Steampunk Era: Mad Abield

From the look that the white-haired elder gave to the old butler, Malin realized that the old man might not have made things clear to the elder. However, this was perhaps for the best, as it at least offered the elder a chance to declare his position. After all, he still loved this kingdom.

Malin did not yet understand why the elder had killed the King, but by all counts, the elder did not seem to want to usurp the throne — he lacked both the intent and the capability. He was still loyal to the monarchy; his relationships with the royal courtiers weren’t bad, at least. The old butler must have purposely not mentioned that the Half-human’s expectations had been thwarted. He had given him, in his eyes, a chance for Malin to "reacquaint" with Catalia.

Interesting, with such a shrewd old butler, just how did the white-haired elder manage to kill his King without anyone noticing?

Thinking this, Malin called Jason, asking the AI about this very issue.

"It’s what Caster 101 said, I didn’t witness it with my own eyes or investigate it personally, but Casters wouldn’t lie about this sort of matter, and they have no need to lie about it either." Jason’s answer made Malin frown slightly — it seemed the truth behind this incident was yet to be unearthed.

But on his departure, the white-haired elder provided new information regarding the little thief, clarifying the third party’s identity: it was an assault team from a Chaos cult based in Farole. The captured members revealed their reason for pursuing the kid after their souls were searched — he appeared to have stolen something he shouldn’t have.

This made Malin quite embarrassed, and it seemed he had also found the thief who had previously stolen from his own girl and from some unlucky Night Watcher.

"Capture him, I want him alive. I heard he carries his daughter with him, don’t use her as a hostage. You are the kingdom’s blade, not some common bandits in the wilderness."

"As you wish, Mr. Malin," said the elder and then he took his leave.