Chapter 144: Leaving the Duke’s Mansion
Chapter 144: Leaving the Duke’s Mansion
After dinner at night, we returned to the room. A while later, Linda showed up. Since I had already told Lily that I was leaving, she didn’t seem surprised by my outfit."You can sleep in the bed."
"What are you saying? We were waiting for you awake."
Lily sounded so prim and proper, but she was obviously sleepy after a busy day at work. No no, she’s supposed to be on night duty — that’s her job. I was impressed by how dutiful she was, but it felt a bit off.
We climbed onto the roof. Lily and Stevie were already waiting. When Stevie saw my face, she smiled happily. She might be glad to see me, but we’re going to a killing tonight. Well, her shoulders were relaxed, so maybe it was fine. I might have been over-excited.
Lily led the way, leaping lightly across the roofs with pon! pon! sounds. I followed, and Stevie came last. Stevie suddenly exclaimed,
"Eh?! What’s wrong? You’re not as fast tonight?"
She’s right. Lily had become noticeably quicker and lighter.
We reached Anderson’s ducal mansion in no time. A bonfire burned in the center of the garden, surrounded by people. In the middle stood an old man in plain clothes. So he’s staying behind.
The old man opened his mouth.
"You’ve come. Tonight I won’t go — I’ll stay here to guard the mansion. I’m sorry, but please follow this man’s orders. He is battle-hardened and experienced enough. I believe he will never put you in danger."
The old man patted the shoulder of the man beside him. The tall, lanky man bowed deeply.
"I am Steve Howe. I am the head of security for this residence. I apologize, but please follow my commands. Although some of you may not agree, tonight we must work together as one. If we don’t move in sync, we may suffer unnecessary casualties. I look forward to your cooperation."
There was a faint reluctance in his words, as if he didn’t want to include us. Of course — with only a few people, he probably didn’t want a child and two girls slowing him down. We were clearly dead weight.
"I’m terribly sorry, but could you please wear this helmet?"
He handed over an iron helmet — a classic "Dutch helmet." It felt surprisingly light. The metal was thinner than I thought. Lily and Stevie made weird faces, but I put it on without complaint. I want to take this home. The way Lily and Stevie looked wearing it was hilarious, but it wasn’t cute at all! Reminds me of how some young female employees in safety helmets and suits look "moe" during site tours in Japan... but it doesn’t suit Lily or Stevie at all. What a shame.