Chapter 351 Invitation to a Masquerade Ball

She let out a dry, almost bitter laugh—the kind that comes when facing an uncomfortable truth about yourself.

"People look at me now and see this ‘five-star MBPU,’ this powerful figure, but they don’t see how much of it was pure chance. If I hadn't gotten lucky that one day, I'd still be struggling. Still be nothing. I know it probably sounds weird, but sometimes I wonder... would I be worth anything without it? This power I have, it changed everything. But without it? I don’t know who I’d be."

She leaned back, the tension in her voice softening just slightly.

“So yeah… luck saved me. It gave me the strength to survive and to make sure no one could ever treat me like that again. And more than anything, it gave me the ability to protect the people I care about. Because the second you show weakness, someone’s always ready to take advantage of it.”

Antonio, who had been listening intently, gave her a reassuring look.

“Like I said, you’re the strongest person I know—then and now. Not just physically, but emotionally too. No one else could’ve gone through what you did and come out the way you have.”

Suzuka realized she was starting to dive too deep into her thoughts. She didn’t want to dampen the mood with all her self-reflection, so she quickly put on a more lighthearted expression.

"Anyway," she said with a chuckle, brushing a hand through her long, damp hair, "enough of my melodramatic rambling. What about you? You think you guys will be alright now?"

Antonio scratched the back of his head, giving a small, relieved sigh.

"Yeah, I think we will. With the debt gone, there's no one left to bleed us dry anymore. I used to give away every coin I earned, barely leaving enough for us to eat. But now... we’ll be fine. We can finally breathe a little, thanks to you. We might not have much, but at least now I can take care of Anna and Nick the way I should have from the start."

He gave a small, almost sheepish smile.

"And it's all thanks to you, Suzuka. I mean - Helen."

"Alright then, good to hear. Well, it's getting late, and I’ve got to check in with my friends. Can’t leave them hanging, right?"

She offered Antonio a playful wink, stepping back and preparing to leave.

"I’ll see you around, Antonio. Remember what I said - no more getting into trouble, alright? And don’t forget to pass on my message to Nick and Anna. Helen, not Suzuka."

She pointed at him with a teasing smirk.

"Don’t mess it up."

Antonio nodded.

"Yeah, I won't. And… thank you again. For everything."

With a small smile, Suzuka gave a casual wave.

"Don’t mention it."

She started walking away but paused briefly, turning her head just enough to glance back.

"Take care of them, okay? They’re good kids. They deserve better."

Antonio watched her until she disappeared from his sight, feeling a weight lift off his shoulders that had been there for far too long.

As the evening sky darkened and the cool breeze of night swept through the town, Suzuka made her way to the Windmill Inn, where Isaac was staying.

 The wooden structure, modest but cozy, stood with a warm, golden glow seeping from its windows. Lanterns flickered outside, casting playful shadows across the street, while the lively hum of patrons chatting and laughing drifted into the air. 

Pushing the door open, Suzuka stepped into the Inn. The familiar scent of wood, ale, and freshly cooked food greeted her immediately, mixing with the soft clatter of dishes and the murmur of evening conversations. Her sharp eyes quickly scanned the room, and there, sitting at the bar, was Olivia.

She sat with her usual grace, her dark, silky hair falling softly over her shoulders as she lazily swirled a drink in her hand. Her posture was relaxed, but her intense eyes watched everything around her with quiet observation, sharp and alert despite her seemingly calm demeanor.

With a smile curling at her lips, Suzuka sauntered over to Olivia, pulling out the stool beside her. She sat down, leaning her elbow on the bar, and with a playful tone, she asked, "Hey, what's up? How are you liking this town so far? Anything interesting catching your eye?"

Olivia turned her head toward Suzuka raising her glass, swirling the contents with a smile before taking a sip. 

"Well, it’s... quaint. Peaceful enough. Though, I can’t say anything that’s particularly caught my eye just yet. No excitement like back in the Rockmine town, that's for sure. I’ve seen a few towns in my time, not all eight of them, obviously. But considering my first time visiting, I think it got its charm." 

She swirled the drink in her glass, taking a slow sip before continuing. 

“And to be honest, I don't know much about this place. Just some basic history. Apparently, Woodmill was built about 500 years ago - by dwarven royalty, no less. Not that I know much about that part, though.” She shrugged with sarcasm as if brushing off the need for more details.

 “That’s pretty much all I’ve got on the town. But it’s... peaceful here.”

She glanced at Suzuka with a half-smile.

 “So, you ready to tell me what you were up to all day, or are you gonna keep it a secret?”

Suzuka flagged down the bartender and ordered a drink, "Hit me with strongest what you got, please!"

Settled in next to Olivia, she took a sip and began to recount everything that had unfolded earlier - the reunion with Antonio, Nick, and Anna.

Olivia listened with casual interest, occasionally nodding, her eyes fixed on Suzuka as she shared the details. It felt good to relax for a moment, the weight of the day slowly easing from her shoulders.

After a few minutes of friendly chatter and laughs, Suzuka leaned back and glanced around the inn, her fingers tapping gently against the rim of her glass. 

“So, any idea where Isaac’s at? Or what he’s up to? I'm planning to meet the ruler and having another 5-star MBPU with me would be nice.”

Olivia set down her glass, smiling.

“He went off with Clive earlier, said he’d be back by evening. That’s all I know. Guess you’ll have to wait if you want him to play along.”

 "Yeah, I’ll wait," she said, swirling the amber liquid in her glass. 

"I can’t just stroll up to the ruler of the town like it’s a casual walk in the park. I need some weight to throw around, you know? Having someone well-known like Isaac by my side would give me some leverage—make the negotiation a lot smoother."

Olivia nodded, a sly grin forming on her lips as she raised her glass.

 "Smart move. Besides, a little patience never hurt anyone. Especially if it gives you an edge."

The hours rolled by as the two women relaxed into their drinks. Their conversation grew looser, peppered with playful banter and lighthearted flirting. Laughter bubbled between them, drawing the occasional glance from other patrons at the bar.

Finally, the creak of the inn's door drew their attention. Standing in the doorway, was Isaac. His dark cloak hung loosely over his shoulders, and his sharp eyes scanned the room until they landed on the two women at the bar. 

Sliding onto the stool next to them, Isaac greeted them with a polite nod.

 "Good evening, ladies. Looks like you’ve been having a good time."

Suzuka smirked, resting her chin in her hand as she looked him over.

 "About time you showed up, Prince Charming. We were starting to think you got lost."

Olivia chuckled softly, swirling her drink as she quipped, "Or maybe he was just afraid to face two stunningly beautiful—and slightly drunk—women."

Isaac laughed, shaking his head as he flagged down the bartender. 

"If anything, I should be afraid of whatever trouble you two might have gotten into without me."

 "Trouble? Us? Never. We’ve been perfect angels, how about you? Done with that snake Clive?"

Isaac leaned back slightly, his gaze steady as he swirled the drink in his hand. 

"No, unfortunately, it’s not as simple as it seemed. Clive did tell me everything I needed to know. Now, I truly know who to go after. Turns out, he was just a hired pawn for a nobleman—a very sly and dangerous one. But I don’t want to bore you fine ladies with my tedious history. That said, I do have a small favor to ask."

 "Alright, go on. What’s the favor?"

"Yeah, spill it." 

Isaac set his glass down, his tone growing more serious.

 "There’s a masquerade ball happening in two days at one of the nobleman’s mansions. These balls happen a few times a week, but I can’t afford to miss this opportunity. If I wait too long, the trail will go cold. They rotate the mansions that host these events each time, so this might be my only chance to get close to him."

Olivia tilted her head, curiosity piqued.

 "And? What’s our role in all this?"

"I might be a powerful mage, but the man I’m after is clever—too clever. If he even gets a whiff that I’m there, he’ll slip away before I can make my move. By now, he must know I’ve caught Clive and uncovered the truth. He’ll be on high alert, and his guards will be watching for any sign of trouble. If they interfere, it’ll give him the opening he needs to escape. I can’t let that happen."

 "That’s where you come in. You’ll escort me to the ball. I need you to help me catch him—distract his guards if necessary, create an opening for me, and ensure he doesn’t slip through my fingers."

 "So, we’re playing decoys at a nobleman’s masquerade? Sounds dangerous. I like it."

Olivia smirked, tapping her glass against the bar.

 "And here I thought this trip would be dull. Alright, Isaac, you’ve got yourself some allies. Been a while since my last ball but I think I can show my love the ropes."

Isaac allowed himself a small, relieved smile. 

"Thank you, this means to me more than you know."