An Old Acquaintance
Several days’ journey north from the capital brought me to Sanfal Prison—
a fortress of stone and steel, where only the most vicious criminals are kept locked away.
I was here to speak with one particular inmate, hoping he could help uncover the identity of the mysterious merchant possibly linked to the Glaberson family.
“Justin Foyle. I’d like to speak with a man named Schneider—he was brought in about a year ago.”
“Please wait a moment.”
I showed my identification at the reception desk in front of the thick iron gate.
Even with my status as a Holy Knight, they wouldn’t let me through without formal clearance. Not even Vice-Commander Bellows would be an exception here.
Sanfal Prison was known for its unbreakable discipline, housing over a hundred inmates whose crimes ranged from murder and fraud to armed robbery, assault, slavery… the list went on.
Among them was Schneider—the man I had come to see.
I was also the one who had captured him and thrown him in here.
He had every reason to hate me. I had no idea if he’d be willing to cooperate, but with no other leads on the merchant, I didn’t have the luxury of being picky.
Eventually, I was granted permission, and the thick iron gate opened slowly with a heavy groan, driven by magic.
A staff member escorted me into the visitation chamber.
A thick transparent pane of glass split the room down the middle.
This wasn’t just any glass—it was a specially crafted magic artifact, said to be strong enough to withstand even a charging dragon.
I sat in the chair before it, waiting.
Soon, the door on the far side opened, and a man escorted by three knights entered the room.
It had been nearly a year since I last saw him, and his appearance had changed a fair bit.
He looked a bit gaunt now.
Well, back when he was free, he’d lived in luxury off money swindled from others.
Now he was slimmer. Honestly, maybe the prison lifestyle had done his health some good.
“Long time no see, Schneider.”
“Didn’t think you of all people would show up... Holy Knight gone countryside.”
“So you knew, huh?”
“Funny thing—word still gets around even in here. Not that the others can say the same, of course.”
Still full of confidence, I see.
That unshakable bravado was probably a big part of why he was such a successful con man.
“So what’s this about? Tired of chatting with shriveled-up old farmers and came looking for a real friend?”
“No complaints on that end. I get along well with the villagers.”
“……”
What’s with that look?
Why does he look so surprised?
“I mean... you’ve changed.”
“That so? I wouldn’t know. But if you’re saying that, you’ve changed too.”
“Ha! Thanks to you, I’m now enjoying a healthy life of poverty. Truly, I could weep.”
Still cursing up a storm, but he seemed in decent shape.
If nothing else, he was mentally intact—
Which meant now was the time to dig into what I came for.
What do you think about this chapter?
