As the two sisters savored their treats, Patricia seized the moment to inquire about the reason for their invitation.
"Derrick, is there something you wish to discuss?" she asked.
Derrick responded, "I simply wanted to ensure you're doing well. After your encounter with the basilisk, you sustained an injury, and I didn't have the opportunity to check on you."
"Oh, I'm perfectly fine, thank you for your concern," Patricia replied, though she couldn't help but wonder if there was more to his inquiry.
After indulging in their delicious cakes, Derrick extended an invitation to Patricia and her sister for a tour around the town.
"Do you have time for that?" Patricia inquired. "I don't want to impose on your schedule."
Derrick gently held Paige's hand as he replied with a warm smile, "Don't worry about me. I've already taken the day off. It's been quite some time since I've had the chance to stroll around. Would you mind if I joined you?"
Paige expressed her happiness that Derrick would accompany them: "I don't mind at all! I like you, mister."
"Excellent," Derrick replied with a smile. "Let's go."
He summoned a carriage and gestured for them to enter, prompting Patricia to ask, "Where are you taking us?"
"To the finest spot in town," Derrick replied. "And your brother can join us if he wishes."
Patricia was surprised. "My brother?"
Derrick nodded knowingly. "Yes, I've noticed he's been following us since we left the office."
Patricia felt embarrassed for almost forgetting about her brother: "I... I'm sorry. He... he is concerned about us."
Derrick reassured her: "Please, don't be. I've noticed how much he cares about you."
Grateful for his understanding, Patricia called out to her brother: "Patrick, come here."
Patrick approached them reluctantly, wondering why his sister had summoned him: "What's wrong? Why did she call me?"
He gave Derrick a cold glare before turning his attention to his sister, asking, "What's wrong?"
Patricia smiled, trying to ease the tension: "The inspector is taking us for a stroll around the city, and I want you to accompany us."
Initially hesitant, Patrick considered declining, but seeing his sisters getting into the carriage, he relented: "Alright..."
As they embarked on the carriage ride, Patrick couldn't shake off the feeling that accompanying them might offer insights into Derrick's intentions, " Maybe this is my chance to know what this bastard is thinking about."
He hoisted his little sister into his arms and boarded the carriage. As they journeyed, an uneasy silence settled among them. Derrick, though outwardly composed, couldn't shake his wariness. Sitting beside a wizard was far from ordinary.
"Wizards pose the greatest threat to our kingdom," he mused inwardly. "Their presence only brings suffering and ruin. I must find a way to rid ourselves of him before his identity is exposed. It's only a matter of time."
Unexpectedly, Patrick broke the silence, his voice cutting through the tension, "Don't you have anything to tell me?"
Derrick smiled thinly, masking his irritation. "I trust you're not foolish enough to jeopardize your family's safety."
Patrick's glare softened into a smirk. "Seems you're more concerned about my family than me. I wonder why?"
Attempting to defuse the tension, Patricia intervened, "Let's not argue, Patrick. The inspector just wants to ensure our well-being."
After a few minutes, the carriage came to a halt. "We're here," announced Derrick.
As soon as Patricia stepped out of the carriage, she was struck by the sight before her.
"What is this place?" she asked, her eyes wide with wonder.
Derrick replied, "This is the high society district."
As they arrived, Patricia was amazed by the grandeur and beauty of the buildings that surrounded her. She could hardly believe that people could live in such magnificent homes, with their ornate gardens and luxurious furnishings.
Everything was awe-inspiring—the grand architecture and opulent mansions.
Patricia gazed around at the streets lined with grand mansions, many of which had been passed down through generations of wealthy families. These buildings were often crafted by renowned architects and adorned with decorative elements such as intricate iron gates, marble columns, and ornate gardens.
"Who lives here?" Patricia asked, marveling at the grandeur.
"These areas are typically inhabited by the wealthiest members of society, often aristocrats and members of the royal court," Derrick explained.
As he observed Patricia's mesmerized expression, the inspector couldn't help but feel a pang of envy. Despite his immense wealth and status as one of the wealthiest men in the city, he had rarely ventured into this exclusive world. His busy schedule and dedication to his work had always taken precedence over social engagements. However, witnessing Patricia's awe made him reconsider his priorities and appreciate the luxury and privilege he possessed.
Patrick's discomfort was palpable as he clutched his sister's hand tightly. He despised the opulence surrounding them and the wealthy elite who inhabited it.
"Come on, Patricia, let's go home," he urged, his disdain evident in his voice.
But Derrick remained determined to explore more the surroundings. "That's not true," he countered. "In addition to the impressive buildings, there are highly exclusive clubs, elegant theaters, and upscale shops."
"We've had enough of this place," Patrick insisted, his frustration clear, "Such places are not for poor people. Those who live here enjoy the privileges of wealth and social status, while average people are not welcome. Can't you see the disdain in their looks at our shabby clothes?" he argued.
As the two men argued, something captured Patricia's attention. She approached a grand dress shop's window with measured steps until she stood directly in front of it.
"What a dress!" she exclaimed, marveling at the sight before her. It was the most stunning dress she had ever seen. Crafted from the finest silk, it boasted intricate beading and delicate lace detailing. The color was a deep shade of blue, reminiscent of the sky on a clear summer day.
Derrick quickly caught on to Patricia's thoughts. "Do you want to try it on?" he offered.
Patricia was taken aback by the suggestion. "Me? No, I... I was just admiring it," she stammered. "There's no way I could try on such an expensive dress."
Derrick opened the door to the shop, gesturing for her to enter. "There is no dress worthy of your beauty," he said with a smile.
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