Vernum City II

Carolyn had visited a few small towns with her father when she was younger, but she had never before seen so many people in motion. A dizzying number of people walked the roads, merchants shouted to promote their wares, and a variety of carriages rolled by. There was so much to process that Carolyn stopped in place. She was the perfect example of a country bumpkin, but the fresh scenery wasn't the only reason for her daze. Her sharp eyes noticed the gloom hidden beneath the hustle and bustle of the city, and she recalled how this city was described in her mother's book.

'Vernum City, one of the most prosperous cities of the Amber domain. Supported by uninterrupted trade generated thanks to its proximity to the border, the city has gained a reputation for stability. There wasn't enough time for a deep investigation, but at first glance it appears to be a simple and peaceful city. The Amber lineage has always distanced itself from change, and perhaps that will be to their benefit this time. However, a lone baron cannot stop the turn of fate.'

Her mother had called this a peaceful city, but to Carolyn, the current peace seemed precarious. More and more questions popped inside her head, so she decided to find the church and get answers from the person Hanson mentioned. As she was about to enter the foot traffic to ask where to find the church, she felt an impact on her right and spotted a child with dirty patched clothes running away from her left. Usually she would be able to detect someone being so close to her, but the density of people made her more insensitive than she thought. Though sympathetic, Carolyn didn't think much of the encounter at first, but something felt off, so she checked her pockets and realised that her small money bag was missing.

"Wait! You there! Stop!"

The moment the child heard her, they sped up into a right turn. Figuring that a chase would be inevitable, Carolyn adjusted her luggage bag and ran after them. She had a different purse with money inside her luggage bag, but letting the child go without at least hearing their story didn't sit right with her. When she reached the alley that the child had gone into, she couldn't find their figure, but her intuition told her that they went down the alley, so she gambled on that feeling. Her bet paid off as she found them running down the street after she went through the alley and turned left. They definitely had the home advantage, but a hunter was used to such handicaps.

With their small body, it was easier for them to slip through the crowd, but as long as she had an idea of their position, Carolyn didn't try too hard to catch up. She even purposely hid herself to make the child think they had lost her, just so that they would lower their guard. At the back of her mind, she questioned if she was going too far, but while hunting, she didn't allow any distractions, even breaking the fingers of some adult pickpockets that tried to take advantage of her in the crowd. One might question how she could be so cruel considering her previous encounter with thieves, but anyone who managed to keep up with her father's training had to have at least this level of single-minded focus.

After over an hour of tailing the child, they finally reached an empty path between dilapidated houses. The child slowed down, and though they seemed to be on the lookout for fellow thieves, their back was wide open. Carolyn accelerated in an instant, grabbing the child's shoulders before they could react.

"I said stop, didn't I?"

"Ah! Let me go! I didn't steal nothing!"

"Did I say that you stole anything?"

"Ah, that's, just let me go; I'll give it back!"

The child struggled, but Carolyn wasn't so weak that one malnourished child could shake her off. She felt a sense of accomplishment, but she hadn't forgotten her initial objective.

"Before I decide what to do with you. I want to hear your story."

"Huh? What does that matter?"

"It matters to me. If you tell me why you stole my money, I might decide to let you keep some of it."

"And why should I believe you?"

"Oh? In case you've forgotten, you're the one who's been captured. I don't mind either way, but I imagine you wouldn't want all that running to have been for nothing."

"Tch, fine. Let me go. I won't run."

Seeing that he had resigned himself, Carolyn let go of his shoulders but stayed close behind him.

"So, what's your name?"

"...Derrick."

"Okay Derrick, my name is Carol. Now, why did you steal from me?"

"For food. Why else would a kid like me need to steal?"

"I see. And what about your parents?"

"Parents? I ain't got none of those. It's just the two of us."

"The two of you?"

"..."

It seemed he had said more than intended, so Derrick clammed up. Nonetheless, Carolyn was able to put the pieces of the picture together.

"I understand. Take me to your home."

"Huh?!! Why the hell would I do that?!"

"Because I want to help you."

"You must think I'm stupid! Why would you want to help someone that stole from you?"

"What are you talking about? You're a child. Why would an adult need a reason to help a child?"

"Peh! An adult? You look old, but you don't look that old. Ouch!"

Derrick's comment made Carolyn accidentally tap her knuckles on the top of his head, but she didn't give up on him. She could have tried threatening him again, but this time she wanted him to trust her.

"Fine. How about I wear a blindfold while you guide me? That way I won't actually know where it is."

Derrick appeared both confused and wary of her suggestion. However, a short moment later, he seemed to make a decision.

"There's no need for all a that. Follow me."

Without waiting for her response, Derrick walked ahead, and Carolyn followed without complaint. It was a bit too late to notice, but the area they were in wasn't home to the most outstanding residents. Even without her sensitivity to people's gazes and emotions, it was obvious that no one they passed by looked at them with any kind intentions.

'This must be the slums.'

From her studies, she knew what the term meant, but she only had a superficial understanding. She knew it to be a place where the poor and ostracised lived and an area that was a hotbed of crime, but what stood out the most to her was the desperation in their eyes. Whether it was for food or money, they gave her the impression that they would be willing to risk their lives for it. She felt some sympathy for them, but her fear was more prominent.

"If you're scared, you can turn back."

She could hear the mockery in his tone, but his steady steps despite his young age gave her courage.

"I admit I'm a bit uncomfortable, but I have a remedy for that."

As a precaution, Carolyn pulled up her hood and returned the mask to her face. It wouldn't protect her if she was attacked, but it helped dull her sensitivity to the hostile atmosphere.

"Weirdo."

Almost half an hour later, he finally stopped.

"This is the place."

When he showed her their destination, Carolyn's eyes widened in shock as she looked at the white building that looked like a miniature castle.

"A church?"