In the office of the Countess Councilor, Serphina, the atmosphere was filled with a quiet yet intense focus. Serphina, a woman with vibrant cherry-pink hair cascading over her shoulders and striking amber-gold eyes, sat behind a grand wooden desk. She wore elegant robes of deep blue with gold embroidery, the intricate patterns resembling arcane sigils. Stacks of documents and files were arranged neatly across her desk as she penned notes with precise strokes.
The murmurs of voices outside barely caught her attention as she remained focused on her work. But then, the commotion grew louder. Still, Serphina continued writing, unbothered.
The door to her office burst open.
"My lady is busy—please, you cannot—" Mr. Kaito, her butler, pleaded, turning back to the armored figure beside him.
Stepping past him was a tall woman with an unmistakable presence. Her short, lavender-purple hair framed her face, and her deep forest-green eyes burned with frustration. Clad in gleaming silver armor, adorned with red and white engravings, she carried herself with the unmistakable authority of a Paladin Knight.
Serphina finally looked up, her expression unreadable. "There is no need for that, Kaito," she said smoothly. "Please excuse us."
Kaito hesitated before stepping out, shutting the door behind him.
Serphina and the Paladin locked eyes.
"What brings you here, Mira?" Serphina asked, resting her chin on her hand. "To what do I owe the pleasure of such an unexpected visit?"
Mira's voice was sharp. "I overheard reports concerning the deaths of two of your trusted men."
Serphina raised an eyebrow. "Is that so?"
"You knew," Mira accused, stepping closer.
Serphina sighed. "Mira, the affairs of the Balmount Kingdom do not concern you, nor the eastern provinces."
Mira's fists clenched. "It does concern me."
Serphina remained calm. "And why is that?"
Mira slammed her palms down onto the desk, frustration seeping into her voice. "Do I need to remind you why I came to this kingdom?"
Serphina met her glare with ease. "No, I remember perfectly. You came here seeking the Bloodbound Covenant."
Mira's jaw tightened.
Serphina leaned back, her voice smooth. "And tell me, Mira—do you truly believe their deaths are connected?"
Mira exhaled sharply. "I don't believe in coincidences."
Serphina tapped her fingers against the desk. "Neither do I."
Mira took a step back, crossing her arms. "Then stop playing games with me."
Serphina gave a small smile. "Who said I was playing?"
Mira's eyes flickered with irritation. "If you know something, you need to tell me."
Serphina tilted her head. "And why would I do that?"
Mira's expression darkened. "Because if you want my help in the future, you'd best start proving I can trust you."
Serphina chuckled softly. "Oh, Mira… trust is such a delicate thing."
Mira turned on her heel, her patience wearing thin. "Don't make me regret coming here."
Serphina's voice followed her as she reached for the door. "I would never."
Mira scoffed, shaking her head before stepping out, leaving Serphina alone in her office once more.
Serphina let out a quiet sigh, glancing back at her papers. "Paladin Knights," she muttered under her breath. "They never know when to mind their own business."
Mira walked down the corridor, her footsteps echoing with each step, her mind swirling with frustration. The way things are going, I won't be able to find leads on the Bloodbound Covenant, she thought angrily, clenching her fist. The mission she had been assigned was clear: gather information, submit reports, and avoid involvement in the internal affairs of Balmount. But at this rate, her progress was being stifled. I will find you, Zephyr, she vowed silently, her green eyes narrowing.
As she continued walking, she saw her subordinates approaching—four young knights, ranging in age from fourteen to seventeen. Each one was dressed in simple holy tunics with leather brigandine, plain iron greaves, and modest cloaks, all adorned with the emblem of their order: The Scales of Lumina.
The first to spot her was Nina, a girl with jet-black hair streaked with vibrant purple highlights. Her sparkling aquamarine eyes lit up as she waved enthusiastically.
"Commander Mira!" she called out with a wide smile, rushing up to hug her.
Mira barely had time to react before Nina tackled her, wrapping her arms tightly around her waist.
Mira sighed but smiled, patting Nina's back. "Nina."
Mael, who had iron-grey hair and fiery orange eyes, groaned loudly. "Commander, can we go now?" His arms were crossed, and he was already tapping his foot. "Nina's embarrassing us again."
Nina stuck her tongue out at him. "You're just mad because no one likes you enough to hug you."
Mael scoffed. "As if I want anyone hugging me. Unlike you, I have dignity."
Astrid, the oldest of the group, rolled her eyes, her pale lunar-silver hair swaying as she did. "Oh yes, Mael. Because scowling all the time makes you so dignified."
Takashi, the shyest of the group, stepped forward hesitantly. "C-Commander… can we go now?" His messy brown hair was slightly ruffled, and his sapphire eyes darted nervously between Mael and Nina.
Mira smiled at them before her expression turned serious. She gently pried Nina off and looked at Mael. "Have you found anything about the two men who died last night?"
Mael straightened, hands clasped behind his back. "Yes, Commander. Their names were Carlo and Yami. It seems they were undercover, and they were running from something."
Mira's eyes darkened. Serphina should have told me this, she thought. "Do you know what they were running from?"
Mael shook his head. "No, Commander. I couldn't find that out."
Before Mira could respond, Nina grinned. "Oh, but I might know."
Mael turned to her with a deadpan expression. "You? Please. The only thing you know is how to get on my nerves."
Nina flipped her hair dramatically. "It's a skill."
Astrid chuckled. "Go on, Nina. What did you hear?"
Nina smirked at Mael before turning back to Mira. "I think they were running from the Sightless Shadow."
Mael let out an exaggerated sigh. "And what, pray tell, makes you think that?"
Nina leaned in with a sly grin. "Because Astrid and I overheard someone saying it."
Mael blinked, then turned to Astrid. "You let her eavesdrop again?"
Astrid gave a light shrug. "She would have done it anyway."
Mael groaned. "I hate this team."
Mira ignored their banter and focused on Nina. "Did you get any description of this Sightless Shadow?"
Nina tilted her head. "Nope. Just a name."
Astrid, however, furrowed her brows in thought. "Actually… I heard one thing. He wears a blindfold."
Mira's mind raced. A blindfold… Could he be part of the Bloodbound Covenant?
She turned to Mael and Takashi. "Tonight, I want you two to investigate Carlo's and Yami's residences. Find anything that could give us a lead."
Mael nodded sharply. "Understood."
Takashi, however, hesitated. "Um… Commander?" He shuffled awkwardly.
Mira raised an eyebrow. "What is it, Takashi?"
Takashi glanced at Mael, then back at Mira. "…Can I not go with Mael?"
Nina burst out laughing.
Mael looked offended. "What's wrong with sticking with me?"
Takashi quickly shook his head. "N-Nothing! It's just… y-you're, um… scary."
Astrid snickered. "He's not scary, Takashi. He just acts like he's forty."
Mael narrowed his eyes. "I act responsible, unlike some people." He gave Nina a pointed look.
Nina gasped, putting a hand over her heart. "How dare you?"
Mira chuckled softly, then patted Takashi's head. "I'd love to keep you with me, Takashi, but I need you with Mael to make sure he doesn't cause trouble."
Takashi sighed in defeat. "O-Okay…"
Mael grabbed him by the collar. "Come on, let's go."
Takashi whimpered as he was dragged away.
Astrid watched them go before turning back to Mira. "Do you think Takashi will be okay?"
Nina waved a hand dismissively. "Eh, he'll live. Probably."
Mira shook her head in amusement before placing a hand on both their heads. "Alright, girls. Let's focus. We have work to do."
Astrid gave a confident nod, and Nina grinned. "Don't worry, Commander. We got this."
With that, they moved forward, ready for the task ahead.