Chapter 18: Lindow Town

As I looked out the window of the carriage, I could tell we were getting close to Lindow. I was in the same carriage as Princess Clarice.

She sat across me, cheerful and radiant.

"Hey, Mr. Black Mask, why won't you tell us your name? Oh, and your face too! I've already asked so many times!" she pouted like a child.

I could hardly believe it—this was the same stoic, confident Crown Princess? Ever since I joined her in this carriage, she had been chatting non-stop, asking me questions about everything. She even shared her dreams and stories, as if we were old friends.

But even with her cheerful chatter, there was one sharp, cold gaze that hadn't left me once.

Sitting beside Princess Clarice was Lily, the maid, and the assassin.

She hadn't said a word, but her eyes never left me for a second.

With my mask still on and my black robe concealing my entire body, I sat in silence. Yet, a question kept echoing in my mind, why was Princess Clarice heading to this town? And more importantly, how did she become the Crown Princess?

I glanced at Lily, remembering how she had told me, "No questions about clients." That alone made me uneasy. On top of that, she had mistaken me for a member of the Twilight—an elite group of assassins. Because of that misunderstanding, even asking a simple question felt risky. Still, my curiosity gnawed at me, and I knew I had to ask at least this one thing.

"…My apologies, Princess," I said quietly.

"Oh my, you finally talked to me!! I'm so happy!"

She cried out with a beaming smile.

I could practically feel Lily's silent glare say, "You're dead."

I hesitated, then asked,

"What business do you have in Lindow… if you don't mind me asking?"

She regained her composure before answering my question, her voice returning to a calm, dignified tone.

"It's part of our duty to inspect and understand the situations in various regions of the kingdom. However, Lindow was originally supposed to be handled by my sister."

Her sister? I blinked beneath my mask, puzzled.

She looked out the window, her expression softening.

"…But after what I witnessed today… if it had been my sister instead of me, things could've gone terribly wrong. I'm actually glad she didn't come."

Even after everything she had been through, she was still worried about her sister. But something didn't add up. Why didn't Rosebella come here by herself? Could she have planned this whole thing from a far?

I didn't have any solid proof to back up that suspicion—at least not yet.

Still, once I dealt with Duke Gyffard, I needed to start digging into this… carefully.

"And what about you, Mr. Black Mask?"

Princess Clarice's voice pulled me out of my thoughts.

"Hey! The princess is talking to you!"

Lily snapped sharply.

"Oh… Lily, please calm yourself,"

Clarice said gently.

"It's improper for a lady to speak that way."

"Ah… my apologies, Princess."

Lily bowed slightly, her expression shifting back to the polite maid facade.

She really was two-faced. I couldn't figure her out yet—and frankly, I didn't want to deal with her if I didn't have to.

I turned back to the princess and finally answered.

"I'm looking for someone in Lindow."

That much was true. My goal right now was to find the spy who had stolen the Dacre family's crest seal and helped Duke Gyffard forge that fake rebel letter.

"Do you have a place to stay?"

Princess Clarice asked casually, her tone light but her eyes filled with concern.

A place to stay? I hadn't even thought about that. My plan was to finish everything tonight and return home before sunrise.

I stayed silent for a moment, unsure how to respond.

"Sir Black Mask," Lily interjected, arms crossed. "It's rude not to answer the princess's question."

"Hmm… I don't—" I started, but Clarice quickly cut me off with a bright smile.

"Then you can stay with us!" she said cheerfully.

"But…" I hesitated.

Lily shot me a cold glance.

"It's also rude to turn down the princess's offer," she added sharply.

I sighed inwardly.

"I… understand. Thank you," I said quietly.

Princess Clarice was delighted to hear my response.

As we drew closer, the outline of buildings came into view. Lindow was a large, bustling town well known among adventurers. If I remembered correctly, it bordered a vast forest near the edge of the Dark Realm, where monsters and demonic beasts roamed freely.

But it wasn't just the wilderness that made Lindow infamous. The town was also a hub for underground organizations, many of which worked for money and influence, some even tied directly to the nobility. Among the most notorious of them was The Lion Crawl, the organization that I was looking for. 

The carriage that I was in is now arrived at one of the estates inside the town.

It was a modest mansion, with guards standing at the entrance.

As it drove in, I noticed a handsome man in fancy clothes standing in front of the building. Behind him, guards and maids were lined up neatly, waiting.

My eyes widened in shock—I recognized him right away.

It was Lucas Westfield, Duke Gyffard's cousin.

When I investigated Gyffard's involvement with the demonic cult in the future, I discovered that most of the dirty work was carried out by his cousin, Lucas. Gyffard stayed behind the scenes, hiding his true role.

Now that I've returned to the past, I can't help but wonder—is this really the same man? The one who kidnapped, raped, and murdered people without a hint of remorse? The one who committed the most horrific act of all—sacrificing innocent lives to demons in exchange for dark magic and forbidden power?

On top of that, why would Princess Clarice be staying in a place like this? Does she know him or close to him ?

The carriage slowly came to a halt in front of the mansion. As the door opened, Lily stepped out first.

Lucas then approached, offering his hand to help Princess Clarice down from the carriage.

"Good afternoon, Princess Clarice. It is a true honor to welcome Your Highness to our estate. Please know that we are at your full service throughout your stay," he said, his tone composed and respectfully warm.

His appearance was striking—blonde hair, refined features, and an air of quiet confidence. I noticed Princess Clarice blush faintly at the sight of him; her eyes softened, and she looked at him with a hint of affection.

After stepping down, Princess Clarice gestured me to follow. I climbed out of the carriage, still cloaked in my black robe and mask.

The moment I appeared, Lucas froze for a second, clearly surprised. The guards grew tense, likely alarmed by my mysterious appearance.

"I ask that you all show respect. This man has saved our lives." Princess Clarice said gently, smiling. "I would greatly appreciate it. Sir Lucas shall extend him hospitality in my name."

"I understand, Your Highness," Lucas replied with a courteous smile. "I shall see to the necessary arrangements at once. Please, permit me the honor of escorting you inside, that you may rest and be at ease after your long journey."

His expression briefly shifted cold before returning to the charming demeanor he showed to the princess.

Lily and the other maids followed closely behind Princess Clarice, with two knights walking information behind them.

Meanwhile, one of Lucas's maids approached me and politely gestured me to follow her.

Without saying much, she led me in a different direction from the others and told me it was where I would be staying.