With a resounding crash, Rianel pushed open the inn’s door and headed straight for the stairs, descending toward the basement.

"Where are you going?" Susan hurried after him, panic evident in her voice. But Rianel remained silent, his steps steady and unyielding.

The stairwell led to a dimly lit corridor. Rianel strode down the shadowy hallway without hesitation, his presence filling the space with quiet authority. He stopped in front of a heavy iron-barred door.

Susan’s gaze quivered as she stared at him. "D-Grand Duke… why are we… here?"

Shing.

Rianel unsheathed his sword, its icy blue blade glinting in the dim light. Susan gasped and instinctively took a step back.

With a swift motion, Rianel sliced through the iron bars as if they were paper. The door groaned loudly as he kicked it open.