His interests rose high. Despite that, however, I didnt hesitate to approach the door.

Then Ill be leaving.

With that, Ive paid back all the debts I owed him before.

I should hurry home and cross out some things on the paper.

I was opening the door, but just then.

Click, the door shut back closed the moment it started to open.

Hm?

I was flustered when I saw an arm above my head, his hand against the door.

The men who approached me from behind so fast was keeping the door closed with his arms out.

I was in a position where I was trapped between him and the door.

Lady.

A low voice ringed throughout the room.

I was visibly flustered from the unexpected position I was in.

Wh, what is it? Do you still have something to say?

Vinter replied after a moment of silence.

I want to return the favor as youve watched the kids for me.

Its fine. I wasnt supposed to enter in the first place .

Im the kind who cannot live on when I have depts to pay back.

He lowered his head dow towards me while speaking. The two masks were now a level closer.

Is he perhaps threatening me to make sure that I keep my mouth closed?

My throat felt dry. Even if he didnt act this way, I was still going to watch my mouth as I didnt wish to get involved with him any deeper.

I leaned against the door on my back, trying to get even a bit further away from him, but still tried to look calm and relaxed as I shrugged.

I dont really need anything specifically.

Debt my ass, your name will be crossed out from the paper when I get out of this place.

Vinter waited a moment before stating something out of the blue.

Im a sorcerer.

.

I have a skill where I can do things that most of the others cannot.

I suffered as I couldnt understand where he was getting with this.

So is he saying that others cannot kill me but he can or what.

I was trying to find the words to reply to his threats.

Please visit us whenever you need help.

That moment, a white box appeared behind Vinters head.

Hidden Quest[Reveal the sorcerers secret!]Mission Completed!

You have successfully figured out his secrets in the sorcerers secret space.[The Sorcerers Help 1 use]is given as an reward.

Would you like to accept the reward?

[Yes. / No.]

Ha.

The reward was so absurd that made a feigned laughter come out from me.

Fear, decision making, and the fierce worries that I had to experience due to the unexpected quest.

Isnt the reward too ridiculous thinking that it is given to me who is currently running away from the situation, thinking in mind that Ill never going to see him again?

How cruel.

Pardon?

Vinter asked when I muttered to myself.

I softly pushed him away from me.

I didnt use my strength in pushing, but he backed away anyways.

He was how completely behind the system box. Then I secretly pressed on [Yes.] while pretending that I was taking my hands off him.

Ill visit again when I need something.

I was in a position where I had to accept even those kinds of rewards that seemed to ridicule me.

It was because I didnt know when and how Ill come to use it if a moment comes where my lifes in danger.

Though theres no way thatll happen.

At least, thereshouldntbe.

You have received[The Sorcerers Help 1 use].

Shout[Favor]to use.

I checked the system box for the last time before I turned around and opened the door.

And when I was finally out of Vinters base, the sky was already dark above the alley.

Ha, shit .

I felt despair as I walked down the short stairs from the entrance of the base.

What am I thinking, forgetting to ask for a carriage to take me home, idiot .

I completely forgot about it as my head was spinning back in there. That I couldnt teleport back home.

Should I go back in and ask for help?

I thought, looking back at the door I came out from.

However, the thinking didnt last long.

It was me who confidently acted as if I didnt need your help. How wierd of me would he think when I enter back in and ask for a carriage.

I couldnt handle any more ridicule today.

Ha Its too long to get back. I hope the duke is still working when I get back.

I stared at where the end of the alleyway.

Thankfully, the end of the alley was bright with lots of lights, still shining due to the ongoing festival. Even the crowded sounds could be heard from all the way over here.

Lets head to the main street first. Then Ill be able to find some place I could rent a carriage.

I quickened my steps as I thanked that it wasnt a maze-like alleyway that I went through to save Eclise.

I got out of the alleyway to soon be greeted with the main street.

The place was very similar to the streets I visited with the two sons of the duke last time.

I had to rent a carriage but not a single one was visible as people were the only things moving.

I frowned as I looked around.

Then I saw it. An armour with a very familiar symbol shown on it.

Show us your identification card.

The two knights with silver armours on from not too far away, approached a not too kind-looking man and asked for his identification.

Why are you asking for my i, identification card?

There has been an order to crack down the hidden criminals during the time of the festival. Hurry it out.

Th, thats .

A small conversation went between the man and the knights.

Ive seen those armours before.

I was trying to remember, then I widened my eyes.

Wha! Thats the symbol representing the Eckarts!

I looked around once again to see the knights from the Eckart everywhere with a small space between each one of them.

Why are they here? Are they perhaps here to find me already?

I felt my eyes wavering.

Emergency. The one who is currently in charge of the Eckart knights was Derrick.

It meant that Derrick could be here somewhere.

Im dead when I get caught sneaking out secretly.

It was me who said that Ill be in a timeout.

I looked around me once more. I needed to get back home without being caught by Derrick.

But then.

Whats going on?

A familiar voice was heard from where the man and the two knights were.

Commander, have you arrived!

The knights bowed as they greeted someone in a strict manner.

I looked that way, hoping what I was thinking isnt correct.

Black hair. A man walking with a fancy black cape on a pure silver armour with Eckart symbol on it.

It was Derrick.

He instantly arrived at the scenery. My heart beat fast, nervous of if Id get caught.

But fortunately, I was wearing a robe hood and a mask which hid my face completely.

Theres no way hed recognize the mask, is there?

It was a week ago.

Derrick who hated me wasnt a person caring enough to remember the mask I bought back then.42

The street was crowded with people so he wasnt able to spot me.

I crouched down as much as possible. I was thinking of moving carefully while hiding myself in the crowd.

Great. Thats the group!

Talk about timing. There was a group with people wearing mask coming my way.

I was waiting for the right timing to move while glimpsing on Derrick every second.

He, who was listening to a guard, suddenly tilted his head up.

And the direction he tilted his head towards to was directed exactly at me.

I back stepped from surprise.

And that moment, our eyes met.

He held a curious look a second ago until it gradually changed to one frowning.

You .

Shit.

I turned my back towards him before he could fully recognize me, then hurried back to the alley I came out from.

However, the end of the alleyway was blocked by several buildings that looked almost like Vinters base.

If Derrick were to follow me in here, there was no doubt that Id be caught.

I raced up the staircase without having much of a choice. And.

Thud!

Favor-!