I Married My Sister’s First Love

Chapter 38

“By the way, where are you going? If Sir Leonhardt assigned me to accompany you, that means your destination must be dangerous. Are you heading to Aleva?”

Before mounting the horse, Cain fastened a leather helmet and protective gear on Ebony for safety.

Aleva was infamous for its risky parties, filled with casinos, drugs, and all kinds of entertainment.

“No, I want to go to the underworld.”

“The underworld…?”

Cain paused while securing the leather helmet’s strap.

“That’s an extremely dangerous place.”

“That’s why I need a strong knight like you, Sir Reaper.”

Ebony shrugged and adjusted her helmet.

Cain gently held her waist and lifted her onto the saddle before mounting the horse himself. Holding the sturdy leather reins, he guided the horse forward.

“How do we get past the guards? We can’t exactly jump the wall on horseback.”

“I’ve taken care of it.”

“Like with the coachman…?”

“For your peace of mind, I’d rather not elaborate.”

“That’s practically an answer already.”

Ebony was briefly impressed by Cain’s boldness but also made a mental note to strengthen the Duke’s security in the future.

As they passed through the back gate, a vast forest greeted them.

Maintaining their pace, Cain turned slightly and spoke.

“We could go faster, but if wild animals hear us, we’ll have trouble. Let’s move slowly until we’re through the forest.”

The forest was notorious for its harsh mountain winds, but fortunately, it was quiet.

As he carefully guided the horse, Cain suddenly asked,

“Why exactly are we going to the underworld?”

“For research.”

“Ah, my apologies. It was rude to ask about such a destination.”

“It’s fine. It’s a bit of a complicated investigation.”

Noticing Cain’s awkward attempt to change the subject, Ebony reassured him. Since they were traveling together, it was better to explain her purpose for smoother communication.

“A complicated investigation… in the underworld?”

“Yes.”

“You’re not trying to bring back a long-lost love or something, are you…?”

Though meant as a muttered remark, Ebony heard it.

She couldn’t help but chuckle at Cain’s absurd assumption.

The infamous scandal involving Philip Atric and the love triangle between two sisters had been the talk of high society.

Any noble, even a foreign one like Cain, would have heard the gossip.

‘Is he pretending not to know, or is he simply indifferent to such things?’

Either way, his attitude made Ebony feel at ease.

As expected, Leonhardt had chosen the right escort for her. She silently thanked him for his wise decision.

The journey to the northernmost region took a long time.

After five and a half days, just before dawn, they finally arrived at the underworld.

“Put on this mask.”

Magic was restricted in the underworld, so disguising themselves required physical means.

Ebony donned a black mask to conceal her face and pulled her hood lower before stepping forward.

Cain, who had been guiding them through deserted alleys, warned her about the main street ahead.

“You already know, but be careful.”

“What’s the biggest danger?”

“People.”

He then held up three fingers.

“There are three absolute rules to follow here. First, never remove your mask. Also, try to breathe through your mouth as much as possible.”

“Got it. And the last one?”

“Never, under any circumstances, engage in gambling.”

After listing the rules one by one, he clenched his fist.

“Gambling?”

“The easiest way to get information here is through bets, so gambling happens frequently.”

“Then wouldn’t gambling make things easier?”

Cain hummed and shook his head.

“Don’t forget that this is the underworld. Every bet is rigged in their favor. Most of the games involve either physical strength or drinking contests.”

Since magic couldn’t be used in the underworld, anyone who wasn’t a knight would be at a clear disadvantage in physical challenges.

Although Ebony had powers related to spirits rather than magic, using them would instantly reveal her identity.

That meant she had to rely on pure strength.

“What about drinking contests?”

“Many people here take potions that increase their alcohol tolerance. Some are naturally strong drinkers, but beating them is just as difficult.”

Ebony nodded and observed the people walking around.

Then, without hesitation, she grabbed Cain’s hand and led him forward, stopping in front of a building.

Seeing where they had arrived, Cain frowned.

“This place is…”

His voice trailed off in disbelief.

Ebony had brought him to a bar.

Looking puzzled, Cain tilted his head as if asking why they were there.

“For gambling, of course.”

As she reached for the door handle, Cain grabbed her wrist firmly.

It was a breach of etiquette, but stopping her was more important.

“I told you! Gambling is forbidden! And if this is a bar, then it’s a drinking contest…!”

“You said gambling is the best way to get information, didn’t you?”

“But only if you win!” Cain raised his voice in frustration.

“I understand that you don’t know how dangerous the underworld is, but—”

“I do know.”

Ebony’s firm response cut him off.

Seeing the determination on her face, Cain bit his lip in frustration.

“Getting this information won’t be easy. It’s something even informants won’t sell easily.”

“…”

“That means gambling is our best option.”

After explaining her reasoning, Ebony gently removed Cain’s grip from her wrist.

He stared at his hand, looking conflicted, before opening his mouth as if to argue further.

“I can win.”

Just then, a faint light shone from Ebony’s hand as she grasped the door handle.

She smiled confidently, and Cain had no choice but to nod.

Ding!

A cheerful bell rang as they entered the bar.

The loud, chaotic atmosphere instantly quieted.

Dozens of eyes scrutinized the newcomers.

“Hold up!”

A tanned man blocked their path, sniffing the air before smiling.

“We get a lot of young kids sneaking in here. You want a table for two?”

Ebony glanced around before pointing toward the bar.

“You’re drinking at the bar? Alright, take any seat you like!”

As they walked past the crowded tables, crude voices called out to them.

“Hey, sweetheart, want to drink with us?”

“Come here, and I’ll tip you well!”

“Spend the night with me, darling!”

Some men, realizing Ebony was a woman, openly mocked her.

‘So this is why Cain was so against it.’

Now she understood why he had reacted so strongly earlier.

“Those bastards…!”

Cain gritted his teeth and turned around, ready to charge.

Ebony quietly grabbed his hand and shook her head.

After taking a deep breath to calm himself, Cain exhaled sharply and scribbled something in her palm.

It was a simple message: Hurry up and place your bet.

Ignoring the comments and stares, Ebony walked to the bar and spotted a man sitting alone in the corner.

She ordered a light cocktail and subtly moved closer to him.

As she sipped her drink, she observed him.

His clothing was expensive, adorned with gems, and a heavy coin pouch hung at his waist.

On the table before him lay a small notebook.

Ebony’s eyes gleamed with certainty.

‘This is the guy.’

He had to be an informant from the underworld.

‘There was a specific signal for buying and selling information.’

Cain had mentioned that talking to an informant required a particular sign.

Tock, tock, tock.

Ebony tapped the table three times, then drew a star.