Within one hour, I want Caitlyn's photo on my desk! (update)

"The surprises just keep coming, don't they?"

Link licked his lips and opened his mailbox to check the letters.

**[Friend, is this some new kind of arcane scam?

If so, I have to applaud your creativity!

Parallel universes? Wow, I've never seen anyone use that as a gimmick before.

I admit, you've piqued my interest. So here's a signed poster of yours truly, as a little encouragement.

After all, you've provided the greatest and handsomest explorer in all of Runeterra with a rare afternoon laugh.]**

After reading the letter, Link's face darkened.

The narcissistic tone, the over-the-top arrogance—he didn't even need to check the attachment to know who had sent this.

[You have received a gift from the Most Handsome Explorer in History—a Signed Poster of His Radiant Self.]

Link pulled out the poster, unrolled it, and immediately recoiled at the sight of the dazzling golden hair. He quickly rolled it back up and tossed it into the trash.

He remembered this guy's backstory. His parents were famous archaeologists, and he lived with his uncle in the affluent district.

If this guy existed in this world, finding him would be a piece of cake.

Link made a mental note to track him down later and give him a piece of his mind.

Mocking him was one thing, but sending a poster? That was just insulting.

After taking a few deep breaths to calm down, Link opened the second letter.

**[Listen, I don't know how you managed to shove that letter into my head!

I don't care if it's arcane magic or some other nonsense!

You've dared to mess with the head of House Giopara, and you'll pay for it!

That said, I'll admit it—you've caught my attention, mysterious Link Star.

You claim to be in a timeline where Jinx, that little lunatic, attacked the Council building. So tell me this...

In your world, is she—Caitlyn, my daughter—still alive?]**

Link raised an eyebrow. The sender was clearly Cassandra Kiramann, Caitlyn's mother.

But from the tone of the letter, it seemed that in her timeline, Caitlyn was the one who had died.

After a moment of thought, Link began drafting a reply.

**[Dear Honorable Cassandra Kiramann, as a citizen of Piltover, I offer you my utmost respect.

To answer your question, yes, Caitlyn is alive and well in my timeline.

However, the same cannot be said for you.

I trust someone as wise as you will understand what I mean.

Now, let me explain my situation. Ambessa Medarda is plotting an attack, and if her scheme succeeds, it will give her the perfect excuse to interfere in Piltover's affairs.

But her ambitions don't stop there. As a conqueror, even with the power to meddle in Piltover, she won't be able to control everything.

So the question is, who will she use as her puppet?

And who, driven by their hatred and anger toward Jinx, will stop at nothing to seek revenge?

I'm sure someone as wise as you can figure it out.]**

Link hit send and waited for a reply.

While waiting, he glanced at the poster in the trash and decided to send a quick message to the narcissist.

[Read. Guess whose parallel universe counterpart is about to have a bad day? {Smile}]

Soon, Cassandra's reply arrived.

**[Link Star, I admit you've piqued my curiosity and stirred a mother's anger and worry.

I will fund you, just as I once funded Jayce!

The wealth of House Kiramann is boundless, and now that I am Piltover's ruling councilor, I can give you whatever you need!

If you can let me see her again, my daughter, my beloved...

I will give you everything you desire!]**

Link couldn't help but smile as he quickly wrote back.

**[Councilor Kiramann, I'm certain Caitlyn would love to see you again. I will do my best to photograph her and update you on her well-being.

However, I must apologize for my impertinence.

As a humble apprentice, I lack the funds to carry out such a task, so I humbly request your assistance.

I will deliver Caitlyn's photo by midnight tonight, or by noon tomorrow at the latest.

Oh, and would you like to see your husband as well?

He misses you dearly!]**

He hit send, and within thirty seconds, a reply came.

No words, just an attachment.

[You have received a gift from Cassandra Kiramann—1000 Gold Hexes.]

Link whistled. That was a generous sum—1000 Gold Hexes upfront.

If he could send Caitlyn's photo and maybe a few personal items, he'd not only cover his material costs but also secure the funds to build his own workshop.

He updated his mental checklist:

Save the Twin Cities and change everyone's fate.

Help a grieving mother reunite with her daughter.

But how?

Link thought for a moment, then got up and knocked on Tamara's door.

After a few knocks with no response, he clicked his tongue.

Tamara wasn't back yet.

Guess he'd have to buy a camera first.

Link left the dormitory, withdrew some money, and purchased the best camera and film he could find.

By the time he finished his preparations, Tamara finally knocked on his door.

The tipsy apprentice leaned against the doorframe, brushing her hair back and exhaling a sharp breath of alcohol.

"Hey, our little genius! I heard you were looking for me!"

"Tamara, my best friend!"

Link spread his arms wide, but Tamara poked his forehead and rolled her eyes.

"Spit it out. How much do you need to borrow? Just so you know, I'm running low on funds too!"

Link grabbed her hand, his face a mask of mock indignation. "You think I only come to you for money?"

"Thirty Gold Hexes. That's my limit," Tamara said flatly.

Link coughed. "Actually, I have enough money. I just need your help with something."

"What do you want?" Tamara eyed him suspiciously. Despite her tipsy state, her instincts told her Link was about to ask for a big favor.

"I want to attend Cassandra Kiramann's funeral."

Link spoke solemnly. "As a citizen of Piltover, I feel it's my duty to pay my respects."

Tamara stared at him, then cursed under her breath.

"Link, have you lost your mind?

You, a nobody apprentice, want to attend Councilor Kiramann's funeral?

Do you have any idea who's going to be there?

Upper-class elites, nobles, and dignitaries. People like us wouldn't even be allowed to stand at the door, let alone get inside!

You're out of your mind!" Tamara turned to leave.

"Wait!" Link grabbed her arm. "I'll pay you!"

Tamara stopped, took a deep breath, and spoke earnestly. "Link, I know you've made a breakthrough and want to make a name for yourself, but the Kiramann funeral is not the place to do it!

Do you really think it's appropriate to pitch yourself at a funeral?"

"No way at all?" Link pressed.

Tamara shook her head. "No way."

"Hmm." Link stroked his chin, then asked, "Can you get me a press pass?"

"Or—" His eyes gleamed. "Help me buy a failing newspaper!"

Tamara's jaw dropped.

"Link Star!" she exclaimed, her voice echoing down the hallway. "You're a damn genius!"