Chapter Forty: Hannah 1

Early the next morning, having enjoyed a restful sleep, Lando woke in high spirits. After washing up and dismantling the precautions he’d set up, he left the inn and found Little Dick already waiting outside.

“Take me to try something delicious, something special for breakfast in the royal capital,” Lando commanded outright.

“Yes, sir!” Little Dick replied loudly.

Thus, the two embarked on a culinary tour of the capital. Little Dick was beside himself with joy—those famed dishes he’d only heard about before, today he could finally eat his fill.

By noon, Lando and Little Dick stepped out of a tavern renowned for its roasted lizard dragon, a specialty in the capital. Lando had chosen it for lunch, accompanied by a large mug of ale, and the reputation was well-deserved.

Satisfied after food and drink, Lando decided it was time to attend to more serious matters. The exploration quest no longer seemed essential, but he still wished to delve deeper into the history of the Four Kings.

“Our next stop is the Royal Capital Library. Lead the way,” Lando said, glancing at Little Dick to indicate he should guide him.

But Little Dick hesitated, asking timidly, “Sir, what kind of place is the library?”

“A library? It’s a place where books are kept, for people to read,” Lando replied, puzzled.

“Books kept for reading?” Little Dick pondered for a moment. “There’s no such place in the capital.”

“What?!”

After much inquiry, they discovered that the capital did have a library, but it was not open to the public. It was situated within the royal palace, accessible only to members of the royal family, scholars invited by the crown, and a handful of high nobles.

“This Earth Kingdom Royal Family—how miserly they seem,” Lando grumbled, a little vexed.

Little Dick was startled, glancing anxiously around. Only when he was sure nobody was paying attention did he whisper, “Sir, it’s best not to say such things carelessly. If someone overhears, it could be trouble.”

Lando nodded. Though such a report would hardly affect him, Little Dick would almost certainly suffer consequences.

Another fruitless day, yet one bright spot remained: Lando had familiarized himself with the capital’s layout. Now he had a general sense of where he needed to go.

After sending Little Dick off, Lando did not immediately return to the inn to rest. Instead, he activated his surveillance device—a high-altitude perspective, tracking Little Dick as he departed.

He watched as Little Dick employed myriad tricks to evade pursuit, demonstrating impressive anti-tracking skills. To Lando, it was all rather amusing.

Having confirmed the surveillance was functioning, Lando lost interest in monitoring further. He turned toward the palace, intent on borrowing some books. Yes, borrowing—a scholar’s business could never be called theft!

“I hear a librarian is one of the most mysterious professions across the myriad realms. Let’s hope I don’t encounter one.”

The process went smoothly. Perhaps the library was neglected, or perhaps the Earth Kingdom had enjoyed peace for so long that its defenses had grown lax. With his combination of technology and strength, Lando effortlessly bypassed the outer protections and entered the royal library.

He did encounter a librarian, but not some reclusive sage—just an ordinary middle-aged scholar, likely assigned the night watch by chance.

After deepening the man’s slumber, Lando began scanning the entire library.

…

Elsewhere, having parted from Lando, Little Dick wound his way through twisting alleys to a secluded corner. After confirming he was not being followed, he disappeared into the darkness of a narrow lane.

The Eye of Surveillance in the sky: (o_o) Stare~

Even the bustling royal capital had its share of shadowy corners. Little Dick found himself in a desolate alley, lined with abandoned houses—though every dwelling was crowded with vagrants or those whose identities were shrouded in mystery.

With practiced ease, Little Dick approached a modest house and knocked gently.

“Who’s there?” came a low voice from within.

“It’s me, Dick,” Little Dick answered quietly.

The door opened, and Little Dick glanced around before slipping inside quickly.

The one who opened the door was a youth, slightly older than Little Dick. As Little Dick entered, he shut the door at once.

The room was simple: besides a straw mattress for a bed, there was only a single chair. Someone lay on the bed, apparently asleep.

“Brother Jamie, how is Hanna?” Little Dick asked, looking at the figure on the bed with concern.

“Not good,” Jamie clenched his fists, then released them helplessly.

Sensing Jamie’s sadness and guilt, Little Dick quickly changed the subject. “Don’t worry, Brother Jamie, little Hanna will get better. Look what I brought back today!” He produced an assortment of snacks he’d bought that morning, all saved from his own portion.

“And here’s medicine from the pharmacy. If only we could get a doctor to see Hanna, that would be best,” Little Dick sighed. He’d described Hanna’s illness as best he could and obtained medicine from the shop, but he had no idea if it would help.

Jamie silently accepted the food, ate a bit, then put the rest away.

Little Dick urged him, worried, “Brother Jamie, you need to eat more. If you go hungry, you won’t be able to protect Hanna.”

Jamie: …

“How are things outside?” Jamie asked.

“Not good. Same as the past few days—patrols everywhere by the city guards.”

“That outsider who hired you—he hasn’t done anything suspicious?”

“No. I think last night’s questioning was just a coincidence. He’s probably just curious, not actually interested in the wanted notice.”

Jamie nodded, reassured. Though Little Dick was young, Jamie acknowledged his cleverness.

Little Dick now took a battered kettle and began brewing medicine. Soon, the unpleasant scent filled the small room, but the two boys were used to it.

Once the medicine was ready, Little Dick gently roused the half-awake Hanna. By moonlight, it was clear she was a girl even younger than Little Dick.

She drank the medicine groggily, then became a bit more alert, murmuring, “Brother Dick, Brother Jamie…”

Jamie hurried to her side, tenderly helping her lie back and covering her with a blanket. “Don’t speak. Rest after taking your medicine. Tomorrow you’ll feel better.”

Hanna managed a weak smile and nodded slightly to show she understood, then drifted back into sleep.

Watching Hanna grow ever weaker, Jamie gritted his teeth. “We can’t wait any longer. We must find a way to get Hanna out of the city to see a doctor.”

At that moment, Little Dick suddenly said, “Maybe we could seek help.”

“Impossible! Though I’m the only one wanted, we both know Hanna is their real target. If she shows herself, she’ll be found for sure.”

“I mean—the gentleman who hired me, he’s a good person. If… if you don’t show yourself, he probably won’t know about Hanna. If we ask for his help, maybe… it could work.”

“But that would put him in danger!”

“I know… I… but Hanna, she… sob…”