The Torn Cloak.

Hitsuki took the help of the royal guards to search the area, but it wasn’t looking that good.

“They couldn’t find anything,” Sol said while Hitsuki stood inside the courtroom.

The air was dead, and the lifeless seats of the spectators chilled Hitsuki. He shook the thought that this place had once decided on his public execution.

“Hitsuki?” Sol asked with concern, bringing Hitsuki back to consciousness.

“Oh yes, the guard couldn’t find anything?”

“I am afraid not,” Sol replied. “What do you plan to do now, talk with the children of the deceased?”

Hitsuki looked at the broken window. The suns shone through its rugged edges, giving warmth in this cold room.

Hitsuki activated his teleportation powers.

“What are you doing?” Sol asked.

Hitsuki stood over the broken glass, removing some of it outside. The window’s frame fit his body perfectly.

Hitsuki felt something in the distance. The wind was blowing gently over his suit.

“Hey, Sol, tell me,” Hitsuki muttered. “Is there a limit to how far the archer should be when they use the bow?”

Sol jumped beside Hitsuki, standing beside him. “You sound like you found something.”

“Not yet. But I see something that I want to check.” Hitsuki said.

“I don’t see anything from here, though. What is it that concerns you?”

He smiled. “I am glad I have good eyesight. It is hard to see, but when you see it, you can’t miss it.”

“I still don’t understand what you are talking about.”

Hitsuki grinned. “The assassin isn’t a fool to target someone standing on some nearby tree, you know?”

Hitsuki pointed towards something Sol had a hard time seeing.

“You know, you can secretly open your eyes for a split second to see better?” Hituski laughed.

“I am afraid I cannot take chances of any sort,” Sol replied. “But I guess I will try.”

Sol blinked for a second, and saw it—though tiny, there was a small gap among the leaves of the trees. It was too perfect to be a coincidence, but too rare to occur naturally.

“Can you tell me which location I would walk into if I happen to travel in this direction?” Hitsuki smiled.

But Sol’s face lit with concern. Worry filled his mind. “It can’t be…”

“What’s the matter?” Hitsuki had never seen Sol this concerned before.

“It leads to the barracks of the royal guards…” Sol uttered.

“You mean… these guys underneath…?”

“Yeah… where they stay…” Sol replied with terror. “If it’s really the case, then the whole force could be punished. But how is it possible? The Captain of the Royal guards is a close aide of Acting Queen Chiyoshi?”

“Do you think… we should contact her beforehand? And talk about this?”

Sol nodded. “No, I think we should go there before any evidence is erased. We should also speak with the Captain. This matter concerns national security, after all.”

*****

“Oh my, what a pleasant surprise!” A person spoke even before Sol and Hitsuki arrived at the doors of the Royal Barracks.

They sped their way using their powers to run through the land that distanced them.

“I am surprised you are here, Captain.” Sol grinned, but Hitsuki saw a cold sweat dripping from her head. “Now, where might you be hiding?”

“Oh, give me some break, will ya?” The Captain laughed. “I am not fit enough to pull some tricks on you.”

Sol looked around, not giving in. “Well, that’s what you always say when I visit. But then I get pulled into a sword fight.”

“What can I say? Your power matches mine, after all.” The Captain laughed.

Hitsuki grew awfully wary about this character. Even though Sol’s relationship and her worries might be personal, Hitsuki couldn’t help but take him as a target.

But doubts were raised in his mind,

If he is a captain, then why would he require assisted magic bows?

He lost himself deep in thought, only to be woken up with a whisper under his ear.

“Hey there.”

Hitsuki shrieked as he jolted away. His body got goosebumps as he stood behind Sol.

“Did I seem to scare you?” The Captain asked. “I am sorry, but I just got curious about the new face.”

“I am Tsudo, the Commander in charge of the Kingdom of Lizrab.” Commander Tsudo scratched his head before mumbling in a low voice. “Just for a short while, that is…”

Sol whispered to Hitsuki’s ear. “He is in the same situation as Chiyoshi.”

Hitsuki scanned Commander Tsudo from head to toe. He wore armor that shone a glint of gold. His body was bulky, and his hips carried a longsword bigger than Hitsuki himself.

“I am Hitsuki.”

“I heard about you from Queen Chiyoshi herself.” Captain Tsudo said. “What brings you two here? I reckon the barracks are too barbaric for a lady and a… curious-looking foreigner.”

“We have our work to tend to. You might have already heard it by now. We are investigating.” Sol replied.

“That I have seen. But why the barracks? I don’t think any of my soldiers would do something like that.” Captain Tsudo replied.

“Our detective, Hitsuki, here is trying to look for clues. Please don’t mind us. We won’t stay long.”

“Haha! You never seem to amaze me, Sol. On what grounds do you believe that I won’t enjoy your stay here?” Captain Tsudo laughed.

“Yeah, no, I am not sparring with you.”

Hitsuki observed as Tsudo and Sol chatted with each other. But something felt off. The Captain of the royal guards shouldn’t have such a weak standing.

“Are you injured, by any chance, Captain Tsudo?” Hitsuki cut them off.

Captain Tsudo stared at the man in amazement. Even though he was trying his best to hide it, Hitsuki still managed to see through him.

He smiled. “I didn’t think anyone would notice my injury. In fact, it is too minor to be noticed!”

But Hitsuki’s suspicion grew stronger…