Late evening.

Lucia left her grandfather in charge of Nia and went outside.

Of course, her grandfather was Commander Helbert.

Until now, he had deliberately avoided working night shifts to spend time with her, other than when she was at kindergarten.

But these days, due to Helbert’s frequent visits, Lucia had the opportunity to go on quests with the members.

And Nia appeared much more stable when left with Juliana than before.

A small smile appeared on Lucia’s face at the sight of her grandfather and granddaughter waving their hands at each other.

‘Anyway, it’s quite reassuring to have someone trustworthy look after her.’

In her case, she had the special responsibility of protecting the Holy Maiden, but she had long forgotten the thought of doing so, now thinking of childcare as an additional task.

Thus, Lucia arrived near the Third Gate at the very edge of this cathedral city.

Third District. This area is the hub of life for the poorest among commoners.

Although Emperor Caius had set up complaint offices for the 2nd and 3rd districts to provide some relief, in reality, the knights only listened to those from the affluent 2nd district.

The Emperor’s intentions were good, but unfortunately, the Empire’s current state didn’t allow for attention to such details.

So Lucia looked at the bustling night market.

The quest was to catch the thugs that frequent this night market.

It was a request to catch those who demanded outrageous fees with nothing but their size to back them up.

Lucia was quite surprised after reviewing the complaints from the Third District.

Compared to the small slums within the Second District, where she had lost Nia, this area seemed almost like a lawless wasteland.

Ignoring a place like this was akin to not being able to prevent black corruption.

Until the appearance of the Holy Maiden, the situation could only get worse.

Thus, only those with means could endure, and those without were virtually abandoned.

So, if a popular uprising occurs in a few years due to worsening conditions, both instigators and victims will suffer.

But it could be resolved to some extent once awakened.

These thoughts circled in Lucia’s mind as she waited for her members.

Though she had come out today wrapped in a cloak for the ambush, no one had arrived during the noisy hours when the night market was open.

‘I hope they’re not just not coming.’

Always showing up late, but rushing over when told not to—such were her members in Lucia’s view.

Just then,

A seemingly dispirited old man caught her eye.

He was wandering near Lucia, as if searching for someone, and seemed cautious.

When their eyes met,

“Did you… come from the Imperial Palace?”

The old man cautiously pulled something from his pocket and handed it over.

The neat handwriting was unmistakably Vernon’s.

Lucia sensed something strange from that moment.

What she least expected had happened.

She closed her eyes to control her anger.

No need for willpower anymore.

‘I’ll kill him.’

However, since she had met the client, she had to handle the job somehow.

She clenched her teeth and answered,

“Yes, that’s correct.”

“I never expected it! An esteemed knight of the enemy, coming all the way here. Thank you, thank you!”

Lucia hesitated for a moment, then nodded.

Although not a knight of the enemy, all she needed was to receive a signature under the name of the Knights of Noir when handing the perpetrator over to the guards, so there was no need to unnecessarily alarm the old man.

As he came closer, a strong scent of charcoal wafted from him.

As described in the request form, he was a street food vendor in the night market, wearing an apron that indicated years of work.

However,

“Ah, black hair! It’s a Knight of Noir!”

“Is it the enemy? Run away!”
Voices of alarm began to echo from afar.

The lively night market split like the sea, with people hiding.

Perhaps it was because illegal transactions also took place at the night market?

However, Lucia’s eyes grew cold, paying no attention to such things.

‘Quite the spectacle. I forgot we’re undercover, despite arriving late.’

The old man next to her felt goosebumps on his wrinkled skin, as her fury filled her to the tips of her hair.

Contrary to expectation, only one person in a black military uniform approached.

Shining golden eyes and pale skin.

No matter how she looked at it, he was…

“…No, it can’t be. But…”

Very surprised, she stuttered her words.

The reason she had no choice but to do so was because his hair, which should have been silver, was black.

.

.

.

First, Lucia and Leon avoided the public eye and arrived at the old man’s house.

Lucia stood up, intending to leave soon as there was no emergency.

The old man, offering her a cup of water, suddenly exclaimed.

“Where are you going! Didn’t you come to help?”

“Seems like both the customers and merchants have all fled.”

At her words, the old man’s head drooped in gloom.