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It’s been a couple of days since the last meeting, and yet, until now, the preparations are complete. The essential equipment is laid out neatly on the wooden table, from a compass to rations and water,... The usual for a couple of days' trip. After carefully putting the stuff into the bag, what’s left now is a silver pistol glistering in the shade of the moon. Perhaps I should bring it along for safety.

“Perfect timing," Reid thinks, while cautiously entering the hidden passage just under the closet. The narrow way leads directly to the back entrance, where a black horse is waiting for its master. Despite being bathed in silver light, the somber aura of the dark forest still swallows everything in front of it. With calm steps, Reid walks up to the horse, caressing its fur.

“Let’s go.” Together, they run into the night.

They then chase through time and space until the trip ends upon reaching the capital’s land. In spite of not being able to pass through the main gate, I managed to slip through the trading path. Of course, no living soul cares about my presence. The roads of the capital are still the same as I remember. Rugged and scattered with potholes, I wonder where all the maintenance funds are. I shrugged off the idea. The grand members of the council were too hungry for every miserable penny they took from the folks anyway. Ah, the pitiful corner of the sparkling city. A man who was too drunk to move, lay lifelessly on the ground, to the swarm of prostitutes gathered their prey in front of the brothel,... The commoners appear as indigent and mediocre as their class. I do sympathize with them, but bringing happiness is not my job. In the end, I have reached the destination of the first source of information - the hive for pleasure seekers. I was never fond of this kind of place nor understood why they chose such a trivial desire over life. Perhaps that’s the only salvation they could find... a man passing by, holding a girl in his arms. In a revealing dress, she seduces with cheap moves. I wonder how many men have put their money in that nasty place.

Hiding behind blocks of houses, lurking through dark alleys. It lay in the corner, a glamorous brothel. Dim in the flickering lights, cheap perfume intoxicated the air. The guard cracks a grin, then speaks in a hideous tone, “A newcomer pleading for pleasure, eh?” Ignoring his presence, I step into the brothel with the hope of finding the answer. Undoubtedly, every step in the brothel is warmly accompanied by courtesans. With honeyed words, they invite me on a no-return trip to the land of lust. Pleasure and desire soon fade away with time. Then, in the end, what’s left for them, prisoners of sin? After all, the alluring masks they put on are not sufficient to hide their true nature. The thin fingers lift off the silk curtain, revealing paradise. An aberration scene. Bodies harmonize, burning in the flame of passion. The power of desire binds its followers in an infinite cycle of climax. Creating a promised land for the lost souls immersed in the sensual touches of flesh and moaning. Do you think it'll make me flinch? There is nothing but utter disgust. A girl appears in my vision, wearing an innocent blue eye. She smiles at me warmly as if an untouched gem, the only pure white in this chaotic painting of the mad painter. Reaching her hand out, she rests on my shoulder, sobbing. How many men have been trapped in her smile? Lifting up her chin, her sweet face is captured in my eyes. Her eyelashes, like a butterfly, softly landing on the petal, quiver. Holding her face, I can feel her warm breath on my lips, her eagerness to devour me in the kiss. A smirk slowly, quietly carved on my face.

“You,” I stroke her chin, “Disgust me.”

Squeezing her charming chin while the other reached for her neck. I can sense waves of trembling from her body, begging for mercy in her teary eyes. Just when life was forcefully about to kick her out, I let go of my grip. The girl falls to the ground, coughing for air. It seems I have made my point clear as I approach the bar without any more obstacles. “Greetings, sir, what do you want to have”, the bartender asks me nicely while cleaning the glasses. "Whiskey,", I replied coldly. “Do you want to add anything?" “No”, I glance at the bartender, “It will ruin the taste.” Surely the answer meets the bartender's expectation, “Did you see the deer on your way here?" “No, for I am the hunter.” The bartender smiled and guided me to the door behind.

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“My dear Reid, long time no see.” A woman, with the elegant pipe in her hand, smiled seductively. Exhaling a trail of smoke, she leans her head back, observing me closely. “Pleasure to meet you, Camille. I’m here to do business with you.” She then replies, her voice bearing amusement, “ Always straightforward." She blew the smoke in my direction, “It’s been a long trip. Why don’t we have a cup of tea first?” When her words stopped, two girls brought up the tea set, as if it had already been prepared. The brown liquid glittering under the light hints at flakes of petals. Her expression remains unchanged. Raising her cup, she invites me. Following Theodore for quite a long time does give me some benefits. After all, Theodore is famous for the gift of using and combining herbs to save lives. But if he can give, he does take away. Though I am no match for him, I can tell the seemingly harmless teacup in my hand is a sharp knife, waiting to taste my blood. The signature smell…the purple…Lobelia… The coldness of the cup touches my lips. Clang... The cup kissed the ground, shattered into pieces.

“You never fail to amaze me, Reid." Camille deepens her smirk. Knowing Camille, she is more than just pretty. A glamorous rose, but be careful, its thorns will bleed you. To be able to sit on the throne of this paradise already proves she is not just a common woman. However, she dared to cross the line. “Camille”, my eyes piercing at her, “you choose to disobey Theodore?”. Though his name does make her flinch, Camille is no ordinary player. She quickly back to control, “I didn’t dare, beside you won’t be here if he didn’t need me” Leaning on the velvet chair, my gaze fixed on her, “We do. Fulfill this request of mine, then the deal will remain.” Camille calmly breathed out a fog of smoke, bringing along the burning scent. Her silence equals an agreement.

“Get me into the Imperial Castle.”

Find the merchant, only he can help, those were the words Camille said.

A rundown pub, typical of the filthy corner, where the men are served venomous alcohol. How tragic that they would lose themselves in their fantasy world, forgetting the miserable existence they lead. Nevertheless, each time the trips come to an end, harsh reality crashes down once again on their poor souls. An endless loop of tipsy and sudden realizations A strange man in a black cloak sits next to me. Beer is all he called for. “Lynx, I heard you need me,” eyes still focusing on the beer cup in his hand. “I need your help to get into the castle, merchant.” The man let out a laugh, as if he had heard a joke. The castle now is hell on earth, and those in there are dying to have a ticket to freedom. Theodore has entrusted me with this mission, and I have no intention of running away either. Dropping a bag of coins on the table, an expression of my determination surely pleased the merchant. “You think this flimsy bag alone is enough?" The man cracked a maniacal laugh. “You disappoint me, merchant”, my knife aims for his vein, “It seems you have no use.” Things happen so fast that the laugh is still on his face, which is soon replaced by fear. The knife traced along his leg, ready to strike anytime, “Quick, I have no time to waste.” Violence is not something I am proud of, but I can’t deny its efficiency. The merchant trembled in utter fear and immediately nodded.

“Crossing this garden will be the castle side hall." The merchant then disappeared into the night. By changing into the servant’s clothes, I am wearing a new dignity. From afar, the yelling of the King can be heard. Hustle enters the castle, where I blend in with the crowd of servants.