The town of Aoba was unusually quiet that night. Not even the usual drunkards stumbled through the alleys.
The same stillness blanketed the merchant's guild. Though a small crowd of members gathered inside, not a single voice could be heard from beyond its walls—until a young guard appeared at the front door.
"Please, men, let me in. I need a word with General Chow."
The two guards standing watch shook their heads. "Shiro, the general's in a meeting. You can request an audience afterward."
"Who knows how long that'll take? I need to speak with him now. It's important."
"What's with all the noise?" a voice interrupted as a man approached them.
Shiro stiffened. A drop of sweat rolled down his cheek. It was the chief officer. Not a man to be crossed. He and the others saluted at once.
"Shiro? There better be a damn good reason you left your post."
"Yes, sir. It's about Ron. He hasn't been seen in over half a day. Since his father's here, I thought he should know—so we can begin a search party."
"You mean that good-for-nothing brat? He's probably off slacking again. The general's got more important things to do than chasing after his screw-up of a son. That kid's done enough to embarrass him already."
"Sir, with all due respect, you don't understand. Ron wouldn't disappear like this. Something could've happened."
The chief met Shiro's eyes. It was clear the young guard was serious. Determined, even. The officer sighed.
"Shiro, you're a good soldier—but know your place. Do you really think a general from the capital would dispatch a search party over his wayward son?"
"But, sir—"
"—Don't get involved with the wrong people. You've got potential. Don't waste it."
"…Yes, sir," Shiro muttered, looking down. His hands clenched into fists. He hated how fear kept him silent.
"All right, men! Back to your positions. We're not going to look incompetent in front of our guest. If I catch anyone slacking, there'll be hell to pay. Got that?!"
"Yes, sir!" the door guards responded in unison.
The chief stepped between them, paused to give Shiro a stern glare—one that clearly warned him not to interfere—then disappeared inside.
"Hey… isn't that your boy over there?"
Shiro spun around and lit up. Ron was walking through the front gate.
He rushed over. "Ron! I've been worried sick. Where the hell were you?"
"Sorry… I was doing some stuff around the village."
"You missed your shift! I was about to go look for you! Out of all nights—you know what the chief thinks of you, so why keep doing this?"
"I said I was sorry, okay? What more do you want?!"
Ron realized his voice had risen. He turned away, his face red with frustration.
Shiro relaxed his shoulders. He could tell the anger wasn't aimed at him. "…If you don't want to tell me what's going on, fine. I'll respect that. But I need you focused tonight. The chief doesn't want anything slipping past us. Keep an eye out for anything strange."
"That's why there are so many guards out, huh? Nothing ever happens here. Why all the sudden paranoia?"
The village was peaceful—some would say too peaceful. For the merchant's guild to be this heavily guarded, something big had to be going on.
"Apparently, there's some important meeting with nobles from the capital," Shiro explained. "That's all I know… or at least, that's what my father told me."
Ron scoffed. "Still clashing with the chief, huh?"
Shiro smacked him lightly on the head. "Look who's talking."
They both laughed. Shiro started heading back to his post.
"You're assigned northwest, near the stables."
"So they gave me the one post I can't screw up…"
"Don't worry. You'll still find a way," Shiro said with a wink.
"Oh, screw off."
Shiro chuckled. "I'll catch you later."
"Yeah… thanks."
Ron scanned the area as he walked. Guards were stationed everywhere—at the gates, around the perimeter, even archers on the rooftops. For a merchant's guild, this kind of security was excessive.
He had a suspicion why. If his father was involved, then the person inside might be the one he'd been avoiding all day. But Ron had no intention of making contact. He planned to stay far away.
He sighed. "Guess I'll get to work, then."
***
Ron arrived at his post to find the stables calm and uneventful. A few carriages stood parked, while horses and lizards idly waited for their owners.
Seeing how quiet things were, Ron decided to sneak away for a quick smoke. He didn't make a habit of it, but when stress peaked, the nicotine helped him decompress. He always did it in secret—he didn't want anyone, especially Shiro, seeing him like that. Still, with the reputation he already had, it wouldn't do much to change people's perception of him.
Once he finished, he tossed the cigarette to the ground and crushed it beneath his boot.
As he approached the door again, something felt… off. The air was heavier now. The animals stood still, tense, their eyes wide and alert. Even their usual shuffling had gone silent.
That's when Ron noticed a figure in the room. Judging by the uniform, another guard.
"Hey, man. You assigned here too?"
The figure turned slightly. His face was mostly hidden beneath the shadow of his hat.
"Yes, I am," he replied.
"Cool. At least I won't go crazy being alone with these creatures."
"Don't underestimate them," the man said, gently stroking a nearby lizard. "They make the best companions."
Ron studied him more closely and frowned. "I don't remember your face."
The guard turned his back, still focused on the animal. "I was newly assigned."
"Were you now…"
Ron had been stationed here for months. He knew every inch of the village—and everyone in it. New recruits didn't just appear out of nowhere without word getting around.
"So, they made you memorize that dumb pledge too?"
"Yes. The pledge."
The reply came too quickly. Too mechanical.
"How did it go again?" Ron asked, his voice casual but probing. "'By the lion, the serpent, the rabbit, and the dragon—'"
He expected the man to finish it. Instead, the stranger kept petting the lizard in silence.
Ron sighed. "Come on. Indulge me a little."
The man smirked faintly. "Hmph. Maybe I should…"
A strange sensation twisted in Ron's gut. The animals had gone quiet again—but they remained alert, like they were anticipating something. The air grew thick, eerie. A ringing pierced Ron's ears, and chills raced down his spine. Every instinct screamed at him to run.
He placed a hand on the hilt of his sword. "Something's not right—"
A flash of silver caught his eye. In a split second, Ron drew his sword and blocked the incoming strike. The force sent him stumbling back several feet, heart pounding.
"You've got impressive reflexes," the man said.
Ron raised his sword. "You rat… stop hiding behind that hat. Show me your face!"
The imposter sighed. "No point in keeping the act up now."
His body began to glow. Slowly, his form shifted—he grew taller, leaner. His hair turned from black to a striking crimson red, and his facial features transformed into something completely different. The uniform remained, though it now fit more snugly on his altered frame.
When the light faded, the man scratched his cheek. "My clan would disown me for being found out so fast… but I was sent last minute. Barely had time to prepare."
Ron grit his teeth. "Who the hell are you?!"
The redhead casually pointed at himself. "Me? I'm just a butler," he said with a shrug.