Patricia wasn't thrilled that Paul joined, but she accepted it, knowing she had no other option. "At least Parker won't join us. I can manage Paul. He's only eight years old. Deceiving him and Paige won't be a problem," she thought.

"Alright, let's go together," Patricia agreed.

Patrick, although seemingly disinterested in his sister's plans, was keen to ensure she didn't stray too far from the house.

"Are you planning to visit the abandoned castle?" he asked.

Patricia squeezed her hands tightly while maintaining her smile.

"Well, I'm not entirely sure. We'll start by heading to the forest, and if we don't find what we need, we might consider the abandoned castle," she replied.

Patrick's concern was evident as he spoke. "If you encounter anything, call out my name. I'll come right away."

Patricia furrowed her eyebrows slightly. "I'm not a child, you know. I can handle myself."

Patrick's tone was serious. "I'm not just referring to animals. Humans can be more dangerous. I think you're already aware of that."

Despite her experience in town, Patricia remained convinced that there were both good and bad people everywhere. She wanted to argue further, but she refrained from raising any suspicions for the time being.

"Don't worry, I'll call you if I see anyone," she assured her brother.

"Good! I hope you have a pleasant day," Patrick replied before leaving the house for his nightly patrol around the perimeter, ensuring no beasts were lurking nearby.

Despite her efforts to deceive her brother, Patricia found herself unable to sleep that night. It was her first time lying to him, and the weight of her deception weighed heavily on her mind. However, she was determined to rectify her mistake and resolve the situation on her own.

"Thank goodness he didn't suspect anything. Tomorrow, I'll resolve this as quickly as possible and return home before his return,"

In the morning, Patrick accompanied Peter and Parker to chop firewood, sticking to their usual routine. Meanwhile, Patricia prepared herself to meet the inspector.

"Should I wear pants? No... I'll wear my dress," she deliberated, considering her attire. "I'm not hunting a beast. I'll only need to confront the inspector, not demonstrate my full strength."

She concealed her sword and called out to her siblings, Paige and Paul.

"Paige, Paul, are you ready? It's time to go," she announced.

Excited, the two children quickly joined her.

"We're ready!" they exclaimed eagerly.

Paige and Paul were thrilled to spend time with Patricia. Unlike Patrick, who often discouraged play, Patricia was always gentle with them, encouraging their enjoyment.

"Patricia! Look at those beautiful flowers! Can I pick some?" Paige asked eagerly.

"Of course, dear. You can pick as many as you'd like," Patricia replied warmly.

As Patricia pondered how to slip away from her siblings and reach the meeting place, she acknowledged the risk but remained determined to proceed.

"The inspector must be waiting for me. I have to go there alone, but I can't leave those two alone in the forest," she thought.

Suddenly, an idea struck her.

She quickened her pace, then deliberately tripped and fell on the rocky ground. As she landed, her leg was injured, and blood began to trickle from the wound.

Paul's concern was evident as he rushed to check on Patricia's condition.

"PATRICIA! ARE YOU OKAY?" he exclaimed.

"I hurt my leg, but don't worry, it's not that serious," Patricia assured him, feigning regret.

"But you're bleeding! We need to go back home and treat the wound," Paul insisted, his worry palpable.

"I'm sorry, guys. I've ruined your day," Patricia apologized, playing her part convincingly.

With Paul's help, she managed to stand up, successfully guiding her siblings back to the house.

"Paul, I'm going to look for a plant that can heal my wound quickly," Patricia announced, setting her plan into motion.

"I'll come with you. You can barely walk with that leg,"

Patricia appreciated Paul's concern, unaware that her injury had already healed.

"No, you must stay here and keep an eye on the house. I know exactly where to find the plant, and I won't be late. Can I depend on you?" she asked.

"Alright..." Paul agreed reluctantly.

Patricia began walking slowly, feigning discomfort from her injury, until she was far enough from her house. Then, she broke into a run, heading as fast as she could toward the castle.

As she navigated through the dense forest, the trees grew taller and the underbrush thicker. Finally, she arrived at the castle, its walls looming before her, dark and foreboding.

Patricia ventured inside the castle, feeling a sense of unease as she stepped into the dimly lit interior. The air was musty, and cobwebs clung to the walls and ceiling. She cautiously explored the main chamber, scanning for any sign of the Inspector.

"Where is he? Did he leave already?" she wondered, her heart pounding with apprehension.

Suddenly, she heard footsteps echoing down a nearby hallway. Her pulse quickened as she called out tentatively, "Inspector Derrick?"

In response, the inspector emerged from the shadows, his gaze cold and calculating. Patricia felt a wave of confusion wash over her, but his sudden smile eased her tension as he approached.

"Good morning, lady. I thought you wouldn't come," he remarked.

"I'm sorry, I had to take care of my siblings," Patricia replied.

"Did you come alone?" he inquired.

"Yes," she confirmed.

"Meeting a man alone in such an abandoned place. How bold of you," he remarked with a hint of amusement.

"Well, I trust that you are a good man," Patricia said, trying to maintain her composure.

Derrick's expression stiffened momentarily before he turned his gaze to a broken window. "I hope you are ready for the duel," he said, his tone serious.

Patricia's confidence shone through as she drew her sword, her eyes gleaming with determination. "Of course, I am. I hope you keep your word and never bother us again," she stated firmly.

With a smirk Derrick answered "I see that you are confident. I like that... Show me what you have, my pretty lady,"