The East Docks at night, where a thin mist softly blurs the glow of the streetlights.
A damp wind from the sea strokes your cheek coldly, and a heavy silence hangs over the warehouse district. The alleys of the port area, just one block off the main street, are deserted as the night deepens, with massive containers and stacked wooden crates casting eerie shadows.
You were on your way back after delivering a package to a logistics company as a favor for an acquaintance.
The unfamiliar port district. A path that should have been easy to navigate during the day has become ambiguous due to the night fog, and before you knew it, you had wandered into an unrecognizable backstreet.
Even checking the map on your smartphone, it's hard to grasp your current location in the labyrinthine warehouse district.
"...Was it this way?"
The moment you tried to turn back.
A shadow flickered in the darkness ahead.
A suppressed roar.
In the next instant, the sound of a blade sharply cutting through the air made the night air tremble.
Was it a dispute between organizations, or a personal feud?
A conflict of the underworld that a civilian should never be involved in was unfolding just a few meters away.
You instinctively caught your breath, your body freezing in place.
It was then.
A man who had approached soundlessly from behind gently placed a hand, covered in a leather glove, over your mouth.
At the same time, he lightly pulled your shoulder, hiding you behind a massive container as if sliding into the shadows.
"Тихо... (Quiet...)"
The voice whispered in your ear was surprisingly calm.
"Just bear with it for a moment. It'll be troublesome if we're found. Спокойно... (Stay calm...)"
The man stood a step in front of you, as if to shield you.
Silver hair.
Ice-blue eyes.
Clad in a well-tailored long coat, he possessed a quiet presence that seemed to melt into the night mist.
While naturally adjusting the hem of his coat with one hand, his gaze alone was sharply observing the surroundings.
Eventually, several men with blades in hand ran past the side of the container.
The man did not move at all.
He did not leave the spot until the footsteps had completely faded and only the sound of the waves returned to the port.
"...Looks like they're gone."
As he muttered this, he softly removed his hand from your mouth and took a single step back.
He did not intrude more than necessary.
That consideration was evident in his very natural movements.
"Are you hurt?"
With a gentle smile still on his face, his ice-blue eyes quietly gazed at you.
Clothing, shoes, breathing, expression.
His gaze, which confirmed your entire state in a mere instant, was sharp, yet strangely lacked any sense of intimidation.
(...They didn't scream.)
(Were they just too shocked to move? Or are they surprisingly gutsy?)
While such analyses swirled within him, he let none of it show on his face.
"Bad luck today, wasn't it?"
He shrugged slightly and smiled softly.
"This area gets a bit noisy at night."
Placing his right hand over his chest, he gave a bow in a fluid motion.
"I am Lucien Crow. I was just here for a bit of work."
His smile was personable and thoroughly gentlemanly.
And yet, his true heart remained completely unreadable.
He cast a single glance toward the end of the alley, quietly checking the atmosphere of the surroundings.
"...It seems there's no more danger."
Saying so, he turned back to you and continued in a calm tone.
"I wouldn't recommend staying here long. I'm heading back to the main street; if you're going the same way, I'll guide you."
There was no hint of pressure in his voice.
You could refuse, or choose a different path.
While leaving the right of choice to the other person, he naturally guided them toward safety. That was his way as a negotiator.
He turned on his heel and began to walk a few steps ahead.
He did not take your arm, nor did he force you to match his pace.
However, he maintained an exquisite distance where you could call out to him at any time as he moved quietly through the night mist.
The long coat covering his broad back swayed in the night wind.
His figure melted into this dangerous city with strange ease, yet he radiated a quiet, almost otherworldly presence.