Waves of pleasant chimes began echoing through the hallway of 2 Kirk Street.
Just a moment later, the ringing turned shrill.
Arthur, Malinda, and the Chief Swordswoman exchanged looks-
Where had that malice come from?
Or, more precisely...
Who harbored malice toward the Chief Swordswoman?
After all, she was the one who had hung up the [Warning Wind Chime].
Under the rules governing mystic items, it would naturally detect malice directed at the Chief Swordswoman.
It certainly wasn't Arthur. He had already adjusted his state of mind when the [Warning Wind Chime] was first hung up.
Nor was it Malinda. Arthur trusted his partner; there was no way she hadn't adjusted her state of mind.
That left only one possibility.
Outside!
It could only be outside!
Arthur immediately narrowed his eyes and looked toward the door.
Malinda did the same.
After a moment of surprise, the Chief Swordswoman saw their reactions and instantly grew alert, looking toward the door as well.
A few seconds later, distinct footsteps sounded.
The visitor rang the doorbell of 2 Kirk Street.
"Lady Julie?"
The visitor called softly.
"Yes, I'm here!"
With that, the Chief Swordswoman pushed the door open and walked straight outside.
Standing outside was one of the Countess of South Los's guards.
The formal uniform and sword were unmistakable.
Arthur had seen that face before, too.
Upon seeing the Chief Swordswoman, the guard saluted, then held out a slip of paper. She reached for it, but her door-sized greatsword moved faster.
Whoosh!
The door-sized greatsword swept sideways with a hair-raising howl.
The "Countess's Guards" immediately tried to dodge, but an inexplicable suction arose from the greatsword, dragging him bodily into its path.
Clang!
A loud metallic ring echoed outside 2 Kirk Street.
Just before the blade swept through his body, the "Countess's