Following the chaos with the golem, the city's security was on high alert. Those who had fought against the construct were rewarded for their efforts, but Baldwin had other concerns on his mind.
Velisara had no idea about Athan's involvement. I should keep it that way—for now.
The next morning, after breakfast, Baldwin stepped out of the small hut, only to be met by a few Ranch Republic soldiers standing outside.
"Hey, kid! We're with the Development Bureau," one of the soldiers called out. "Do you live here alone, or with family?"
Baldwin raised an eyebrow. "No, sir, I don't live alone. But… why do you need to see my parents?"
The soldier hesitated for a moment. "Well, since you asked—" He was about to explain when his eyes flicked past Baldwin. Velisara had just stepped outside.
"Good morning, officers. Is there something I can help you with?" she asked, her voice calm yet firm.
The soldier quickly straightened. "Thank you, ma'am. We just need to—" He cut off, walking past Baldwin without another word.
How rude. Baldwin scoffed inwardly.
Rather than sticking around, he turned away, deciding to head toward the hotel where Athan was staying. The streets were bustling with activity—citizens rebuilding, merchants setting up shop, and adventurers preparing for their next quest. Among them, Baldwin spotted familiar faces: Eva, the dark elf, speaking with a group of merchants, and Mr. Smith inspecting a shipment of supplies.
The city feels… peaceful. For the first time in a while, Baldwin allowed himself to enjoy the moment.
But that peace didn't last.
As he reached Athan's hotel, something felt off. The guards stationed outside seemed oblivious, but Baldwin noticed right away—the door to Athan's room was ajar.
Why is the door open? Did something happen?
Without hesitation, he stormed inside—only to be met with an unexpected sight.
Athan was on the floor. A maid sat on top of him, rubbing her head as if she had just fallen.
Athan, still tangled beneath her, looked up and froze when he saw Baldwin standing in the doorway.
"Baldwin! Listen! This isn't what it looks like!"
Athan scrambled to get up, but the sudden movement made the maid lose her balance again. She yelped as she tumbled further onto him, leaving them in an even more compromising position.
Baldwin narrowed his eyes, then smirked. "Ah… My apologies for interrupting your peaceful moment." He calmly turned and shut the door behind him.
What in the world did I just witness? Baldwin thought, shaking his head. Since when did Athan have a thing for humans?
Before he could take another step, the door burst open again.
"Baldwin! Wait! It's not—" Athan started, but then sighed. "Oh, you're still here."
"Yeah, I was waiting for you to finish," Baldwin said casually.
Athan groaned. "It's not what you think!"
Baldwin crossed his arms. "Oh, I get it. You were feeling lonely, and she took advantage of you, huh?"
"No! She was just here to take my measurements!" Athan shot back.
Baldwin blinked. "Oh, I see. So she was measuring your wealth—definitely trying to seduce you. I should probably kill that damn maid."
"WAIT, WAIT! For my new clothes! She was taking my measurements for new clothes!"
Baldwin chuckled. "Ohh, I was just about to report this to your wife."
"My what?! Who?!" Athan's face turned pale.
The maid, flustered beyond belief, quickly bowed. "I swear, sir! I wasn't doing anything improper!"
"Don't worry," Baldwin said with a smirk. "He's my best friend. I just like messing with him."
The maid exhaled in relief, then turned to Athan. "Your clothes will be ready by noon, sir." With another bow, she hurried out of the room.
Baldwin watched her go, then turned back to Athan with a mischievous grin. "Hey, what did she mean by 'he wasn't using me'? Hmm, should I tell your dhampir wife about this?"
Athan groaned, rubbing his temples. "Come on! Can we move on? Why are you even here?"
Baldwin leaned against the doorframe. "Oh, I see. You're mad because I ruined your 'moment' with the maiden."
Athan clenched his jaw. "Just get inside already, Emperor Baldwin VI," he muttered sarcastically.
Baldwin took a seat on the sofa, stretching out. "I bet she was heavy for you, huh?"
Athan shot him a glare. "Can you stop with the dirty jokes?! I've had enough!"
"Alright, alright. I actually came here for a serious reason." Baldwin's smirk faded slightly. "The S+ Labyrinth—it's close by."
Athan leaned forward. "You want me to come with you?"
"Of course. But the question is—how are we getting in?"
A grin spread across Baldwin's face. "Well, my friend, wise men say that after bedwork with one's wife, a couple should always rest. Otherwise, their brains don't function properly."
Athan's eye twitched. "Damn it, Baldwin! You're acting like a spoiled kid! Just use your shadow ability already!"
Baldwin laughed. "Ah, but my dear friend—why ruin a perfectly good stroll? Let's just be normal dudes for once."
Athan sighed but nodded. "Fine. But I swear, if you make another damn joke—"
"Not making any promises," Baldwin cut in.
With that, they stepped outside the hotel.
As they passed the guards, one of them frowned. "Hey—when did that kid get in?"
"You were supposed to be watching!" another guard retorted.
"I was watching! You must've been dozing off!"
"What did you say?! You're always staring at women! I swear, I'll tell your wife!"
"I swear to the gods, I wasn't looking at any women!"
"If that's the case, I'll report you to the manager!"
"What's going on here?" A man in black clothing stepped forward—clearly the hotel manager.
"Sir, we spotted a kid coming down the stairs, but this guy here claims he never saw him enter," one of the guards explained.
The manager scoffed. "Are you two idiots seriously arguing over this? The kid was staying at the hotel. Now he's leaving. If you keep up this incompetence, I'll have to fire both of you."
The two guards immediately paled. "No, sir, please—!" They scrambled after the manager, pleading their case.
Little did they know, Baldwin had simply used his ability to slip past them unnoticed.
With a grin, he turned to Athan. "See? Easy."
Athan sighed. "I hate how effortlessly you do that."
Baldwin chuckled. "Shall we?"
And with that, the two set off toward the labyrinth.