After saying goodbye to the mechanic, Shade, who felt as though he had spent the whole day running around the city, took a carriage from the steam factory in Tobesk West District to the North District. Of course, he had not forgotten to conceal his movements and avoid being followed.
By the time he returned to No. 7 Long Ear Lane, it was already evening. The sky was dim, and to avoid drawing attention, Miss Brown had extinguished the fire basin, wrapped herself in her clothes, and huddled against the wall between two suitcases.
During Shade's absence, she seemed to have left as well. At the very least, he had not seen those two suitcases before leaving.
Miss Brown was still being hunted and could be found at any moment, so Shade did not waste time on pleasantries. He told her of her fiancé Mr. Feringa's decision, and the former agent's eyes immediately reddened:
"I have deceived countless people in my life, yet I never expected to receive such trust and affection."
"Ma'am, don't waste time singing the praises of love. We're not performing an opera. What have you decided?"
Shade pointed toward Tobesk Central District:
"If Mr. Feringa is lucky, he should have entered the sewers by now. And you should immediately decide what to do next. Leave with him? Or refuse him?"
"I want to leave with him, but we can't get away. I know how Military Intelligence Section Six operates. Tobesk Train Station should be full of their people by now, and the main roads out of the city should be blocked as well. The city may even be partially locked down tonight. I know the Sixth Office's style, and I know Director Anlos's character. Compared to enemies, they hate traitors even more."
Miss Brown wiped her