AKI'S NIGHT

Half an hour slipped away as Aki grappled with indecision. The growing insistence to uncover the truth urged him to discreetly follow Yumi. However, if he were to shadow her, he would need to execute it perfectly, ensuring she remained unaware until he was finished.

Acknowledging that, regardless of what he discovered, he was committed to confessing to Yumi that he had followed her. His guilty conscience wouldn't let him sleep otherwise, and he could only hope she would understand his motives.

With a resolute sigh, Aki made his choice. His curiosity had grown too intense; he felt compelled to act. He sensed that he wouldn't be able to move forward if he didn't find out the truth.

He stood up and paced. Before shadowing Yumi, he needed to gather information meticulously. To trail her effectively, he had to be careful. Thankfully, aside from Yumi, no one would be looking for him inside his room, which meant he could disappear without anyone noticing.

His first move was to establish a telepathic bond with Borin. "Hello, Borin, it's Aki," he began.

Borin responded neutrally, "Yes?" Aki felt relieved that disdain was absent from Borin's voice, marking a stark improvement from their first interaction.

Aki proceeded with his questions, "Do you know where Yumi went?"

"I cannot disclose that information," Borin replied dryly.

Persisting, Aki asked, "How about when she is expected to return?"

After a brief pause, Borin responded, "If she adheres to her usual routine, she'll be back by midnight. Now, if there is nothing more, I am currently attending to other guests personally."

"Apologies. Thank you," Aki expressed gratitude. It seemed Borin's courtesy stemmed from the presence of other guests downstairs. Closing the telepathic bond, Aki glanced at the clock.

"She has a routine here," he mused to himself.

"Most of the places we visited owed her favors. They all seemed well-acquainted with her, and they all wore a silver ring on their thumb. Curiously... Borin didn't have one." Aki acknowledged that he didn't have all the puzzle pieces yet but stored this information in his mind for future use when he could connect the dots.

Aki stood by the door, settling his nerves before silently opening it and stepping out into the corridor.

---

Borin glanced up at Aki, the sound of his footsteps descending the stairs drawing the dwarf's attention.

This was precisely what Aki wanted. He deliberately made noise, making sure Borin saw him grasping the railings - a performance of reliance on the support for walking. Concealing the extent of his regained mobility with the potion was crucial.

As Aki descended, he passed by a group of adventurers, scrutinizing them closely, especially the blond one who seemed to share his height and build.

All of this was meticulously timed by Aki. He had been waiting for the adventurers to ascend the stairs before continuing downward. This ensured they wouldn't overhear his conversation with Borin and allowed him ample time to observe them without raising suspicion. To the adventurers, Aki was just another guest heading down the stairs.

Aki gave Borin his friendliest smile, but the dwarf responded with a mere nod. Unfazed, Aki approached Borin with an exaggerated limp, maintaining his amiable expression.

The dwarf regarded him impassively. "Yumi thought you would be staying in until morning," Borin remarked, his eyes narrowing.

"I might have to. My foot still hurts," Aki replied with a grin. "I'm going back up after."

"After what?" Borin said, looking down at his parchment, signaling his disinterest in idle chitchat.

Undeterred, Aki grinned and asked, "Can you really not tell me where Yumi went? I tried to use Telepathic Bond on her, but she didn't answer."

"No," Borin replied, not even looking up at him.

"Oh. Can you at least tell me about her usual routine when she stays here?"

"I cannot divulge that information," Borin replied, still not looking up.

Aki smiled wider, leaning over the desk, "Really? Well, that's okay!" Aki said with a laugh. "I'm more actually curious about this inn.... Who owns it? It's really nice. I don't think we can afford this at all."

"Of course, you can't afford it," Borin snapped, finally looking up at Aki with steely eyes. "It's not 'this inn.' It's THE Revalare Inn. Only Knights and Lords can afford to stay in this place. Who owns it? Do you not know this sigil right here!" He pointed to the sigil on the wall behind him—a warhammer pointed up with a shield behind it. It seemed as though Borin expected Aki to recognize the sigil as he took a deep breath and returned to reading his parchments.

Aki whistled, drawing more distasteful glances from Borin. Unperturbed, Aki found an opening to make Borin talk. "Impressive looking sigil. But whose sigil is that?" Aki asked, gazing at the emblem with an unimpressed look.

Borin glared at Aki with venomous wrath, and Aki tried not to smile. "That is the sigil of the Great Knight Blackhammer. Master Dario's father! The most powerful family in the village. A dwarf is so honorable that even those affiliated with him get a share of respect he receives."

"Yumi told me you were the smartest person she knew. I highly doubt it," Borin added through gritted teeth.

Aki looked down at his arm as some of Borin's saliva landed on it. The dwarf was so furious that he was spitting as he spoke. Aki nonchalantly wiped it with a handkerchief.

"Oh, them," Aki said, making sure Borin heard the lack of impressed tone in his voice.

The dwarf was positively red with fury now, but Aki wasn't afraid. He knew he was safe as long as he was a guest. There was no way Borin would harm a guest and tarnish the Blackhammers' name. "Well, if you found one of his affiliates, can you point them out to me? I must pay my respects, then."

"What!?" Borin almost shouted, looking around, concerned that another guest had heard his outburst. "I am one!" he whispered angrily.

"Woah. Really?" Aki gasped, leaning back.

Borin raised his fist at Aki, who thought he was about to raise his middle finger. Aki was relieved to see that Borin merely showed him his thumb. "A ring. A silver ring. When you see that. You pay the respect the Blackhammer family deserves!"

"But you don't have one," Aki observed.

Borin breathed hard through his nostrils as he pulled a cabinet from his desk, taking out a silver ring and showing it to Aki.

"Pretty. Can I see it?" Aki said, extending his hand.

"No!"

"Pity," Aki said. He didn't need to check it himself; he already had the information he needed. He saw the sigil at the top of the silver ring, the same one behind Borin.

"Any other inane questions?" Borin said.

"Nothing more," Aki said. "Actually, my foot is hurting again. I'm heading back to my room. Can you use Telepathic Bond on me when Yumi arrives?"

Despite eyeing Aki with distaste, Borin gave a sniff nod. Aki grinned at the dwarf and gave him a thumbs up.

After observing Borin gently place the ring on his table, Aki left while maintaining his exaggerated limp. As he was about to ascend the stairs, Borin called out to him.

"Boy!"

Aki turned, curious and hopeful that Borin would offer him more free information. But before Borin spoke, his dwarf's eyes wandered again, checking for eavesdroppers.

Finding none, Borin grinned. "You should join us. There are lots of... perks."

"Maybe I will," Aki said. He kind of meant it; being part of the inner circle of a Great Knight would allow him to rise quickly through the ranks.

"No. You don't understand. Before you contacted me, Yumi was here helping me... with her services."

"Sounds dull," Aki said. "Sitting behind a desk the whole day."

"I never said she was sitting beside me, did I?"

"So what did you mean? Some errands?" Aki asked.

Borin just laughed. Aki waited for him to stop, but it was the laugh of someone who wanted to have the last say. With one last look at the ring at the table, Aki limped up the stairs, his curiosity at its peak.

---

Aki entered the room to find meticulously chosen clothes neatly laid out on the bed. Swiftly changing into the selected outfit, he cast Disguise Self before leaving, transforming into the likeness of one of the men he had discreetly observed ascending the stairs. His once raven-black hair now flowed into cascading blond waves down to his shoulders, and he sported a well-fitted long-sleeved shirt. Though regretfully without his sword, Aki believed this mission wouldn't require its presence.

Testing his foot, he discovered the pain had significantly subsided, allowing him to walk without a hint of a limp. A deep breath helped him mentally prepare. This marked his very first solo mission, and he was determined to do it with flawless execution. With a deft and quiet open-and-close of the door, he exited the room and gracefully descended the stairs.

Borin, stationed at the front desk, glanced up as Aki approached. Aki nodded at the dwarf, receiving a nod in return.

"Do you require any assistance, sir?" Borin inquired.

Aki initially shook his head, then hesitated. Biting his lip, as if gathering courage, he sighed deeply before approaching the reception desk. Borin observed him with curiosity, seemingly convinced by Aki's impeccable acting. Placing his hands on the table, Aki said, "My apologies, but could you direct me to the equipment shop?"

Borin promptly stood up, gaining a few inches in height due to the oversized seat. "It's closed at this hour, but if you mention you're from the Revalare Inn, Garland, the owner and our good friend, will assist you. After leaving the building, head right," Borin pointed with precision.

"Very well," Aki nodded, acknowledging Borin before his departure.

Following Borin's directions, Aki realized he lacked funds, but necessity compelled him to proceed. Though a twinge of guilt tugged at him for appropriating another's guise, he reassured himself that legality wasn't at stake.

"At least not yet," Aki pondered as he approached the equipment shop, his thoughts lingering on the potentially illicit aspects of his mission.

---

The weapon and equipment shop appeared normal to Aki, albeit noticeably more upscale than those in his hometown and the Academy village. Gazing up at the sign, he searched for the Blackhammer sigil, finding none. Aki approached the door and knocked.

"We're closed!" a voice from within shouted.

"Good evening! I came from the Revalare Inn. I'm looking for Garland," Aki called back.

A slight commotion echoed inside, followed by the flickering of lights, and the door promptly swung open. A man in his mid-forties, tall and bald with a greying beard, stood before Aki. Interestingly, the man seemed to be adjusting his clothes, as if he had just put them on.

"You must be Garland," Aki said, smiling, to which the man nodded. "I'd like to check your wares."

Garland nodded, stepping aside to let Aki in. As Aki entered, he glanced back at Garland, who seemed to be checking outside for anyone else. Intrigued by this behavior, Aki turned his attention back to the array of weapons and equipment in the store, patiently waiting for Garland.

The door closed behind Aki, and Garland swiftly moved behind the counter. Swords, knives, axes, and even spears were displayed around the shop. Aki observed them, pretending interest while waiting for the opportune moment to bring up Yumi.

Garland tapped his fingers impatiently on the counter, glancing over Aki at the front of the store. "I'm sorry, but can we be quick? My missus will be coming home soon, and I..."

"Oh, then is this all your wares?" Aki interjected. "Do you have anything more..."

"No, we don't have anyth-" Garland replied impatiently.

"It's for the Blackhammers," Aki interrupted.

Glancing at the clock on the wall, Garland sighed, "Yes, yes, we do." He snapped his fingers, and a hidden cabinet materialized.

"Ah," Aki exclaimed. The revelation of concealed wares was unexpected, and it seemed Garland's urgency had inadvertently exposed this secret. As Garland opened the cabinet, Aki's eyes widened at the sight of dark weapons - items that seemed far from legal.

Before Aki could inquire further, there was another knock on the door.

"We're closed!" Garland declared, snapping his fingers again as the cabinet promptly closed and disappeared.

"Even for your wife!?"

"Oh, shit," Garland muttered, frustration etched on his face. "Oh, it's my wife!" he shouted toward the backroom, fixing his clothes. Slowly, he walked past Aki.

While Aki watched Garland, a movement inside the backroom caught his eye. Aki glimpsed blond hair, and then a hooded woman emerged. Fortunately, she stopped beside him, allowing him to peer inside. Aki's heart skipped a beat as he recognized Yumi.

Yumi noticed him staring and smiled at him. But Aki was caught off guard, he frowned at her, a myriad of questions burning in his mind.

Yumi swiftly removed the smile from her face and hurried out the door, muttering, "Thank you for your business."

Garland's wife stepped aside for Yumi, casting a disapproving glance at her husband. "Garland, what are we doing open at this hour?"

"Business from the Blackhammers, darling," Garland said sheepishly.

**** to follow Yumi, Aki quickly exited the door. "I'll come back tomorrow, Garland. I'd like to see the wares again," he said.

Garland nodded, looking annoyed. As Aki was about to leave, Garland called out, "Wait!"

Aki turned, raising his brows.

"You ARE from the Blackhammer family, right?" Garland asked, narrowing his eyes.

Aki grinned and pulled out a silver ring, showing it to Garland. He had taken it from Borin's table while the dwarf was pointing out the equipment shop. Garland studied it, and his expression immediately softened.

Seeing the change in Garland's demeanor, Aki leaned in close, whispering, "That woman, who is she?"

"You'll have to wait in line, my friend," Garland whispered, winking. "She's heading to Diane's. Ask Borin to book you an appointment."

---

Aki wasted no time and swiftly caught up with Yumi, finding her walking along the sidewalk in the opposite direction of the Revalare Inn. It appeared she wasn't heading back to the inn just yet.

Aki made no attempt to hide his footsteps, and Yumi turned toward him when he got near enough, adopting a defensive posture.

"Nice," Aki thought, observing Yumi's stance. "No holes in her defense."

"Hello," Aki greeted.

"Hey there," Yumi replied, smiling slightly.

"I saw you in the store," Aki said. "Where are you off to?"

"I can't really tell you that," Yumi responded.

"Figures," Aki thought. Even he wouldn't tell a stranger his plans, even if there was nothing questionable about them. He persisted, "Oh, come on. I'd like to talk to you. I'd even walk with you if you'd let me."

Yumi contemplated the offer for a brief moment. "That's sweet of you," Yumi said coyly, "but I have to get there quickly." She paused, a sly smile playing at her lips. "How about you join me at the pub later? Some of my friends are gathering there."

Aki's brow furrowed. "The pub? Will you be okay there?" he asked with concern. He immediately cursed at himself. He almost gave away the game there. Why would a stranger be this concerned with a woman he barely knew?

"Yeah," Yumi replied, stepping back from Aki. "I really must be on my way."

Aki opened his mouth to explain why he was so concerned, but Yumi had already left. She jogged away from him, her fist balled up. If he followed her, Aki knew he would only get a swift punch in the face.

"Well," Aki thought. "I couldn't follow her now. Too obvious. I'll give her a fair distance, then I'll follow her."

Despite the complications, Aki found himself smiling. He was proud of how Yumi handled herself with strangers. Even facing a handsome guy like the guise Aki was wearing, she was defensive and poised. Aki thought how foolish he had been for suspecting Yumi of doing something illegal.

For a brief moment, Aki thought about going home. But since he was already here, he decided to follow her until the pub. If nothing seemed suspicious, he planned to head back to the inn and wait for Yumi.