Chapter 73
Chapter 73
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Translator: penny
Chapter: 73
Chapter Title: Detected from Behind
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Had I ever been more shocked in my life? A ghost popping out would have startled me less.
A person—no, a surveillance target—was right behind me. In a scouting match, exposing your back meant death.
If the man standing there had been an enemy soldier, I would have died without making a sound.
Countless ways to handle the crisis flashed through my mind, but the choice Deong made was to be honest.
This guy was on a different level. No time for bravado.
“The Captain said you’d come looking.”
“I see. Did he mention what kind of favor I might ask?”
“Yes.”
“No need for explanations, then. Is the Captain far away right now?”
“He should be in Conne by now, assuming he stuck to schedule and enjoyed his vacation.”
“Could you fetch him for me?”
Deong nodded.
“Then I’ll ask you to. I hate interrupting someone’s vacation, but this is beyond me.”
“I’ll head out right away.”
He tightened his shoelaces and pulled his backpack straps snug. Running nonstop to Conne would get him there by dawn tomorrow.
“I’ll lend you a horse.”
“I’d be grateful.”
“Follow me.”
The man took the lead.
“Mind if I ask one thing?”
“Go ahead.”
“How did you know I was there?”
It was the first time since his official appointment that he’d been caught so easily.
Even the sharp Captain struggled when he really tried to hide his tracks.
Tracking and stealth—he figured he was second to none, even among Stoa agents.
“I saw you.”
“Was I that obvious?”
“Quite the opposite. You were barely visible.”
The moment he heard that, Deong pieced it together.
“Everyone else walking around, and there’s one guy crawling on his belly. That’s what gave me away.”
“Something like that.”
“Dealing with average folks all the time, I picked up bad habits. Should’ve accounted for someone with senses beyond normal. Lesson learned—I’ll be more careful next time.”
“No need to go that far.”
“This is about my pride. Anyway, I can already hear the Captain laughing at me. He said as much: no point hiding since you’ll get caught anyway.”
“He’s got a knack for getting under your skin.”
“You know him?”
Anyone who badmouthed the Captain qualified as a friend.
He mounted the horse the man handed over.
“Forgot to ask your name. I’m Deong, from Surveillance Unit Team 1.”
“Lander.”
He swung onto his own horse.
“I’ll bring the Captain back as fast as I can.”
* * *
Conne was just ahead. Reports said the man Inevil chased had Conne as his destination.
Dianne hoped their paths hadn’t diverged. She urged her exhausted horse onward, stroking its neck.
She reached Conne before the sun fully set. She calmed the horse’s ragged breathing and led it into a stable. She paid the innkeeper extra for fresh hay.
“Haven’t seen a woman riding a reddish-brown horse around, have you?”
“Can’t say I have, not at our place.”
“Where’s the busiest spot in town?”
“The lake right next door. Lots of popular shops nearby.”
“Thanks for the tip.”
She left the inn and headed to the lake. Night had deepened, but the crowds hadn’t thinned.
She pushed through the throng. People floated boats on the mysteriously glowing lake, laughing and playing.
Nearby restaurants had dragged tables outside, selling drinks.
She wandered, asking the same question everywhere: seen a woman with a reddish-brown horse?
Some ignored her, some brushed her off, some were kind—and all said no.
She’d insisted on handling Inevil’s retrieval alone, but now regretted not bringing backup. Emotional decision.
When had it started? Anything involving Inevil, and her body moved first. She’d never dreamed that young foal would become so precious.
Back in the mercenary days, Inevil was nothing but trouble. Emotional, extreme, reckless—a far cry from her.
When that kid tagged along calling her master, Dianne found it annoying.
The brutal training bordering on torture? She’d hoped the kid would tire out and quit.
But she endured. With grit and stamina beyond Dianne’s expectations.
Every morning, she’d improved, and with each gain, her potential grew.
On the first anniversary of taking her in, Dianne surrendered. I was wrong, you were right. You can do this.
“Great view! Great people! And so lively—love it!”
An overly chipper voice pierced her ears, making her wince.
A curly-haired man held his glass high, laughing. Ha-ha. An oddly grating laugh.
Two sharp syllables—definitely deliberate.
Good voice, too. She cupped her hand over one ear and headed to the restaurant terrace. Asked around. No luck.
Just the curly-haired guy left, still laughing weirdly. She didn’t want to talk to him, but no choice.
“One quick question.”
“Has spring finally come for me? I’ve waited and waited for this day. Conne Lake—the magical spot where love blossoms!”
The curly-haired man started rambling solo.
Dianne had plenty of patience. But his nonsense grated mercilessly. Her tolerance bottomed out fast.
“For such a beautiful lady, a woman of such sultry charm, to speak to me—I’m overcome, tears welling up. Tears remind me of that harsh winter, when my passionate heart…”
“I’ve given you enough time. Now hear me out?”
She snatched his glass and set it on the table. The man, who’d been mugging dramatically, deflated.
“I get it. A beauty like you wouldn’t approach me with romantic intent.”
“Cut the chatter, and the right woman might come along. Anyway, what I want to know is…”
“Reddish-brown horse? Never seen one.”
“You could’ve led with that.”
She sighed and turned away. Then he spoke.
“But I’ve heard about it.”
“What’s that mean?”
“Exactly what I said. Haven’t seen it. But heard of it.”
“Sorry, not in the mood for games. I’m in a hurry.”
She grabbed his collar.
“Violence is effective, but not ideal right now.”
“So answer me. Where? From whom? Current location would be perfect.”
“You really are desperate. Grabbing my collar like this.”
“It’s urgent, yeah. And your mouth annoys me. Debating a slap.”
“My mouth is premium—it breaks, I’m out of a job.”
“Don’t care what you do. Just answer. Or do you need humiliation first?”
“Being tossed by a lovely lady sounds fine…”
She tightened her grip, yanked his collar, and twisted her hips with full force.
Smashing him down should shut him up. He flailed as his body lifted—about to kiss the ground.
He grabbed her arms with both hands and twisted. Instead of headfirst, he landed lightly on his feet.
She glanced at her pinned arm, then at him.
“Not all talk, huh.”
“Line of work demands it. Lots of risky stuff.”
Onlookers stopped chatting to stare.
“If you’d like to continue the passionate dance, it’d be my honor.”
He’d closed in, hand on her waist.
She snorted, brushed it off. He knew how to move.
She’d used light force, but his counter was flawless. Before her change, she’d be tense. Not anymore.
“Don’t test my patience. Spill it.”
“Eaten yet?”
“I handle my own meals. Talk about the reddish-brown horse.”
“Even a thick-skinned guy like me hurts when ignored by a beauty. Sad times.”
Should she chop off a leg? If not for the crowd, her hand would’ve moved.
She pictured him writhing in his own blood, begging. Shook it off. Too violent. Had to restrain herself. Unlike her comrades, ‘normal’ folks don’t reattach legs.
“That look just now was dangerous. Worried my head might roll. Can’t have that in this fun resort, so let’s do dinner properly. Sit, Miss Dianne.”
She scanned reflexively. No threats.
“No need to be so guarded.”
“How do you know my name?”
“Secret names forbidden? Don’t glare like an angry cat—sit. This place is for laughs, dances, joy. Don’t poison the vibe; it bothers folks.”
Ha-ha. Grating laugh. She tapped her thigh with fingers, then sat.
“I hate eating alone. If a lady joins, I’d weep with joy.”
“You give, you get.”
“No silent meal planned. You must be starving from Shield Territory to here. Order up.”
“This dinner’s gonna be a blast.”
While waiting for food, she studied him.
Mid-thirties, like her. Well-built, oozing self-assurance.
How does he know me? His tone suggests he knows Inevil too.
“Dig in. Food here’s amazing. I’m picky, but it clings to the tongue perfectly.”
She tasted it. Bland.
Post-change, her senses sharpened daily—except taste, which dulled further.
“Asking again. How’d you recognize me?”
She set down her fork. She’d eaten; his turn.
“Job requires memorizing faces and names. You’re no exception, Miss Dianne. Maestro Andukaf’s Silent Workshop—ring a bell?”
Knowing the Silent Workshop and its guests wasn’t laughable.
Interest piqued, hostility too.
“Fine. Say you know me from the workshop. How about the reddish-brown horse?”
She gripped her fork, lowered her hand under the table. Ready to repurpose it if needed.
(To be continued next episode)