He waits until nightfall.

As awkward as he can be, Taern is still an impressive ninja that went through just as much rigorous training as any other. He slips on his hood and maneuvers through the streets at night without making a sound. In the shadows, he dashes between rooftops, and it doesn't take long for his swift legs to take him to the top of the manor he's meant to infiltrate. All that stands near him is a rickety old weather vane that squeaks as the chilling breeze wafts through his clothing.

The lord of house Dennison explained that within the manor of house Baskvil, more specifically in the possession of the third daughter, is a dangerous magic crystal she has likely been treating as either decoration or jewellery. It holds some great power, though he failed to give me any further details. It is not the duty of a ninja to interrogate a client anyway. If I am to retrieve this crystal for him, he will pay me handsomely, granted nothing goes wrong.

He grasps the roof's edge and peeks down the long drop towards the house's courtyard. Fortunately, he did some reconnaissance the night before as well. He determined exactly where the daughter's bedchamber is. All he needs to do now is sneak in and grab it.

Carefully, he creeps down the side of the house--fingers gripping every nook and cranny down the side like a spider. It doesn't take more than a moment to reach the top window. There, he peeks inside. There are no lights, and he sees no movement. Either she's asleep or not present. This is the perfect time to make a move--like a shadow in the dark, nobody will even know he was ever there. He takes a deep breath and retrieves a lockpicking tool from a pouch at his side and begins to work the tumblers in the window's lock. It clicks easily. After slipping the tool away, he pulls the window open just enough for him to crawl through, and he shuts it gently behind him.

He presses up against the wall and scopes the room out quickly. His elven eyes allow him to easily see despite the only light being from the moon and the magical lanterns leading down the main road outside.

Last time I was here, I saw a safe. That must be the first place I look.

To his right, there's a large mirror. Ahead, a desk. Forward and right, a large bed fit for a princess. Finally, on his left, there's a shelf of books and a small metal safe two rows up. That's his mark. Taern speeds forward with gentle footfalls and looks the safe over. This isn't the first time he's cracked one. It was part of training. He presses his ear up against it, and very carefully begins to twist the knob and listen for the click.

Come on. I can do this.

His heart jumps at the sound of steps coming towards the doorway to his left.

There is not enough time. I must retreat back and try again. Patience. That is what my master always said is most important. I have all night, or even tomorrow night. I must not be hasty.

Taern hurries back to the window. He grips it and pulls... It doesn't budge. He tries again, but it seems to be stuck. He also doesn't want to pull too hard and make a noise. Sweat drips down his forehead and panic starts to overtake him.

Why will it not open?!

It's too late. The door pushes open and a figure steps inside. Quickly, Taern presses up against the wall. To his left, the window. To his right, the mirror. Finally, he activates his magic ring, and his entire body vanishes from sight. He then watches the entrance carefully. He needs to make his move and escape the moment he's able. And even though he is invisible, if he budges even a tiny bit, the part of him that moves will be briefly seen. What would be even worse is if the person bumped right into him.

After entering, the figure closes the door and then claps her hands. Magic orbs on the ceiling illuminate, and fill the room with a soft light. Taern nearly flinches at the sudden stimulation to his eyes. Fortunately, he's able to keep his breathing so minimal that his chest hardly moves, and he even rarely blinks. Perhaps if someone with exceptionally keen eyes were present, they'd notice the split second his magic faltered around his eyes, or the effectively invisible movement his chest does make, but he should be fine for the time being.

The figure is a young woman. She has long, gorgeous blond hair that's almost radiant under the light above, and it flows down the back of her dress to stop just above her rear. Her eyes are vibrant blue, and her skin is fair. She has a modest dress--burgundy, with puffy shoulders, a collar inset with a deep blue gemstone, and the attire reaches down just past her knees. She wears white socks beneath but it's difficult to tell where they stop. As for her shoes, they're fancy red heels with yet another gem decorating the tip of each. This girl is definitely of a wealthier class than him. Though, she doesn't move with an air of prissy arrogance. She seems innocent--adorable and gorgeous.

Though her outfit leans more on the conservative side, it does little to hide the curves of her body. She doesn't show any cleavage, though the dress hugs a pair of voluptuous breasts. Her waist is slim, and beneath that are some curvy hips. She doesn't show it off, but that physique is something else. Taern can't help but feel like he's seeing something he isn't supposed to see.

Wow. She is incredibly cute. This must be the third daughter of house Baskvil herself. I did not see her last time I was here.

His eyes follow her closely. He can't afford to look away. If she bumps into him, it's all over. And the moment she's distracted, he needs to make a run for it. Better yet, if an opportunity arises to steal the crystal while he's here, he'll take that instead.

What was her name? Damn. I need to think. How could I forget? Wait! I remember. The third daughter's name is Sophie Baskvil. All right Sophie, there is nothing to see here. Just keep moving. Slide into bed so that I can get out of here in one piece. If I am caught by her father, I am unsure who will kill me first. Him or Lord Dennison. Even if I live, nobody in this city will trust me enough for another job.

She moves towards him. For a moment, he starts to panic again, but then he realizes she's just walking past to the mirror at his right. She looks over herself, and slides her hands back through her hair. It looks so soft and fair. When she smiles, it warms his heart. Such a beauty is something to behold. However, she then reaches behind her back and begins to undo her dress.

Wait. I did not consider this. She must change before bed. I should not be here for this!

He tries to glance away, but he also needs to remain vigilante, and he can't help but take it all in even from his peripheral vision. The girl undoes her dress, and slowly moves one strap down her supple shoulder. Then the other. His breathing nearly quickens but he does everything in his power to keep it under control. She allows the dress to glide gently down her physique until it reaches her toes. Now she stands by the mirror in nothing but a set of frilly pink panties, a bra, and white socks that reach all the way up to her thighs. His eyes widen and he nearly makes a noise.

Holy shit! I should definitely not be seeing this!

Then he feels a slight tingle in his pants.

... Oh fuck! If my cock starts rising up, she might see my groin flicker in and out. That would definitely count as movement. I must not pop a boner now. Come on. All that training needs to count for something. Keep down! Relax!