blood dripping —
drip… drip…
A knife dug deep into Eyan’s shoulder.
Eyan let out a sharp gasp, pain ripping through him.
hh—ngh—
“Damn it…”
Blood slid down his arm.
drip… drip…
His breathing grew heavy and uneven.
Eyan lifted his head and looked at the person sitting in front of him.
His chest tightened.
thud—thud—
His breath hitched.
--------------------------------------------------------
(12 hours ago)
Eyan leaned back in his chair, eyes sharp. “Hans. Did you look into what I asked you last time?”
Hans stepped forward, unfurling a neatly sealed report and placing it on the desk. “Here, Your Majesty.”
Eyan scanned the pages, his brows slowly drawing together. After a moment, he let out a quiet sigh. “…Looks like I’ll have to go there myself.”
Hans stiffened. “Your Majesty, there’s no need for you to involve yourself. The royal knights can handle this alone.”
Unauthorized duplication: this tale has been taken without consent. Report sightings.
“No.” Eyan closed the report and stood. “I need to go too. This isn’t as simple as you think, Hans.”
He turned toward the large map of Velmoria spread across the wall and pointed to a marked location.
“Women have been disappearing across the capital,” Eyan said coldly. “And this is where they were last seen.”
His eyes darkened. “That guild is suspicious.”
He lowered his hand. “Hans, tell the knights to be prepared. We move tonight.”
Hans bowed deeply. “Yes, Your Majesty.”
--------------------------------------------------------
(10 hours Ago)
Eva wandered through the bustling market, her steps slowing as she clutched her pouch.
She sighed softly. “Even though the wedding was simple… I still spent more than I thought.”
She peeked inside—empty. “I’m out of money now,” she murmured, worry creeping into her voice. “What should I do… I need a better job. Something that pays more.”
Just then, a small crowd of women gathered nearby. Curious, Eva approached and took one of the pamphlets being handed out.
Her eyes scanned the paper.
Eva’s eyes lit up. “Ten gold coins per day? And the work isn’t that hard… I just have to serve food.”
Hope bloomed in her chest. She smiled, gripping the pamphlet tightly. “Yes… I needed a job like this. Then all my problems will be solved.”
--------------------------------------------------------
(8 hours ago)
(Capital of Velmoria — afternoon)
Eva stopped before a tall, polished building. Sunlight glinted off the silver emblem above the door.
Silver Crescent Guild.
“…This is the place,” she murmured. She drew in a deep breath and stepped inside. The air was thick with incense and low laughter.
Before she could take another step, a man approached her, smiling politely. “Lady, how can I help you?”
Eva held out the pamphlet. “I came because of this. I want this job… am I qualified?”
The man’s eyes slowly traveled from her face to her feet, lingering far too long. Then he smiled wider. “Lady, you are perfect for this job.”
Relief flickered across her face “When can I start?”
“Right now.”
He gestured subtly. A woman holding a tray of wine glasses stepped forward. The man took one glass and offered it to Eva.
“Here,” he said smoothly. “Drink this. It’s to celebrate your first day at work.”
Eva smiled, accepting the glass without suspicion, and drank it down. “Now,” she said lightly, “please tell me what I have to do.”
“I’ll tell you in a minute.”
“Oka—.” Suddenly, the floor shifted beneath her feet. Eva staggered, her vision blurring as she clutched her head. “W-What’s happening to me…?” She grabbed the man’s sleeve, panic flooding her eyes. “What was in the wine?”
The man’s smile didn’t falter. “Nothing, my lady. Just a little drug to get you ready.”
“Bastar—” Her words cut off. Eva’s body went limp, collapsing onto the cold floor.
The man looked down at her unmoving form, then turned to the woman beside him. “Change her clothes and get her ready for the customer,” he said calmly. “She’s a beautiful one. Save her for the VIP.”
The woman nodded without expression and dragged Eva away, her footsteps fading down the corridor.
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