Chapter 13: A Glimpse of the Governor

“Kana City… it’s a bit different from other cities due to its unique geographical location on the border.”

Rona paused for a moment, seemingly gathering her thoughts, before she finally spoke.

“A border always attracts those who wish to bring things in from the outside, or take them out from here. To put it plainly, it’s smuggling.”

All the chaotic elements of the border have coalesced in Kana City, forming a well-established grey market that is incredibly difficult to eradicate. Consequently, the city is plagued by an endless stream of intractable problems.

“For instance, these ruffians we encountered today, or perhaps… the missing person cases.”

Xiluo’er keenly observed that Rona’s tone noticeably dipped when she mentioned ‘missing person cases’.

“Never mind, let’s not dwell on it. These matters are still too far removed for you, Xiluo’er.”

Rona’s tone reverted to normal, and she reached out to pat Xiluo’er’s head.

“Just remember, Xiluo’er, if you encounter something like this again, always protect yourself first. Those ruffians you met today might be involved with dangerous elements in private. It’s best not to provoke them.”

Xiluo’er nodded obediently, yet a flicker of annoyance stirred within her.

‘Damn it, why does everyone keep patting my head?’

‘I’m just a bit small, I’m not actually a child!’

“However, I truly must thank you today, Xiluo’er.”

“That ‘Scarface’ Red we brought in today? We’ve long suspected him of being involved with illicit trades, but we could never find any solid leads. Today’s incident just happened to give us a reason to apprehend him.”

“Ah… perfect timing, we’ve arrived.”

Rona pulled on the reins, and with a pleasant mood, brought the horse to a halt.

Xiluo’er lifted her gaze, and the towering edifice before her came into view—

The Lord’s Manor of Kana City.

Xiluo’er was no stranger to this place.

After all, this was the final boss map for this arc of the game’s storyline. It was right here, in the Lord’s Manor hall, that the protagonist, Eve, had slain Rona after she transformed into a monster.

Still, this was her first time seeing the ‘real thing,’ and it felt rather peculiar.

“It’s alright, Xiluo’er, it’s just a routine interrogation process. There’s nothing to be afraid of.”

Seeing Xiluo’er’s expression, Rona seemed to worry she might be scared, and offered an explanation.

After presenting her identification, Rona led Xiluo’er into the Lord’s Manor.

****

Rona had indeed been correct; the interrogation process wasn’t long, serving merely as a formality.

Inside the interrogation room, after recounting the day’s events through a simple Q&A, Xiluo’er watched Rona, seated opposite her, stretch with a wide yawn.

“Alright, we’re done, Xiluo’er.”

“I still need to interrogate those ruffians we apprehended. I’ll find someone to escort you out in a bit; Eve should already be waiting for you at the main gate.”

Xiluo’er nodded, patiently observing Rona as she gathered the papers and pens from the table.

‘It’s finally over.’

Throughout her interaction with Rona, Xiluo’er’s nerves had been stretched taut, constantly fearing she might say the wrong thing and expose herself.

Fortunately, Rona didn’t seem to have probed her for any information today.

‘Or perhaps… she was using this very method to feign innocence and lull my guard down?’

Xiluo’er narrowed her eyes. The Rona before her was meticulously reviewing the interrogation records, and Xiluo’er could discern no hidden motives.

Just then, a rhythmic knock echoed from outside the interrogation room door.

“Come in—”

The door opened, and a blonde woman, similarly clad in knight’s attire, stepped inside.

“My Lady Governor!”

Upon seeing the newcomer, Rona’s demeanor instantly shifted. She straightened her posture and saluted the woman.

‘So this is Serol Cross, the Governor of Kana City, whom Eve mentioned?’

Xiluo’er subtly scrutinized the Governor before her.

She possessed the same blonde hair and blue eyes as Rona, and their features bore a striking resemblance. Though she appeared somewhat older, her complexion was remarkably vibrant.

“Mm.”

Serol merely nodded curtly.

“Things are quiet today, so I thought I’d drop by.”

“We’re finished here, My Lady Governor. I was just about to head next door to interrogate those ruffians.”

“This presents an exceptional opportunity—”

Xiluo’er noticed that Rona’s attitude had completely transformed once she began speaking with Serol, becoming exceptionally serious.

‘It seems she genuinely respects and admires Serol… at least, on the surface.’

Observing Rona’s sparkling eyes, Xiluo’er began to ponder.

Serol smiled faintly after hearing Rona’s reply, then spoke, “You’ve worked hard, Rona. How has the investigation into the recent missing person cases been progressing?”

“I’m currently re-examining the case files, ensuring no clues are overlooked.”

“Good, but do take care of yourself, Rona,” Serol said, turning her gaze towards Xiluo’er. “Is this the child Eve took in?”

“Hello, my name is Xiluo’er.”

Xiluo’er spoke up, her demeanor perfectly polite and appropriate.

“Mm, hello.”

Serol bent down, aligning her gaze with Xiluo’er’s, and offered a gentle smile.

“I hope today’s events haven’t frightened you.”

“Please give my regards to Eve as well. I’ll need her assistance with a commission sometime soon.”

Serol straightened up and addressed Rona once more.

“You can escort Xiluo’er out. I’ll go interrogate those people next door.”

“Don’t overwork yourself, Rona.”

“I—I’m fine,” Rona replied, clearly flattered. “But your usual duties are already so demanding…”

Serol waved a hand, cutting Rona off.

“Health comes first, work second.”

“Well then, goodbye, Xiluo’er.”

Serol didn’t forget to bid Xiluo’er farewell at the end.

****

‘This Lady Governor truly is a respectable person.’

After leaving the interrogation room, Xiluo’er couldn’t help but recall Serol’s actions.

Strictly speaking, this wasn’t Xiluo’er’s first encounter with the Lady Governor, but it was certainly her first time seeing her ‘alive.’

In the game, Xiluo’er had only ever seen Serol after she had been tragically murdered in her study.

‘Uh, well, that’s a bit dark.’

‘Yet, isn’t the culprit currently walking right beside me?’

“Ah, Lady Serol, she’s truly dazzling!”

Just then, Xiluo’er overheard Rona sighing beside her. She looked up and saw Rona’s eyes sparkling like stars.

‘Hmm…’

‘Should I say Rona is a good actress—’

‘Or is it that, at the very least, her admiration for Serol is genuine?’

In Xiluo’er’s eyes, Rona had become like a figure shrouded in mist, her true nature impossible to discern.