The empty hallway was already flooded with lamp light by the time Father and I finished our so-called talking. I made my way to my bed chamber, walking at a slower stride due to the prickling every time my dress brushed the opened wounds on my back.

Thankfully, it became bearable along the way as a familiar sensation enveloped my body — akin to a warm breeze, soothing the pain from those lacerations.

It was a mysterious ability I had discovered when my life started going downhill. My injuries healed quickly but with such large slashes, like the ones currently marking my skin, it could take a day or two before it fully heals. Fortunately, the bleeding had stopped, though that didn't mean it did not hurt like hell.

This was how my father showed his sham of love to me. If my sisters were mean, Father gave me a whole new definition of cruel.

When I finally turned toward the corridor to my room, I stood up straight— gracefully sauntered as if nothing fared. As if my dignity was intact. As if I was really the princess they thought I was, denying the fact that everything was a farce.

The assigned knight for today opened the door upon seeing me. I entered and shut it close, locking the door. An action that would not make sense since I was the one being locked in the first place. But then again, it could only appease my imaginary freedom and indulgence in the illusion I had control in my life.

I teetered towards my bed and lay down with my face on the bed, closing my eyes while ignoring the pain.

Taking a deep breath, I'd rather look forward to tomorrow than wallow in pity. These kinds of thoughts swam in my head before I yielded to the exhaustion consuming me.

***

HARPA DAY OF TYR

The sky was particularly opaque tonight. The crescent moon barely shined through the darkness. It was too cloudy to even see the cluster of stars. Nevertheless, both corners of my lips raised.

It was a perfect night for the mission.

Usually, it took me days to do the mission but Xenon was nowhere at the moment so it was easier to escape. He probably had an errand tonight.

After being holed up in my room, I have nothing to do but memorize the blueprints and other details I needed to know for this mission.

I pushed aside the woolen rug that was held down by the weight of the bed. Underneath it was a door. No one seemed to care about it since if it was opened it was only the same wooden flooring as the room.

Basically, it was useless.

It could not be even considered a decoration which was why it was simply covered. Nobody even bothered to destroy it and for that, I was actually grateful.

They had no idea that it was a portal. I inserted the key Cindra gave me which activated the portal that led to a basement. I jumped down into the dim room. It was a close space and the only light was from the candle lamp. It was a storage area where I kept all the things I used as a thief and all the things I wanted to hide.

I pulled out the wooden chest and took a plain black shirt and black pants. It was the kind of outfit men typically wore. I also grabbed a matching hood. It helped me cover half of my face, primarily my eyes.

After all, it was not every day that anyone encountered a pair of violet eyes. And lastly, I placed my mask, it was the first thing Night gave me.

It was black like his. However, mine was a full mask with a part of my right cheek exposed. It had black swirling details, speckled with black glitter, and at the center of the forehead was a white spade. I glanced at the table and saw the knight's uniform. I put it in my bag in case I needed it.

After ensuring that my chamber door was locked, I went down from the balcony using the rope ladder. Having a room at the farthest end came pretty handy in these escapades, along with the fact that this side had no windows at all — including mine.

That was how they kept me isolated. Only the small balcony could connect me outside. And so, the story about me being a sheltered and overprotected princess began.

When I reached the ground, I ran to the garden door. There was no one around at this time so I immediately opened the gate, entered, and closed it. This was the only place I could escape freely.

As much as I wanted to use this route to forever leave this place, I could not. I could only blame my past self for not reading the agreement properly. It was the overwhelming desire for freedom that led me to sign that life contract. That piece of paper bound my will and according to Night's endless reminder, there was a dire consequence if I ever went back on my words.

In exchange for their help to leave the palace, I did their missions but I could never divulge anything about them and should not use what they gave to me for my own selfishness.

Nonetheless, I didn't have regrets. It was better to choose the lesser evils in a situation I had no control of.

"Good! You're here. Lightning is waiting for you," said Cindra when she saw me.

"Understood. I'll see you later, Cindra."

"Good luck. Be sure to come back safe and sound, dear." She pulled me close and gave me a quick hug.

She was really acting like a mother every time she sent me on missions. At first, I was doubting them and naturally treated them as my patrons because of the contract. But as days drove by, I realized they truly cared for me. It was funny how these people were treating me like family when my own blood relatives had no ounce of affection for me.

"Thanks!"

I trodded towards the wall of vines. Behind it was another door, similar to the door connecting the palace garden. Unlike the one connecting to the palace, I needed a key that was hung on the right side of the door frame.

I inserted it into the keyhole and stepped outside. The silence of the Misty Forest welcomed me. With two fingers on my lips, a whistle disturbed the quietness of the place. It was followed by fast-approaching hooves and a magnificent black horse rushed in wide gallops.

"Lightning," I called, brushing his mane.

It was a well-mannered horse, better than the horses in the palace, and given to me by Night. Lightning had a beautiful white lightning-like mark in its left eye, thus its name but it also had incredible speed. With just a whistle it came dashing wherever I was. It seemed to understand everything I said, just like an average human, or maybe even better than humans.

"Are you ready?"

It neighed as if saying yes. I hopped onto his back and we galloped into the forest.

***

The Fedor Manor was huge but I had already memorized my way through it. It didn't even compare to the quarter of the whole property of the palace of Ezriel. Marquis Fedor may be rich but no one in this kingdom could surpass the royal family when talking about wealth.

I led Lightning to the back part of the estate. We halted as I stared dubiously at the bricked walls up close.

Tarnation. Was this possibly ten to twelve feet? I wondered as I climbed down from Lightning. From a distance, it was actually tall but I never expected it to be this towering.

"I'll be back," I muttered and caressed his mane.

After Lightning left, I heaved a sigh before pulling myself together to climb over the wall.

I finally reached the top and jumped. I landed safely, yet biting back a grunt after the stinging soreness from my back. There was still some pain but I tried to manage it. Anyway, it was not the first time that I had a mission while being injured.

The courtyard was already crowded with knights stationed all over when I arrived.

So much security for some bastard like the Marquis Dolf Fedor.

Though it was no doubt he should watch his back. After all, he was an arrogant man who loved to treat his servants cruelly. He was the kind of person that I truly despised. He loved money and fame with no compassion for people at all.

I walked towards the entrance to find someone who I will disguise when slow footfalls filled the silence. It seemed like luck was with me. I hurriedly hid in one of the trees. I sensed the knight roaming around and when he passed the tree where I am, I kicked him — hard.

He fell down and did not even have the time to groan. Before he could see my face I was behind his back and pointing the dagger at his neck.

Am I really strong or he's just weak?

"Tell me your name or I'll slit your neck."

"R-ron," he answered, or more like whimpering.

He didn't even act like a true knight. He just looked big but he was a pansy with his ashen face, quivering lips, and fear reflecting in his brown irises.

"Again!" I ordered, intimidating him with my voice.

"Ron," he repeated.

"Good!" I said and knocked him unconscious.

I had heard his voice, now, his face and body...

"My name is Ace, awaken."

***

When I looked at my pocket watch, it was exactly nine pm. I tugged the ropes one last time, making sure that the knight would have no chance to break loose.

Though I doubt he would unless he would have the confidence to strut butt-naked.

The spare one I had could not fit into this muscular build. If I had the choice, I would always choose someone lithe so it'll be more comfortable to move. Nevertheless, I began my preparation and proceeded to the room where I thought the jewel was.

I pulled two daggers from my bag before clambering up the walls all the way to the third floor. When I reached the nearest window to the room, I pulled a thin cable from my pocket.

Windows were much faster to pick than doors. After all, these huge decorative windows on noble's houses were certainly the most foolish thing as they only provided another route for thieves like me.

Leaving the windows open to provide some light, I glanced around and almost broke out a groan.

The jewel shimmered at the center of the spacious room, almost as big as a baron's ballroom. If I wanted, I could get the necklace with ease. However, as much as I did not want to admit it, Cindra's and Night's love for theatrics rubbed on me.

I took out a music box that produced a peculiar sound. A very handy tool for my mission and setting an estimated time.

After a while, I returned to the courtyard. It did not even take me half an hour to set up my plan. All mansions of nobles had almost similar layouts making it easier to memorize the exits and the rooms' location. Or perhaps,

I kept strolling nonchalantly until someone called me.

"Ron!" It was one of this body's comrades.

"The Captain orders for an assembly," he informed me.

"Okay," I said, looking straight at him.

He swiveled and I trailed after him. Obviously, my disguise was another success. We arrived at the entrance of the house where all knights were lining up.

"Everyone present?" The thunderous voice of the Captain resounded across the place.

"Sir, yes, Sir!" we answered.

"All of you would be divided into squads. Each squad should guard a room. Only the duke knows where the real place is but that doesn't mean you have to slack."

The Captain continued issuing orders before assigning us to our squads. It was actually a good strategy but too bad for them I already know where the jewel was.

"Watch your post and remember not to let any thief pass. Notably that rotten thief, Ace. Understand?"

I could not help the smirk tugging my lips. Sorry, Captain, I am already here.

"Sir, yes, Sir!"

"Good! Everyone dismissed!"

He turned his back while everyone spread out to their assigned rooms.

"Captain!" I called before he could leave.

He halts, turning to me. "Yes, Knight Ron?"

"Can I take leave next week?"

"Why is that?" he questioned, looking at me with a frown.

I glanced at the keys in his belt. There were a total of five. I coughed as loud as I could. My head was down and my gaze was fixed as I tried to memorize how it looked.

"Are you feeling okay, Knight Ron?"

"My head just hurts, Captain. It had been like that for the past few days," I answered in a slurred voice.

"Must be because of our overwork, mayhap you really need the rest but I doubt Marquis Fedor will agree," said the Captain.

"Tha—Damn!"

I 'accidentally' tripped over him. With that quick tap of our bodies, the keys fell. I quickly bent down and touched every single key.

"Oh shit!"

"My apologies, Captain," I was stuttering as I was taking my time and clumsily picked it up and dropped it over again. And again. And probably one more just to make sure I know the shape.

The Captain finally had enough and got it himself. He harrumphed, taking the keys by force.

"Go and leave now!" he ordered and I was more than happy to do so.

***