Edmund leaps off the table with agile grace, darting through the back door as his companions follow suit in a frenzied exit. Once they burst onto the street beyond, panic sets their feet to scurrying in all directions.
Elizabeth wastes no time; her eyes fixed on Edmund as she swiftly gives chase. Her footsteps reverberate through the air, growing closer and closer as she slowly closes the gap between them.
Edmund's face reddens with exertion as he frantically attempts to outmaneuver her. He dashes around a corner, momentarily disappearing from view.
Upon reaching the bend herself, the mayor is met with a disorienting sight - two Edmunds, each running in opposite directions, their faces contorted in identical grins. Frozen by this unexpected twist, Elizabeth stands at the crossroads, uncertainty clouding her resolve. Her eyes dart back and forth between the two, her expression a mix of frustration and amusement.
The two Edmunds, sensing her uncertainty, seize the opportunity to taunt her. They spin around, their faces twisted into silly smirks, and Elizabeth can't help but laugh at the absurdity of it all. She suspends her pursuit, allowing Edmund to make his escape.
— — —
Feeling triumphant from outwitting the formidable mayor, Edmund tries to reconnect with his friends. He skillfully avoids major streets, wary of her pursuit, and weaves through shadowy, narrow alleys instead.
As he navigates a crossing between two backstreets, suddenly, a hand emerges from the darkness, seizing him by the collar of his shirt.
Startled, Edmund struggles to break free, but upon recognizing the mayor's face, he ceases his resistance, crosses his arms and pouts, clearly miffed at being foiled.
Edmund remarks with feigned annoyance, "Man, I was sure I had slipped through your fingers this time."
Elizabeth smirks, her tone steady and resolute. "It doesn't matter if you have a Semblance, Edmund. As long as you remain predictable, I'll always be able to catch you."
Edmund retorts with mock innocence, "But I made sure to take a different route. How did you track me down?"
Elizabeth responds in kind, her voice smooth and confident, "Mayor's little secret. Now, come on. I would like to hear all about these 'other' missing kids."
Edmund mutters under his breath, "… You heard that? Ah man… Guess I'm going to see Hugo again."
Elizabeth nods, a trace of tired amusement in her eyes. "You guessed correctly."
As the mayor steps into the golden light, her piercing gaze captures Edmund's mischievous visage, his ruddy complexion and messy blond hair forming a captivating combination with the dark brown eyes that sparkle like trouble.
Elizabeth's gaze lingers on Edmund's weathered face and tattered clothes, her expression a mix of concern and curiosity. Her eyes narrow slightly as she takes in the scattered bruises that mar his skin, a silent testament to some recent turmoil.
The mayor's voice is firm but infused with a hint of compassion as she asks: "What happened to you? You look like you've taken hell of a beating."
Edmund's response is hesitant, his words measured as if weighing the cost of revealing too much. His gaze drifts away from her probing eyes, lost momentarily in thought. Finally, he meets her gaze again with a rebellious edge to his tone. "It was just the usual," he says, attempting nonchalance. "Got into a scuffle with some boys."
— — —
The mayor strides purposefully down Clairforet's main street, which serves as the artery connecting the train station to the town hall. While dragging a reluctant Edmund behind her, she approaches the midway between these landmarks. An imposing police station comes into view - its weathered stone exterior bearing intricate carvings that seem to tell the story of the town's resilience.
The mayor's eyes narrow as she pushes open the creaking door, revealing the simple yet elegant interior of the lobby. The room stretches wide, punctuated by wooden benches and bookshelves that add a touch of sophistication to the atmosphere. The polished wood walls and ceiling seem to glow with a soft luminescence, while the white stone floor brightens the room.
Despite the sense of abandonment that pervades the town, the police station still maintains a certain air of tidiness, as if waiting for the return of its full contingent of officers. Dust has accumulated on higher surfaces, however, telling the story of months gone by without the usual bustle and activity. The silence here is thick, punctuated only by the occasional creaking of old wooden beams.
At the heart of the room, the reception desk stands like a sentinel, dividing the main lobby from its cozy nook to the left. The desk itself appears worn but sturdy, with a faint scent of old leather and polished wood. Behind the desk stand two doorways, one on the back wall and one on the right wall. A steel door looms in the far-left corner of the lobby's nook, a barred window at its top casting a faint chill over the otherwise calm space.
Stationed at the reception desk is a tall officer in his fifties, slightly overweight, with short brown hair and a pair of rosy cheeks that soften his demeanor as he scans a report. Upon hearing the front door creak open, he lifts his gaze to recognize Elizabeth alongside the familiar figure of Edmund in tow. "Ah, I see Edmund got into trouble again," remarks Hugo, raising an eyebrow with a hint of amusement. "What has our resident prankster did this time?"
Edmund quickly tries to win Hugo over with charm and sincerity. "Officer Bleier, I swear I haven't done anything foolish today."
Elizabeth cuts through his defense with urgency. "Don't play innocent now, Edmund. I need your help, Hugo. It's about Felix."
Hugo looks intrigued. "Oh? Is the old man Emil still bothering?"
Elizabeth seats Edmund nearby. "Emil's worries might be justified. This could be a bigger issue than we thought." She turns back to Edmund with determined eyes. "Now, you mentioned three other delinquents are missing. Can't you tell me their names and when they were last seen?"
Edmund hesitates before answering. "It's Wil, Pete, and Erich. Wil was last seen almost four weeks ago. Every week since, another one would go missing. We weren't really concerned, since the first three regularly skip town for weeks. But Felix's disappearance is different. He loved his grandpa and always came home on time, even when something interesting was happening."
Elizabeth then turns to Hugo. "Have you heard about this before?"
Hugo shakes his head. "No, I haven't. Wilhelm, Peter, and Erich are infamous for causing trouble and vanishing without a trace."
Elizabeth sighs. "I'm afraid we've got our work cut out for us in the coming days." She turns back to Edmund. "Where are the other delinquent leaders now?"
Edmund glances around nervously before speaking up. "They've gone searching outside of town. There are only a few left to keep an eye on things, including myself."
Elizabeth's eyes narrow. "Where are they hanging out these days?"
Edmund hesitates, not wanting to give away their hangout spots. But the serious look on Elizabeth's face persuades him to reveal at least some of their locations, especially those involving rival groups. "… Around the warehouse district and Woodsmith homes," he says reluctantly. "The house we were in won't be inhabited for a while, but there are a few more homes we have been able to get inside of. In the warehouse district, they could be anywhere."
Hugo lays out the town's map on a bench. Edmund highlights the Woodsmith homes where delinquents tend to gather.
"Good," says the mayor approvingly. "Hugo, ready one of the cells. Make sure it's comfortable for the kid."
Hugo nods silently, and Elizabeth gently steers Edmund toward the looming steel door.
Once the mayor opens the door, Edmund finds himself in a familiar place, the hallway with prison cells to its right. Each cell is separated from the hallway by metal bars, their cold sheen a stark contrast to the warm, inviting atmosphere of the main lobby.
The mayor opens one of the prison doors and leads Edmund inside.
The boy sulks as he looks around the small space. "… After all that I've told you, I still get the jail... So uncool..."
Elizabeth's expression remains firm. "Don't act spoiled now. This is for your safety. Plus, we all know you won't stay put unless we lock you up."
After securing Edmund behind bars, the mayor walks into the lobby where Hugo emerges from one of the rooms, carrying bedding intended for the young detainee. She asserts with caution, "If this news spreads, it will cause unrest. I want you to keep everything under wraps. Once you've settled Edmund for the night, find four reliable individuals who can be trusted to keep a secret. Have the two of them start patrolling the areas Edmund mentioned. You and I will handle the night shift—I'll take care of the north-eastern neighborhood while you cover the western warehouses. Let's maintain this vigilance for a few days."
Hugo nods curtly in understanding.
— — —
The sun has already climbed high by the time Elizabeth steps out of the police station, well past lunchtime. As she enters the town hall, her daughter catches the faint strain in her breath and the worry shadowing her features.
"Mother," Anne says gently, sensing something amiss, "did something happen?"
Taking a brief moment, the mayor straightens herself and draws in a calming breath. "Hopefully nothing serious. A few other kids have gone missing, so we've arranged patrols for the next several days." She pauses for a moment. "You should stay clear of the western warehouses and north-eastern neighborhood for now. But please don't tell anyone; we don't want to cause any panic."
The mayor takes a moment to catch her breath and tidy herself up. "I do need to cancel my current appointment as well. I promised to have lunch with a new arrival in our town." She turns to Anne with an apologetic smile. "Can you reschedule my upcoming appointments to another day?"
Anne nods understandingly, her concern mingling with support. "Yes, of course. Is there anything else I can help with?"
Elizabeth smiles warmly at her daughter. "No, sweetheart," she replies softly. "What you've done today is more than enough. You should go home after I'm back from lunch. You still have studying to do."
— — —
As the mayor exits the town hall, she finds the main square relatively deserted. Lunchtime has long passed, leaving only a few lingering residents at the nearby restaurant. The mayor spots Lleuad standing nearby, engaged in conversation with an elderly woman dressed in a simple attire.
Elizabeth slows her pace as she approaches them. "Hope I'm not too late,"
The woman's eyes light up upon seeing her. "I was so tempted to steal him from you, darling," she jokes lightheartedly. "He's so much fun to talk with. Who would have thought our town would be graced by a Storyteller?"
The mayor smiles warmly at the sentiment. "I wouldn't blame you, mother. Meeting someone like Lleuad brings back fond memories for me too." She turns to Lleuad with sincerity and an apologetic tone. "Thank you for your patience, Lleuad. I hope the wait wasn't boring."
Lleuad replies enthusiastically. "Not at all. Speaking with Felicity was quite enjoyable. Time flew by without notice."
Elizabeth's face brightens with gratitude. "I'm glad to hear that." She turns back to her mother. "Mother, lovely to see you out today. Feeling better?"
Felicity nods, appreciating her daughter's concern. "Yes, I do. Need to get some exercise once in a while."
Relieved by her mother's response, Elizabeth offers, "Would you like to join us for lunch?"
Felicity's eyes light up with delight. "I would love to."
The trio settles into one of the restaurant's outdoor tables. Shortly after, Olga comes over, presenting them today's menu. "You're quite late today, mayor. Busy day?" She remarks.
Elizabeth glances at the waitress with a hint of exhaustion but remains composed. "Yes, it has been. I'll have my usual," she says. Glancing at Lleuad, she adds, "Feel free to choose anything you like. It's on me."
Lleuad responds kindly. "Much appreciated… I'll go for the soup."
Elizabeth is a bit surprised by his modest request. "You don't have to be this modest."
Lleuad reassures her with a smile, "It's alright. This will be plenty."
Olga then turns to Felicity. "And what about you, Miss Bouton?"
Felicity, not having glanced at the menu, replies confidently. "A salad, thank you."
"Absolutely!" Olga responds and departs to prepare their order.
As the restaurant owner departs from their table, Elizabeth turns towards Lleuad and Felicity, her eyes brimming with curiosity. "So, what have I missed?" she inquires.
Felicity replies nonchalantly, "Not much. I was just telling him about our humble town."
Lleuad joins in enthusiastically, visibly excited by the topic. "I wouldn't call it humble. Clairforet is quite fascinating. I'm surprised to hear that this town is over 500 years old, with its own rich history, and remains the heart of this region. It once had rulers who controlled nearby lands and has fairy tales I've never heard before—like Babaroga, which the kids mentioned. Given how deserted it looks now, I would have never guessed it's one of Vale's breadbaskets."
Elizabeth nods in agreement. "Yes, you've arrived at an unfortunate time. This place is usually buzzing with energy. During lunch hours, everyone gathers in this town square. Has my mother told you about Vale's conscription system?"
Lleuad shakes his head. "No, I haven't asked her about it since you promised to fill me in."
Elizabeth meets Lleuad's gaze with appreciation as she begins her explanation. "You've likely heard that the Kingdom of Vale is the largest and oldest nation in all of Remnant." Lleuad nods as she continues. "It proudly claims descent from the legendary Sorcerer Kingdom of the mythic age—a legacy that still shapes its identity today. When other great nations began to rise, Vale established the conscription system we now know, both to strengthen its military and to safeguard its borders. Since then, every citizen over the age of twenty has been required to serve. In our region, this duty aligns with the fallow year, when the fields are left to rest and recover—a pause in farming that becomes a time for service."
Elizabeth pauses briefly after her detailed explanation before addressing Lleuad again. "Since you said you haven't stayed in Vale for too long, are you perhaps not from around?"
Lleuad nods. "I was born in an independent town on an island partially colonized by Australis. I left my hometown at a young age and traveled the world, primarily visiting different places across the eastern continent."
Elizabeth's eyes widen with surprise. "Oh! You've been to the Fengchi Empire? It's quite rare seeing someone who visited the place, considering it closed its borders to the outside world. You must have countless stories to share."
Lleuad's voice fills with enthusiasm as he replies, "Yes! I've seen and learned so much during my travels. The continent of Anima is full of different cultures, practices, and laws. It broadens your perspective significantly."
Felicity chimes in with a smile, "I can relate. When I was young, I had the chance to travel to every major nation in the world, including the Fengchi Empire, when its borders were still open. But I must say, nothing beats home. I would get so homesick if I stayed abroad for too long. What about you, Lleuad? Have you ever felt that way?"
A melancholic smile creeps across Lleuad's face. "Yes, I have," he admits softly.
Felicity continues with excitement, "Have you ever gone back to your hometown?"
After a short pause, Lleuad replies, "No, I haven't... But I do want to go back someday."
Elizabeth notices something peculiar in Lleuad's interaction with her mother. His face still wears a warm smile, yet his eyes betray no hint of joy—a sorrow lurks beneath this inviting exterior. Before she can delve deeper, Olga brings over their food.
Elizabeth decides to drop the topic.
As they prepare to eat, Lleuad assumes an unusual posture by placing the palms of his hands together at the chest level and closing his eyes to embrace a moment of silence. Then, he picks up a slice of bread and a spoon, beginning to savor his meal.
Elizabeth watches the Storyteller's sudden display of calm with curiosity, but decides against probing into it, still pondering their recent conversation.
The three of them happily indulge in their lunch. Lleuad shares captivating tales of his travels, recounting the fascinating sights he has encountered and the many people he has met along the way. When Elizabeth finishes her meal, she prepares to return to work.
Before leaving, the mayor turns to Lleuad once more. "I want to thank you again for entertaining the kids this morning. Watching your performance reminded me of my own carefree days as a child whenever a Storyteller would come to town. Each time I saw someone with silver eyes, I assumed they were here to share tales we had heard countless times before, yet somehow those stories never grew old. But ever since I turned 17, they stopped coming. Now, a new generation has risen that's never even heard of Storytellers. I hope at least my daughter Anne gets to experience one of the joys of my youth."
Lleuad reassures Elizabeth with a warm smile. "I'm planning to tell more tales tonight after dinner. She is more than welcome to join."