Chapter 44: The Little Girl Mina

As the golden hues of sunset bathed the castle in a warm, amber glow, Alia stood by the window, gazing into the distance. Once she confirmed that Marcellus would not return today, she let out a deep breath and turned away, ready to set her plans into motion.

She addressed Elise and the other servants casually, her tone composed. "I'm feeling a bit tired today. I'll sleep early." Maintaining the poise of a noble lady, she masked her true intentions with ease. Once the door to her bedroom was securely shut, she shed her elegant gown and replaced it with a simple set of men's clothing.

These garments, hastily acquired during her previous escapade, bore no distinguishing marks of her identity. Yet, to her surprise, they fit comfortably. Adjusting the collar in front of the mirror to ensure her disguise was flawless, she retrieved the short blade Elias had given her from beneath the bed, tucking it into her boot.

She quietly pushed the window ajar, her keen eyes tracking the movements of the guards. Days of careful observation had acquainted her with their patrol routines. Despite her earlier request to bolster security, she had deliberately left a subtle blind spot in a secluded area—known only to her.

Once the moment was right, Alia slipped out of her bedroom. Swift and silent, her movements were as fluid as a shadow, her agility resembling a cat's as she disappeared into the night beyond the castle walls.

Navigating through the outer shadows of the estate, she avoided detection with practiced ease, finally arriving at the predetermined location where a nondescript car awaited her. The driver, unfamiliar and discreet, asked no questions. Satisfied, Alia climbed in, giving a low command: "To the city center."

Throughout the journey, she remained alert, listening intently for any signs of pursuit while her fingers instinctively brushed against the hilt of her concealed dagger. Upon arrival, she swiftly alighted, paid the fare without so much as a glance at the driver, and melted into the bustling crowd.

The city center, alive with activity under the glow of streetlights, was filled with people going about their evening. Pulling her hat lower, Alia navigated the throng cautiously, taking circuitous routes to ensure she wasn't being followed. Finally, she reached the agreed meeting spot—a secluded corner near their previous meeting.

Before stepping into view, Alia climbed to a vantage point, surveying the area. Her sharp gaze swept across the surroundings, confirming the absence of traps or suspicious individuals. Only then did she let her guard down slightly.

From the shadows of her perch, she emerged, walking to the meeting point where Red, her "informant," soon appeared with a group of young men and children. They greeted her with a mix of anticipation and wariness, their eyes lighting up at the sight of her.

"You're here, sir," one of them said, lowering his voice in greeting. Despite addressing her as "sir," there was a faint, teasing lilt in his tone.

Alia ignored the trivialities, instead withdrawing a few silver coins and handing them to Red. "What have you got for me? Any useful information?" Her tone was calm, yet her sharp eyes seemed to pierce through him.

Red and his companions eagerly began sharing various rumors from the city—most of which were trivial gossip or petty scandals. Alia listened patiently but found little of substance until her gaze caught on a familiar figure in the group.

It was a young girl, no older than eleven or twelve, clad in worn but clean clothes. Unlike the others, her presence seemed out of place. Alia's eyes narrowed slightly as recognition dawned on her. This girl… she was her little follower from the previous life. The girl had adored her, trailing behind like a loyal puppy.

Alia hadn't expected to see her here in this life.

"What's your name, little one?" Alia asked, stepping closer with a gentle tone that carried an undercurrent of authority.

The girl hesitated, her timid eyes meeting Alia's before she whispered, "Mina?"

"Mina." Alia repeated the name softly, her lips curling into the faintest hint of a smile. She gazed at the girl, her thoughts conflicted. On one hand, she wanted to provide Mina with a better life than the hardships she'd endured before. Yet Alia knew her own precarious position could put Mina in danger. Any favor she showed might inadvertently draw unwanted attention to the child.

Suppressing the surge of emotion, Alia asked casually, "Are you helping them gather information?"

Mina nodded eagerly and, as if to prove her worth, blurted out, "Oh! I know something! During the last city expansion, my grandfather… he said he saw a golden light shining from the ground!" Her eyes darted to Alia, gauging her reaction. Seeing Alia's raised brow, she continued, "But soldiers came quickly and surrounded the area. The leader was a very beautiful woman—like a general. The place was a cemetery. No one goes there usually, so almost no one knows about it."

"Golden light? A cemetery? A beautiful general?" Alia's interest piqued, her eyes narrowing thoughtfully. "How did your grandfather know about this? Can I speak with him?"

Mina's face fell as she replied softly, "My grandfather was scavenging nearby when he saw it. He hoped to find something valuable. But after seeing the soldiers, he got scared and hid behind a tombstone to watch. Later, though, he got sick… and he's not with us anymore."