Morning rain drizzles over the city. Inside the City Protection Bureau, officers rush through the corridors carrying files and reports.
A Woman, standing near the window of the investigation office, quietly observing the chaos around her.
Mirelle Hart, newly transferred from a another investigation unit. Her long brown hair is tied back neatly, and she wears the same navy tactical investigator uniform as the bureau officers. In her hands is a small notebook where she writes short observations.
A senior officer introduces her briefly to the team: "This is Investigator Mirelle Hart.
She'll be assisting with major cases starting today." Most officers nod and and return to their work.
Later that day, Mirelle enters the evidence room to start her investigation and finds Aren there already.
Leaning over a desk filled with photos of the recent investigation, Aren doesn't notices her at first and tells to himself: "something just doesn't adds up"
Mirelle speaks calmly from behind: "You're focusing on the wrong tineline", Aren turns, slightly surprised to see someone new. She walks closer and points to one of the photograph: "The fire started here...but the witness report says the suspect arrived ten minutes later" Aren studies the photo again for a second.
For the first time since morning, his expression relaxes slightly, reflecting he says to her: "You must be the new investigator" Mirelle nod:"Mirelle Hart", Aren nods and tells his name.
That evening, Mirelle accompanies Aren to court to review testimony. This is where she sees Veydrick first.
The courtroom becomes quite as Veydrick steps forward. His calm voice fills the room as he questions a witness.
Precise. Controlled. Sharp.
Mirelle watches carefully.
But what she notices isn't Veydrick's skill.
It's Aren's reaction.
While others watch the trial, Aren's attention remains fixed on Veydrick. Not with anger, not with respect only...something complicated, as if he's trying to understand him.
Outside the courthouse, the air is cool.
Aren and Veydrick cross paths again near the entrance.
Their conversation is short.
Aren says bluntly:
"You knew that witness was hiding something."
Veydrick replies calmly:
"Of course."
Aren frowns.
"Then why didn't you push harder?"
Veydrick looks at him for a moment.
"Because the truth appears faster when people believe they've escaped it."
Then he walks away.
Mirelle watches the exchange silently.
Something about it feels unusual.
They argue like rivals…
Yet there's an unspoken understanding between them.
Later that night.Aren sits alone at his desk reviewing case files.But instead of reading the documents, he pauses.
His thoughts drift back to the courtroom.
To something Veydrick said.
He mutters quietly to himself:
"What exactly are you trying to do…?"
Meanwhile, across the city, Veydrick stands near his office window overlooking the dark skyline.
His reflection in the glass is calm as always.
But his mind briefly returns to the courthouse entrance.
To Aren's stubborn expression.
A faint smile appears for just a second.
Almost… fond.
Then it disappears.
Back at the investigation office, Mirelle writes in her notebook.
A short note:
Aren Valric — instinctive, impatient.
Veydrick Kaelthorn — calculated, distant.
She pauses.
Then writes another line.
When they speak… something changes.
She closes the notebook slowly.
And quietly wonders:
"What kind of connection is that…?"