Late that night, in Will's home.
"Will, are you ready?" Eddie knocked on Will's door. Having finished work for the day, he had changed out of his armor and now wore a simple set of casual clothes.
"All set. Let's go," Will said, opening the door.
"What on earth…" Eddie's eyes widened as he looked Will up and down. Will was dressed entirely in black, with his obsidian-hued short sword fastened at his waist.
"What is it?" Will asked, puzzled.
"Is it really necessary for you to dress like that?" Eddie questioned.
"Of course. This way I'm less likely to be noticed. But you—you're only wearing casual clothes. What if you're spotted while we're hiding?"
"Are you an idiot? Dressed all in black like that, you're more suspicious."
"Uh… I didn't really think of that. But whatever. We'll just sneak up onto the roof and watch them from above."
"Climb onto the roof? You can go alone. Let's hurry, we can't afford to miss our chance."
With that, Eddie and Will swiftly left the house, running toward the Warriors' Haven Inn.
"You're really going to watch from the rooftop?" Will asked, standing behind a building opposite the inn.
"No way. I'm not as nimble as you—I'll stay down here, thanks."
"Alright then, I'm going up."
Will began climbing to the roof as Eddie pulled a small bottle of liquor from his pocket and took a swig, eyes on the inn across the street.
…
Before long, two carriages approached the Warriors' Haven and came to a halt at its door. Four figures clad in black robes stepped down. With their hoods drawn, it was impossible to tell if they were men or women. They knocked, and moments later, the once-dark inn lit up. Donald opened the door, glanced warily around, then ushered all four inside before extinguishing the lights once again.
"Is that all?" Will muttered from the rooftop, clearly dissatisfied. The scene had not met his expectations.
He quickly climbed down and darted toward the inn.
"Hey! Will, wait—what are you doing?" Eddie whispered urgently.
But Will, focused on uncovering the truth, ignored him. He raced to the back door, scaled the storeroom roof, and slipped silently into the attic on the second floor.
They're not here? he thought, quietly combing the attic for any clue.
"What's this?" he murmured, looking down. On the floor was a large red symbol, appearing as if drawn in blood. A six-pointed star—the same symbol he had seen in the town of Remm.
So, they really are connected, Will mused.
What's that smell? He crouched down, sniffing around the floor. This must be it.
He found a fine powder and brought it to his nose. The acrid scent matched. Taking a small handful, he stored it in his pocket.
Finding nothing more, Will slipped back to the window and exited the attic the way he came. He dashed across the street to where Eddie stood waiting.
"Will, are you insane? Do you have a death wish?" Eddie scolded.
"Shh! Let's go—I found something." Will tugged Eddie along, speaking in a hushed voice.
…
Later that night.
"A six-pointed star?" Eddie asked, frowning.
"Yes. I saw the same symbol back in a town called Remm. I'm sure they're working together," Will said with conviction.
"They are suspicious, no doubt. But we can't act rashly." Eddie looked down, brows furrowed in thought.
"Hmph. Well, at least this proves Lisa's innocence, doesn't it?" Will said smugly, watching Eddie's reaction.
"The one you need to convince is High Inquisitor Leon—the man in golden armor who stood beside Pope Matthew. Only he can clear Lisa's name."
"Alright. Can you take me to him tomorrow? I want to tell him everything I found."
"Meet Leon? Hm… I suppose I could, but I'm not sure he'll agree to see you."
"Why not?"
"Well, you did say some rather… controversial things in the church last time."
"That? They're still holding a grudge over that? It's been ages!"
"Alright, alright. I'll try tomorrow."
…
The next morning, outside Lisa's cell.
"Ugh…" Eddie yawned, standing groggily outside the prison. Inside, Will remained full of energy, deep in conversation with Lisa.
"I don't know where he gets that kind of spirit," Eddie muttered, watching with envy.
"Miss Lisa, I found this powder. Do you know what it is?" Will asked, holding out a small amount in his palm.
"Where did you get this?" Lisa asked, eyeing it carefully.
"I found it in that inn you mentioned. What is it used for?"
"This is mage powder—used in casting large-scale spells. For instance…"
"For instance, a portal?" Will interrupted.
"Yes. Portals typically require mage powder."
"Also, you mentioned before they were plotting something—I've discovered a bit about that too. They plan to assassinate the king during his birthday banquet in two days. After that, they'll launch a full-scale invasion amidst the chaos."
"Hmph. If that's true, why am I still locked up?"
"I… I'm going to meet with their superior soon. I'll tell them everything I know. Only they have the authority to free you. Please, just hang in there. I promise I'll get you out."
"Alright, alright. I'll put my faith in you, Captain. Two more days," Lisa said mockingly.
"Mm. I'm off now. I'm going to see Leon." With that, Will left the cell and departed the prison with Eddie.
…
"Sir Eddie, is there something you need?" Leon asked, seated in his study as Eddie and Will entered.
"Sir Leon, my friend Will requested this meeting. He has something important to tell you."
"Oh? Will Gibson, is it? What is it you wish to say?" Leon turned to face him.
"It concerns Lord Roman."
"Roman…" Leon's gaze sharpened as he looked at Will in surprise.