Later in the day, the sun hung high, casting a warm glow over the estate. Linus was in the courtyard, practicing his swordsmanship with a short sword. Each swing and thrust was executed with a controlled grace that spoke of years of training and discipline. His focus was sharp, his body moving in perfect synchronization with the blade.

As Linus paused to catch his breath, wiping the sweat from his brow, Marcus approached with a purposeful stride. "Master Linus," he called out, his voice cutting through the stillness of the courtyard.

Linus sheathed his sword and turned to face Marcus, immediately noting the serious expression on his face. "What is it, Marcus?" he asked, his curiosity piqued.

Marcus bowed slightly before delivering the message. "You and Princess Mara have been invited to a masquerade ball organized by the town's mayor. The Princess has passed on the invitation."

Linus raised an eyebrow, a small smile tugging at his lips. "A ball, you say? How… intriguing." His mind had already begun calculating the opportunities such an event could present. "Very well. Marcus, arrange a carriage and select suitable gifts for the occasion."

Marcus nodded. "Of course, Master Linus. I'll see to it immediately."

Linus returned to his practice for a few more minutes, and once satisfied with his training, he headed inside to prepare for the evening.

A few hours later, Marcus returned, informing Linus that the carriage was ready and the gifts had been arranged. "I've selected a few items that should make a favorable impression, Master Linus," Marcus said, handing over the gifts.

Linus quickly scanned the gifts and nodded approvingly. "Well done, Marcus. These will do."

As the time for the ball approached, Linus dressed in his finest attire. He chose a dark, elegantly tailored suit that accentuated his commanding presence and wore a simple mask. After ensuring everything was in place, Linus made his way to the carriage, where Marcus awaited him.

The journey to the mayor's residence was uneventful, though the streets of Thornfield were alive with evening activity. The closer they got to the grand mansion, the more palpable the anticipation became. Linus could hear the faint music and laughter drifting through the night as they approached.

The carriage stopped in front of the mansion's grand entrance. Linus stepped out, taking a brief moment to appreciate the sheer opulence of the event. The mansion was adorned with glittering lights and intricate decorations, casting a festive and luxurious atmosphere.

Linus handed the chosen gifts to a waiting servant, instructing them to be delivered to the mayor with his compliments. As he entered the grand hall, he took a moment to take in the breathtaking surroundings. Crystal chandeliers bathed the room in a warm, golden light, reflecting off the polished marble floors and ornate decorations. The sea of elegantly dressed guests, adorned in their finest attire and mysterious masks, created a festive and enigmatic atmosphere.

His gaze sought out the mayor, who stood near the center of the room, engaged in conversation with Princess Mara. Mara wore a striking red high-neck gown with sleeves, the rich fabric hugging her figure in all the right places without revealing too much. The gown's deep hue complemented her dark hair and eyes, lending her an air of regal beauty. Despite being form-fitting, the gown's design left much to the imagination, sparking curiosity in Linus's mind.

As he approached, the mayor noticed him and smiled warmly. "Ah, Master Linus, welcome," the mayor said, gesturing for Linus to join them. "You know Princess Mara, of course."

Linus bowed slightly to Mara, his eyes meeting hers briefly, a glimmer of appreciation passing between them. "Princess Mara, you look exquisite this evening," he said smoothly, his voice laced with genuine admiration.

"Thank you, Linus," Mara replied, her tone polite but distant, as always.

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The mayor then turned to a striking woman standing beside him. "Allow me to introduce my wife, Eliza," he said, pride evident in his voice.

Eliza was a bit older than Linus, likely around 24 or 26, with a beauty that radiated both maturity and allure. Her complexion was fair, her dark, wavy hair cascading over her shoulders, framing her face with effortless elegance. Her eyes, a deep, captivating brown, held a quiet intensity, and her full lips, painted a soft red, added a touch of sensuality to her refined appearance. She wore a form-fitting black gown highlighting her hourglass figure, the neckline tastefully revealing just enough of her cleavage to hint at her allure without being overt. The dress hugged her in all the right places, enhancing her natural grace and sophistication.

"Master Linus, it's a pleasure to meet you," Eliza said, her voice smooth and melodic as she extended her hand.

Linus took her hand, his touch lingering just a fraction longer than necessary as he looked into her eyes. "The pleasure is mine, Lady Eliza," he replied, his voice soft yet engaging. "You look absolutely enchanting this evening."

Eliza smiled warmly, a subtle blush coloring her cheeks. "You're too kind, Master Linus."

The mayor, unaware of Linus's internal musings, continued speaking. "I hope you enjoy the evening, Master Linus. We've gathered some of Thornfield's finest for the occasion."

Linus nodded, tearing his attention from Eliza to refocus on the mayor. "Thank you, Mayor Vancourt. I'm sure it will be a memorable night."

As the mayor and Eliza moved on to greet other guests, Linus's gaze briefly swept over Eliza's figure, appreciating the elegant way her dress accentuated her curves. She moved with a natural grace, every gesture deliberate yet unforced. "It seems the mayor knows how to host a grand event," he remarked, his tone casual as he turned back to Mara.

Mara nodded, her expression contemplative. "Indeed. But remember, Linus, we're here to observe and gather information. Stay focused."

Linus smiled at her reminder. "Of course, Princess. I'll keep my wits about me."

With that, Linus and Mara parted ways, each blending seamlessly into the crowd of masked guests. Linus moved through the throng, exchanging pleasantries and engaging in small talk while keeping a sharp eye on the undercurrents of the evening. Many guests seemed eager to speak to Princess Mara, which afforded Linus a bit more freedom to take in the atmosphere.

As the evening progressed, Linus found himself glancing at Eliza more often than he intended. Her presence, magnetic and distracting, lingered in his mind. He reminded himself to stay focused, but the allure of the mayor's wife was hard to push aside. Her graceful movements and subtle smiles were impossible to ignore, adding to the evening's layers of intrigue.

During one of his stolen glances, Linus noticed a shift in the atmosphere around the mayor. Two men approached Mayor Vancourt, and Linus caught the briefest flash of tension in the mayor's expression. His once-proud demeanor faltered, becoming visibly strained as the men spoke to him in hushed tones. After a brief but seemingly tense exchange, the mayor nodded, his posture stiff, and followed the men, leaving Eliza standing alone.

Sensing an opportunity, Linus began going across the room, intending to engage Eliza in conversation. However, as he moved closer, Linus observed the tension in the mayor's posture and the slight furrow in his brow. Vancourt appeared nervous, his eyes darting around the room as though searching for unseen threats. It was not the first time Linus had seen such behavior in those who had something to hide, and he couldn't resist the pull of curiosity.

Adjusting his course, Linus decided to follow the mayor and the two men instead. Years of navigating delicate situations like this had taught him that moments of tension often yielded useful information—pieces he could later use to his advantage.

Weaving his way through the throng of guests, Linus kept a careful distance as he tracked the mayor and his companions. They moved with purpose, eventually slipping down a dimly lit corridor away from the festive atmosphere of the ballroom. Linus quickened his pace, ensuring he remained unseen, blending into the shadows like a whisper.

As he followed them to the end of the corridor, he watched the men disappear into a room, the door closing quietly behind them. Linus crept closer, his mind racing with possibilities. He was about to consider how to eavesdrop on their conversation when a familiar figure caught his eye. Mara was following him, her face a storm of barely contained fury.

They locked eyes, and Mara's anger was unmistakable as she swiftly approached. "What are you doing, Linus?" she hissed, her voice low and sharp. "Do you have any idea what will happen if we get caught?"

Linus met her gaze calmly, his expression measured despite her frustration. "I know the risks, Princess. That's exactly why I need you to leave."

Mara's eyes flared with indignation, but she stayed silent as Linus shifted his focus back to the task at hand. Ignoring her simmering frustration, he quickly scanned the area, his mind calculating the best way to eavesdrop. His eyes landed on a narrow ledge above the doorframe, just wide enough to support someone's weight.