Chapter 18: Night Watch

About an hour after we returned, the mayor gathered the entire village in the square.

We seemed to be the last to arrive.

By the time we reached the central plaza, nearly seventy or eighty people had already gathered—mostly adult men, with a few women among them.

Everyone was murmuring among themselves, the noise growing louder the closer we got.

Though the square buzzed with discussion, the voices remained subdued.

If the mayor needed to speak loudly, at least he wouldn’t be drowned out.

It seemed everyone was waiting for him to address the full assembly.

When Elf saw us arrive, he began to speak.

“Everyone, please calm down and listen.”

Standing on the platform, the young mayor addressed the villagers with a somewhat grave expression.

“Not long ago, Hans discovered the two guards from yesterday in the forest outside the village.

They have been murdered.

Based on the circumstances of their deaths, it’s almost certain the hooded figure is responsible.”

“I’m sorry to say this is another lapse in judgment on my part.

Not only have the messenger guards been killed, but the village’s carrier pigeons have also been eliminated.

As a result, we can no longer send word to the outside.”

At that, the crowd, which had quieted down to listen, immediately erupted.

Voices rose in animated discussion, louder than before, and the atmosphere grew tense.

It seemed the young mayor’s authority still had some limits—I couldn’t help but feel nervous for him.

Honestly, Elf’s display of influence earlier had been surprisingly strong.

Ordinary villagers probably wouldn’t be that obedient normally.

Was it because the people here were just that close-knit?

“Quiet, please!”

At Elf’s call, the noise quickly subsided.

As expected, Elf really did command respect.

“Though things have become more complicated, please don’t worry excessively.

The lord will surely notice the two guards’ failure to return soon.

Until then, we simply need to protect ourselves.”

“However, that person’s assassination skills are formidable.

Yamak, who passed away yesterday, was one of our finest fighters—and even he fell to that killer.”

“Therefore, I’ve decided we’ll organize rotating night patrols.

Those living on the outskirts of the village should temporarily move into the inner houses and share accommodations.

This shouldn’t last long—at most three days before the military arrives to lock down the area.

By then, no matter who it is, they won’t be able to escape.

Please rest assured.”

Elf then glanced in our direction.

“Though we’re not sure why the culprit hasn’t been able to conceal his dark aura, it at least allows our mages to detect his presence in advance.

I’ve determined that seven people in our village can effectively sense him.

In addition, we have Warren and Miss Rosa, who are traveling through, making nine in total.”

Warren could sense it too?

Right—he was a magic swordsman.

I’d almost forgotten since I’d never seen him use magic.

“With these nine people, we’ll form eight patrol teams split into two shifts for the night.

Based on my calculations, four teams should be enough to cover the village with their detection range.

Please be assured!”

Wait—nine people forming eight teams?

Did that mean Warren and I were being counted as one?

“If a patrol member spots the culprit, report to me immediately.

Do not act rashly.

I won’t be sleeping for the next three nights.

Also, please be extra cautious during the day—avoid going out as much as possible.”

“Mayor Elf’s plan sounds pretty foolproof.

If we follow his instructions, there shouldn’t be any more problems…” Warren muttered beside me.

I agreed.

Frey, however, still looked troubled.

What exactly was he worried about?

And so, when night fell, our group was assigned to the first shift.

We started patrolling as soon as it got dark.

I, Warren, Frey, and Hans walked through the village together, each carrying a torch.

In this dark, isolated mountain village, surrounded by shadows, the thought of a dangerous assassin lurking nearby sent chills down my spine.

The torch in my hand was the only thing offering a shred of comfort.

I was a little surprised we only had four people in our group.

But according to Hans’s earlier explanation, he was apparently considered one of the village’s top fighters.

We wandered around for who knows how many laps.

By my estimate, about three hours had passed.

I was bored out of my mind.

Though I wasn’t tired, I was used to being able to roam and do as I pleased at night.

Walking in endless circles, repeating the same actions, was wearing down my patience.

Night patrols didn’t allow for chatting like during the day—just silent walking, over and over, round and round…

I had to do something.

Maybe pretend to be sleepy?

That fussy, overbearing Warren would probably tell me to go back and rest… But wouldn’t that make me look weak?

Whatever—I was so bored I was about to explode.

Who cared about pride at a time like this?

So, right next to Warren, I let out a theatrical yawn.

“Rosa, are you getting sleepy?

Why don’t you go back and rest?

I can fill in as a mage to sense dark auras, so it should be fine.”

Perfect!

Warren said exactly what I thought he would.

I’m a genius!

I could see the future!

“Haha, I couldn’t possibly…” I gave a token refusal, knowing he’d insist.

“Really, it’s—”

“No.”

Frey, walking ahead, suddenly cut in.

“Warren, you’re not a full-fledged mage—you’re a magic swordsman.

We don’t know if one’s magical ability affects detection range, but it’s better to be safe than sorry.

This isn’t an ordinary opponent.

Even the village’s best fighters haven’t been able to survive an encounter.

We can’t afford to be careless.”

“So, Rosa, I’m sorry, but please bear with it for now.”

He even smiled at me.

…Frey, you bastard.

When this is all over, you’re going to pay!

Wait a minute.

Suddenly, I remembered—Frey knew I didn’t need to sleep at night.

What if I’d slipped up just now… Phew, that was close.

I nearly exposed myself!

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