Ashenreach District,
Carynthos City
Kite turned sharply at the sound of a voice beside him.
"Apologies for the surprise, young gentleman," said a silver-bearded man in a polished top hat and black frock coat. His voice was warm, marked by old-world charm. "Harry Mather, Department Manager of the STF Carynthos Facility. You must be Kite Lighthart—heard quite a bit about you."
Kite nodded respectfully and reached into his coat pocket, retrieving a platinum-coated pocket watch. He held it out, allowing the intricate design of seven sisters encircling the lid to catch the light.
"Kite Lighthart. Specialist, Operational Unit. Assigned as replacement to the Carynthos facility for the next month."
STF Badge Hierarchy
Iron Badge: Granted to non-academy agents with exceptional field skills. Benefits include free travel, housing, servants, and access to STF Library Level 4–5. Monthly salary: £5,000–£10,000. Pension: £20,000/year.
Platinum Badge: Awarded to agents with STF academy training or 20+ years of service. Benefits include public service privileges, higher library access (Level 3), and more. Monthly salary: £50,000–£100,000. Pension: £200,000/year.
Gold Badge: Confidential. Only 50 holders exist within STF.
Note: The former Bronze Badge tier was abolished due to budget constraints and high staff numbers, replaced with the Iron Badge.
Harry chuckled, waving his hand.
"No need for such formality, my boy. I recognized you the moment I saw your finger—could never forget a face like yours."
Kite raised an eyebrow, glancing at his hand. Had he looked closer at Harry's eyes, he might have noticed the flicker of recognition in them.
"Come now, let's get you settled in."
---
Inside the facility, Kite stepped onto polished black-and-white checkered marble floors. The vaulted ceiling rose above them, adorned with dark oak beams. Gaslit wrought-iron chandeliers cast a golden glow on the surroundings. A crimson carpet trimmed in gold embroidery led deeper into the building, flanked by oil portraits of former STF officers in full military dress.
A mahogany counter sat beneath a brass wall clock. Behind it, a young woman in a formal ensemble—complete with cravat, corseted waistcoat, and pince-nez glasses—rested her head on the desk, dozing peacefully.
Harry cleared his throat once. Then twice. Finally:
"Mrs. Louisiana Tiffany!"
The woman jolted upright.
"I was not sleeping, Mr. Mather!" she snapped with suspicious readiness.
Harry sighed with good-natured defeat while Kite and Chu-Chu tried to hide their laughter.
"Let me introduce our ever-lively receptionist, Louisiana Tiffany," he said dryly.
She smoothed her waistcoat and smiled at Kite with polite poise.
"Welcome, Mr. Lighthart. Should you need anything—clarification, directions, or assistance—you may always come to me."
"Thank you, Miss Tiffany. I'm Kite Lighthart, the replacement specialist."
Her eyes widened, the corners of her mouth quirking up.
"Ah! The infamous Kite and his tiny companion who defeated the mutilated Naga! And the boy with the blackened index finger. Words has it that… you are quite good with your hands." She added the last line with a teasing smirk.
Kite blinked.
I have no idea what that's supposed to mean…
Harry rolled his eyes and gave her ear a gentle but pointed tug.
"Mind your tongue, young lady."
"Ow—sorry, Grandpa!"
Kite and Chu-Chu stared, wide-eyed.
Louisiana cleared her throat and returned to professionalism.
"Apologies for that. It's… a habit. Let's proceed. May I see your badge again, Mr. Lighthart?"
Kite handed over the platinum pocket watch. Louisiana opened it and read the inscription inside, nodding seriously. She reached behind her, retrieved a leather-bound register, and began writing.
Harry leaned over to Kite.
"She might act like a child, but her pen is deadlier than any sword. Dedicated to the last letter."
"I understand," Kite replied, still slightly amused.
After a few minutes, Louisiana returned the badge.
"You're now officially registered. Welcome again to Carynthos, Specialist Lighthart. Mr. Mather will guide you from here."
"Much obliged," Harry said with a bow of his head. "Come now, son. Your quarters await—and I've a few things to show you before the day ends."
"Yes, sir."
"Chu-Chu!"
Chu-Chu gave an enthusiastic squeak as they followed Harry deeper into the grand halls.