A week had passed, and the Balmount Kingdom seemed quiet on the surface. Under the warm glow of streetlights, the district's cobblestone streets reflected a tranquil façade. However, two figures, Mael and Nina, strode through the area in their knight uniforms. Mael's scowl deepened with each step as Nina hummed a lighthearted tune beside him.
Inwardly, Mael seethed. Why do I have to partner with Nina on this investigation? I should be working with Takashi or, better yet, Astrid.
Noticing his sour expression, Nina shot him a sly smile. "Let me guess—you're wondering why you're stuck with me tonight?"
He grumbled under his breath, refusing to look at her. "Yes. And there's no reason for you to talk to me. This isn't some social gathering."
Nina just laughed, shrugging nonchalantly. "You know, you could at least pretend to enjoy my company. I know it's hard for someone as grumpy as you, but come on."
He shot her a glare. "I'm not grumpy. You're just annoying."
She gasped dramatically, putting a hand to her chest. "Oh no! Did the mighty Mael just call me annoying? I'm heartbroken!"
"Cut it out," he snapped, rolling his eyes. "We're supposed to be on duty."
Nina didn't let up, instead leaning in closer to him. "Admit it—you're just mad because you secretly like having me around."
Mael recoiled, his face heating up. "W-what?! Why the hell would I—"
Nina giggled, cutting him off. "Your face is red, Mael. I didn't know you were that easy to fluster."
He turned away, muttering angrily. "I'm not flustered. You're just… irritating."
With a playful smirk, she skipped a step ahead of him. "You're so easy to tease. You'd think the big, tough knight could handle a little friendly banter."
"Friendly? More like a constant headache," he grumbled.
Suddenly, Nina spun around, catching him off guard. "Oh, is the grumpy knight admitting I get under his skin? That's a first!"
Mael scoffed, crossing his arms. "Why don't you take this seriously for once? Just because you're strong doesn't mean you can afford to slack off."
Her smile faded slightly, and she sighed. "You know, it wouldn't kill you to lighten up once in a while. You're always so serious. It's like you forgot how to have fun."
He hesitated, feeling a pang of guilt before brushing it off. "I don't need fun. I need reliable teammates who know how to act on duty."
Nina arched an eyebrow. "Oh? Is that why you prefer Astrid? Because she's a stoic statue like you?"
His jaw clenched. "Leave Astrid out of this."
Before Nina could respond, a scream pierced the quiet night. "Please, help! Somebody help me!"
Both knights immediately sprinted toward the sound, with Nina taking the lead. Mael, refusing to let her outdo him, picked up the pace and shot past her.
"Oh no, you don't!" he muttered under his breath, gritting his teeth.
"Mael, wait!" Nina called after him, but he ignored her, skidding to a halt at an alleyway.
There, he saw a man with disheveled brown hair, bloodshot eyes, and a crazed grin, roughly pulling at the clothes of a trembling rabbit beastkin woman. Her white fur glistened under the moonlight, and her large blue eyes were filled with tears. She wore a simple dress, now torn at the sleeves, as she struggled against the man's grip.
"Please, stop! I'm sorry!" she cried.
The man sneered, his voice a mocking growl. "Sorry? You think I paid you for nothing? You owe me a good time!"
Before he could do more harm, Mael charged forward, delivering a powerful kick to the man's back. The force sent him crashing into the brick wall at the end of the alley.
"What the hell is wrong with you?!" Mael growled.
Nina arrived moments later, shaking her head. "Why must everything be a competition with you?"
Without looking at her, Mael shot back, "You not keeping up isn't my fault."
The man groaned as he stood, muttering under his breath, "Why is everyone so determined to ruin my fun…"
Nina gently helped the trembling woman to her feet. "I'm sorry, ma'am, but you'll need to leave now. It's not safe here."
The beastkin nodded tearfully, whispering, "Thank you," before running out of the alley.
The man, seeing her escape, shouted, "Where do you think you're going, you damn whore?!" He tried to give chase, but Mael intercepted him, delivering a punch to his stomach. The man crumpled to the ground, unconscious.
Nina frowned, placing a hand on Mael's shoulder. "You're always so reckless," she scolded.
"Like you would've handled it better?" Mael shot back.
Nina smirked. "Oh, definitely. I would've knocked him out without being so dramatic about it."
The man stirred, pulling a small knife from his pocket and lunging at Mael with a yell. "I'll kill you!"
Nina reacted instantly, shoving Mael aside and kicking the knife from the man's hand. The blade spun through the air as she delivered a second kick, sending the man flying into the wall. As several objects spilled from his pockets, including a small green stone that pulsed with sinister energy.
Mael shot her a glare. "See? Dramatic."
Nina ignored him, eyeing the strange stone on the ground. "This thing… it's pure evil."
He reached out to pick it up but immediately yelped as it burned his fingers. "Damn it!"
"Language!" Nina snapped.
"What the hell is this thing?" Mael muttered, nursing his burnt hand.
Nina picked it up effortlessly, crushing it into fragments as dark mana dissipated. "Cleansing Light," she muttered. "This stone was cursed."
Mael frowned, his pride a little bruised. "Figures… You just have to be better at everything, don't you?"
Nina grinned and reached for his hand. "Stop pouting and let me heal you."
He hesitated, then allowed her to use her ability. The soothing warmth made him relax despite himself. "Thanks…" he mumbled.
Nina flashed a smug smile. "Aw, is the grumpy knight finally admitting I'm useful?"
Mael yanked his hand away, glaring at her. "Don't push it."
She laughed, giving him a playful wink. "Too easy."
As they both looked at the scattered remnants of the rune, Mael's frown returned. "What was that thing?"
Nina folded her arms. "I don't know. But the fact that it burned you means no ordinary holy knight can touch it—except for someone with my ability."
Mael's gaze shifted to the unconscious man. "Seems the Balmount Kingdom isn't as peaceful as it looks."
Nina glanced at him with a softer expression. "You know… You're not half bad when you're not acting like an ass."
He clicked his tongue. "Tch. Don't get used to it."
Nina grinned, nudging him with her elbow. "Maybe one day, I'll make a decent partner out of you."
Mael just groaned, clearly not in the mood for more teasing.