When Will uttered Roman's name, Sir Leon's expression first betrayed his surprise, then darkened into one of reproach as he cast a stern gaze toward Eddie. It was clear he suspected Eddie of revealing Roman's death to Will—after all, the two were known to be close friends.
"Uh... I-I didn't tell him," Eddie stammered, his voice trembling, unable to meet Leon's piercing stare.
"It wasn't Eddie," Will interjected firmly. "I heard it from another source. Frankly, your efforts to keep this matter under wraps have been terribly inadequate."
"Hah, perhaps we do need to reflect on how easily outsiders stroll into places they shouldn't," Leon replied with biting sarcasm.
"Enough, Sir Leon, please don't blame Eddie any further," Will's tone suddenly turned urgent. "I came here because I have something of great importance to tell you."
"Very well. Speak, Mr. Gibson."
"First and foremost, Lisa is innocent. According to her testimony, she was pursuing someone that night and followed them through a portal, arriving in Mr. Roman's chamber too late—he was already dead. What's more, Roman and this person appeared to be engaged in a covert transaction. From what I gathered, the conspirator wanted Roman to poison the kingdom's food supplies, thereby crippling the Paralar Empire's military strength and paving the way for a swift conquest."
"And how exactly do you know this?" Leon asked, narrowing his eyes.
"I overheard it last night."
"Where?"
"That... I can't say. Not until you agree to release Lisa."
Leon laughed derisively. "Quite the tale. But you should know, we deal in evidence here, not stories. Everything you've said is conjecture—nothing more than speculation."
"Eddie! Eddie can back me up—he was with me!" Will suddenly shouted.
"Mr. Eddie, is this true?"
"Yes! Y-yes, Sir Leon! I was with Will last night."
"Did you hear any of this with your own ears?" Leon pressed, clearly skeptical.
"No... no, I didn't," Eddie admitted, his head bowed. "I stayed at a distance—I was afraid. I only saw some suspicious figures enter the building."
"So that's the 'evidence' you bring me?" Leon said smugly, a trace of mockery in his voice.
"Damn it," Will muttered, clenching his fists in frustration.
"Enough, Mr. Gibson. This little detective charade ends here. If you truly believe your friend is innocent, then bring us a suspect. The Holy Church possesses a potion of truth—one sip, and a person will speak nothing but the truth. That would suffice to exonerate your friend."
"R-really? That's all it would take?" Will's eyes lit up with a new sense of hope. For him, capturing someone was far easier than chasing scattered clues.
"Indeed. But remember, Roman's death must remain a secret. We cannot afford to stir panic. And starting today, you have only two days left."
"Understood. Thank you, truly!" Will exclaimed before dashing out of Leon's study in a burst of renewed energy.
"Will—wait...!"
"Mr. Eddie, should you not be stationed at the city gate right now?"
"Y-yes, Sir Leon."
"Be vigilant. Our scouts have spotted the Arlusian army—along with mages from the United Kingdom—drawing near."
"They're already that close?" Eddie asked, alarmed.
"Yes," Leon said gravely. "And there's one point from Will's story I do believe—someone is working to bring down the Paralar Empire from within. Stay sharp."
"Yes, Sir Leon!"
"Good. Now go—attend to your duties."
"Yes, sir!" Eddie saluted and exited with measured steps.
"Will Gibson, was it?" Leon murmured softly, gazing upward. "I wonder... what kind of man you will become."
…
That afternoon, at the Warriors' Rest Inn.
After hearing from Leon that capturing just one suspect could clear Lisa's name, Will returned to the eerily quiet inn with determined steps.
Something's off… Why do these people seem so familiar? he mused, settling at an empty table.
He glanced around but saw no sign of Mary, the girl who had captured his heart.
Did I scare her away with that kiss? he wondered, brows furrowed in confusion.
"What'll it be, kid?" Donald growled, appearing suddenly at his side with a scowl carved into his weathered face.
"Uh... where's Mary? She's not here today?"
"Mary? She went back to her hometown."
"I see..." At those words, Will's spirit visibly deflated, the fire in his eyes dimming.
"So, kid, are you gonna order or what?" Donald asked, clearly growing impatient.
"Just... a glass of water, please," Will mumbled.
"Fine." Donald turned and stalked off toward the bar. Will watched him go, eyes blank and heavy with disappointment.
But then—Donald suddenly turned around mid-step, fixing Will with a twisted smile. It was a smile devoid of kindness, sinister and brimming with malevolence.
What the—? Will's apathy shattered in an instant. A chill ran down his spine.
Could it be... he knows? That I was the one eavesdropping that night? Panic began to well up inside him. And Mary's sudden disappearance—was she caught helping me?
His thoughts spiraled, each one more troubling than the last. He could feel his composure slipping.
This place is dangerous... I need to leave—now.
Will rose from his seat and hurried toward the exit, heart pounding.
No... If Mary's really in trouble, I have to save her, he thought as he ran, eyes blazing with determination.
But... if I waste time here, Lisa...
Torn between loyalties, his figure darted through the streets—lost in a storm of fear, guilt, and duty.