Category: I Became a White-Haired Loli

Chapter 6: Two Little Fan Girls?

“…Whose funeral?” Bai asked, barely suppressing the urge to blurt out, “His Majesty’s?”

“Well… it’s complicated,” Lilia said, a thoughtful expression on her face, then chuckled. “I’m not sure if I could call him a friend. I never really had a chance to speak with him. If I had, perhaps we would have been friends, just like you and me, Little Sister Bai.”

“I think anyone would welcome the friendship of a princess,” Bai said seriously, “especially one as noble and beautiful as Your Highness.”

Lilia giggled, the sound like tinkling bells.

Her laughter seemed almost uncontrolled, her emotions bubbling to the surface. After a moment, she regained her composure.

“Bai, you sound just like those stuffy knights. ‘Beautiful’ and ‘noble’ seem to be the only adjectives they know.”

Bai: “…”

I am one of those stuffy knights. Or at least, I was.

“But you’re right, Little Sister Bai. Being an Imperial Princess does have its advantages, especially when it comes to making friends,” Lilia sighed, resting her chin on her hand. “But he might be an exception. He was almost a Legendary Knight. Everyone said he was the Empire’s future.”

“So, even I wasn’t sure if he would even notice me.”

“Your Highness, you shouldn’t underestimate yourself,” Erlya interjected, then paused, as if realizing something. “Wait, Your Highness, are you talking about…?”

“Yes, Commander Xu Bai of the Sharp Assault squad. The deceased,” Lilia said softly.

“Pfft—” Bai, who had been sipping her tea, almost choked.

“Surprised?” Lilia raised an eyebrow. “Have you heard of him, Little Sister Bai?”

“…I’ve heard some things,” Bai said, picking up her teacup again, trying to appear nonchalant.

Heard some things? She was him.

“If it’s Commander Xu, I understand, Your Highness,” Erlya said, her voice serious.

Bai’s hand trembled slightly, spilling some tea.

Not you too.

“Was he… that impressive?” Bai asked, taking a small sip of tea.

It had gone cold; it wasn’t very good.

“Impressive?” Erlya scoffed, giving Bai a dismissive look, then her tone shifted to one of reverence. “Impressive doesn’t even begin to describe Commander Xu. He was the most talented knight in the Empire’s history!”

“There won’t be another like him for centuries!”

Bai blinked, her voice slightly unsteady. “Surely… it wasn’t that… extreme?”

Hearing such exaggerated praise about herself was incredibly awkward…

“Hmph, of course you’d think that. Commander Xu’s existence was classified. Besides us, the knights who served with him, only the Imperial family and the Legendary Knights knew about him,” Erlya said smugly, then her expression turned somber. “It’s a shame he only gained recognition after his death…”

“But even in death, he accomplished what no other human could!”

“Commander Xu is the only knight I truly admire. If I ever marry, it will be to someone like him!”

Bai’s face flushed crimson.

Please stop, please stop. I want to disappear.

And besides, even if Erlya wanted to marry him, she couldn’t. Her idol was now a little girl… standing right before her, initially regarded with suspicion, now with disdain.

Of course, Bai kept these thoughts to herself.

For some reason, Lilia seemed pleased by Erlya’s praise.

“If he was truly that impressive, I’d like to meet this Commander Xu,” Bai said, putting down her teacup.

She had never considered herself special. They were all fighting against demons; she had simply killed more of them, perhaps.

Lilia’s eyes lit up. “If you’re interested in Commander Xu, Little Sister Bai, why not join us at his funeral? To pay your respects?”

“And you’re already wearing such a formal mourning dress. No need to change.”

Bai almost jumped out of her skin, her composure cracking.

Attend… her own funeral?

The idea was absurd. And the thought of the Imperial priests singing her praises, even more exaggerated than Erlya’s, made her incredibly uncomfortable.

Wait, why was there a funeral for her in the capital?

She had been too focused on Erlya’s rambling to pay attention to what Lilia had said earlier.

“If I remember correctly, Xu Bai—” Bai always felt awkward saying her own name. “—passed away over a year ago, right?”

“That’s why Her Highness called it a belated funeral,” Erlya sighed. “Commander Xu’s name has been cleared. The achievements stolen by Glaimond have been revealed, but his body couldn’t be recovered. So, they’re using his squad’s medal and his armor for the burial.”

“The other members of the Sharp Assault squad were returned to their hometowns for burial, but Commander Xu’s birthplace is unknown. So, His Majesty granted him a burial in the ‘Heroes’ Rest.’”

Heroes’ Rest was a burial ground reserved for Legendary Knights who had made significant contributions to the Empire.

Lugner would have been eligible, but he had refused.

“Well, I still…” Bai started to refuse, then hesitated.

“Still what?” Lilia asked curiously.

“I’ll attend. I’m… interested in this Commander Xu you speak of,” Bai said, her gaze flickering.

“You’ll admire him, I’m sure of it,” Erlya said, her demeanor shifting again, almost like… a little fan girl?

Bai sighed. She had never paid much attention to such things before, always indifferent to everything around her.

Perhaps that’s why she wanted to attend this strange funeral, to understand what she had missed.

“I hope so,” she murmured.

The carriage continued its smooth, silent journey, approaching the towering walls of the capital.

Chapter 5: A Belated Funeral

“…My name is Bai,” she replied, then, sensing a potential problem, quickly added, “Just Bai.”

“Alright, Little Sister Bai. It’s a beautiful name,” Lilia said, a gentle smile playing on her lips. Then her tone turned slightly more serious. “So, Little Sister Bai, can you tell me… where did you get that dress?”

Her gaze seemed genuinely curious, as if simply inquiring about the dress’s origins.

Bai hesitated, then shook her head. “I can’t say. But Your Highness could probably find out if you wanted to.”

“If Little Sister Bai doesn’t want to say, then I won’t pry,” Lilia said with a smile. But something about her gaze seemed… off.

It was as if she was looking at Bai, yet not quite focused on her.

Her eyes seemed unfocused, staring straight ahead, but she could clearly see; she wasn’t blind.

“Little Sister Bai?” Lilia called out softly, adjusting her gaze slightly, finally focusing on Bai.

Bai could now clearly see the unfocused, almost vacant look in her eyes.

As if sensing Bai’s confusion, Lilia chuckled. “My apologies. I have a… condition with my eyes. I can’t see clearly… but I can tell you’re very pretty, Little Sister Bai!”

Bai frowned slightly. She had never heard of Princess Lilia having any eye problems, and she hadn’t seemed so frail during their previous encounter.

“Bai, was it? …You’d best not pry into Her Highness’s affairs,” Erlya said, her scarred face even more menacing as she narrowed her eyes. “If I find out you intend to harm Her Highness…”

Bai glanced at Erlya, wondering why she was so paranoid, then, ignoring her, addressed Lilia. “Thank you for the compliment, Your Highness.”

Her usual serious tone, combined with her childish voice, sounded slightly comical.

Lilia giggled, her eyes twinkling as she looked at Erlya. “Erlra, see? Such a cute little girl…”

Erlra remained unconvinced. She didn’t find Bai cute at all. On the contrary, she sensed a chilling aura around the girl, a subtle menace.

But such a small child, even if she had been killing since birth, shouldn’t possess such an intense aura.

Unless…

A demon?

But she didn’t look like one. Her aura was unusual, but still essentially human.

“Erlra, you’re so boring. Not nearly as fun as Little Sister Bai,” Lilia pouted, turning away slightly.

Bai looked at Erlya, sighing. “I’m just passing through. I mean no harm to Her Highness.”

Being constantly scrutinized by this paranoid woman was uncomfortable. Her attempt at reassurance seemed to have no effect.

Erlra simply sneered, offering no response.

As far as she was concerned, anyone who approached the Princess through unusual means, even by coincidence, was suspicious.

And if it weren’t for her… the Princess wouldn’t be in her current state.

Lilia, seeing Erlya’s hand trembling slightly on her axe, knew she was remembering that incident. She sighed. “Little Sister Bai, please sit across from me. Erlra, come here—are you satisfied now?”

“Your Highness…” Erlya looked flustered, sensing Lilia’s growing impatience.

Bai nodded and quickly sat down.

“Remember, Erlya, you are my maid. You will obey me,” Lilia’s voice hardened slightly.

“Yes, Your Highness,” Erlya said, her expression darkening as she moved behind Lilia, carefully placing her axe against the wall, away from the princess.

Bai, suddenly self-conscious about her elaborate dress, wondered if Lilia had any more… ordinary clothes.

Even a simple dress would be better than this conspicuous gown.

“By the way, Your Highness—” Bai started, but Lilia interrupted her.

“Just call me Lilia,” she said, her eyes smiling. “Or Miss Lilia? We’re friends now, Little Sister Bai. ‘Your Highness’ sounds too formal.”

Friends…?

Something flickered in Bai’s eyes.

This was the first time she had made a friend outside the battlefield, and a princess, no less.

“Alright, Miss Lilia,” Bai nodded. “If you don’t mind me asking, do you have any… more ordinary clothes? This dress is too conspicuous. I’d like to change.”

“Ordinary clothes? I don’t have anything that could be considered ordinary, and they would be far too big for you…” Lilia tapped her chin thoughtfully. “If you don’t mind, Little Sister Bai, we could go to the palace. I might have some smaller, more ordinary clothes there.”

“If it involves going to the palace, then I’ll pass,” Bai said, sighing. She didn’t want to go to the palace.

That would only cause more trouble.

It didn’t matter for now. Once they were inside the city, she could buy some new clothes. Lin Yan had given her enough money.

With the princess’s carriage, even if something happened, she would still be able to enter the city.

“But Little Sister Bai, why are you wearing such a dress?” Lilia asked, studying Bai intently. “If I’m not mistaken, although it’s an old style, from at least a century ago, that dress is meant for… funerals?”

“And it’s exquisitely made. I can sense the deep mourning woven into its very fabric.”

Bai was slightly surprised that Lilia recognized the dress.

She herself didn’t know its significance; she had simply worn what Lin Yan had given her.

“I attended a funeral earlier, so I’m still wearing this,” she said softly. It wasn’t a lie; Commander Lugner had been a respected elder to her.

“Oh, I see… my apologies. I shouldn’t have pried,” Lilia said with a regretful smile, then looked out the window, a hint of sadness in her eyes, murmuring,

“I’m also going to a funeral.”

“A… belated funeral.”

Chapter 4: Little Sister, Want Some Candy?

Before Sugg could finish his sentimental lament, Erlya glared at him.

“Did you hear the Princess? Get lost!”

Sugg’s words caught in his throat. Seeing Erlya’s impatience, he stammered,

“Right, right, we’re going, we’re going…”

Under her murderous gaze, he and his men scurried away.

But as he left, he glanced back at Bai, noticing her expression had returned to its initial calmness.

Her dark eyes seemed to hold a hidden depth, a hint of something unsettling.

“That little girl… there’s something strange about her…”

After Sugg and his men left, the old coachman, recognizing Princess Lilia’s carriage, attempted to kneel, his old legs struggling.

“There’s no need for that, old man. Please rise,” Princess Lilia’s gentle voice came from within the carriage.

At the same time, Erlya, with a swift movement of her axe, prevented him from kneeling, offering a rather… forceful form of assistance.

“Y-yes, Your Highness…” The old coachman, facing the renowned Princess Lilia, was flustered.

“It’s safe now, old man. You can go,” Princess Lilia said, then added, “Erlra, give him some money, to compensate for what those men took.”

Erlra rummaged through her pockets, pulling out a handful of gold coins and tossing them into the coachman’s carriage.

“Here. This is for you.”

“Th-this is too much, Miss Maid…” the coachman stammered, his hands trembling as he looked at the pile of gold. He had never seen so much money, especially not his own.

Erlra’s eyes lit up. “You think I’m a maid too?”

“Yes…” The coachman, unsure what to say, simply nodded.

“Alright, here’s some more.” Erlra grinned, adding another handful of coins to the pile, then waved him away. “Go on, go on. Don’t worry about the little miss. We’ll take care of her.”

The old coachman hesitated, then, clutching the coins, looked at Bai apologetically.

“Little miss…”

“Don’t worry about me,” Bai said, her expression softening slightly as she met his gaze.

He was just an ordinary man, yet he had stood up for her when she seemed to be in danger. That was enough.

The coachman bowed deeply to the carriage, then turned and left.

However…

With everyone else gone, Erlya and Lilia turned their attention to Bai.

“Bai, a commoner of Coronna City, greets Your Highness,” Bai curtsied, the gesture slightly awkward.

“A commoner?” Erlya gripped her axe, her gaze fixed on Bai, scrutinizing her. “You claim to be a commoner?”

“Yes,” Bai replied calmly.

She had considered creating a false identity to enter the capital, but she couldn’t devise a perfect disguise.

It was better to be upfront about her deception, to claim to be a commoner.

It was a more effective disguise than an imperfect one.

“I don’t believe you’re a commoner…” Erlya’s instincts screamed danger. This little girl wasn’t as harmless as she seemed.

She had acted impulsively earlier, saving Bai without thinking.

But now, she had a feeling that even if she hadn’t intervened, Bai would have been fine.

What ordinary little girl would remain so calm after such an encounter?

As the tension escalated, Princess Lilia’s voice cut through the air.

“Erlra, relax.”

She turned slightly, looking at Bai from behind the veil, a smile in her voice.

“Such a cute little girl… let’s assume she’s a commoner. Offer her some sweets.”

“Thank you, but I’m fine, Your Highness,” Bai said, withdrawing the hand that had been reaching for her dagger.

Erlra also lowered her axe slightly, her gaze fixed on Bai’s hand until it relaxed, her suspicion lingering.

Bai hadn’t expected to completely conceal her true nature. She only needed to hide what she wanted to hide.

“What a well-behaved little girl, like a tiny adult,” Princess Lilia chuckled, then turned to Erlya. “Bring her inside. We can’t just leave her out here.”

“…Yes, Your Highness.” Erlra glared at Bai, then, shouldering her axe, walked towards the carriage.

Bai followed.

…

Inside the carriage, even Bai, who had seen much in her life, couldn’t help but gasp, her eyes wide with wonder.

The interior seemed much larger than it appeared from the outside, as if enhanced by some sort of enchantment.

The walls were adorned with intricate devices, some purely decorative, others emitting faint energy fluctuations, regulating the environment within.

Luxury items, prized by nobles, were scattered around casually, like trinkets.

Yet, despite the opulence, the carriage, like its owner, exuded an air of elegance and refinement.

Seeing Bai’s stunned expression, Lilia chuckled softly.

She sat at a small table in the center of the carriage, reclining on a chair adorned with unknown vines.

Although she looked frail and delicate, her every movement, her every smile, was captivatingly beautiful.

This wasn’t the first time Bai had seen Princess Lilia, the “Pearl of the Empire,” but she hadn’t paid much attention before, knowing only that she was renowned for her beauty.

Now, however, she saw a different side of the princess.

Her kindness and composure, her effortless grace, explained her popularity among the people.

“If you harm Her Highness, I swear, I will kill you, no matter the cost!” Erlya declared, her axe held menacingly, her gaze fixed on Bai.

“Erlra, don’t be so dramatic. It’s so boring,” Lilia chided, tapping Erlya’s axe playfully.

She looked at Bai, her eyes twinkling. “Such a pretty little girl. You can’t be a bad person… what’s your name, little sister?”

Chapter 3: Her Highness Princess Lilia

The Boss drew his broadsword, the blade glinting menacingly in the sunlight. “Looks like I need to leave a mark on that pretty little face of yours to make you understand I’m not joking…”

“Oh dear, little miss…” The old coachman, worried, tried to intervene, but was shoved aside by one of the mercenaries. “Get lost, old man!”

As the broadsword approached Bai’s face, her expression remained unchanged, her hand tightening on the dagger hidden behind her back.

But then, as if sensing something, she released her grip on the dagger.

She lowered her head slightly, rubbing her eyes, her voice trembling with feigned tears.

“No… please don’t kill me…”

The sudden outburst surprised even the Boss.

What was going on?

One moment she was defiant, the next she was crying?

And crying so loudly too. Anyone would think he was actually going to… well, he was, but still.

However, a few tears weren’t enough to sway him.

He raised his broadsword again, bringing it down towards Bai’s face.

“Cry all you want. It won’t get you anywhere. And it won’t get you any money!”

The blade flashed, and the old coachman, unable to bear the sight, closed his eyes.

That blow would surely…

But instead of a scream, he heard the clang of metal.

Clang!

Followed by the sound of a blade hitting the ground. He opened his eyes, trembling, to see the Boss pale and trembling, his fallen sword lying forgotten at his feet.

“You… you’re…” The Boss stumbled back, tripping over a rock and falling to the ground. “You’re…”

Who could frighten this hardened mercenary leader so thoroughly?

The coachman turned to see a tall figure standing before the little girl, a massive axe resting on her shoulder.

Her face was a horrifying sight, covered in scars, one side a grotesque purplish-black, as if corroded by acid.

And she was wearing… a maid uniform?

Wait, that unique face, and the unusual choice of weapon…

The coachman’s eyes widened, a long-circulating rumor flashing through his mind.

“Tsk.” The axe-wielding maid spat at the Boss, her gaze filled with disdain. “Sugg, I haven’t seen you in two years, and you’ve resorted to robbing little girls?”

“B-Boss…” Sugg, the once arrogant mercenary leader, was too terrified to stand.

None of his men dared help him up, not even the skinny one, all of them keeping their heads down, avoiding the woman’s gaze.

Bai watched silently. She had sensed a powerful aura approaching just moments before.

So, she had held back, playing along.

She preferred to avoid revealing herself unless absolutely necessary.

“Don’t call me Boss. You’re not worthy,” the maid said coldly, turning her face slightly. “And I haven’t been a Boss for a long time.”

“…” Sugg finally noticed her attire, his expression shifting from surprise to horror. “Boss, you really… became a maid?”

His voice was filled with disbelief.

She had been one of the most formidable mercenaries, even receiving offers from several Knight units, promises of high rank and wealth, all of which she had refused.

She despised being restrained, being under anyone’s command.

But now, a maid?

There had been rumors when she disappeared, but most who knew her had dismissed them as jokes.

But the reality before him… was unbelievable.

“Hmm?” The maid’s expression darkened, and she slammed her axe into the ground.

“What? I can’t be a maid?”

“I just can’t cook, clean, wash dishes, wipe tables, walk dogs… that’s all! Why can’t I be a maid?!”

“Tell me! Why can’t I be a maid?!”

Her fierce gaze swept over the mercenaries, each of them shrinking back, her fearsome reputation still intact.

“Erlra, come back,” a gentle, melodious, yet slightly weak voice called out.

A carriage, far more luxurious than the one Bai and Lin Yan had used, pulled up beside them, its windows veiled in light blue gauze, the figure within barely visible.

“Th-this is…” Sugg’s eyes widened again, as if witnessing something impossible.

“That’s Princess Lilia’s carriage!”

“Which means… that’s Princess Lilia inside?”

“Wait, is Boss now the Princess’s maid?”

“Impossible! She always hated the Imperial nobility…”

But he had seen enough unbelievable things today to accept even this.

“Yes, Your Highness,” the axe-wielding maid, Erlya, replied respectfully, her voice low.

Seeing Erlya’s subservient demeanor, Sugg felt a chill run down his spine.

He had seen a side of Boss no one else had. Would she silence him…?

This robbery had been a terrible mistake.

“Gentlemen, you were once valuable assets to the Empire,” the voice from the carriage said, now addressing Sugg and his men, its gentle tone soothing.

“However, highway robbery is a crime, punishable by law.”

“But the Empire shares some responsibility for your current predicament.”

“So, this once, we will overlook your transgression. But I expect you to abandon this… unsavory profession.”

As Princess Lilia’s voice faded, Sugg’s expression softened.

He sighed, shaking his head. “Unsavory profession? But what else can we do…?”

The end of the war with the demons had brought prosperity to the Empire.

But it had also left many mercenaries, who had relied on the war for income, without a livelihood.

Volume 2

Chapter 2: Smooth…

“A woman? Where?” The mercenary leader, called “Boss,” looked around. The area was deserted woodland; there were no women in sight.

Behind him, a skinny mercenary with a pointed chin sniffed the air, his gaze settling on the carriage. “In… there!”

“And she smells expensive, real high-class… definitely loaded!”

“Loaded?” Boss looked at the dilapidated carriage skeptically. “Would someone rich travel in that rattletrap?”

It wasn’t that he hadn’t considered checking the carriage earlier, but such carriages were usually used by the poor. Robbing them wouldn’t yield much.

Most travelers on this road knew the unspoken rules and factored in a “toll” for the highwaymen.

Although reduced to banditry, these mercenaries weren’t completely foolish. They understood the concept of sustainable thievery.

Rob only a portion, don’t harm anyone, and the business could continue.

…But these unspoken rules didn’t apply to the truly wealthy.

The rich rarely carried their entire fortune with them.

“Let’s have a look, shall we?” The skinny mercenary sniffed the air again, a look of rapture on his face. “That fragrance… I’m telling you, Boss, trust my nose. It never fails!”

“Disgusting,” a young, melodious voice suddenly said from behind them. A small figure emerged from the carriage.

“Who… who said that?!” The skinny mercenary’s face flushed red, as if deeply offended. “Show yourself!”

But seeing Bai, who looked no older than seven or eight, he burst into laughter.

“Hahahaha… look at this little beauty. Looks like our luck has changed, boys…”

“Little… little miss?” The old coachman looked surprised, even fearful. “Why did you come out…?”

If this beautiful little girl fell into the hands of these men, who hadn’t seen a woman in months… the consequences would be dire!

“Thank you, but I’ll be fine,” Bai nodded reassuringly at the coachman, then looked calmly at the leering mercenary. “I said you are disgusting.”

“Well, well, quite the sharp tongue on you, little lady,” the mercenary sneered. “Looks like Uncle needs to teach you some manners…”

“Monkey, shut up!” the Boss snapped, silencing him. “What’s wrong, Boss?” the skinny mercenary asked, his face falling.

Bai looked at the Boss in surprise. She had been reaching for the dagger hidden at her waist, but she hadn’t expected him to intervene.

She had been ready to act when they robbed the coachman, but she hadn’t expected them to detect… a woman’s presence.

Well, she wasn’t exactly a woman now. A little girl, at most.

“Little miss, I presume… your family is quite wealthy?” the Boss asked, a cold smile on his face. “Would you consider… donating to us poor fellows? Just a small contribution?”

Although the transformation rune had masked her striking beauty, Bai was still undeniably pretty.

And her black dress clearly indicated wealth and status.

If not a noble, then at least the daughter of a wealthy family.

“Boss, let’s just…” the skinny mercenary started, but the Boss silenced him with a glare. “You’d lay your hands on a child like that?”

“That’s the best part…” the skinny mercenary muttered, glaring at Bai.

“Don’t worry. Have your family send someone to retrieve you, offer a suitable reward, and we won’t harm you,” the Boss said, then added, “We won’t touch you either.”

“As for this old man, he’s free to go.”

The Boss waved his hand, and the mercenaries cleared the road.

But the old coachman hesitated, looking at the men surrounding Bai. He stood his ground.

However, he couldn’t bring himself to intervene directly. He was just an ordinary man.

Facing these desperate mercenaries, simply standing his ground was already a display of courage.

Bai was slightly surprised. She hadn’t expected such… professional ethics from highwaymen.

“Unfortunately, I don’t have any family,” she said softly, shaking her head. “And why don’t you find honest work? You’re young and able-bodied.”

“Little girl, don’t play coy with us,” the Boss’s voice hardened. “You’re old enough to understand. As a woman… girl… whatever, a female, you should know there are things worse than death.”

“We’re just trying to make a living. Write a letter to your family and have them fetch you.”

Bai shook her head again. “You’re right, but I really don’t have any family. And I don’t have any money.”

“Don’t lie to us. You think you can afford a dress like that without money? That dress alone is worth several gold coins!” the Boss snapped, losing his patience. “We’re not unreasonable. A hundred gold coins for your life. That’s a fair price!”

A hundred gold coins was enough to support a commoner family for two or three years. It was… a reasonable demand?

But even if Bai wanted to pay, she didn’t have that much money on hand.

However, the Boss was wrong about one thing. Bai’s dress wasn’t worth just a few gold coins.

It had been custom-made, costing 2,300 gold coins, and it was priceless, irreplaceable.

It had been designed by Lady Leticia, one of the Empire’s nine Legendary Knights.

Only someone with Lin Yan’s connections, and for an occasion as important as Lugner’s funeral, could have obtained a dress from the reclusive Legendary Knight, renowned for her craftsmanship.

“Whether it’s a hundred gold coins or one, I can’t pay,” Bai said, her tone still calm, infuriating the Boss even further.

This little girl was completely clueless!

He finally lost his patience, deciding to teach her a lesson, to show her the harsh realities of the world.

Volume 2

Chapter 1: Dreams of Buried Memories

The familiar scent of smoke mingled with the putrid stench of blood…

Bai slowly opened her eyes, glancing around.

“Where…?”

Scattered around her lay the charred corpses of demons. The distant, rhythmic thud of hooves echoed, a heavy, ominous sound.

A scene etched in memory…

“Commander, Saint Noyes is just ahead,” a familiar yet strangely distant voice echoed.

Before Bai could dwell on the voice, a gruff voice grumbled,

“Bloody hell, did the Garrison give us the wrong map? Why are we running into so many demons…?”

“Rayne, quiet. The Commander’s tired,” a high-pitched, almost effeminate voice chided.

“Oh, shove off, Lockner. I don’t need you to tell me what to do.”

Rayne… Lockner…

Tears welled in Bai’s eyes.

She remembered. This was Lament Valley, the final passage before Saint Noyes.

She looked up, her gaze finding familiar figures.

“Alright, you two, quiet down. Save your bickering for when we’re back in the city,” Victoria snapped, hands on her hips, the image of a seasoned warrior.

Nearby, Qin Su, a three-foot longsword strapped to her back, walked steadily forward, eyes closed, oblivious to the others.

Bai looked down at her own hands, calloused and scarred from years of wielding a sword, not the soft, delicate hands she now possessed.

“Is this a dream…?”

If it was, she would gladly remain here forever.

But then, she looked up, and the dark silhouette of Saint Noyes loomed before them, its gates half-open, a foreboding omen.

And then, Victoria’s voice—

“Commander, we’re back at Saint Noyes… wait, where’s the garrison?”

“Commander! Demons are swarming near the walls!”

“It’s the Nightmare Legion!”

“Where are the Garrison Knights?!”

Bai closed her eyes.

Beyond those gates lay a final farewell.

…

“Little miss? Little miss?”

A worried voice called out, and Bai slowly woke, rubbing her eyes.

“There you are… little miss, you can’t be so careless when traveling alone, especially at such a young age,” the coachman, a kindly old man, said, relieved to see her stir. He continued to fuss, “And your family too. Letting a child like you travel so far…”

“Thank you. I’m fine,” Bai replied politely. “Are we at the capital yet?”

“Almost there, little miss.”

“Wake me when we arrive. Thank you.”

Bai leaned against the carriage window, the dream’s vivid images lingering, both real and unreal.

She knew what had happened next. The Nightmare Legion’s relentless assault, repelled time and time again by her squad, until…

But someone was still missing.

Sister Neily… she hadn’t been in the dream.

If not for Lugner’s insistence that Neily had existed, Bai would have questioned her own memories.

Now, to uncover the truth, to discover her true identity, she had to enter “Vikarn,” the ancient empire’s hidden legacy.

“This is going to be a problem…” Bai muttered, glancing down at her long black dress with a frown.

Although the transformation rune had given her an ordinary appearance, it hadn’t changed her clothes.

And she hadn’t thought to change before leaving Vikarn Port.

The kind coachman had simply assumed she was a wealthy young lady and hadn’t commented on her attire.

But Bai knew such formal dresses weren’t meant for everyday wear… unless one was incredibly clueless.

Which, she admitted, she was.

“This is far too conspicuous…” she sighed. Entering the capital in such a dress would attract unwanted attention.

This was troublesome.

Bai hated trouble.

Suddenly, the sound of approaching hooves echoed from outside, followed by a loud voice.

“Highway… bloody robbery!”

…Speak of trouble, and it arrives.

Bai peeked through the carriage window, seeing several burly figures blocking the road, clad in mismatched armor.

“Are those… professional knights?” Bai narrowed her eyes, her expression hardening.

Their armor was a jumbled mess, no matching sets, different sizes.

But it was real armor.

Only mercenaries, styling themselves “professional knights,” wore such non-standard gear.

But they were near the capital, not some remote wilderness. Why would mercenaries be robbing people here?

The old coachman seemed unfazed. He sighed, pulling out a few silver coins.

“Here you are, sirs. A little something for the road.”

It seemed this wasn’t his first encounter. Bai frowned slightly.

Had the capital’s security deteriorated to this extent?

The leader of the mercenaries took the coins, counting them quickly. “Old man, is this all? This is a pittance. Don’t you know prices in the capital have skyrocketed? This isn’t even enough for a round of drinks…”

“Sir, you know how things are. I can barely make ends meet,” the coachman said, rubbing his eyes, feigning tears.

The mercenary leader frowned, seemingly hesitant.

But then he waved his hand dismissively. “Alright, alright, you old codger. You’re a pathetic sight. Now get out of here.”

He added, “What a waste of time. All day for this?”

The coachman stopped his fake crying, glancing discreetly into the carriage, relieved to see Bai quietly sitting in the corner.

“Good thing these scum didn’t see the little miss. Otherwise…”

But just as he was about to continue, a shrill voice called out.

“Hold on! Boss, I think I smell a woman…”

-Vikarn, Bai, and I

Vikarn, Day 721.

The eighth experiment seems to have been neither a success nor a failure.

I meticulously recorded the experimental procedure in my logbook.

“Sister Neily, are you done yet?” a small, quiet voice asked.

I looked up at the silver-haired little girl, barely taller than the table, a smile touching my lips.

“Almost finished, Bai. Be patient.”

Bai, seemingly ignoring my words, continued to watch me write, her brow furrowed in concentration, the effort making her look even more adorable.

Tiny Bai, as docile and well-behaved as a kitten.

But I couldn’t look directly into her eyes. Those deep, unsettling dark-gold vertical pupils reminded me of someone… terrifying.

It was hard to believe such a monstrous being had created something so adorable.

But soon, it would all be over.

A cheerful knock came at the door, and a figure burst in like a whirlwind.

“Neily, Neily, come look!”

“Nisha,” I frowned slightly. “Didn’t I tell you? Before entering…”

“I knocked!” Nisha interrupted, hands on her hips, as if proving her obedience.

…Although her knock had been barely audible.

I glanced at the table; Bai had vanished the moment Nisha entered. Even I couldn’t find her in this small room.

Nisha, oblivious to my distraction, pulled a recording stone from her pocket and held it up.

“Look at this! A demon from the Abyssal Demon Realm has entered Vikarn!”

“A demon? In Vikarn? What about the Gatekeeper?” I asked, surprised. Normally, no one could enter Vikarn without the Gatekeeper.

Vikarn existed in a separate dimension, its only access point guarded by the Gatekeeper.

There was one other way to enter, but it would destroy Vikarn.

Clearly, Vikarn was still intact, which meant the demon had entered through the Gatekeeper’s “Gate.”

“The old man’s out drinking. He gave me the key!” Nisha said, waving the unassuming ring on her finger as if showing off.

Then she seemed to realize her mistake, clamping a hand over her mouth.

“Nisha!” My voice sharpened. “You brought a demon here?”

Nisha nodded meekly.

“Vikarn is a crucial location. No one is allowed to enter or leave freely, especially not enemies,” I said sternly.

“But that demon… isn’t an enemy, is she?” Nisha’s voice was hesitant as she quickly placed the recording stone in my hand. “Come on, Neily, just look! See for yourself!”

I sighed, taking the stone and channeling my psychic energy into it.

A blurry image appeared, depicting a little girl around Bai’s age.

I could barely make out her pale blue eyes and short, gray hair.

“Cute, isn’t she? Hee hee…” Nisha grinned, nudging me.

“An Ice Demon… I thought they were rare, and they didn’t participate in the war. Why would a juvenile be here?”

Seeing the little demon, however, eased my concerns slightly.

She wasn’t a threat, and I didn’t have the energy to care.

“I don’t know. She seemed to be looking for Vikarn, so I used the key to bring her in. But she doesn’t seem to know this is Vikarn.”

Nisha picked up my notebook, flipping through it curiously. “Neily, are you still working on this Weapon project? It’s been so long.”

“It’ll take a while longer,” I said, not stopping her.

The notebook contained only experimental data and observations, which wouldn’t interest Nisha. She wouldn’t understand any of it.

Sure enough, she quickly put it down, her gaze drawn to a large, transparent container in the lab.

It was filled with liquid, several tubes connected to a dark shape within.

She walked over and tapped it curiously.

“Is this the Weapon?”

“It’s not finished yet.”

I put away the recording stone, grabbed Nisha before she could touch the container, and dragged her to the lab’s entrance, throwing her out.

“Alright, time’s up. Don’t disturb me—and no entering even if you knock next time.”

“Hey, what about the demon?” Nisha, used to being thrown out, simply dusted herself off and stood up.

“If you like, you can play with her. Just make sure she’s out of here before the Gatekeeper returns,” I said dismissively, closing the door, sighing inwardly.

My little sister, only two and a half years younger than me, was always so reckless.

One day, her carelessness would cause a disaster.

As the door closed, Bai reappeared, peering curiously outside.

But sensing my gaze, she quickly schooled her expression, her small face serious.

“Do you want to go outside?” I asked, my voice softening as I returned to my desk.

Bai hesitated, then nodded.

Since her creation, she had never left this dimly lit laboratory.

“Don’t worry, Bai. You’ll be able to go outside soon,” I said, picking up my pen again, unsure if I was speaking to her or myself. “Once everything is settled…”

“I can wait,” Bai said seriously, her small face adorable in its earnestness.

“Good…”

Looking at Bai, my spirits lifted slightly.

But then, my gaze fell on her unsettling eyes, and my hand trembled, my writing faltering.

“What’s wrong, Sister Neily?” Bai asked, her voice filled with concern.

“It’s nothing,” I shook my head, my expression darkening slightly.

I was reminded that Bai wasn’t an ordinary little girl. Within her small frame resided terrifying power, enough to rival a World Ender Class being.

She was a weapon of destruction, born for bloodshed.

She knew what she was, knew her destiny, yet fate had given her the appearance and demeanor of a sweet, innocent child.

Bai was a monster, a killing machine disguised as a little girl.

I wished she were just a normal child…

“Soon, it will all be over,” I said, looking at the transparent container, my resolve hardening.

The ninth experiment, commencing.

Chapter 56: Bai

After Sirn left, Lin Yan hurried back into the carriage.

She frowned, seeing Bai’s somber expression.

“What did Sirn tell you?”

“Nothing much. It wasn’t really him who told me.” Bai composed herself, her voice regaining its usual calmness.

Sirn clearly hadn’t been pleased to see her, a demon, and had barely spoken.

But his message from Lugner had revealed a lot.

At least now, she had a purpose.

Bai touched the small box in her pocket. Even now, as a demon, Lugner still trusted her, even sending her to the heart of the human Empire—the capital.

Perhaps this was his way of atoning…

“Miss Lin Yan, about where I’m going next—” Bai looked at Lin Yan, her pale blue eyes filled with determination. “I’m going to the capital.”

“The capital?” Lin Yan’s eyes widened slightly. “Why would you go there? Three Legendary Knights reside in the capital…”

“Personal matters,” Bai said, averting her gaze. “And I don’t intend to cause any trouble there. Just taking care of some personal business.”

Lugner hadn’t told her how to access “Vikarn” from the capital, perhaps for this very reason.

But the capital, now the only access point to “Vikarn,” would become the focal point of the struggle for the “Weapon of Vikarn.”

Bai didn’t want to be involved. “Vikarn,” and its Weapon, were not her concern.

But she needed answers, about Sister Neily, about herself… who she was, what she was…

She had to enter Vikarn.

“If that’s your decision, I won’t stop you.” Lin Yan smiled, sitting down beside Bai and ruffling her hair. “However, in your current form, entering the capital might be difficult.”

Bai shook her head, dodging Lin Yan’s hand, then, after a moment of hesitation, took out the small box.

“This is a transformation rune. It can change my appearance—to the form you first saw me in. That way, I won’t attract attention.”

“I see…” Lin Yan recalled Bai’s initial appearance. Aside from her cuteness, which she still possessed, there had been no demonic traits.

Just a faint demonic aura, but that wasn’t a major issue.

Only the most perceptive, battle-hardened knights would notice the difference, and such knights were rarely found in the capital, mostly stationed on the borders.

“It’s a shame I won’t be able to see Bai like this anymore,” Lin Yan said, her gaze lingering on Bai’s face.

Bai, flustered by her intense stare, turned away.

“Oh, Bai… come on, it’s just a few glances,” Lin Yan pouted, a rare display of feminine vulnerability.

If the Garrison Knights saw her like this, they would be shocked.

Bai didn’t respond, her gaze fixed on the fading sounds of the funeral music outside. “Miss Lin Yan, I think it’s time for me to leave.”

Lin Yan’s expression faltered. She wanted to say something, but no words came out.

“Thank you for your care these past few days,” Bai said, turning slightly, a faint smile touching her lips. “It was nice meeting you, Miss Lin Yan.”

“Bai…”

Rays of sunlight illuminated Bai’s long eyelashes, casting faint shadows on her cheeks. Her long, gray hair swayed gently in the breeze.

Lin Yan had to admit, Bai’s profile, adorned with that faint smile, was breathtaking, a sight she would likely never see again.

Her expression softened. “It was nice meeting you too, Bai.”

She didn’t offer to accompany Bai to the capital. She knew Bai’s journey was about more than just reaching the capital.

If Bai hadn’t invited her, she must have her reasons.

But…

She was still reluctant to let her go.

Lin Yan stood up, stepped closer, and gently embraced Bai, resting her cheek on her head, saying nothing.

Bai didn’t resist, allowing herself to be held.

Dressed in their black gowns, they looked like twin lilies, blooming from the darkness, pure and beautiful.

“That’s enough,” Bai said, gently pushing Lin Yan away, opening the carriage door and stepping out.

She walked past the mourners, past the silent coffin, past her comrades’ belongings, towards the unknown.

Lin Yan stepped out of the carriage, watching Bai’s retreating figure. Then, as if remembering something, she chuckled.

“Bai, you’re still wearing a dress!”

Her voice, though not loud, carried clearly in the quiet cemetery.

But no one looked up, no one paid attention.

Bai’s figure stiffened slightly, and she looked down at her dress, her shoulders trembling as if suppressing a laugh.

But she quickly regained her composure, lifting her skirt slightly as she continued walking.

“Just this once. One last time.”

Unseen by the crowd, a genuine, breathtaking smile bloomed on Bai’s face, a smile she had never shown before, a smile she might never show again.

“Goodbye, Lin Yan.”

Lin Yan, watching Bai’s slightly stubborn figure, smiled brightly.

Then, lowering her eyes, she whispered, just loud enough for herself to hear,

“Goodbye, Bai.”

A farewell, and yet, also a promise of reunion.

Uncle Lin appeared beside Lin Yan, standing shoulder to shoulder with her.

“Miss, do you truly believe Miss Bai isn’t Xu Bai?” he asked, his expression serious as he watched Bai’s receding figure. “No matter how I look at it, Miss Bai is incredibly suspicious…”

He hadn’t considered this possibility before. If he had, he would never have allowed Lin Yan to bring Bai to the banquet.

Although the outcome was favorable, Lin Yan having escaped the “Vikarn” situation, the process had been far too risky.

“Bai is Bai,” Lin Yan interrupted softly.

“As for whether she is Xu Bai…” Her eyes narrowed into crescent moons. “Does it matter?”

(End of Volume 1)

Chapter 55: Unveiling Truths, Journey to the Capital

Inside the carriage, Bai and Sirn sat facing each other.

Sirn’s gaze held a flicker of complex emotions as he looked at Bai. “Miss Bai, are you ready?”

“Proceed,” Bai replied softly.

Sirn nodded, closing his eyes.

His psychic circuits flared, radiating an unusual energy signature.

This was the unique ability of Sirn’s family: “Memory Reading and Writing.”

A diluted form of Authority, it was said. At its full potential, it could even rewrite reality.

However, Sirn’s current ability was limited to storing and retrieving memories, like a highly secure recording device.

Even then, it was a strenuous process.

His psychic circuits glowed for a while, nearing exhaustion before a faint, ethereal figure materialized in the air.

—Commander Lugner, recently deceased.

Judging by his pale, lifeless appearance, the recording had been made shortly before his death.

Sirn immediately sealed his senses, unable to view the memory alongside Bai.

“If you’re seeing this, I must be dead,” Lugner’s image chuckled wryly. “How ironic…”

Then his expression softened, a faint smile touching his lips. “But Xu Bai, I was truly happy to know you were still alive.”

He touched the bag in his hand. “Sasha has already visited me, and Lin Hui (Uncle Lin) told me everything… so, it wasn’t difficult to deduce your identity.”

Bai frowned slightly. She hadn’t revealed anything, so how had he known?

“Don’t worry, Lin Hui didn’t recognize you, and I haven’t told him,” Lugner coughed slightly. “However, Lin Hui saw you at the Vikarn Gate—the abandoned building complex—and he told me about it.”

“He also suspects you were once in the Knights.”

“It’s quite obvious, isn’t it…?” Lugner chuckled softly.

Obvious?

Bai was confused.

“Your true origins are connected to Vikarn. Not many people know this, but I am one of them.” Lugner spoke as if wanting to unburden himself, his voice raspy, his breath short. “And when I saw you, my instincts told me you knew me, that we were acquainted.”

Bai remained silent, understanding dawning.

Each piece of information on its own wouldn’t have been enough, but combined…

Lugner continued, his voice tinged with sadness.

“I knew my time was short, unsure if I would see you again, or if I would have the chance to tell you this, so I asked Sirn to record this message.”

That’s why Lugner hadn’t mentioned any of this during their last meeting.

And even if he had wanted to, he wouldn’t have had the time.

“Listen, the Neily you’re looking for, she existed.”

Lugner’s expression turned serious.

“Sister Neily! She… existed?” Bai’s eyes widened, her hands gripping the blanket beneath her.

She hadn’t expected Lugner to mention Neily, let alone confirm her existence, which everyone else had denied.

In her shock, she didn’t question how Lugner knew she was looking for Neily.

“Neily was part of Vikarn. That’s all I know,” Lugner said, straightening slightly. “And that’s how I deduced your connection to Vikarn.”

“Vikarn… Vikarn again…”

Having heard repeated mentions of “Vikarn” and the “Weapon of Vikarn,” Bai had a growing suspicion.

She had wondered if she herself was the Weapon, but now she wasn’t so sure. Everyone who knew about the Weapon, upon seeing her, had shown no reaction.

Including Lugner.

“If you want to know the truth, go to the capital,” Lugner said, leaning back slightly. “I believe it won’t be long before that Gatekeeper descendant—Salred—destroys the ‘Gate’ in Vikarn Port… He’s been corrupted by the Weapon, beyond saving.”

“Only from the capital can you access ‘Vikarn’ again. That’s where you’ll find the truth.”

“…” Bai hesitated.

Could she, in her current form, travel through human territory?

Before she could voice her concerns, Lugner continued,

“Don’t worry. I’ve prepared a transformation rune for you. I managed to obtain it from the mysterious Sasha… although, for her, such things are easily acquired.”

“Transformation rune?” Bai remembered the rune Sasha had given her.

Sasha had claimed it was her last one… Bai couldn’t help but feel a twinge of annoyance.

“As for Sasha, her identity isn’t simple either. She’s also here for Vikarn,” Lugner said. “Although we’re currently allies… it’s best to be cautious around her.”

He chuckled, rubbing his temples. “Old age makes me ramble, especially to you, my child. I owe you so much, a debt I can never repay…”

“That’s all. Sirn can’t maintain this much longer.”

Lugner’s image faded, his voice weakening.

“I don’t know why, but lately, I keep smelling the blood of the battlefield… perhaps it’s time for me to join my old friends…”

The image vanished, and Sirn collapsed, his face pale.

Before Bai could help him, he waved her away, pushing himself up against the carriage wall.

“One more thing. Commander Lugner asked me to give this to you.”

Sirn pulled out a small, ornate box and placed it before Bai.

—Inside was the transformation rune.

“He prepared so much for me,” Bai said, staring at the box, lost in thought.

Lugner had done everything he could to atone for his past mistakes.

“Thank you for your service, Sir Sirn,” Bai said softly, looking at him.

“It was my duty,” Sirn shook his head, then, avoiding her gaze, stepped out of the carriage.

Chapter 54: The Last Words

“Neily? It’s a nice name, but I’ve never heard of her,” Lin Yan frowned, racking her brain, but the name didn’t ring any bells. “And I thought the Sharp Assault squad only had five members since its inception… Where did this sixth person come from?”

Uncle Lin, driving the carriage, added, “Miss Bai, I’ve never heard of a medic in the Sharp Assault squad, nor have I seen the name ‘Neily’ on any Garrison Knight roster.”

One of Uncle Lin’s former duties in the Garrison Knights had been managing the archives.

With his memory, remembering the names of nearly ten thousand knights wasn’t difficult.

“Perhaps I was mistaken,” Bai lowered her head, the faint, gentle figure in her memories flickering, becoming even more ethereal.

Even Neily’s face was blurring.

Her own lost past, Sister Neily, who existed in no one’s memory but hers…

Who was the ghost?

Was it her, or the Sister Neily only she remembered?

Perhaps both…

“Bai, where are you going next?” Lin Yan asked suddenly, looking at Bai with curiosity.

Weakened by [Bloodfire Ascension], she lacked her usual energy, looking more like a sheltered noble lady.

However, she didn’t suggest that Bai stay in Vikarn Port.

Everyone knew that Bai, in her demon form, couldn’t remain in Vikarn Port, or even within human territory.

Her appearance was too striking, too alarming.

Bai knew this as well, but she still wanted to search for answers about her past.

…And about the elusive Sister Neily.

Before Bai could answer, the carriage stopped.

“We’ve arrived at the cemetery,” Uncle Lin announced.

Bai and Lin Yan looked out the window. The Garrison Knights stood in formation, the air thick with grief and solemnity.

Magic cannons, used only for important ceremonies, fired a salute of ninety-six shots, one for each year of Lugner’s life.

After a pause, five more shots echoed, one for each fallen knight of Saint Noyes.

The burial ceremony, despite Lugner’s request for simplicity, was elaborate and befitting his status. The Empire wouldn’t skimp on honoring its heroes.

Lin Yan and Bai remained in the carriage, only Uncle Lin attending the ceremony as Lugner’s former subordinate.

Of course, with their status, no one would question their absence.

“I can’t believe Commander Lugner… just within a year…” Lin Yan sighed, watching the grand, yet somehow inadequate, ceremony.

Seeing Bai’s distant expression, she quickly stopped speaking.

This past year must have been difficult for Bai as well…

“What is it?” Bai asked, noticing Lin Yan’s sudden silence.

Lin Yan shook her head. “It’s nothing. Don’t worry about it.”

It was all in the past. Bai understood why Lugner had made that decision.

Without the Sharp Assault squad’s sacrifice to buy time, the Saint Noyes garrison, comprising thirty percent of the Empire’s forces, would have been annihilated.

The Empire would have faced devastating losses, perhaps even losing several more defense lines, the demons reaching the densely populated cities.

As Lugner had said, he had abandoned the future and chosen the present.

But understanding didn’t mean she agreed with his decision.

“At least, let us know what we died for…”

Seeing Bai’s sadness, Lin Yan wanted to say something, but she held back.

She knew nothing about the machinations behind the scenes; she had no right to speak.

Just then, a knock came at the carriage door, followed by a calm voice.

“Commander Lin, Miss Bai, may I intrude?”

Lin Yan recognized the voice of Sirn, Lugner’s former adjutant and second-in-command.

“Come in, Sir Sirn.”

“Yes, Commander.”

Sirn entered, standing before Lin Yan and Bai.

Even though he was no longer the Garrison’s second-in-command, he still addressed Lin Yan with the respect due to his former superior.

“Please, sit. The carriage isn’t very spacious, and it would be rather cramped with someone of your stature standing,” Lin Yan said, surprisingly offering a lighthearted remark. Sirn nodded slightly and sat down.

Without preamble, he got straight to the point.

“Commander Lugner had prepared for his death a year ago.”

“Hmm?” Lin Yan and Bai looked surprised, but then, it made sense.

Lugner’s actions before his death had suggested he was ready to die.

In fact, after hearing Bai speak, his death seemed almost like a release, a blessing.

“He had arranged everything in advance,” Sirn continued, pulling out a document. “Including his successor.”

“Glaimond?” Bai asked, uttering the now-forbidden name, but Sirn didn’t deny it.

“Now, according to Commander Lugner’s final wishes, before he went to the Clock Tower, his position as Legendary Knight will be inherited by Commander Lin.”

As expected, neither Lin Yan nor Bai was surprised.

Glaimond might have had many rivals, but Lin Yan had none, not currently.

Glaimond, even in death, wouldn’t have realized that his elaborate scheme to obtain the position had been pointless. Lugner had chosen him as his successor from the very beginning.

“There’s another matter,” Sirn continued, glancing at Bai, but not meeting her eyes. “I need to speak with Miss Bai privately.”

“Is there something I can’t hear?” Lin Yan frowned, leaning forward slightly, as if to protect Bai.

“Don’t worry, Commander Lin. I wouldn’t stand a chance against Miss Bai alone,” Sirn said calmly. “And this is not for your ears, nor for mine.”

“Huh?” Lin Yan was confused.

“It’s a memory, entrusted to me by Commander Lugner, meant only for Miss Bai. Although it’s stored within my mind, I cannot access it,” Sirn explained.

He turned to Bai. “Is that acceptable?”

“Yes,” Bai replied, then whispered to Lin Yan, “Miss Lin Yan, don’t worry about me. And please trust Sir Sirn.”

Lin Yan hesitated, then nodded and stepped out of the carriage.