The Lady of the Long Night's stunned expression lasted less than a second.
Or, more precisely, it vanished in a flash.
"Putting on an act!"
The lady rose from the dining table as she spoke, set a sheet of parchment where the invitation had been, and strode outside.
There were no further words.
Arthur stood to see her off.
In public, they still appeared exceptionally intimate, even though one felt sick enough to vomit and the other grew nauseated at the thought of her vomiting.
They were both dedicated actors.
"Darling, take care of yourself."
Before boarding the carriage, Malinda used those words as cover while she took several quick breaths to settle her nausea.
"Mm."
Arthur smiled.
"Good night, Arthur!"
The driver, Edwin, waved and flicked the reins.
The carriage swiftly disappeared into the night.
Arthur closed the gate and walked slowly into 2 Kirk Street, then activated every mechanism at once-unlike his unease at Shaded Lane, he was utterly confident here.
Unless he encountered an enemy like the Countess of South Los.
As for the rest?
Where I stand is absolute.
I am the absolute!
The absolute that denies everything!
Click!
Faint clicks of springs came from the walls and beneath the floor of 2 Kirk Street. Arthur picked up Pendragon, placed him in the cat cage, and drew [Spider's Claw].
Arthur unscrewed the pommel of the Bastard's Sword and carefully coated the blade with the poison hidden inside.
Just then, a carriage suddenly rushed into Kirk Street.
It was a Lada Carriage.
The person who jumped down was Malinda, who had only just left.
Unlike her relaxed departure earlier, Malinda now wore a grave expression. After pushing open the gate, she knocked on the door of 2 Kirk Street.
Knock, knock-knock!
"Arthur, quick..."
Shunk!
The instant the