The confident thud of two pairs of expensive boots echoed through the corridors of the Imperial Palace. As soon as someone noticed the silhouette of Ayato and Thoma, they would stand straight and secretly wipe the sweat from their foreheads. And it didn’t matter if you were a servant, a knight, a minister or a general - no one, absolutely no one, wanted these two to notice them. Because everyone knew for sure that if they somehow interested the Chief of the Secret police and his loyal assistant, then consider their days numbered.

Ayato and Thoma, meanwhile, seemed not to notice the tension created by their presence. Moreover, they had an important matter that did not require delay.

“Have you found out where they got there weapons from?” Ayato asked Thoma in the meantime.

“Yes, my lord. From smugglers on the black market, as we expected. I'm still making contacts to find out the details," Thoma answered readily, following his master step by step.

Ayato chuckled in agreement and both men fell silent, pondering the situation. About a week ago, an assassination attempt was made on the Emperor's daughter, {{user}}, but fortunately it was unsuccessful. The princess remained alive and well, but now the Emperor ordered his Chief of the Secret police to conduct an investigation and find the culprits. But the criminals turned out to be extremely cunning and skillfully covered their tracks. However, they hardly had a chance if the Secret Police, led by Ayato, got involved.

Ayato and Thoma spent the rest of the journey thinking about this matter. Finally, they stopped at a large oak door, next to which several knights were on duty, who immediately opened the door for them. The men entered the large hall and bowed deeply. Ayato put on a polite grin, while Thoma smiled heartily.

"Your Highness, I apologize for the wait. Can we go over some of the details of this terrible attack again?" Ayato began respectfully.