After rummaging through her bedroom wardrobe for what felt like an eternity, Angel finally settled on the knee-length dress she'd bought but never worn.
Most of her closet consisted of practical shirts and trousers suitable for daily wear—clothing that facilitated easy movement and matched the standard attire of her fellow Nighthawks. But late last night, Melissa Moretti had quietly knocked on her door with a pleading expression, suggesting she "wear something different from usual."
After repeated questioning, Melissa finally confessed the truth. She'd made a bet with her brother Klein—if Angel showed up to the celebration in her typical outfit, Melissa would lose fifty pence.
Though Angel harbored some doubt about the authenticity of this wager, she agreed to the small request out of respect for Melissa's midnight visit.
Changing into the long dress and a conservative blouse was the greatest concession she was willing to make. However, as both a Nighthawk and a Beyonder, certain precautions were non-negotiable for her safety and that of those around her.
She used leg holsters to strap the "Thirst" revolver and its sheath to her left and right thighs respectively. Standing before the mirror and smoothing down her skirt, she confirmed that the loose fabric concealed them completely without any telltale bulges. The magic pocket watch that normally wrapped around her left wrist had to be relocated to her coat pocket.
At least this way, if danger strikes, I'll have fighting capability—enough to protect Melissa and Benson...
After gathering her long hair and tying it back, Angel finally emerged from her bedroom. The pocket watch and spare ammunition clinked together with a discordant jingling sound, making her sigh and return to remove most of the bullets, leaving only the golden "Fragmented Light Ray" and several "Storm Convergence" rounds in the bedside drawer.
Maybe I should buy a handbag like Rozanne's...
But it's just a small celebration at the North District park. I won't need that many bullets, and the Nighthawk headquarters isn't far away...
Lost in thought, she descended the stairs to the first-floor living room.
"Good morning, Miss Angel!"
Tromie was polishing the coffee table in the parlor. Seeing Angel come downstairs, she greeted her with a warm smile.
This maid had just passed her probationary period with the Moretti family and become their full-time domestic servant. Beyond cleaning and laundry, she was now responsible for preparing breakfast and dinner. Kind-hearted Benson had set her weekly wage at 6 soli, plus room and board.
As far as Angel knew, this exceeded the average rate for similar positions in Tingen—Benson clearly intended to help support her. Combined with the 2 soli earned from weekly cleaning at the Granger household, this poor girl who'd recently lost her father should no longer worry about making ends meet.
With steady employment, she'd have more energy to study complex culinary techniques and perhaps become a cook in a wealthy household within a few years, leading a more respectable life.
After a simple breakfast, Angel left the house and stepped onto the bustling Daffodil Street. It was already nine o'clock on this Sunday morning, and the street had lost its weekday urgency, replaced by a more leisurely atmosphere.
Klein had swapped shifts with Kenley, who was originally scheduled to rest today. Though Klein didn't need to guard the Chanis Gate, he still had work matters to discuss with Leonard and had headed to Blackthorn Security Company early that morning. Angel would meet up with Melissa and Benson before taking a hired carriage to Red Moon Street in the North District.
In the carriage, Melissa gazed at Angel with an expression of relief.
"Angel, I knew you wouldn't wear those androgynous clothes today. Klein will definitely be pleasantly surprised."
Huh? Weren't you the one who came over in the middle of the night asking me to dress like this?
Angel looked at Melissa in confusion.
The latter guiltily averted her gaze, then seemed to remember something and turned back. "Angel, I wanted to ask—well, Klein wanted me to ask—what kind of person is he in your eyes?"
By the end of her question, her face was full of anticipation.
Watching the girl's shifting expressions and flickering gaze, Angel chuckled softly before answering, "A good person?"
"Ah?"
Melissa let out a puzzled sound and looked to Benson for help.
"Ahem," Benson cleared his throat theatrically. "Look, we've arrived at Red Moon Street."
Angel also turned her gaze toward the carriage window, watching as the buildings along the street gradually gave way to rows of shaded trees.
She could of course hear the meaning behind Melissa's words and knew what kind of answer the girl hoped for.
But she herself...
She lowered her head, her eyes dimming somewhat.
Inside Blackthorn Security Company.
Klein was conversing with Leonard, who had just returned to the company. The latter had discovered a letter left by Lanevus while searching his former hideout.
"A bomb that grows stronger over time? How can such a thing exist?"
Klein asked curiously.
He'd already hung his trench coat and top hat on the coat rack, leaving only his white shirt and brown vest. Combined with his meticulously groomed black hair, he did indeed look younger, just as his sister Melissa had said.
Leonard, meanwhile, looked as though he'd been running around all night. His black hair was disheveled, his trench coat characteristically unbuttoned as always, and his shirt tails hung loosely outside his belt.
"Not only that—it's incredibly powerful. Lanevus claims that if we don't find this bomb, all of Tingen will be reduced to rubble."
His expression dark, he handed Klein the envelope that bore neither address nor recipient.
"If we only consider this letter, it's more likely a prank. After all, he's a known fraudster with a criminal record—lies flow from him as easily as breathing. He even abandoned his pregnant fiancée without a second thought."
"But this man has connections to the Aurora Order, and they're known for staging bloody sacrificial rituals. This reminds me of the 'Cursed Altar' we destroyed at the end of July—that was also a curse that strengthened with each sacrificed offering..."
After hearing Leonard's analysis and quickly reading through the letter, Klein looked up with shock written across his face. "You're saying Lanevus has prepared a similar evil ritual, and it will eventually affect all of Tingen as time passes?"
"Look, his letter contains this description," Leonard pointed to a passage in the letter. "'...children who die young as factory workers, laborers who perish in harsh conditions from overwork, factories shrouded in countless grievances...' If these are the power source for that 'bomb,' its destructive potential likely far exceeds the previous 'Cursed Altar.'"
"Either way, we need to report this to the Captain immediately and have him request assistance from the Holy Cathedral. Through the grievances collected by this ever-strengthening 'bomb,' they should be able to locate it." Klein waved the letter and looked toward Dunn's office.
"That's exactly why I rushed back. Lorotta went to Tingen Police Headquarters—she plans to review recent construction and renovation records. Perhaps we can find clues about the 'bomb.' Something capable of affecting an entire city must have caused quite a commotion during its construction."
Leonard replied as they walked one after the other through the reception hall. Under Rozanne's puzzled gaze, they passed the partition and headed toward Dunn's office.
"By the way, you seem to have switched shifts with Kenley today to take a day off. Um, going on a... date?"
Walking ahead, Leonard suddenly slowed his pace and turned around, his serious face contorting into an odd smile.
"Where did you hear that? I'm just visiting the newly renovated park nearby with my family..." Klein instinctively denied it, but a disheartening thought arose in his mind.
My holiday might actually be ruined...
Sighing, he turned his gaze toward the window. The noise from the nearby park seemed to travel across the street and into his ears.