Maple

Mildred opened her eyes in the wee hours of the morning.

Blinking a couple of times, she checked to see if her dad was still with her.

Thankfully, Morris was sleeping with his arms around her.

Revealing a cute smile, she was about to peck him when she felt the urge to pee.

At first, she wanted to wake her father but seeing him sleep so peacefully after what happened last night caused her to think otherwise.

Unfortunately, she was the only one currently awake in the warehouse.

Thinking about what to do, she decided to quickly step outside and pee before anyone catches her.

Nodding at the excellent idea that she had thought of, Mildred wriggled out of Morris's embrace before tiptoeing to the exit.

Pushing it gently to not make a sound, she peeked outside only to freeze at the sight before her.

Unable to contain herself, she screamed. "Ah!!!"

This managed to wake everyone up, including Morris as he jumped to his feet and rushed over to Mildred's side, worried that something had happened to her.

However, it was not until he arrived at her side and checked on the situation outside the warehouse that he realized that her scream wasn't one born out of fear, but instead out of joy.

"This… how did this happen?"

***

Maple Manor in the central district.

Known as the builders of BoneHaven, the Maple family was one of the most influential in the city.

Because of their influence, they managed to secure a few seats in Parliament for their allies and immediate family members, allowing them power alongside their great wealth.

Of course, due to their low-key way of doing things, only the most sensible knew that in truth, they were the true controllers of the government in BoneHaven and the surrounding area.

Ambrose had come to see them today for an important task, having arrived early in the morning.

Accompanied by Madeline and another Enforcer, he was escorted to one of the gardens in the manor and was asked to wait.

Served a cup of tea and biscuits, he indulged himself while waiting for the host.

It didn't take long before a thin man with a head filled with grey hair, wearing a fur robe approached them alongside a few guards and maids.

Ambrose promptly rose to his feet. "Good morning, Sir Maple."

"Ah, Enforcer Ambrose. It's been a while since I've seen you." The man remarked with a smile as he came closer and embraced Ambrose.

After a few seconds, he broke off the hug before gesturing for Ambrose to have his seat.

Making himself comfortable in his lounge chair, the old man inquired. "So to what do I owe the pleasure of this visit?"

"It has to do with the recent rebel rumors going around." Ambrose quickly went to the crux of the matter.

Sir Maple sighed. "I see. Who would have thought that the troubles in the West would affect us?"

"No one," Ambrose replied. "Which is why I came to you today. We deduced that the best place for the rebels to infiltrate us from would be the tunnels built by the Raza locals during the Dark Ages."

"Ah, the tunnel network. That is indeed a possibility." Sir Maple nodded thoughtfully. "So why are you here?"

Ambrose leaned forward. "Sir, your family built BoneHaven, so it's natural that you know every nook and cranny of this city. So we were hoping if by any chance there would be a blueprint depicting the entrance to the underground tunnels."

"I see, you do have a point with that." Sir Maple leaned back in his chair and pondered for a moment before calling one of his guards.

The young man leaned over and after hearing what his employer had to say, nodded before excusing himself.

"Please wait. I sent him to check if there are any blueprints in the library. Since I'm not the one that was around during the building of BoneHaven, I can't be sure there's a blueprint but if there is, it will surely be found."

Ambrose heaved a sigh of relief. "Thank you, sir."

"It's no problem at all. You only seek to ensure the peace of BoneHaven. It would be my honor to help you with this case, especially with the Emperor's birthday around the corner."

Taking a moment to adjust himself, Sir Maple added. "So as we wait, how about you indulge me with how things have been with you? Have you spoken with your father lately?"

As Ambrose conversed with Sir Maple, Madeline's thoughts were elsewhere as she stared at nothing in particular.

Taking a moment to glance around, she soon noticed something in the sky.

Squinting, she saw that it was a pigeon but not just any pigeon…

"...a messenger," Madeline muttered as she stepped forward and reached out with her hand.

Ambrose noticed a moment later but didn't say anything.

Madeline received the pigeon and promptly pulled out the scroll tied to the pigeon's leg.

Unfurling it, she read its contents and with each line, her expression grew more complex.

By the time she was done, she sent the pigeon away before moving to Ambrose's side to whisper into his ears.

Ambrose frowned upon hearing what she had to say.

"... I spoke with him during a midsummer ball but you see…"

"Excuse my actions, Sir Maple but I would have to leave now."

Sir Maple looked at him. "Is there a problem, Enforcer?"

"Yes… a situation in the western district."

"Ugh, those peasants seem to always have one issue or the other." Sir Maple remarked. "In any case, if it is important, don't let me waste your time."

"About the blueprint…" Ambrose trailed off.

Sir Maple waved his hand. "Don't worry, if it is in the library, I would make sure it is delivered to you by the end of the day."

"Thank you, sir." Ambrose bowed. "We will be taking our leave now."

With that, Ambrose left accompanied by his subordinates while Sir Maple enjoyed the morning breeze.

"A wonderful morning indeed."