The Next Destination

Under the night sky, colorful flames wove together into beautiful scenes, their dazzling light transforming the town into a wonderland.

Frederick had come up with fireworks long ago, but they couldn't compete with the magic horses' performances and could only be sold in the countryside.

A merchant in town had been talked into buying several cartloads, only to be left with stock he couldn't sell.

Commissioner Smith was kindhearted. He paid for all the fireworks to be set off that night, livening up the town and helping the merchant clear his warehouse.

The townsfolk chipped in and threw a dance of their own for entertainment. The square by the river was bustling with activity.

"People haven't had this much fun in ages." Jedlička took a sip of beer. "Though the girls are all gone."

Frederick asked curiously, "What girls?"

The ratio of men to women in the square seemed fairly normal to him.

Jedlička gave him a meaningful look and lowered his voice. "The girls who used to come here to make a living by entertaining the officers and guards."

Frederick understood.

Jedlička continued, "After the town fell into decline, they had no way to make a living. A while ago, someone took them to Weissenburg City to earn money."

Frederick frowned.

Back when he'd cracked down on crime in his territory, he'd also swept away prostitution. Organized prostitution had been dismantled, so why was someone starting it up again?

Frederick asked, "Who took them there?"

Jedlička thought for a long while, then said, "The young man said he was working for Grand Duke Wessen. You might know him."

Frederick frowned even more deeply, wondering if someone was using his name to run this kind of operation.

Jedlička went on, "I think his name was... Lui... Luitpold. He was missing