As I left the restroom, thousands of nobles talking and chatting with each other took in my sight.

Yet no one seems to notice me, as almost if I faded out from existence itself.

Neither dead nor alive.

I carefully walked around them and explored the grandeur mansion, trying to find any idea of where Gerald might be.

And I had to be quick as I had no idea how long before the assassin would strike.

I ran around the building until I finally got to the second floor, where I went to a nearby balcony to summon my 3 musketeers.

"Find where Gerald is,"

They all titled their heads toward me,

I let out a sigh,

"Gerald is a man in his 40s, greybeard, golden eyes, he wears an eyepatch on his left eye, he'll be pretty easy to spot."

They all nodded their small heads and flew immediately, scouting each and every window around the mansion.

I went back inside and continued exploring the second floor.

Damn,

I took a breather as I was running for quite some time now and yet I barely managed to explore this floor.

Where could they be?

Damn, time is ticking.

As I prepare myself to do another marathon again,

*CHIRP* *CHIRP*

Finally,

******

"I can't believe how much have you grown, Cass,"

"Fa-father that's enough,"

I gently push my father away.

"I remember when you were but a child, who would cry and throw a tantrum whenever you leave my embrace, but it seems now you are eager to leave me behind,"

"Father, It's not like that,"

Stolen content warning: this tale belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences elsewhere.

My weary father let out a sigh,

"I know, I know, it's just that I can hardly believe how fast time would fly by,"

"It doesn't matter if you grow wrinkled and sickly dad, I will always be there for you,"

"Then that is enough,"

"Oh, I can't wait to show these nobles how beautiful my little Cass bloomed into,"

"You flatter me too much, Father,"

"So, are you ready to make them speechless?"

"Not yet, I am still waiting for Jonssen to show up,"

"I want him to see me first rather than those nobles outside,"

"It's already 9 PM, how long will you make them wait?"

"I told him to come an hour ago but it seems he has other things more important to him than me,"

"Just don't make the nobles outside wait any longer, They are excited to see you and once they see you in that beautiful velvet dress, you will leave their jaws hanging,"

"Father..."

"Yes, I apologize, I just can't stop being proud of you,"

I ran to my father and hugged him tightly,

"And I can't stop being proud of you as my Father,"

"Cass...."

"You really know how to pull my heartstrings,"

.

.

.

.

.

.

"Good evening, coldfeathers,"

A voice as deep as the ocean made me widen my eyes,

Me and my father instantly looked to where the sound came from.

There was a person and from how his body was built it was evidently a man.

He was wearing black gloves, a leather trenchcoat, and as I looked at his face.

A metal mask that made my fingers tremble.

"Who are you!"

I look to the side and see my caring father his sword in his hand and his red aura coated onto it.

"How did you get through my guards?"

"I suggest you put down your sword, I am not here to harm you,"

"I'm afraid I cannot do that unless you reveal who you are!"

"And I'm afraid I am unable to do that too,"

"Then...."

"DIE!"

My father rushed towards the unknown man,

From his form and aura,

He had the intention to strike him down.

Yet the man with the metal mask,

Stood still like a tree.

My father's sword coated in his red aura was strong enough to cut down a row of men with one strike, he would have no chance.

Yet as it got closer the man still won't budge an inch.

It seems he had a death wish.

Ultimately my father's sword reached him,

And In an instant, his body was cut in half and he was no more.

Or so I thought.

Instead of blood spilling on the carpet,

The figure of the man became a blur and vanished into the air.

"WHAT?" My father was evidently shocked and so was I

But before I could speak.

I felt a hand touch my shoulder.

"I suggest you put down your sword, Duke Gerald,"

His deep voice sent chills throughout my entire body, making me fall to my knees.

"IF YOU HURT MY DAUGHTER IN ANY WAY I WOULD HAVE YOUR HEAD ON A PIKE,"

"Do not worry, Duke, I am not here to seek you harm,"

My father and I looked at each other's eyes,

"Fine, let your hand off my daughter and I will put my sword down,"

I then felt his heavy hand let go of my shoulder.

In an instant, I ran toward my father,

Seeing the man let me go safe and sound my father sheathed his sword.

"If you are not here to harm us, why are you here and how did you get past through my guards?"

"You're guards are quite incompetent, Duke,"

"What did you sa-"

"That is why I am not the only one who got through,"

"!?"

"An assassin lurks among your esteemed guests,"

"Do you really think I would believe-"

"You can either listen to me or you could let your daughter live the rest of her life as an orphan,"

"Your choice,"

"..."

"Sharpen your ears and eyes tonight, Duke,"

"The Traceless Terror is here,"

In an instant, the man became a blur,

And seemingly vanished into the wind.

Like a ghost.