Full and satisfied.
Luke stretched as he walked along the road, basking in sunlight that still wasn't too hot.
Next, it was time to go see Miss Crownguard.
He strolled and browsed as he went. Even at noon, the capital's streets were still packed with people.
Just then, Luke suddenly caught sight of a familiar figure flickering past a street corner in the distance. In that brief moment, all he saw was an absolutely stunning side profile.
Then that tall silhouette vanished around the corner—seemingly turning left.
No way he was mistaken. It had to be her!
After a moment's thought, Luke quickened his pace and followed.
When he reached the corner, he turned left as well. Luckily, that figure appeared in his sight again.
He followed once more, then suddenly realized… wasn't he acting like a creep?
He was just curious, that's all—he only wanted to see what she was doing here.
Luke comforted himself and ignored the thought that had flashed through his mind.
After trailing her for a while, she zigzagged left and right, then suddenly slipped into an alley.
Seeing that, Luke felt a weird sense of déjà vu.
Had he been noticed?
Driven by curiosity, Luke still walked up—but the moment he reached the mouth of the alley, he noticed a sign on the wall.
"Please purchase a mask at the shop next door before entering. Friendly reminder: Standard masks cost five gold."
Oh?
What's this supposed to mean?
Luke had to admit—his interest shot up immediately!
But… buying a mask seemed to require money.
After thinking it over, Luke glanced around a few times. Once he confirmed a direction, he walked over and stopped in front of a pile of weeds.
"Ahem. Give me some money again."
As soon as the words fell, a white figure slowly stepped out from the weeds.
"It's you again. What a coincidence."
Luke recognized the familiar face and greeted him with a grin. "Didn't think I'd guess right again."
The white-clad bodyguard: "…"
He genuinely couldn't believe he'd been found two times in a row.
This time, even he thought his hiding spot was flawless.
But no matter how good the technique was… it still couldn't beat sheer luck, could it?
The white-clad bodyguard adjusted his mindset and asked, "Your Highness, how much do you need this time?"
"Five gold."
Luke gave the number.
Very quickly, five shining gold coins dropped into Luke's hand.
"Go hide again. Next time I probably won't be this lucky."
Luke waved goodbye, then turned and headed for the mask shop.
The white-clad bodyguard took a deep breath and silently comforted himself—two lucky guesses in a row was normal.
Next time, he'd hide better!
Inside the mask shop.
"Welcome! Do you have a mask you like? We also take custom orders—guaranteed delivery within three days."
Luke pushed the door open and walked in, immediately spotting all kinds of bizarre masks hanging on the walls. Even the clerk who came to greet him was wearing an adorable rabbit mask.
"Just a standard one. Any recommendations?"
Luke looked around and asked.
"If you want standard styles, they're all on that wall over there. The prices are the same."
The clerk pointed at the wall on the right. It was covered in animal masks. Luke browsed for a bit, and in the end, picked a frog mask that looked a little dopey.
"I'll take this one."
Luke confirmed.
"I'll measure your head size."
The clerk pulled out a measuring cord and wrapped it around Luke's head, then put it away and went into the back room.
Not long after, he returned with a brand-new frog mask.
"This is the best fit for you. Five gold. Thank you for your purchase."
As he spoke, he handed the frog mask over.
Luke took it and casually passed over the coins. The mask didn't feel rigid in his hand, so after a moment's thought, he put it on right there in the shop.
This kind of mask could even cover your hair. It basically only left the eyes exposed—but once it was on, it surprisingly didn't feel awkward at all.
Breathing was smooth, and his vision wasn't affected either.
Five gold well spent.
"Not bad," Luke praised, noticing that even his voice sounded a little different.
"Our masks use a special material that can muffle sound to a certain extent, so your voice will come out a bit more dull than usual," the clerk explained when he noticed Luke's surprise.
Luke nodded, walked out wearing the mask, and stood once again at the entrance to that alley.
Then he stepped inside.
Because of the terrain, the light in the alley wasn't bright. It was dim and shadowy. He didn't know where it led, so he could only walk downward step by step.
But soon, he saw a door on the right side of the alley.
Luke reached out and knocked.
In less than three seconds, the door opened. A person in a service uniform—wearing a rabbit mask—stood behind it.
"Welcome."
They stepped aside to let Luke enter.
The moment he walked in, the door shut behind him. The lighting inside had that particular dimness of a "special venue"—a pale wine-red glow tinged with faint yellow.
Past the door was still a corridor. The attendant spoke in a low voice. "Please follow me."
They were really playing it mysterious!
Luke felt his heart start pounding. As he followed the attendant forward, he saw many other people wearing masks!
Could it be… could it be—
Was this some kind of special gathering?
A masquerade party?
Tch…
He never would've guessed she had that kind of kink.
Her image is ruined!
Luke got a bit excited, looking around in every direction while following behind.
After passing through the corridor, Luke realized he'd arrived at a huge venue. Masked people moved back and forth everywhere. In the main area, there were many separate ring platforms.
There were also some private rooms.
From time to time, sharp clashing sounds rang out—sword against sword.
"Welcome to the Swordsmanship Enthusiasts Training Camp," the attendant announced grandly as they turned back.
Luke: "?"
I already took my pants off and you're showing me this?
You're a swordsmanship enthusiasts training camp—why are you making it look as secretive as some kind of underground party?
Damn it!
To be honest, Luke was massively disappointed.
He hated this kind of deception!
"The purpose of establishing the Swordsmanship Enthusiasts Training Camp is to let everyone who loves swordsmanship wield a blade without restraint—to give those enthusiasts a chance.
Here, there is no difference in status. No nobles and commoners. Here, once you put on a mask, you and I are just ordinary people.
Use the sword in your hands to carve out your dream!"
Stop. Stop.
No matter how passionate you make it sound, my dream died five seconds ago.
Luke sighed and couldn't help asking, "Does it cost money?"
"The mask is the entry fee. Anyone can come here—even if you use the weapons provided inside, there's no charge. However, if weapons or armor are damaged, there will be a small compensation. Of course, you may also bring your own," the attendant replied.