Deviating from the original plot

Chapter forty-eight

Victoria returned to her estate, the weight of the day pressing down on her shoulders. Once inside her chambers, she closed the door softly behind her and walked over to her bed. Kneeling, she reached beneath the frame and drew out a worn leather-bound journal. Settling onto the mattress, she flipped it open.

Her eyes scanned the entry she had written some time ago:

'The black mages were a secretive order, moving in silence and striking from the shadows. During their active periods, the number of missing persons always rose. They preyed on the vulnerable, and it was the common folk who suffered most under their schemes. Each disappearance fanned the flames of unrest, and soon fear would seep into the empire's streets. The mounting tension placed an ever heavier burden on the Crown Prince, as the people demanded answers and justice.

The heroine 1decided to begin her investigation at the most predictable place every fantasy protagonist seemed start their quest—a tavern.'

"I suppose that's where I'll be headed tomorrow," Victoria muttered as she closed her journal and slipped it into a small pouch by her bedside.

"Can I really manage this?" she wondered aloud, sinking back into the pillows with a heavy sigh.

It was official—her hopes of leading a quiet, uneventful life had crumbled. The dream of staying far from the novel's tangled plotlines was gone. All she had wanted was peace, simplicity, and the freedom to remain unnoticed.

"Honestly, I should be compensated for this nonsense," she grumbled, turning on her side before sleep eventually claimed her.

The following morning, the estate was already alive with movement. Servants bustled through the halls, preparing breakfast and setting out her schedule for the day.

After a quick meal, she dressed plainly, determined to blend in among the town folk if she wanted to gather information.

"You want to go out dressed like that?" Anne asked, frowning as she watched Victoria put on her commoner disguise once again.

"Yes, Anne,"

"Is there a reason? Or... a problem? Perhaps you should inform the Marquis—"

"No, Anne. Do not inform the Marquis about anything!" Victoria spun around sharply, her voice firm. The memory of her father's overprotective reaction last time—how he had made her promise never to do anything dangerous again—flashed through her mind. "Nothing is wrong."

"But—"

"Anne." Victoria's tone was stern, leaving no room for argument.

Anne hesitated, then finally gave a reluctant nod.

"Thank you. I'll be back by afternoon, so don't worry." Victoria said before heading for the door.

"Alright," Anne murmured, though unease lingered in her voice.

Victoria left the estate and headed for the town.

✦ ✦

Meanwhile, Celeste and Evelyn had gathered in the drawing room of Evelyn's estate. A large map lay sprawled across the table, weighed down by books and half-filled teacups. Notes had been scribbled onto paper that the two women worked through.

"So, according to the rumors, the last attack took place in a downtown alleyway—here," Celeste said, marking a red cross on the map.

"A week before Victoria's incident," Evelyn added, "we caught a man trying to abduct a child. He said he wanted her soul. And judging by the Imperial Guards unusually response, it was obvious he was one of the black mages."