After testing his newly gained strength through a series of simple but telling experiments, Grey stepped out of his room, his expression calm and unreadable.
Tomorrow, he was to attend a banquet one hosted by Charles Schwizer, heir to the Schwizer bloodline and son of a viscount. In this land of old titles and fragile egos, Grey had deftly maneuvered through the nobility's murky circles, earning their curiosity, if not their respect.
He understood them now how their minds worked, how their smiles rarely touched their eyes. Nobles of the Radiant Empire were creatures of image and illusion. Beneath their gilded coats and perfumed breath, they were cowards, obsessed with the facade of power and reverence in the eyes of the commoners. They would sacrifice anything—principles, coin, even kin to preserve their paper-thin majesty.
As a renowned magician and illusionist, Grey was exactly the kind of figure they loved to showcase. An enigma draped in silk and mystery, good for gossip, entertainment and distraction.
This time, the event would take place in Ravine City, far to the east. The journey demanded a full day's ride. There were no motorcars in this era at least not here and common folk mostly relied on their own feet. The wealthy preferred carriages, though only when safe roads allowed.
Grey, with the wealth he had amassed from noble performances and careful investments, owned a horse worthy of attention.
He mounted the steed and began his journey, the worn saddle creaking beneath him as he pressed into the wilderness.
There were no stone-laid highways between cities. Travel often required cutting through dense forests, where the air grew heavy with damp earth and old secrets. Travelers usually banded together to ward off the dangers wild beasts, thieves, or worse. Those who traveled alone often never returned.
Grey was not concerned.
Halfway through the route, beneath the towering shade of blackwood trees, he subtly slowed his horse. His head tilted—eyes narrowing then glanced behind him.
The path was empty.
But his instincts whispered otherwise. A faint pressure lingered in the air, like a hidden breath held in the grass. A gaze unseen but real rested on his back. The hunter was patient, cautious.
Someone is watching.
Grey's lips tightened. He said nothing, showing no signs of suspicion, yet every fiber of his being grew alert. He could not afford to expose his Paladin authorities before the wrong eyes. If someone saw what they shouldn't, they would not be allowed to speak of it again.
Then, the silence cracked.
"Mr. Grey, I had already warned you not to come in contact with me last time we met. But you didn't listen to my advice."
The voice was familiar.
Grey turned his head slowly. A lone figure stepped out from the underbrush a girl clad in travel garments, her face calm, composed, and eerily silent in her approach.
He recognized her.
The same inquisitor who had first questioned him.
She came alone.
Grey's face turned gloomy
He fixed his expression into one of polite confusion and replied smoothly,
"What are you saying, Miss?
I don't understand. Had we met before?
And by the way, my name is Leo, not Grey."
Elizabeth's lips curled into a faint, enigmatic smile.
"You would know soon."