The offhand question made both of their expressions instantly harden. Tension sparked, and a pointless standoff kicked off.
“Got a problem with me wearing my own gear?”
“Well, yeah. This wasn’t made for humans, was it? The size clearly doesn’t fit. Don’t be so stubborn.”
They were going together anyway. What did it matter who wore it? I couldn’t understand what they were even arguing about. Watching a fight I had zero interest in felt like a waste of time.
“Enough already—just pick someone and put it on. You know what happens if the Artifact activates and no one’s wearing it, right?”
“You’d better be back on time, too. If you’re late, we’re triggering the Artifact from this side. And if it turns out you were totally fine, expect a pay cut.”
“Of course. We’re dealing with an Artifact worth more than my annual salary. You think I’d mess around with that? Alright, I’m heading out.”
“Be careful, Bell.”
I waved them off and marched out of the castle with fake confidence. Three steps later, I regretted everything. Of course I was the only one stuck mountain climbing for this damn mission. And to make it worse, I had to do it in drag. Twice the hassle, double the pain.
“Goddammit. Should’ve just stripped and free-climbed or something.”
After a brutal trek, I finally made it to the village. I stuck to the alleyways instead of the main roads. No telling when or where those bastards might show up—I couldn’t let my guard down for a second.
Then came the first bite.
“Excuse me.”
A man’s voice—someone I didn’t recognize. I turned around with the most innocent face I could fake.
“Yes? Can I help you?”
“Sorry, but could you give me directions?”
Hm. Guess not. I’ll brush him off quickly.
“Sorry, I’m not really familiar with the area…”
“I’m looking for the way to your heart.”
…What the hell? And the guy looked proud of it too, like his stupid pickup line was comedy gold. He was smirking so hard his mouth practically touched his ear. That alone chilled me right to the bone.
“That road’s closed. Goodbye.”
“Ah—wait, hold on a sec…!”
What a waste of time.
The real headache was that more idiots just kept showing up, each with their own cringe-worthy pickup lines.
“If you’ve got a moment… maybe we could grab a cup of tea?”
“Hey, don’t I know you from somewhere?”
“You’ve got a decent face. Be my girl.”
“You dropped this… your beauty.”
And so on. (Okay, I’ll admit the guy who claimed we were lovers in a past life made my heart skip just a little.)
Damn it. I knew this might happen, but this face is way too eye-catching for undercover work. Should’ve listened when those two tried to stop me. Now I was wasting precious time batting away sleazy pickup attempts, and my window to make it back on time was shrinking fast.
“Hey, you look new around here. Mind if we talk?”
Great. Another one. I sighed and turned around.
“Ugh, what?”
My tone was sharp enough to make the guy—who honestly looked like a damn filefish—flinch. He forced a nervous smile and tried again.
“N-no, nothing weird! I just wanted to ask if you might be interested in a job. The pay’s actually really good.”
Huh. Now that was interesting. I needed more details.
“Hmm, I did just move here, and I’ve been a little lost on how I’m gonna manage on my own…”
“Then you’re in luck! I’ve got the perfect job for someone like you.”
“Alright, I’ll listen.”
“Great! Follow me.”
Playing the part, I lifted my fan with a practiced elegance and followed him. He led me to a shabby little shack on the outskirts of the village. The windows creaked every time the wind blew. I picked my words carefully.
“Wow… such a humble, cozy place.”
“Yeah, it’s a bit worn down. We use it for interviews. Come on in.”
Should I go inside? It screamed shady. But if I backed out now, I’d get nothing. I raised my hand, adjusted the ear cuff just to be safe, and stepped in.
“So! The job we’re offering is—”
The moment we sat at the table, Filefish launched into his pitch. To summarize:
High pay! Short-term contract! But the job and location are top secret until after you sign! Total discretion required—no blabbing to anyone!
= Total scam.
It was so obviously a setup it was almost laughable. My gut screamed that this was connected to the string of recent disappearances.
If I had more time, I’d play along and follow him straight to their base…
Unfortunately, time wasn’t on my side. If I didn’t head back now, there was no way I’d make it to the castle by the agreed hour. And it was all this loudmouth’s fault for dragging things out.
On top of that, if Kalz or Leon came looking and blew my cover, this guy would vanish into thin air. I needed to leave now but still keep this place in play for follow-up.
Not that I’m doing all this just to avoid a salary deduction or anything…
“So yeah, if you don’t take this chance, who knows when you’ll find something this good again?”
“Sorry to interrupt, but… I don’t think this is right for me.”
“What? Wait, what do you mean? Why not all of a sudden?”
“Actually, I got a better offer recently. Think I’ll be taking that instead.”
Great pay, perfect work-life balance, kind and ridiculously adorable senior coworkers. A dream job.
Only downside? The boss bites.
Ever heard of the Beast’s Castle?
As I started to rise, the guy’s expression flipped like a switch—dark, and not in a good way.
“Tch. Then why’d you even come with me in the first place? I went through all the trouble of explaining everything, and now you’re just gonna leave? Isn’t that a little rude?”
Oh please. You were the one rambling like an idiot. For this much talking, I should’ve been charging you a consultation fee.
“Sorry about that. Anyway, I’ll be going now.”
“Where do you think you’re going? Not so fast!”
I dodged the filefish-faced creep who lunged at me with a sleazy grin, but the two massive guys who’d suddenly appeared at the door were another story. They were too big to get past.
So this is how it ends, huh?
As they rushed me, I hit the ground and rolled to avoid their grip, eyes closing for a moment as I reached for the ear cuff.
Goodbye, precious Artifact worth N times my salary…
“Return.”
When I opened my eyes again, I was in Kalz’s arms, his face grim and serious. Leon stood beside him, frowning down at me with concern. Looks like Kalz won the ear cuff showdown.
“No need to look like that. I’m not hurt, and I got some useful intel.”
“Doesn’t look that way, Bell. Your face says otherwise…”
“I’m just bitter, that’s all. Don’t mind me.”
I sat up and shared what I’d learned.
“I think the killer might be luring victims with fake job offers. We’ll need more evidence, but it’s a solid lead.”
“Where was it?”
“Pass me the map… It was around here. Old shack with a green roof and creaky window shutters. But that hideout’s probably burned by now—after I vanished like that, they’ll ditch it for sure. Instead, let’s focus on suspicious guys in the area. I couldn’t see the faces of the two big ones—they had their hoods up—but I got a good look at the third guy.”
“What’d he look like?”
“Round eyes, tight little mouth… looked like a damn filefish.”
“Alright. I’ll ask around—see if anyone’s seen a guy like that or gotten shady job offers lately.”
“Sounds good. We can go together tomorrow.”
Leon shook his head.
“No. I’ll investigate on my own. Bell, you shouldn’t go back to the village for a while.”
“Why not? I’m the only one who’s seen that guy’s face.”
“And he’s seen yours. It’s too risky.”
“I was in disguise, though. Think that’ll be enough to throw him off?”
“Honestly? Your face isn’t exactly forgettable.”
…Okay, fair.
“Then I’ll wear a mask?”
“You’re gonna be talking to people. If you show up in a mask, no one’s gonna answer your questions.”
“Good point. Alright, I’ll stick to investigating around the site and avoid the crowds.”
“Still dangerous. You’re better off staying here.”
“Relax. I won’t go alone. I’ll take someone with me.”
“…You don’t mean me, right.”
“Why not? There’s only three of us.”
“Sorry, but I’ll be tied up too. I’ve got prep to handle in case anything goes sideways.”
“Prep? What kind of prep?”
“It’s a secret.”
“A secret? What, are you starring in a detective drama now? Next you’ll be throwing brooding looks out a rainy window and monologuing about justice.”
“I don’t know what that means, but sure. Just go with it.”
Kalz refused to say what he was planning. That damn lion-head… Don’t tell me he’s just trying to get out of work.
