it’s not a bad offer.

If she moved to the police, she wouldn’t have to meet Logan or risk being discovered as Marien.

But did she earn this opportunity with her own abilities? Probably not.

Why would the police chief make such an offer to someone he’s never met before?

Then, to Steve Deniro…

“Who asked you to do this?”

“Why do you think that?”

Steve asked back with twinkling eyes, as if finding it amusing.

What could be a more certain affirmation than this? Sidney shrugged once, shaking off the bitter feeling.

“If the police chief really needed my abilities, I think you would have followed proper procedures by requesting personnel support from superiors and discussing it with my superior.”

“Procedures are important indeed.”

“Yes. I think it’s best I go back now.”

Sidney stopped walking and turned around.

As she silently walked back the way they came, Steve suddenly spoke up.

“The title ‘Police Chief’ feels a bit off. We’re in a private setting now.”

What’s so difficult about that. Sidney tucked a strand of hair behind her ear as it fluttered in the wind blowing from behind.

“If Lord Deniro wishes so.”

“Much better. So, who do you think made that request?”

“Are you testing my abilities?”

“…Is that not allowed?”

There’s nothing wrong with it. Sidney spoke her thoughts while looking at the footprints in the snow.

“Judging by the fact that Lord Deniro is not speaking casually to me…”

“Judging by that?”

“I assume the person who made the request is a family member, friend, or acquaintance of higher status than Lord Deniro.”

“…”

Sidney stopped walking and looked up at him obliquely. White breath spread from her lips as her husky voice flowed out.

“Is it Lady Victoria Owello?”

Steve slowly opened his mouth as he gazed down at her lips.

“As expected, you’re amazing.”

Sidney lowered her head and quickened her pace. Along with the crunching sound of snow under her feet, a smile spread across her lips.

“Actually, the only person around me who would ignore procedures and push things through… is Lady Owello.”

Sidney’s eyes sparkled as if imagining something pleasant as she spoke of Victoria. Steve mimicked her tone in response.

“She’s the only one around me too. For your information… Asner threatened me.”

“How did he get a weakness on you… Just ignore him moderately.”

Sidney shook her head and clicked her tongue briefly.

With that, the conversation ended and the two became lost in their own thoughts.

At the sound of a coachman shouting “Whoa!”, Sidney raised her head. Recognizing the fast-approaching carriage, Sidney stopped walking.

“I should be going now.”

“Let me make an offer, regardless of those two. Would you consider working for the police?”

Steve took out a business card from his chest and held it out.

This seemed to be his true sincerity. Steve’s expression and voice seemed to say so.

Whether it was real or fake, what did it matter? After all, even her placement in the Imperial Guard was thanks to Logan Redford’s help.

Sidney nodded as she received the business card.

“…I’ll think about it.”

“Whatever conclusion you reach, you must come to my office in person. Like this, face to face…”

Sidney bowed her head and chuckled at Steve’s playful tone.

At that moment, the carriage door flung open with a bang and Logan’s shout was heard.

“Sidney Warden!”

Logan Redford approached quickly, breathing heavily. Then he snatched the business card from Sidney’s hand.

“Commander?”

“Lord Redford, what is the meaning of this?”

Steve protested, but Logan ignored him and ordered Sidney in an angry voice.

“Sidney, get in the carriage right now.”

“…Yes.”

Sidney gave Steve a nod and turned around. As she walked towards the carriage, she heard the two men talking.

“Lord Redford, don’t you even greet your superior?”

“We’re not on such friendly terms.”

When she glanced back, the two men were walking far away.

As soon as she got into the carriage, Sidney frowned deeply. Then she examined Walter’s reddened, swollen cheek and asked accusingly.

“You, what happened to your face?”