Chapter 30⚽ · TED

In the dead of night, past midnight, a black two-wheeled carriage that had left Great Hill headed toward Longbone Street.

Diane stepped down from the carriage, tightly wrapping herself in a black cloak as if she wanted to disappear into the darkness. The back alleys of the slums, where even the moonlight was veiled by clouds, were eerily silent.

Perhaps the sound of the carriage alerted someone—before she could even knock, the door opened from the inside. As Diane quietly entered, the door shut firmly, and the window from which light had leaked was covered.

A storm seemed to be approaching from the coast. The old wooden doorframe and window rattled loudly in the wind. It was a grim night.

Diane took a few steps inside and grimaced, covering her nose. The stinging scent of vinegar pierced her lungs.

“They’re just giving these pieces a bit of shine. This way.”…