Chapter 65
I was at the ball when Navienne and Adrien suddenly spotted me and came over with bright smiles. It seemed the Lunn family had just arrived, too. Seeing them made my burning emotions—like jealousy and longing—sof ten a bit.
I grumbled at them, “Why are you pretending to be best friends with me? Stay a bit farther away, please.”
Adrien responded, “But I am Eilene’s friend,” and Navienne chimed in—that silly sibling quarrel made me feel strangely caught between them. I sat down with them, and anytime they glared, they’d soften and smile when our eyes met.
I tuned into nearby conversations instead—these social gatherings were great for gossip and intel, especially at such a big event where nobles from every region gathered.
The hot topic? Emperor Kyle.
Right after entering the hall, he stood expressionless as a courtier announced the founding ceremony and recited the empire’s history—and then vanished without saying a word.
Everyone was curious, but no one dared to speak up… until finally, one bold person whispered:
“We came all the way to attend, but didn’t even hear the Emperor speak.”
Another added:
“Maybe the Emperor was in a bad mood.”
Then someone else spoke:
“I heard the Chief Chamberlain made a grave mistake… and was imprisoned.”
“Really?”
“Yes. The gossip says he leaked sensitive words about the Emperor.”
The nobles murmured in shock.
Hearing that, I realized—it must’ve been because I rejected someone close to the Emperor. I didn’t know the whole truth, but seeing his absence at the ceremony made sense now.
With the event ruined, the nobles headed home early. My mission—or rather, seeing Raymond—was achieved, so I returned to the manor with my parents in lighter spirits than my steps.
That night, I finally met Raymond again at our lake in the east forest.
The moon glowed large and bright—this path used to make my heart fluttered with every step, but this time I trembled just walking. I nearly tripped over a tree root, but Coa steadied me just in time.
“Thanks, Coa.”
“Go slowly, Miss.”
“Right.”
After gathering my wits, I took solid steps forward until I reached him by the lake.
“Eilene.” His face was illuminated by moonlight reflecting off the water. He looked like an angel reaching out to me. He took my hand and guided me to sit on a rock beside the water. We held hands, watching the still surface in silence.
Finally, Raymond spoke, still holding my hand.
“Leaving Hills so suddenly… was for the people there.”
“The people?” I asked.
“Yes. The one who burned Hills Village down… was the Chief Chamberlain.”
“What?! Really?”
“I’ve traced the mastermind… it was him. He planned the attack knowing I was away.”
I was shocked, but it clicked.
“He wanted to target you—and failed—so he’s imprisoned?”
“Yes.” Raymond nodded calmly.
Was the Emperor targeting Raymond again? We couldn’t just sit and wait. I had to know more.
“Wouldn’t staying in Ferment be more dangerous? Why stay here instead?”
He looked directly at me.
“There’s a reason.”
“What is it?”
“A mercenary group called the White Crow has come to Ferment. But they’re not just mercenaries—they’re an intelligence organization called the Night Watch. I plan to contact them and recruit them to our side, so we can uncover the corruption hidden across the empire.”
“Oh! The Night Watch!” I recognized it from the original novel. The White Crow disguised as mercs, but really spies—the most powerful intelligence network across the empire. In later chapters, the true heroine Amelia uses them to restore the empire.
Raymond looked surprised at how I recognized it—but then realized I had some sort of foresight.
“You knew about the Night Watch too? You must have had a dream too… The only thing confirmed so far is that they’ve arrived. That’s all we know.”
“Of course—I’ll help! I do know one of their secret hideouts.”
“Really? That’s incredible.” He looked utterly amazed as I tapped my chest with pride.
I was back in my element—finally, I could help again.
Then I remembered to ask:
“Oh, but… where’s Okhee?”
“Okhee?”
“Ook ook.”
As if on cue, Okhee cooed, then a large bird swooped between Raymond and me and perched on the rock.
“Okhee!” I ran over, lifted her onto my lap, and gently stroked her back. She seemed to enjoy it.
“I was so worried—nobody answered when I called.”
“You called her?” Raymond seemed surprised.
“I thought she followed you—but she was waiting to answer me.”
His eyes widened as he realized why no one answered my calls before. He sank into a sigh.
“Ah… so that’s why there was no response.”
We looked at Okhee, who blinked innocently.
“Where were you that whole time?” Raymond asked worryingly, but Okhee just tilted her head—no response.
That night, we headed to a tavern called “Sir Edward’s Escape”—the secret hideout of the Night Watch.
It was an old, unmarked place known only to insiders. Usually it would’ve taken weeks to discover—but because I knew it from the novel, we were ready.
We dressed up in disguise: rich nobles with glittery jewelry and a glamorous hat—showy enough to pay, but concealing enough.
I had told Raymond I’d handle everything—prep and persuading them—because I trusted my foresight. He agreed without protest.
As we hovered outside the tavern, the doorman quickly scanned us and let us in silently.
Inside, the place was empty and shabby—perfect for secrecy. A scrawny-looking man looked up as we entered.
“Welcome. Please have a seat.” He motioned to the chair, polite but calculating.
“My lords, what brings you to this humble spot?”
A classic intelligence test—he wanted to assess us before revealing anything.
But I had a plan based on the source novel.
Cue: Acting Mode—On!
