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“That sounds like a lot to deal with. But why don’t you just follow the golem back to the thief? Wouldn’t that solve the problem?”

That was quite the cunning plan, but Mira could not help but wonder why they did not follow the golem to apprehend the thief. After all, the heist would only be complete once the spellcaster retrieved the stolen items, making it the perfect moment to apprehend them.

The answer turned out to be far more simple than Mira expected.

“The golems are small and really slippery. We can track them down inside the castle, but it’s much harder outside in the city. It would take too much effort to go after them, and we can’t leave the castle unguarded for too long.”

Most of the attacks were done through small golems like the one Mira had just seen. They easily blended into dark corners, and could slip through small spaces to stop pursuers.

On top of that, the security devices in the city also reacted to tracking devices, causing a whole ruckus if they tried to follow the golems that way.
Once the alarms were active, the actual thief would also be able to use more spells amidst the confusion, making an escape even easier.

And even if they found the caster, apprehending them would take manpower away from the castle, opening the gates for a second or third attacker.
As the man explained all of that, there was one part that stuck out to Mira.

“Earlier you spoke like it’s easier to track them in the castle. Is there some sort of special contraption to find them inside?”

He spoke like it was not a big deal, but Mira felt like tracking a small moving object would be more difficult in a crowded building.

“Ahh, you see…”

It actually seemed like she had been right on the money. Not that it was too surprising, as that would be one more reason why August would choose that place.

It had been a month and some days since a new generation of security devices were installed inside the castle, more effective than those in the streets.
They would not only detect spells and Magic Wares, but would release glowing particles where the spent mana was detected, highlighting them and making them more visible.

The only way to avoid that was by leaving the castle premise, which was why all those guards had been on such high alert to go after the golem before it got far.

The actual number and location of those devices was kept secret, for obvious security reasons, but the highlighting effect applied not only to golems, but also onmyoji shikigamis, summons, and even Magic Engineering Stalward Dolls. The number of stealing attempts had decreased drastically ever since those devices were installed.

“The last guy was more skilled than usual, so it caused a bit of a commotion. But as you can see, we’re always hard at work so you can feel at ease.”

He held up the wallet he had just recovered like some trophy, and swiftly went back to his post inside the castle.

“…Things are really getting complicated now.”

Mira watched him go while muttering in a grim tone, looking down at Wooftson.
She had not anticipated the existence of more advanced security devices.
If she went into the castle as she was, the guards would instantly realize that Wooftson was more than just a plushie.

Then there would be a commotion, and she would be suspected of plotting something, leading to even more hurdles for her.

On the other hand, Wooftson was indispensable for the mission ahead of her.
She was convinced August was inside the castle, she only did not know where exactly. Only Wooftson could tell her for certain.

The main lodgings were on the upper floors, easily providing more than a hundred rooms, and August could be just one of many guests.
Entering the wrong room would disturb the regular people trying to enjoy themselves, also causing trouble for her search.
Not being able to bring Wooftson in was quickly proving to be a major wrench thrown in her plans.

“I can’t believe this, woof…”

Wooftson’s voice was also downcast, feeling robbed of his moment to shine.

Mira’s plan to secure a partner, and her way to find August’s room had both been shattered in an instant. Still, not wanting to give up so easily, she began looking around the castle as she thought of alternatives.

The castle was built in the middle of a large square, which was also rather crowded.
Some were waiting for a companion, others were in search of someone to spend the night together, and the escorts were constantly on the hunt for their next prey.

(Hm? That woman there…)

She carefully examined the perimeter of the castle, trying to find an alternative, when something instantly caught her attention in the rear side.

There was a woman, on her own, entering through the rear entrance.
Unlike all the visitors who went in as couples through the front, she was positively alone. Somehow the rear entrance seemed to allow for that.

(Ohh, this is looking promising!)

Feeling like she could find a new idea there, she hurried to get a closer look.
Through the rear door, she noticed there was another reception desk.

(Is this meant for people who enter alone..?)

Mira was sure that some people must want to enjoy the castle’s facilities on their own, and maybe the rear entrance had been built for them. But she was not quite right.

As she looked for a good spot to continue watching the rear entrance, she noticed a second woman enter.
This time she saw everything that happened inside, and figured out what the reception desk was for.

(Now I get it, so that’s what this is.)

The woman who entered held up something for the receptionist to see, and then said something too.
They were too far for Mira to hear anything, but Wooftson’s nose was not the only sensitive organ he had, his ears could also pick up what the woman and the receptionist spoke about.

According to him, the woman had said, “I’m coming from Primplumpy.”
That name rang a bell. Or rather, Mira had seen that name not too long ago as she walked through the city streets, it was the name of one of the brothels.

She specifically recalled that they specialized in well endowed women, which also matched the woman she had just seen go in.
The rear entrance was for escorts with scheduled visits, called to serve clients in the castle.

And then Mira recalled something else. Another event from that day, the pervert gentleman who had called out to her, believing her to be an escort.