As soon as morning broke, Flynn finished packing the luggage he had prepared in advance and stepped outside.
While Hugo was away for a moment receiving reports from the lead investigator and completing the handover process, Flynn gazed out over the square of Frost territory, which he would soon be leaving behind.
Even this early, the area was bustling with activity. The investigation tents were already busy with Council members coming and going. It appeared they had been working through the night in rotating shifts.
Flynn felt a pang of regret at leaving without fully uncovering the truth. He could still get updates on the investigation later, but sometimes crucial evidence disappeared over time. And Flynn suspected one of those missing pieces might be Tergio himself.
But there was nothing more he could or should do here. The right thing was to trust his colleagues from the Northern Branch and return to his own duties.
Regardless of his suspicions, Tergio had been a big help to him. Flynn wanted to set aside all doubts, if only to express his gratitude before parting ways.
Keeping an eye on the clock in the square, Flynn decided to stop by Tergio’s lodging while his superior was still occupied. As he flew swiftly over the rooftops, some of the townspeople looked up, watching him in awe.
Crossing over the buildings, Flynn soon arrived at Tergio's accommodation, only to overhear an unexpected conversation.
"What? He already left?"
"Yes, he packed up and left early this morning."
"I see... How long ago? The ❀ Nоvеlігht ❀ (Don’t copy, read here) gate's travel restrictions shouldn't be lifted yet..."
"That guy said low-ranking merchant group members like him can get travel permits after a simple inspection if there are no issues. He hasn't been gone long... He’s probably at the Council's investigation HQ in the square right now to get the permit."
"Ah, I understand. Thank you."
The owner of the lodging confirmed that Tergio had already checked out with his bags. Flynn recalled that the travel gate hadn’t opened yet, so if he hurried, he could still catch him.
Without delay, Flynn rushed toward the square where the investigation headquarters was set up, the same place he had been waiting for his commander. A sizable crowd had already gathered—residents and low-ranking merchants awaiting travel permits for the restricted gate.
Scanning the long line of people, Flynn searched for Tergio, but couldn’t spot him. Anxiousness crept over him.
‘Are we really going to part ways like this, without even saying goodbye?’
He had apologized, but the proper thanks were still unsaid. It was a brief acquaintance, but Flynn genuinely wanted to part on good terms, to wish him well wherever he went.
"Flynn, there you are. Let’s go."
A voice called from behind. Turning, Flynn saw his commander approaching, seemingly finished with the handover.
"Ah, Commander."
"Looking for someone?"
"Well... it’s Teo. I didn’t get to say goodbye. When I stopped by his lodging, they said he already packed up and left. But he helped me a lot... I’d like to thank him properly. Can I take a moment to look for him?"
Flynn’s eyes pleaded sincerely as he spoke. Hugo regarded him briefly, then gave an easy nod. Flynn immediately brightened, flashing a grateful smile.
Seeing that, Hugo realized how attached Flynn had become to Tergio, whether knowingly or not. As that thought passed, he noticed someone emerging from the tent and gestured to Flynn with a tilt of his chin.
"There he is, coming out now."
At Hugo’s words, Flynn turned and spotted Tergio exiting the investigation HQ tent, travel permit in hand. Carrying a small bag slung over one shoulder, Tergio was walking briskly toward the square.
Flynn called out to him without hesitation.
"Teo!"
At the sound of his name, Tergio flinched, turning around. Flynn hurried over, a little out of breath. Tergio looked at him with mild surprise.
"Mr. Investigator?"
"Ah, Mr. Teo, are you leaving already?"
Catching his breath, Flynn spoke, while Tergio’s gaze briefly lifted to Hugo, standing at a distance. Their eyes met, and Hugo raised an eyebrow.
Tergio quickly looked away, patting Flynn’s shoulder as he answered.
"Yes. I didn’t know much about the merchant group’s classified matters... and after the investigation, they determined I wasn’t involved. So, they granted me permission to leave. I just picked up the travel permit."
"Ah... I see."
Flynn hesitated. He wanted to say, That’s a relief, but the words caught in his throat. Was it really okay to let him go so easily?
"Are you leaving now too, Mr. Investigator?"
"Yes. The Commander and I belong to the Central Branch. We were dispatched here for a mission, but it’s time to return to our usual post."
"I see. You both worked hard coming all this way. You’ll get a reward when you return, right? You solved a huge case."
"Haha, it’s all thanks to you, Mr. Teo. I’ve been meaning to thank you properly."
"Me?"
Tergio looked genuinely puzzled. Flynn nodded and continued.
"If you hadn’t told me about the monsters, I never would’ve known such enormous things were hidden in the mountains. And I wouldn’t have caught that fire mage trying to slip out through the sealed gate."
"That’s embarrassing. I only did what I should’ve."
Tergio scratched his cheek, clearly flustered. Flynn smiled warmly at him and asked,
"So, where to now, Mr. Teo?"
"Well... I lost my job, so I’ll have to find somewhere new. Somewhere I’m needed."
Hearing the faint bitterness in his tone, Flynn scrambled to offer reassurance.
"Don’t worry, you’ll find something soon. You’re calm, you’ve got good instincts... Honestly, I solved the case thanks to you. I’m sure plenty of places will need someone like you."
Flynn rambled on with heartfelt words of encouragement. Tergio listened, a faint smile forming as he let out a small chuckle.
The slight curve of his eyes and lips softened his ordinary features, making them unexpectedly appealing. Flynn found himself staring, momentarily flustered.
"Thank you, Mr. Flynn."
It was the first time Tergio had called him by name rather than ‘Mr. Investigator.’ Realizing that, Flynn flushed, feeling like they had finally bridged the distance between them, even if it was right before parting ways.
From a distance, Hugo, observing them, instinctively reached for his wrist but instead glanced at the clock in the square.
The time for lifting the gate restrictions was near. A crowd might gather, causing delays. Hugo strode toward them.
As his shadow fell over them, Tergio stopped smiling and looked up. Flynn noticed the smile vanish and felt a pang of regret.
"Flynn, it’s time to go."
"Ah... yes, understood. Mr. Teo... take care. And... thank you."
Flynn offered a farewell, masking his lingering reluctance. Tergio smiled again, though this smile was different—more distant.
"Safe travels, both of you."
Hugo gave Tergio a slight nod, then turned to leave. Flynn waved at Tergio before following his commander.
Tergio stood there quietly, watching them walk away. He let out a soft sigh, inaudible to others, and brushed his hair back.
At that moment, Hugo, striding ahead, suddenly came to an abrupt stop.
