Noble Heights — Holland Residence
Kite took a deep breath, steadying his nerves. At the academy, they taught you to wear a poker face—emotions were a liability. Now, more than ever, that training mattered. He rose from his bed and headed downstairs, face unreadable.
At the entrance, three STF officers stood in heated conversation with Audrey. No, not conversation—argument.
"I know, Mrs. Holland, you're a senior scientist and have no reason to steal," the black-haired officer said calmly, "but we're required to interrogate the kids—"
"Bullshit!" Audrey snapped. "They've done nothing wrong. They're more sensible than half your damn bureau!"
Before the officer could respond, the red-haired woman beside him narrowed her eyes, spotting movement.
"Sir. There."
The black-haired man turned just as Kite appeared at the stairway. He stepped forward briskly, brushing past Audrey.
"Hey! I'm still talking—" Audrey protested, but a brown-haired woman blocked her gently with a soft, apologetic smile.
"Sorry, Audrey."
"Not you too, Hayes!" Audrey groaned, betrayed. Lucy Hayes said nothing.
The red-haired officer rolled her eyes. "We're not targeting anyone. If you're innocent, let us do our jobs and be done with it. The entire Carynthos STF facility is under suspicion."
Kite came to a stop as the black-haired officer approached and extended a hand.
"Colonel Konstantin Wagner," he introduced smoothly. "Field Control Executive. I'm in charge of the Fourth Battalion. Four-star platinum pocket watch. Feel free to call me Wagner."
Kite shook his hand.
"Kite Lighthart. Order Maintenance Specialist. Call me Kite."
Bronze pocket watch holder requires ten stars to promote to platinum. Platinum pocket watch holder requires five stars to promote to gold. The has three stars to distinguish between them.
Kite and Ryenne were both two-star platinum.
His father had once been a two-star in gold.
Konstantin nodded, then glanced over Kite's shoulder. Kite turned.
Ryenne stood at the stairs, arms crossed, blonde hair cascading over her shoulder, her expression pure frost. Black layered skirt, white shirt, fiery eyes.
"Let me reintroduce—" Wagner began.
"No need," she cut him off flatly. "You're Wagner or whoever. Do your job and get out."
Classic Ryenne… Kite thought, fighting a smirk.
Wagner's brows rose slightly, but he gave a short nod and gestured to the other officers. They began moving through the house, inspecting corners and shelves.
Chu-Chu was already bristling, but calmed down with a pat from Kite.
Konstantin followed Kite into his room, scanning the shelves, the bed, the walls.
"Nice room. Organized. Clean." He crouched down and reached under the bed, dragging out a small wooden box. His voice was almost casual:
"What's in here?"
"Personal stuff," Kite answered without blinking.
"Key?"
"Sorry?"
"I asked for its key," Konstantin repeated, voice now firm.
Kite paused… then slowly lifted the corner of the carpet, retrieving a small iron key. He tossed it over. Wagner caught it effortlessly, his eyes not leaving the box.
The officer knelt. Inserted the key. Turned it.
Click.
A thin line of sweat slid down Kite's temple.
I'm done for… The words echoed in his skull like a slow funeral drum. Every cell in his body was screaming.
The lock unlatched with a soft snick, almost mercifully quiet.
Wagner slowly opened the lid.
Then—
His brows twitched.
He reached inside.
Kite's breath stopped.
Wagner's fingers curled around something. He pulled it out—
A folded, creased letter. Nothing more.
Kite's eyes widened.
What?
Wagner unfolded it and gave it a brief glance. A mundane personal note. One Kite had written weeks ago.
The book—
Where's the book!?
Konstantin closed the box and stood up. "Looks fine to me."
Kite stood frozen, his mind racing.
Where did it go?
Who moved it?
Why… does this feel worse than being caught?