No Turning Back (2)

"But what's with that outfit? Is it some new fashion from the Royal Capital? I have to say, that Burlap Dress is rather distinctive. The patterns on it are bold and free-spirited."

"True. It's just a shame those shoes don't quite go with it."

People watched Freya and chatted among themselves, somehow talking up a tattered burlap dress covered in dust and blood as the height of fashion.

Freya ignored them and headed straight up the stairs. According to Rondo, that effeminate man, Viscount Luciwang's study was on the second floor. Apart from when he slept, he spent most of every day there.

Freya had scanned the hall earlier but hadn't found Viscount Luciwang.

How did Freya know what Viscount Luciwang looked like when she had never met him? A huge portrait hung in the hall, depicting the master of the house: the eighty-two-year-old viscount.

"She's going upstairs. She really is here to see the viscount. What a shame for such a pretty little girl."

"What, are you going to play hero and save her? Don't kid yourself. Neither of us can afford to offend the viscount, or else..."

"Heh, I was only saying. Why are you taking it seriously?"

As Freya went upstairs, those who knew what kind of man Viscount Luciwang was could not help pitying the little girl.

Once Freya disappeared down a corridor, the onlookers turned back to their own amusements. It had been a passing distraction, nothing more.

Freya paused to get her bearings. Rondo had told her where the study was, but he had only described the route, not drawn a map. After a moment's thought, she confirmed its location and walked toward it.

Two guards stood outside the study in finely made armor, enchanted pistols tucked into the leather holsters at their waists.