As a person who was ‘involved’ in the incident, it ended up with me having to stand in the rain for another half hour. And although I was asked a few questions here and there, most of the arguing came from the man and the girl. I was tempted to leave and just sneak away quite a few times. But seeing the patrolman listening diligently, I decided to help him out and oblige him.

Of course, it might also have been due to the fact that he was standing next to me the whole time with his hand on his blade. When it was over, the girl ended up reluctantly paying a small fine before we all parted ways.

Entering the inn, I sighed in relief before taking off my cloak and wringing the excess water out the door. There weren’t too many people inside, so my entry was soon noticed. A young woman walked up to me and bowed. “Hello. Welcome back, sir.” She said while smiling, apparently recognizing me from when I left earlier today. “Will you be staying with us today as well?”

I smiled kindly back at her. “Yes. It seems like the rain will last for quite a while. Hopefully it’ll clear up by tomorrow. May I ask if you are still serving meals at this time?”

She laughed and guided me over to one of the open chairs at the counter. “Of course, of course. I’ll bring out some bread and soup from the kitchen. I’ll be back in a bit, okay?” She said before disappearing into an open doorway.

Settling down in my seat, I looked at the other people in the room. Including me, there was a total of seven people. Considering the fact that very few people besides traders traveled about anymore, the inn’s business seemed to be doing alright. None of them were particularly eye-catching, and it’s likely they viewed me in the same light. Besides giving me a few short glances, everyone soon went back to either eating or drinking.

After a minute, the girl came back with a bowl of stew and a loaf of bread. “Here you go, sir. Your room will be the same as last time. If you need anything else, just ask, okay?” After placing them on the counter, she smiled and excused herself.

A warm bowl of soup and a loaf of bread. Simple food, but good nevertheless. When I was finished, I stood up and headed to my room after leaving behind six silvers as payment.

Laying down on the bed, I stared up at the wooden ceiling. Inadvertently, I let out a sigh, and my emotions came tumbling out. The stress, the annoyance, the frustration, and above all, a faint and constant sense of disappointment that simply refused to go away.

Sad, huh?

That woman really did hit the mark on that one.

After moping around for a bit, I decided to sit up and count how many coins I still had remaining. Exactly twenty-seven silvers and sixty coppers left. Considering I had spent over fifty in a day on supplies, it wasn’t very heartening.

At least I had enough provisions to last for quite a while, I thought, consoling myself. If worst came to worst, I could just hunt a bit of forest game.

At the moment, I was on my way to a remote, unnamed village. There had been complaints about a few wolves attacking livestock, and the surrounding cities weren’t willing to send soldiers to take care of it. Thus the request ended up being forwarded to the Adventurer’s guild and I happened to accept the task. Of course, it wasn’t the easiest job nor was the pay particularly high. It was just that all the other good jobs were taken.

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Glancing down at the sheathed dagger in my belt, I felt a little more secure. A few days prior to my arrival, I had lost my previous one. It got stuck in the hide of a particularly large tree mole I was trying to catch which ended up running away. Even now thinking of it made me remorseful.

With those slightly melancholic thoughts and the lulling murmur of raindrops, the night passed peacefully over the city of Venefica.

…

When I woke up, it was to the sound of people clamoring incessantly. Upon going out to see what was happening, I was greeted by the sight of the girl from before, five uniformed men, and a few grumbling people who I assumed were the other customers. The girl, upon noticing my approaching figure, hurried over to explain what was happening.

“They’re soldiers from the garrison. They claim that the witch has snuck into the city, so they’re searching for suspects.” The girl grimaced and whispered in a softer voice. “They’re checking all the inns, but for now, the gates are closed.”

Oh.

Internally I rolled my eyes. To the girl though, I simply smiled wistfully. “I see. I don’t suppose you still have any food left? I am a bit famished.”

“Yes, my parents are making today’s breakfast right now. It should be done soon, so please take a seat. Sorry for the inconvenience.”

She bowed lightly to apologize as if she was responsible for the delays. Of course, even if I was a bit irritated at the events, there was no reason for me to find fault with her.

“No need, no need.” I shook my head while smiling. “I’m not in any rush to leave, so it’s fine.”

After exchanging a few more words, she went to the back to check on the food. I, on the other hand, started letting my gaze wander. In one corner, a bald man was complaining to one of the soldiers in a hushed tone. In another, a person with a hawkish nose was whittling away at a piece of wood. Overall, everyone in the room, including the soldiers, had the same, annoyed look on their faces.

I suppose that the residents of this city had been through this more than just a few times. If so, then hopefully this would resolve itself quickly enough.

I wasn’t wrong. After half an hour, the guards received a notice from a messenger. They left shortly after, the thudding of boots slowly fading into the distance.

Despite that, I stayed for a little longer chatting with the girl whose name I learned was Elizabeth. Talking about food, about the weather, about friends, about our wishes. Just talking and having a normal conversation. When I finished eating and stood up to pay, she refused it with a gentle smile.

‘This meal's free. Instead, please let people know about us.’ She had said. ‘And of course, please come by again. Consistent business is much more valuable to us than a coin or two.’

So, on a hopeful new day, underneath the clear skies, and being sent off by a cute girl, I departed the city of Venefica.

The next time I came back would be years later, far into the future.

…

At the governor's residence in the center of the city, two people were in a study. One was an older man sitting rigidly at his desk. Across from him sat a figure draped in white. Aside from the breeze blowing in through an open window, all in the room was still and silent.

Abruptly, a knocking came from outside the wooden door. The man’s eyes flitted to the door nervously. When the figure in front of him showed no reaction, he coughed lightly. “Come in.”

The door opened, and a soldier stepped into the room and saluted respectfully.

“Right after the gates were opened, thirteen people left. Five from the northern gate, and four each from the southwest and southeast gates. Even including the people in the inns, none of them matched the description provided.”

After finishing his report, the soldier bowed and left the room.

A few taut seconds passed before the person spoke. “Many thanks for your cooperation, governor.”

The man smiled stiffly. “But of course. Anything in my power to help you, Miss Veronica. Now that that’s finished, how-”

Suddenly, the figure closed its eyes and tilted their head sideways, as if listening to something. A minute passed in an awkward silence before the figure turned back.

“Anything in your power, you say? In that case, please close the gates for the rest of today and tomorrow.”

The man froze. “P-Pardon? Is that not a bit too exce-.”

“Governor,” the figure interrupted curtly, “Surely you are aware, no? The ease of how the witch can disguise itself as anyone? Simply do your job, and I will do the rest.”

The man opened his mouth to respond but faltered. A pair of sharp blue eyes pierced through his own. Unwittingly, sweat started to form on his nape and he meekly nodded while averting his gaze.

“Do not fret, governor.” The figure spoke while getting up and turning around. Without looking back the figure opened the door. “The Light does not lie. The witch is nearby.”

The entrance slammed shut, leaving the man alone in the study.

Outside the figure murmured softly towards the shadows. “Each person that left today. Dispose of them. Then search the city again. The witch is most definitely here.” The shadow below the figure, which was a shade darker than the rest around it, pulsed once before changing into the same color as those around it.

Clutching a silver, four-pointed star in her hand, the figure muttered to itself.

“I am the one who will find the witch.”

“And I will be the one to kill it.”