As night draped its curtain over the land, my boots, as per routine, found the familiar sill of the slightly ajar window.

A quick leap, and the ground approached.

[Featherfall Descent].

I touched down like a cat, grace personified in the darkness that enveloped me.

I activated [Visionary Mastery], scanning the surroundings. No one in sight at the moment, but the looming presence of patrolling knights meant time was of the essence.

Swift action was the name of the game.

[Fleet Footed Sprint].

I raced through the garden, my steps leaving no audible trace as I headed toward the easternmost front of the Manor. There, nestled in the walls, were crevices perfect for my escape.

My ears perked up at the subtle cadence of hushed murmurs just ahead. Instinctively, I ducked behind a nearby bush, invoking [Umbral Concealment] and sharpening my senses with [Keen Perception]. This wasn't a typical patrol route, and uncertainty gripped me about who might be approaching.

The shuffling of footsteps reached my ears, an attempt at stealth, but nothing eluded the grasp of [Keen Perception].

"Are you sure about this?" questioned the first voice.

"Yeah, nobody would actually come here," reassured the second voice.

Curiosity piqued, I cautiously peeked above the foliage to catch sight of two knights, donned in casual tunics that marked them as not part of the standard patrol. My lingering questions were promptly answered when one of them tenderly caressed the face of the other.

…Then they began passionately making out.

Umm, yeah, now they were getting rather handsy, exploring territories beyond the realm of public decency.

My fingers instinctively moved, weaving mana threads with practiced finesse. In less than ten seconds, the spell was ready.

"[Twilight Veil]," I silently intoned, and like a voracious abyss, the little moonlight that graced the scene was devoured.

A lightless zone enveloped my surroundings, yet in the throes of their heated moment, none of them noticed the increasing darkness.

I emerged from my hiding spot, casually waltzing past them like a shadow in the night, my cheeks burning with a peculiar blend of second-hand embarrassment and amusement.

There wasn't much to dwell upon; just two knights engaged in an intense, if unconventional, form of swordplay.

A mental note to scrub that particular image from my memory, and I continued on my way.

Soon enough, the imposing wall loomed before me, standing at about five meters tall with sporadic crevices. Scaling it conventionally wasn't an option, but I had the newfound utility of [Lethal Precision].

Harnessing little bursts of strength from my nimble fingers, I performed awkward monkey-like jumps, each propelled by a precision that defied my petite stature.

Before I knew it, I perched at the top, scrutinizing the surroundings meticulously. No patrols in sight, no secret rendezvous happening; not even a power-hungry cat orchestrating world domination. Perfect.

Without a second thought, I leaped over the wall, invoking [Featherfall Descent] to land with the grace of a seasoned acrobat.

Swiftly activating [Fleet Footed Sprint], I darted into the overgrown vegetation by the road.

A small patch of forest surrounded the manor, and as I ventured deeper, a diverse range of trees painted a picturesque scene.

Ancient oaks, with gnarled branches reaching for the heavens, stood alongside towering pines and, if my botanical knowledge served me right, silver birches. The forest floor, covered in a lush carpet of moss and fallen leaves, muffled my footsteps as I moved further.

Having studied and casually questioned folks like Marie and Percival about the surrounding geography, framing it as the curiosity of a harmless child, nothing about my inquiries raised suspicion.

The forested patch I found myself in spanned approximately two kilometers around the manor before seamlessly merging into the city proper. Its purpose, I gathered, was a harmonious blend of hunting ground, resource collection, and perhaps a dash of aesthetic appeal.

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In this moment, however, my primary goal was not to appreciate the newfound beauty surrounding me. Never before had I ventured into such untamed wilds – not in my previous life, and certainly not in this one.

Until now.

Ahh, the wind played with my hair as I sprinted, carefree and unburdened.

My eyes, though accustomed to scanning every nook and cranny, had almost turned it into a second nature.

The moonlight revealed the intricate dance of shadows, highlighting the beauty of the trees and little patches that adorned the forest floor.

I yearned to kick off my boots and run barefoot, immersing myself fully in the sensory delight of the woods. Alas, luxury was a fleeting thought; urgency beckoned.

There was no time to dawdle; the need for speed took precedence.

Hesitantly, I increased my pace, zipping through the woods like a caffeinated woodland sprite, until the county proper winked at me from the distance.

***

As the forested patch graciously bowed to the county outskirts, the scenery morphed into a charming mosaic of cobblestone streets and narrow alleyways. Mana lamps performed their nightly duty, casting a warm glow on the quaint buildings that lined the path.

Parallel to the outskirts, a riverbank unfolded, adorned with the elegant embrace of weeping willows. Their branches dipped gracefully into the water, creating a picturesque scene. An unconventional bridge, courtesy of a giant fir tree, beckoned me forward.

My cloak danced in the wind, and a chilly gust prompted me to clutch onto its fabric.

Next in line was the craftsman's lane, positioned right by the river. Half-timber workshops stood tall, crowned with clay-tiled roofs. Two-story structures, with the ground floor bustling with workshop activity and the upper floor likely serving as living quarters.

The chill air. The scent of freshly worked wood and metal.

But my journey wasn't destined for this quaint lane.

As per Marie's intel, a local alehouse lurked around the corner, and soon enough, my eyes met its quaint facade. Inside, there was a modest buzz, but in the nighttime, this corner of the town was keeping it low-key.

To the north-east lay the cathedral quarter, and just a smidge further north stood the marketplace – my final destination. I began my journey, weaving through the compact townhouses. Two to three stories high, they stood together like gossiping neighbors, each with shared walls and chimneys puffing smoke rings into the night.

I couldn't help but notice some rather suspicious glances cast my way. Not because I was dressed like a thief – no, that was too mainstream – but because I was rocking the look of an overly stylish thief. Velvet cloak, anyone?

Oh, and there was the minor detail that I was ten years old, rendering me the most petite threat in the medieval fashion parade.

I had intentionally chosen this route, steering clear of the more unsavory sections of the county.

Sure, I looked like a vulnerable child, and assaults were practically a medieval hobby, but it wasn't fear that guided me. I just wasn't in the mood to stain my sword with human blood this early in the game.

Soon enough, the cathedral quarter unfolded before my eyes.

This stretch of the city seemed like the VIP section, boasting stone residences with modest gardens, a heavenly abode for the clergy residing near the grand cathedral.

To the far right, standing tall like a testament to divine craftsmanship, was the magnificent Cathedral of the Goddess Moonweaver.

In my past life, I was far from religious, my faith soured by the literal blessing of cancer from birth. I harbored bitterness towards my parents for their continued religious beliefs. However, life now had a different flavor.

My hands moved gracefully, forming an X as each covered the opposite eye, and I bowed. "Please watch over me, Goddess," I whispered, a gesture born from a newfound appreciation for the divine.

The resentments of the past had softened, replaced by a gratitude for the force that granted me this second life.

The county's faith was rooted in the Goddess of Moon and Serenity, Moonweaver Selena. By extension, so was mine now.

The atmosphere around the cathedral exuded serenity, and my keen ears picked up on whispered prayers and contemplative hymns that echoed through the sacred space.

My feet carried me onward, though the prolonged run was taking its toll on my stamina. With fatigue setting in, I opted for a more moderate pace – just a jog to navigate the final stretch.

As the marketplace came into view, the vibrant nightlife unfolded before me.

Timber-framed stalls and wooden market buildings adorned the cobblestone streets leading to a central well and a bustling marketplace.

Taverns with troubadours, street vendors selling roasted nuts, and open-air dance performances contributed to the lively atmosphere. The square pulsed with activity.

I seamlessly blended into the crowd, my eyes scanning for a particular landmark. However, my focus was interrupted by a sudden rustle in the bustling throng.

[Adaptation].

My hand contorted unnaturally, ensnaring a hand larger than mine.

My neck twisted like an owl's as I confronted the would-be thief attempting to pilfer from me.

The young boy, perhaps fifteen, stared at me with wide eyes, resembling a deer caught in the unforgiving headlights of justice. Judging by the fear factor in his eyes and the telltale sign of pearls dripping down, he had also added 'pissed his pants' to his impressive resume.

Ugh, I released my grip, realizing that my luxurious velvet cloak still marked me as a prime target for thieves. I needed to be swift, for the marketplace was a den of cunning and opportunists.

Navigating the lively crowd, I quickly located the Town Crier's platform, now repurposed by some bard wannabes. A large bell stood on the side, often used to gather townsfolk for announcements. Hmm, the clockmaker's stand had to be in the vicinity.

My sharp gaze soon spotted a small stand showcasing intricately crafted timepieces and sundials. Just behind it, a narrow alley beckoned.

Bingo.

I moved past the cheerful watchmaker, who enthusiastically demonstrated the precision of his creations, and entered the narrow alley. Shop signs greeted my keen eyes, courtesy of the trusty [Visionary Mastery] skill that turned dim conditions into perfect clarity.

The Herb Haven.

The Curios Corner.

And there it was, standing proudly: The Bladesmith's Armory.

Once again, Marie's intel proved spot-on. Who would have thought that the maid of a deranged villainess could be this efficient?