Chapter 8: An Easy Deal

Trailing the three stooges was already easy, but he got to test his newfound ability out. His footsteps didn't make any sound within the shadows, so he managed to approach them unnoticed. The closest he got was 10 feet, but maintaining a 20-foot distance was optimal. He could hear most of their conversation.

??? "Man, I cant believe that bitch was so rude!"

?? "Yea! What kind of maid insults a man like that!?"

? "What a shame... she was smoking hot-"

?? "-ehehe damn right she was!"

And of course it was nonsense. What did he expect, useful information? 

Distancing himself from the idiots, he followed them until the sun set, when he made another realization.

'Huh, I can see in the dark. Nice."

They ended up settling down not two blocks from the Loot Barn. Observing them for a few more moments, Sunny made a decision.

Deciding against starting a confrontation, he walks towards the Barn. Knowing that Elsa could be watching unnerves him, but he does his best to swallow it.

Taking advantage of his impoverished appearance, he meanders into the cul-de-sac and takes a seat near the entrance. Casually leaning back against the wall, scouting the surroundings. The space is pretty open, but there's only one entrance and only one barn; there are scant few places Elsa could be hiding.

'Aha! There she is.'

He can't see Elsa directly, but he can see the vantage point. To his left was a decrepit water tower that stood above the other buildings in the lot. The tower had long been in a state of disrepair, and the water tank had been opened by people. If someone hid there, they would see everything, and nobody would see them. 

'Now, what next?'

The moment of silence brings an air of anxiety. If he sticks around to see what happens next, the only outcome is death. If he stays, he can't imagine any scenario where everyone does not die. Maybe Felt could get away, she's quick and runs these areas often, but it'd be all he could do to give her a chance; it's not like she can reach help in time. 

'I don't even know how my Aspect works. What if I can only die once? What're the consequences? Dying wasn't fun.'

Nothing is stopping him from leaving. He could just walk away. In fact, his instincts are screaming at him to leave. But—

Inaction is not Sunny's motif; He is anything but slothful. 

Standing to stretch, he retreats into the abandoned building behind him. Waiting in agonizing silence for another 45 minutes. 

A swooshing sound is heard, and Elsa enters the cul-de-sac from above. Keeping his head low, he peeks out the window to watch her knocking at the door. After a moment, it opens, and the silhouette of a small girl is seen. They exchange words, and the assassin enters the 

Sucking in a sharp breath, the weight of his choice threatened him.

He was essentially sacrificing a child and her father for a little information. No matter how jaded he may be, that kind of thing can't be taken lightly. Her very sudden death was ingrained in his mind, and so was Emilias'. 

It was all too quick, and now it's going to happen again.

Feeling dejected, he can't sit here anymore. Considering investigating the vantage point, he heads to the Barn from the shadows. Approaching from behind, taking note of the window, he slowly begins stacking some empty boxes against the wall. 

Very, very, slow and delicate, he climbs the boxes and cranes his ear to the base of the window. He wouldn't dare take a look, eavesdropping is all he can do. 

He catches the tail end of their initial business pleasantries, and the conversation proceeds as expected. They exchange meaningless small talk before confirming the deal, and allowing each other to examine the goods. 

"...these are real coins, that's for sure."

"Ha! Ten real Holy Gold coins! I can't believe it!"

"—I don't know why that thing's so expensive, but I don't care! You got a deal lady!"

"~Ah, well, my employer spares no expense.... Now~ if that's all, I shall take my leave."

Heart pumping, listening in bated breath. 

He expected a slaughter, but it was all quiet, except for the sound of a door. For a moment, he believed she had just assassinated the two of them without making a sound. But no, he would have heard bodies drop; there would have been at least some resistance, right?

"Rom! Rom! We can do so much with this! New clothes! Fresh food! Everything!"

'Oh thank the gods...' With this confirmation, he slowly lowers himself from the boxes and slumps down against the wall.

'She really left without killing them? Why? Was she really only there to buy the insignia? Did they die because I got involved...'

Sulking slightly, he redirects himself.

'So Elsa got the insignia...if the pass condition was helping Emilia retrieve it, then it's too late now. If that's the case, this should be ending soon. I probably got a horrible grade or whatever, but I don't care, this works.'

*KNOCK* *KNOCK* *KNOCK* 

"OPEN UP!! BY ORDER OF THE ROYAL GUARD."

"WE HAVE REPORTS OF THE CRIMES OF THIEVERY AND SMUGGLING FROM THIS LOCATION."

"SURRENDER NOW, AND YOU WILL BE GIVEN FAIR TRIAL."

'—Shit, it's Emilia!'

One thing after the other... he can't catch a break!

But it's not his problem anymore; the insignia's already gone, and the assassin left. Emilia will be upset, but she should've taken better precautions if it was that important. Felt and Rom will get arrested. Elsa got away, and that really bothered him, but at this point, there was nothing he could do about it. The three stooges— actually... wait, he might be able to do something about them.

*creak*

Instinctively pressing himself to the wall, the window above him opens, and a small girl appears. 

"fuckfuckfuckfuckfuck—thank you Old Man Rom, be safe. please."

As quickly as she appeared, she disappeared, climbing up the roof in one swift motion. 

'Guess that's my cue.'

Sneaking away following the shadows, he reaches the entrance to the cul-de-sac and looks back.

Four guards in white cloaks stood at the door, and Emilia was behind them nervously fidgeting with her dress. 'Four guards, huh? More than I expected.' They looked noble and disciplined, that much was evidenced by the fact that they hadn't broken in and forced arrests. His opinions on law enforcement won't be changed by some chivalry, but if their first resort isn't beating people up, that's more lenient than back in the NQSC.

The door opens, and Rom appears unarmed, seemingly cooperating as two guards enter the building. Turning away, he hurries to find the idiots, he has an idea.