It was a quick and discreet trip from the Inanis Mansion to the Blind Crow Tavern. Since it was still broad daylight, there was nothing amiss as Lucius and Kiana traveled.
"With Leif informing us that there's a criminal on the loose and others more to come, it's a little surprising that it all looks so peaceful here, doesn't it?" Lucius said to Kiana as he peeked out the window.
"It means that this person who's here must be lying low or something." Kiana frowned. "There is a good reason for them to lie low. I wouldn't have come here in the first place if I were them."
"And yet you went out last night to deliver the letter to Leif yourself," Lucius said as he remembered. Before he had retired on the night from exhaustion, he had asked Kiana to deliver his reply to Leif.
"I did not encounter anything odd or anyone criminal while I was out last night, Asher. You need not worry," Kiana said with a smile. "In fact, if I were to encounter this so-called criminal, I am sure that there is much more to worry about them than it is for me. You have given me a great Gift, Asher."
The confidence that Kiana had in herself was not only a combination of her experiences in life but also that of what Asher had bestowed on her.
However, contrary to what Kiana expected, Asher's reaction was a bit more mild.
"While it is good to be confident, it is still better to be wary, Kiana. I shouldn't have asked you to do it last night. It must have slipped my mind out of exhaustion," Lucius said. "Or you could have at least taken some guards. While you were lucky enough to have not encountered the criminal, we truly do not know enough details about them. They could be stronger than you or could have caught you by surprise. Your gift mostly functions better when you have distance away from your enemy, Kiana."
Kiana blushed and bowed her head.
'Somehow, this reminds me of the time when I fought those wolves in Aisse Territory. I had a difficult time back then because they all moved fast and the lighting was dark due to it all being a fire. Asher is right. I should be more wary than overconfident. I'm fortunate that he cares about me.'
"Forgive me, Asher. I will be more careful next time," Kiana said. "Thank you for reminding me."
"Thank you as well for taking it all well, Kiana," Lucius said. "I know that it may seem a bit nagging."
"Not at all. It is simply proof that you care about my well being. I am happy about that." Kiana said with a smile.
Lucius faked his own smile. "Of course."
'It would have done me no good if I have lost a valuable individual like Kiana. Not only have I used the Mark of Loyalty on her, but I have also already invested resources into improving her gift.
Not to mention that she's already in the know with the Inanis family dealings and alongside others, like training under Master Frank and her own networks with people like Gellor. She will be a bit difficult to replace.' Lucius thought.
While Kiana was content with her current position, Lucius himself was once again considering the situation a little bit.
'Baron Hugh's son… Lord Benjamin may have a useful gift that is suited for document work and other administrative tasks, but it really cannot be compared to the experience that Kiana already possesses.' Lucius thought. 'I need to think about my approach when the Baron and his family come, but for now, I'll focus on the current agenda of the day.'
***
"Lucius, thank you for coming at a moment's notice," the tavern owner, Leif, greeted Asher and Kiana with a respectful nod and even used the "pseudonym" that Lucius had introduced himself in. "The room has already been ready, along with the source of info."
"It is of prime importance to me to know of such things. Of course, I would have come at once," Lucius said. "But I'm honestly impressed that you would have the information all at once. I reckon that this criminal would have been avoiding the eyes of yours, Leif, in case you were to sell him out."
"We do not sell anyone out easily, Lucius. It comes with a price, or if it becomes a danger to keep them a secret," Leif said as he opened the door to a private room. "But as for the reason why we were able to find information, we always find ways… but it does not also hinder that there were some willing sources."
Inside of the room were the familiar faces of Arius, Carlyle and Cohen.
"We meet again, Lucius." The three criminals greeted him respectfully.
Even though he hadn't actually revealed his true identity, it was clear that he was an important person to hold knowledge about upgrading gifts and also being able to pay for them.
"Ah, it's been a while. You three also know of the criminals that have entered the city?" Lucius sat down in a chair across from them and raised a brow.
Kiana immediately stood behind Asher, but mostly kept quiet and observed the three criminals and Leif as well. Even though they had gone through several meetings already, she did not lower her guard or caution.
'It's even more important to be on guard now that I know that all of their gifts have been upgraded in the past.' Kiana thought. 'Of course, they're loyal to Asher because they want to grow stronger… but after our talk, I'll still be careful.'
Leif cleared his throat and excused himself. "I will just be getting my document from the tavern and will return shortly to hand the organized information about our latest criminal, but I think that they will have other information that will also be of use."
Once the tavern owner was gone, Arius leaned forward almost menacingly before he smiled.
"We will be happy to provide information, Lucius."
"And how do all three of you know of this criminal?"
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