I opened my eyes with difficulty. The room was completely dark.
The curtains were all drawn. No real light entered—only the faint, almost imperceptible glow of the moon, so weak that its presence or absence made no difference at all.
If I remembered correctly, after the events of the afternoon I had stayed alone in my room until evening. I only left for dinner. After eating, I returned straight to my room, and about an hour later I fell asleep.
I drew a breath and sat on the edge of the bed. I glanced at the small clock on the bedside table.
Muttering to myself:
"Two o'clock…"
I rubbed my eyes with both hands to shake off the lingering sleepiness.
I stood up from the bed and did a few light stretches to wake myself up a little. It helped somewhat—but I still felt tired.
Tonight, though—at last—I could finally leave the manor and take a quiet walk.
The nights in this city were calmer and quieter than the days. Of course, if there were no Blood Moon, the nights would feel even more peaceful.
I put on my brown waistcoat and layered my usual navy long coat over it.
Before leaving the room, I glanced back inside—looked around for a moment—then gave a small, crooked smirk, shook my head, stepped out, and closed the door behind me.
I hurried toward the usual hidden path I used to slip out unnoticed. Once outside, I began moving away from the manor through the surrounding gardens—as always.
After crossing the gardens, I finally stepped onto the cobblestone streets of Carlton House Terrace.
A gentle smile touched my lips. I savored the soft night breeze.
I wanted to forget the events of today. A nighttime walk would surely help push them from my mind.
Lost in that thought, I only hoped Frederick or Charlotte wouldn't decide to check my room in the middle of the night.
But when I opened my eyes again, Sebastian stood directly in front of me.
A small smile played on his lips. He held a new lantern in his hand.
I was startled—about to speak—when Sebastian suddenly stepped back with his left foot, placed his right hand over his heart, and bowed deeply from the waist.
I froze in surprise. Why was Sebastian performing a courtly bow reserved for royalty?
I opened my mouth to ask—when he spoke.
"I'd be satisfied with two hundred pounds a month!!"
I let out a small laugh.
"So you thought about my offer after all."
Sebastian shrugged.
"Either way—whether I help you or not… I die!!"
I raised an eyebrow.
"What do you mean?"
Sebastian clipped the lantern to his belt and said:
"If I help you and spy for you—I die for betraying the Crown. If I don't help you—I die from too many encounters with things like Bloody Worshipers. So I choose the path of helping you. At least it's more exciting than walking around at night!!"
I gave a faint smile.
"I see…"
Sebastian gestured toward another street.
"Come—let's go this way… And at least tell me about your plans!!"
I smiled slightly at him and started walking ahead. Sebastian followed behind.
The path he pointed toward led to Mayfair.
As we walked, I spoke about my future goals. Sebastian either agreed or rejected my ideas outright.
At one point I asked him:
"By the way… how many divisions are there among you Night Keepers?"
Sebastian paused for a moment, then answered:
"Well… there are six divisions. People like me—the lantern-bearers—are called Night Explorers."
I rested my hand under my chin.
"I see…"
I was about to say something when Sebastian continued on his own.
"The other five divisions are: Gear Industry, Killer, Nightmare Maker, Nightfall, and The Guardian…"
I was surprised.
"Why are you telling me all of them?"
Sebastian glanced at me from the corner of his eye.
"I was sure you were already thinking about the others—so I decided to tell you. Secondly… I'm unofficially your spy now. I have to tell you these things!!"
I smirked.
"Yeah… you're right."
I was about to speak again—when suddenly the gas lamps along the entire street began flickering wildly.
I turned to Sebastian. His lantern was already in his hand—its flame glowing deep red, just like before.
I looked ahead.
Mist was slowly thickening—rising until the cobblestones beneath our feet disappeared completely.
Sebastian said quietly:
"You know… if the other Night Keepers notice this and come here—you'll be in serious trouble."
I looked at him.
"Don't worry… I can use a spell."
Sebastian's expression brightened slightly.
"That's good… What spell?"
With quiet pride I answered:
"Sleepiness!!"
Sebastian's face immediately turned deadly serious.
"Really? Sleepiness?! Was there a spell shortage or something?!"
I opened my mouth to reply—when a familiar voice reached my ears.
I stared straight ahead.
I hadn't expected it—but there he was.
The Gray Man.
Sebastian's expression grew even grimmer. His lantern still burned crimson.
I took one step back. A fight between these two could break out at any moment.
And that… would be very bad.
The Gray Man's voice became clearer.
"My dear Duke… I've been told I need to take you somewhere."
I gave a tense smirk—about to speak—when Sebastian instantly drew his spear and said:
"I don't think I can ignore that remark!!"