“Why? I thought you said this is the key to break the curse?” Elisha furrowed her eyebrows.

  “It’s very likely, yes, but the curse may not be as simple as we thought. It doesn’t hurt to gather more information to understand its nature better,” Ryder explained.

  “Then you should ask Aunt Syrinx instead. My mother’s the least involved in Aunt Cybele’s life, while Aunt Syrinx is the most involved. She was also present on the day Aunt Cybele died, so she can give you all the details you need. Now, please leave. I need to prepare for my meeting with Simon.”

  “If that’s the case, then I only have one important question I must ask.”

  “Ask.”

  “Did your mother say anything about the curse itself?”

  “Only that she never thought Aunt Cybele would curse her husband-to-be, and that it was hard for her to believe it happened even after so many years.”

  “I see. Thank you again for your help.”

  “You can thank me by returning the sheet undamaged to me.”

  “I will.”

  “Oh, and I almost forgot. Thank you for your dragon’s help, but I’ll be fine now.” She nodded at Brown, who nodded back.

  “Okay.”

  The gang bade her goodbye and headed for the third sister’s house, located in the center of the city. Most of the buildings there were about three-story-tall, and they all squeezed against each other. Right as they turned to an obscure backstreet as a shortcut, Ryder heard the familiar tune that he did on his first day here.

  “Wait a second… This… No wonder it sounded so familiar! This is the last part of the song!” He frantically looked around, trying to locate the source of the music.

  “Over there, Ryder!” Findir exclaimed as he pointed at the roof of a building. The figure, holding what seemed to be a portable keyboard, was sitting on the edge. When they heard the cat-man’s shouting and saw several people looking at them, they quickly threw the keyboard on their back, stood up, and ran away.

  “I don’t believe there’s a need to chase after-” Before Brown could finish, her rider already leaped onto a nearby lower rooftop before jumping onto the one the figure previously was. The yellow-ear did the same as well after stuffing the map into his vest, though he was lagging behind. The dragon sighed and followed on the ground.

  The figure had a black hoodie, which was why their face couldn’t be discerned. They were also obviously a child based on their small stature and lean physique. While the outline of their feline ears could be seen, they lack a tail.

  “Stop! I just want to talk!” Ryder shouted as he jumped from one rooftop to the next.

  The figure pressed forward, relying on their agility to run through rooftops with many obstacles to throw off their pursuers. It did slow down the rider, but Findir’s nimble steps allowed him to quickly catch up with his friend and even closing the gap between him and the figure.

  “We won’t hurt ya! A short conversation is all we ask for!” The cat-man was only a couple more meters away from the figure, and they had run out of roofs to jump toward.

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  The figure was panting when they glanced back at their pursuers. Seeing how relentless the duo were, the figure bit their lips and bend their knees.

  “Wait, this is too high! Don’t jump down!”

  Findir’s words fell on deaf ears as the figure plunged themselves off of the building and onto the busy street below.

  “Dammit!” When he arrived at the fringe of the building, the figure had blended into the crowd, nowhere to be seen.

  “Did you see them?” Ryder peeked downward as well when he arrived.

  “Sadly, no. Also, we should quickly return to the street now, Ryder. The residents of the buildin's we jumped by wouldn’t be delighted to see us,” the cat-man suggested.

  “Yeah. Hold on tight. I’ll bring us down.” The rider held his friend’s waist as he activated his draconic arm to summon vines that gently set them down in the alley.

  Brown crossed her arms when she arrived a few seconds before they landed on the ground again. “It was not necessary to chase after them, Ryder.”

  “Maybe, maybe not. I don’t know if the final sister we’re visiting is going to be as nice as Alin or as demanding as Elisha. Besides, a random kid playing the final part of the song we’re looking for? I had to check it out.”

  The earth dragon stared at her rider for a few silent seconds before speaking up again. “Please continue to lead the way, Findir.”

  “Will do!” Findir pulled out the map and continued navigating through the city.

20 minutes later

KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK

  All of them stood inside a cramped corridor in front of Syrinx’s residence, which was the only room on the second floor of the building.

  “Who is it?” A weak but tender voice traveled through the door before it opened. When it did, they saw an old woman with a pair of blue ears and a walking cane. Her sharp iris began sparkling with excitement as she noticed the teenager’s arm and getup. “Are you an adventurer? Here to break the curse on the Onyx Knight?”

  “Err, yes-”

  “Oh, goodie! It’s been so long since one visited! Come in! Come in! Do you three want coffee? Tea? Or perhaps zooinch?” She pulled the door wide with a smile, allowing the trio to enter.

  “I'd appreciate a cup of coffee, Madam Miuzika.” Findir returned with a smile of his own.

  “Tea for me, Madam Miuzika,” Ryder answered.

  “Zooinch. Thank you for your hospitality.” Brown bowed slightly.

  “You’re welcome, dearie. There’s no need to call me Madam as well. Ms. Miuzika is fine.” The old woman closed the door once the trio made it in. “So, what are your names, dearies?”

  “My name’s Findir Toygir! I’m a travelin’ musician currently accompanying the Drag’n Rider to break the Onyx Knight’s curse!” The cat-man bowed politely.

  “I’m Ryder. Just Ryder. The Dragon Rider. Nice to meet you.”

  “You may call me Brown.”

  “Brown? My, what an odd name.” The old woman swiftly covered her mouth. “Oh, I’m sorry, deary. I can’t seem to get rid of this old habit of mine. All names are equally wonderful, deary. I hope you aren’t offended.”

  “I’m not.” The earth dragon smirked faintly.

  “So then, what do you three want to know first? My sister’s story from childhood to adulthood? Her encounter and love with Attis? Or perhaps the details of the day she died? Well, regardless of what you want to know, I’ll only tell you on one condition.” She waddled to her kitchen and took out three cups.

  “Which is? Oh, wait, is it-” The human inquired.

  “You have to tell me about your adventures! Adventurers always have the most fascinating tales to listen to. Even though I've done my fair share of adventuring myself in the past, there are still so many things I never heard about.” Syrinx giggled as she, despite her age, handily prepared the beverages. Brown helped carry the hot cups to the dining table as all of them sat around it.

  “Ah, uh, sure. No problem.” The rider picked up the cup and drank.

  “Thank ya fer yer tea, Ms. Miuzika! It smells wonderful!” Findir took a deep breath before taking a sip.

  “Uhm, uh, thank you too, for the coffee.” Ryder awkwardly raised his cup and smiled.

  “You’re welcomed, dearies! So, what would you like to know about first?”