On the way to Robert’s Mansion, Carl called out to his good friend, "Weren’t you resting at home?"
His fiancée hadn’t been found, and there was a ninety percent chance she had already been killed. Consequently, Dana had specially granted him a few days off. Being able to take leave at such a time was a testament to how well their superiors treated their subordinates.
"Rest?" Carey turned around, his face etched with exhaustion, his eyes bloodshot. He looked as if he’d aged ten years in a short time. He shook his head slightly. "Every time I close my eyes, I see Maggi. Maybe I can find a clue about her at Robert’s Mansion. At worst... I can avenge her!"
He had already given up hope of rescuing his fiancée, his voice filled with hatred for Robert. He might not care about raiding others’ properties, but Carey absolutely had to be there when it came to the true culprit behind the disappearance.
"Ah!" Carl sighed and offered, "My condolences."
"And you?" Carey asked casually. "You never used to care about this sort of thing. Why the sudden interest in coming along today?"
"Ha..." a colleague laughed upon hearing this. "This is Robert. Who in the city doesn’t know how wealthy he is? Finding even a small treasure could cover several months of our salary. Who wouldn’t want to come for an opportunity ?"
Taking a little something extra from a raid was usually tacitly permitted by the officer in charge, as long as it wasn’t too excessive. And everyone knew Robert was rich.
Carl smiled without saying a word. He indeed wanted to take advantage of this opportunity at Robert’s Mansion to get something, but not for money.
"Eh? Someone’s there!"
The mansion ahead was their destination, but now several City Guard soldiers stood at its entrance. Dana stepped forward.
"Halt!" one of the soldiers, holding a Long Spear, barked, blocking their path. "Sorry, this mansion has been sealed by the City Guard. You’ll have to go elsewhere."
"Sealed?" Dana’s face darkened. "Since when does the City Guard seal people’s estates?"
"Exactly!" another officer chimed in. "That’s a matter for our Patrol Office, or at the very least, the police! You lot should be guarding the city gates."
The men from the Patrol Office began to clamor. They had come all this way hoping for some spoils, and now their target was being forcefully occupied. How could they not be furious?
"This is a special situation. The entire city is under martial law," the soldier stated, not yielding an inch. "To prevent any incidents, we’ve been ordered to stand guard here. My apologies, gentlemen!"
He clearly had orders from a superior; even facing members of the Patrol Office, he didn’t budge. It was well known that most people working in the Patrol Office came from influential backgrounds, and one wouldn’t cross them without a very good reason.
"You dare to block us!"
"I’m going in! Let’s see who dares to stop me!"
Seeing such a rich prize about to be snatched away, the crowd forgot all decorum and pushed forward.
"What are you doing?" An imposing voice rang out as a burly figure strode out from the mansion, frowning at them. "What do you think you’re doing?"
At the newcomer’s question, the group faltered, their expressions evasive.
"The one from the Steven family..."
The crowd whispered among themselves, and Carl couldn’t help but raise an eyebrow. The man was Roland, eldest son of the Steven family from the Royal City, who had come to Sigerno City with Earl Barro. Roland was not only of noble status but also a Knight at the peak of his abilities, rumored to be on the verge of becoming a Great Knight. He was young and had the potential to become a Legendary figure, a true star of the younger generation.
"Knight Roland!" Dana’s eyes lit up, and she quickly stepped forward. "What are you doing here?"
"Miss Dana." Roland smiled and bowed courteously. "The Earl sent me to inspect Robert’s Mansion, to ensure it isn’t harboring any thieves from Kolon. Hmm... If you’re interested, you may come in."
He, being from the Royal City, was also quite taken with this woman, who possessed both a striking figure and captivating looks, especially upon hearing Dana had become a Knight. Roland wouldn’t mind a romantic dalliance in Sigerno City, so he gestured invitingly. However, Dana could enter; the others could not. Robert’s Mansion held too many valuables, coveted not only by the Patrol Office but also by Earl Barro himself.
"This..." Dana glanced back at her colleagues, who were fuming but dared not speak. After a moment’s hesitation, she slowly shook her head. "Never mind."
"That’s a pity," Roland sighed. "I wonder if Miss Dana is free tonight? I hear there’s a new performance at the Vim Opera House."
"Really?" Dana seemed tempted. However, instead of accepting immediately, she asked, "Knight Roland, where were you last night?"
"Well..." Roland’s expression flickered. He had spent the previous night dallying with several noblewomen from the city—a fact that was, naturally, inconvenient to disclose. "Last night, I practiced my swordsmanship as usual. When I grew tired, I went straight to sleep. Why do you ask?" he inquired, a playful tone entering his voice. "Miss Dana, are you so interested in my nightlife?"
"Not at all." Dana gave an awkward smile. Her gaze shifted to the broad sword at his waist as she said thoughtfully, "I’ve heard your swordsmanship is exceptional, Knight Roland. Is it true that it’s related to the Holy Sword Skill of the Church?"
"Indeed." Roland stood straighter, his voice filled with pride. "The founder of my Steven family was a Holy Knight of the Ferro Empire, hundreds of years ago."
Before the empire fractured, certain Legendary Knights were consecrated as Holy Knights. Their status was comparable to that of the Dukes in the current kingdoms, perhaps even higher. Nowadays, the great kingdoms no longer have Holy Knights. Only the Church internally still bestows a similar title. Having a Holy Knight as an ancestor is indeed a point of pride for the Steven family.