The Nobleman's Heist
The carriage stopped in front of a grand gate, where nobles stepped down one by one in their finest attire. Soft music drifted from inside the hall, creating an elegant atmosphere filled with polite conversation and refined laughter.
From one of the carriages, a young man with black hair stepped out with a confident demeanor. His outfit was made of luxurious fabric—a black coat embroidered with gold, making him look like a true aristocrat. Behind him, a red-haired man followed with a relaxed smile.
"We're really doing this, huh?" Shun whispered cautiously, glancing at Ravel.
"We've already infiltrated this far, don't start getting nervous now," Ravel replied, adjusting the collar of his jacket. "Don't talk to anyone, don't draw attention, and most importantly—don't do anything stupid."
Shun scoffed. "I always act smart."
"You're smart in a fight, not in sneaking around," Ravel shot back before stepping ahead into the grand hall.
Inside, the atmosphere was a stark contrast to the world they were used to. A long table was laden with expensive delicacies, servants moved about carrying trays of the finest wine, and elegantly dressed women adorned with sparkling jewelry mingled effortlessly.
At the center of the hall stood a large man dressed in flamboyant clothing—Baron Eldric, their target for the night.
The golden ring on his finger gleamed under the candlelight. It was no mere ornament—it was a magical key, the very thing they sought.
Shun observed it from a distance. If they wanted to obtain it, they had to make Eldric remove it himself, or…
Ravel patted his shoulder lightly, as if he could read Shun's thoughts.
"Don't be reckless," Ravel whispered.
Shun straightened his posture, settling into his role as a fake nobleman. But in his mind, he recalled the events from a few hours ago, back at the inn, where they had planned all of this.
---
A Few Hours Earlier – The Inn
Candlelight flickered in the small upstairs room of the cheap inn they had rented. Shun sat on a chair, watching as Ravel inspected his dagger.
"So, the ring can't be removed unless the owner takes it off?" Shun asked.
Ravel nodded. "Yeah. It's a magic key, and it can only be removed by its owner… or if the finger is cut off."
Shun raised an eyebrow. "Are we seriously cutting off his finger?"
Ravel shot him a sharp look. "Do you have another way?"
Shun fell silent. They could steal treasures, trick people, even escape from pursuers—but stealing a ring attached to someone's body? That was a different challenge.
"We'll create a distraction, isolate him from his guards, and then—"
Ravel raised a hand, stopping Shun mid-sentence. "Listen, we don't have time for a complicated plan. Once the party starts, we cause chaos. I'll go for the Baron. You stay above and make sure no one interferes."
Shun nodded, though he still had his doubts.
Suddenly, Ravel touched his temple.
"Listen closely."
Ravel's voice echoed directly in Shun's mind.
Shun flinched. "You're talking in my head?"
Ravel grinned. "Mana telepathy. I'll teach you before we start."
---
Back at the Noble Party
The music played on as Shun stood on the upper balcony, watching Ravel weave through the crowd of guests.
As Baron Eldric prepared to give his opening speech, the distraction they had planned unfolded—a massive iron chandelier suddenly crashed from the ceiling.
Brakk!
Flames burst in the center of the hall, triggering chaos. Guests screamed, servants rushed to put out the fire, and guards immediately ran toward the commotion.
Amidst the disorder, Ravel approached the Baron, who was frozen in shock, trying to process the situation.
"Now."
Ravel's command echoed in Shun's mind.
In an instant, Ravel unsheathed his dagger and slashed toward the Baron's hand.
"Aaagh!!"
Blood splattered as the Baron's finger was severed. The golden ring slipped off, rolling across the polished marble floor.
The Baron staggered back, his face pale as he screamed in agony.
Shun leaped down from the balcony, landing gracefully before anyone could react, and snatched the ring before it could be noticed.
The guards finally realized what had happened, but it was too late. Ravel grabbed Shun and sprinted toward an open window.
They leaped out, landing in the empty courtyard before vanishing into the darkness of the night.
Inside the hall, Baron Eldric continued to scream as the once-luxurious party descended into complete chaos.
Under the moonlight, Shun clenched the bloodstained ring in his hand.
The mission was a success.