Category: I Became a White-Haired Loli

Chapter 33: Demon Hunter? Demon?

“Come in,” Lin Yan said.

Uncle Lin entered, pausing slightly upon seeing Xu Bai in the maid uniform, then smiled and addressed Lin Yan.

“A message from the City Lord’s Mansion. They require your presence, Miss, and will not accept a messenger.”

Lin Yan hesitated. “Alright, but Bai…”

“I will wait here with Miss Bai until you return,” Uncle Lin said smoothly.

Lin Yan looked at Xu Bai, who was still keeping her head down, understanding his intention. “Very well, Uncle Lin. I’ll be back soon.”

“Take care, Miss,” Uncle Lin said respectfully, his narrowed eyes shifting to Xu Bai.

“Xiaoya, Xiaona, let’s go.” Lin Yan beckoned to the twin maids, grabbing a coat from a nearby box and putting it on.

“Huh?” Xiaoya looked surprised. “We’re going too?”

“Yes, Miss. Let’s go,” Xiaona replied quickly, ever the more perceptive of the two.

Without waiting for Xiaoya’s further questions, Xiaona pulled her sister along, following Lin Yan out of the room, closing the door behind them.

Uncle Lin’s intentions were clear. He had deliberately sent the others away to speak with Xu Bai alone.

Xu Bai realized this as well, raising her head slightly to look at him, her expression serious.

“Miss Bai, that outfit… suits you well,” Uncle Lin said with a smile, his expression unreadable.

“Thank you. It’s yours,” Xu Bai replied evenly. “Mr. Lin—”

“My name is Lin Hui,” Uncle Lin interrupted.

“Alright, Mr. Lin Hui,” Xu Bai’s voice lowered slightly. “What do you want to say? I’m not good with riddles. Please be direct.”

Since he had made his intentions clear, she would drop the “ordinary little girl” act.

“What I want to say depends on who you are, Miss Bai.” He maintained his polite smile. “I believe I’ve figured out your identity. Although your appearance is deceptive, you lack acting talent.”

“Oh?” Xu Bai’s hand twitched slightly inside her sleeve, but her expression remained unchanged. “Which identity have you figured out?”

“You still don’t believe me…” Uncle Lin chuckled softly, his tone confident. “You’re here for the… ‘Weapon,’ aren’t you?”

“Um… what? Weapon? What weapon?” Xu Bai’s expression froze. She hadn’t expected him to mention something so seemingly unrelated.

“Hahaha… it seems Miss Bai’s acting skills have improved.” Uncle Lin laughed, then his expression turned serious. “The weapon hidden in ‘Vikarn.’ Isn’t that why your organization—the Demon Hunters—is here?”

“Me? A Demon Hunter?” Xu Bai was completely baffled. She knew about Demon Hunters, but how was she connected to them?

Was “Vikarn” referring to Vikarn Port? But what was this “weapon”?

“We’re alone here. There’s no need for further pretense, Miss Bai.” Uncle Lin narrowed his eyes, a sharp glint appearing within them.

“I think you’ve misunderstood, Mr. Lin Hui. I’m not a Demon Hunter. You should know that the Demon Hunter who came here is Salred—”

Xu Bai stopped mid-sentence, realizing her mistake.

Whether as an ordinary little girl or not, mentioning Salred was a mistake.

“Everyone knows the Demon Hunters sent Salred. Does that mean they only sent Salred?” Uncle Lin countered, a strange look in his eyes.

“Moreover…” he continued, raising his right arm, his psychic circuits flashing briefly. “Miss Bai, would you mind displaying your psychic circuits? That would be the best proof that you’re not a Demon Hunter…”

Demon Hunters, corrupted by demonic power, couldn’t use psychic circuits. Those who could were extremely rare, and their power was negligible.

Xu Bai fell silent. Unfortunately, she couldn’t use her psychic circuits now.

Since her encounter with Ice Lily, it was as if a dormant bloodline had awakened. Now, whenever she channeled her power, she could only access the Demonic Runes of the Ice Demon clan.

Her psychic circuits, which she had thought were simply depleted, were now completely unusable, unable to even manifest.

“Very well. It seems Miss Bai has finally admitted her true identity. Oh, of course, I understand. You haven’t said anything. This is just my own speculation.”

Uncle Lin nodded. “You currently possess a faint demonic aura. If you’re not a Demon Hunter, then you must be a demon… of course, I’ve never met such a cute and well-behaved little demon miss.”

Xu Bai thought, Given the current situation, being a demon is indeed more likely than being a Demon Hunter…

But she didn’t say it aloud, only sighing. “Alright, if I were a Demon Hunter, Mr. Lin Hui, what would you say?”

“Nothing much. Just a whim. I thought it would be nice for a lovely young miss to accompany my Miss to the banquet, to keep her company. That is all,” Uncle Lin said casually, his tone no longer forceful.

Xu Bai paused. “Even if I were a Demon Hunter, or even a true demon?”

She couldn’t imagine a seasoned knight like Uncle Lin being unable to distinguish between a Demon Hunter and a demon. The difference was far greater than that between humans and demons.

Although she hadn’t interacted much with Lin Yan’s steward in the past, she had overheard enough to know he was a capable and respectable knight.

“You’re certainly not a demon. You’re an adorable little Demon Hunter miss, and you and the Miss get along well,” Uncle Lin said, a slight smile playing on his lips, his expression betraying nothing.

But Xu Bai noticed his hand trembling slightly, as if he were nervous.

It was only for a moment, almost an illusion, before he regained his composure.

“My apologies, I seem to have said too much.” His polite smile returned. “Miss Bai, are you ready for the banquet?”

“Not quite,” Xu Bai said, pointing at her clothes. “I haven’t changed into the banquet dress yet.”

Chapter 32: Don’t Look at Me…

In the end, Xu Bai’s persistent refusal (mostly conveyed through intense glares) won her the right to bathe alone, preventing Xiaoya and Xiaona from entering the bathroom.

Despite the time that had passed, she was still uncomfortable with her current body.

Lin Yan went to another bathroom, leaving the twin maids waiting outside.

The room they were in was more of a suite, with several separate bedrooms, multiple bathrooms, and even a small kitchen.

About half an hour later, Lin Yan emerged from the bathroom in a simple shirt. Seeing only the twins waiting outside, she asked, surprised,

“Where’s Bai? Isn’t she done yet?”

“Not yet,” they shook their heads. Xiaona added, “But there hasn’t been any sound from inside for the past ten minutes. We wanted to check on her, but she specifically told us not to enter her bathroom, so we didn’t.”

“We’re in the mansion; nothing should happen, right? And there haven’t been any unusual energy fluctuations…” Lin Yan looked at the closed bathroom door, calling out, “Bai, are you done?”

“…Yes,” Xu Bai’s voice came from inside, barely a whisper. “I… I don’t have any clean clothes…”

Xu Bai had only realized after washing that she had no other clothes besides her worn linen outfit. She had completely forgotten to bring a change of clothes.

Unsure what to do, she had spent the last ten minutes in indecision.

Lin Yan chuckled. “You could just ask Xiaona or Xiaoya to bring you some.”

“But I…” Xu Bai didn’t know what to say. Thankfully, Lin Yan understood. “It’s alright. There’s a small shelf to the right of the bathroom door. You can get things passed through without opening the door.”

Xu Bai looked to her right. There was indeed a small shelf built into the wall, designed to slide between the two sides.

It was clearly meant for passing things through… the nobles had thought of everything.

A rustling sound came from outside, and a set of black and white clothes appeared on the shelf.

“Sorry, Bai, I don’t have any other clothes suitable for you,” Lin Yan’s voice came from outside. “So, you’ll have to wear Xiaoya’s clothes for now. You’ll be changing into the dress later anyway.”

“Xiaoya’s…” Xu Bai picked up the clothes. It was a maid uniform, several sizes smaller than the ones the twins wore, and matching undergarments, seemingly her size…

Wait, a maid uniform?!

Maid uniforms in the North Empire were typically long dresses. Xu Bai had been trying to avoid wearing a dress, and now…

“Are there no other clothes?” she asked, her hand trembling slightly as she held the dress. “Like, could I just wear the banquet dress?”

“No, that won’t do. Banquet dresses are expensive. They need to be properly prepared before wearing, and you’re still in the bathroom. The dress can’t get wet.”

Xu Bai sighed after a long silence. “I understand.”

Well, she would just have to wear it. It was only temporary; she would be changing into the other dress later.

Outside the bathroom, Xiaoya frowned. “She doesn’t seem very happy… Could it be because wearing a maid uniform is too… demeaning?”

“I don’t think so,” Xiaona said flatly. “Perhaps it’s because she sees us as demeaning.”

They were clearly still a bit resentful.

Seeing her maids about to hold another grudge against Bai, Lin Yan quickly interjected. “No, no, Bai isn’t like that. She’s a good little girl. Yes, she is.”

Just then, Xu Bai emerged from the bathroom, her head slightly lowered, fidgeting in the maid uniform.

“Little Sister Bai, you—” Xiaoya started, about to make a sarcastic remark, but stopped upon seeing the delicate girl’s face, speechless.

“So beautiful…” Even Xiaona, who usually maintained a stoic expression, couldn’t help but exclaim. How could a simple change of clothes and a bath make such a difference?

Fresh from the bath, Xu Bai’s skin glowed, her damp, uncombed hair slightly disheveled, yet unable to conceal her stunning beauty. Her slightly distressed expression only added to her charm.

Or perhaps it was an expression of barely suppressed mortification…

“Don’t look at me…” Xu Bai turned away, blushing slightly.

Her current appearance was incredibly embarrassing, especially with three girls staring at her.

Lin Yan wasn’t surprised. She had imagined this the moment she first saw Xu Bai.

In Lin Yan’s mind, Xu Bai had always looked like this.

“Does it fit?” Lin Yan smiled, glancing at the twin maids.

“It fits, but…” Xu Bai hesitated, then decided to explain. “I’m not used to wearing these kinds of dresses… ah, not the maid uniform itself, but this kind of dress—when can I change into the banquet dress?”

Xu Bai was quite perceptive. She had overheard the twins’ conversation in the bathroom and realized they were sensitive about her reaction to the maid uniform, so she clarified her words.

“This kind of dress?” Lin Yan looked at Xu Bai, then nodded thoughtfully. “I see… don’t worry, you’ll be changing into the banquet dress soon.”

Bai was likely referring to the heavy skirt of the maid uniform, designed to prevent dust from scattering while cleaning. Practical for chores, but not comfortable for everyday wear.

The banquet dress didn’t have such a design; Bai would probably find it much more comfortable.

Xu Bai sighed in relief. “Alright, thank you, big sisters.”

But then her expression changed slightly. She was getting too used to calling them “big sisters.” This wasn’t a good sign.

Just then, a knock came at the door, followed by Uncle Lin’s respectful voice.

“Miss, may I come in?”

Chapter 31: Someone, Take Her to the Bath!

Lin Yan’s outstretched hand froze mid-air. She sighed. “Come in.”

“Yes, Miss.”

The door opened, and two young women, around fifteen or sixteen, dressed in maid uniforms, entered, carrying two boxes. They were identical twins.

Xu Bai immediately recognized them as Lin Yan’s personal maids; she had seen them a few times in the Knights, but hadn’t paid much attention.

The slightly shorter twin skipped over to Lin Yan, her face alight with excitement.

“Miss, Miss! Why did you suddenly ask for the smaller dress? Are you taking us to General Glaimond’s banquet?”

Before she could finish, the other twin pulled her back, scolding her gently.

“Xiaoya, don’t be so impertinent.”

However, Xu Bai could see the same anticipation in the other twin’s eyes.

“Alright, alright, my little miss know-it-all, Xiaona,” Xiaoya stuck her tongue out at her sister, then grinned at Lin Yan.

“No… I’m not.” Lin Yan, flustered under the twins’ expectant gazes, touched her nose, glancing at Xu Bai.

“…Not?”

The twins followed Lin Yan’s gaze, their eyes falling on Xu Bai.

Xu Bai: “…”

“Miss, are you… are you saying,” Xiaoya looked at the box in her hands, then at Xu Bai, her voice trembling, “that you’re bringing… her?”

Xiaona’s reaction wasn’t as dramatic, but her shock was evident.

Lin Yan didn’t answer, only averting her gaze, silently confirming Xiaoya’s question.

Their reaction was understandable. Xu Bai’s hair was disheveled, and she was wearing faded, worn clothes.

Frankly, she looked like a beggar.

And Glaimond’s banquet, as the current ruler of Vikarn Port, even if held in his name only, would be attended by the city’s most prominent nobles, a truly high-class affair.

Xiaona and Xiaoya, although Lin Yan’s personal maids, wouldn’t normally be allowed to attend such an event.

They hadn’t expected an invitation, but they certainly hadn’t expected a beggar-like child to be granted one.

“Miss, may I ask, who is this little girl?” Xiaona quickly composed herself, asking Lin Yan seriously.

“Yes, yes! Who is she?!” Xiaoya chimed in, her voice laced with resentment. This time, Xiaona didn’t scold her.

“She… she’s…” Lin Yan was at a loss for words.

She only knew the girl’s name was “Bai.” She knew nothing about her background or family.

If not for Uncle Lin’s request, she wouldn’t have considered bringing Xu Bai to Glaimond’s banquet.

So, faced with the twins’ questions, she could only stammer, unable to offer a convincing explanation.

She couldn’t just say she met the girl on the street and decided to bring her to the banquet for a free meal, could she?

As the silence stretched, a small, hesitant voice spoke.

“Big sisters…”

“Hmm?” Xiaona and Xiaoya turned to Xu Bai.

“I’m sorry, but I really want to go…” Xu Bai clutched her clothes, a look of fear on her dirty face.

Seeing Lin Yan’s predicament, Xu Bai had no choice but to play the role of a vulnerable child.

Although her performance was a bit stiff, it was enough to fool Xiaona and Xiaoya.

They weren’t cruel; seeing Xu Bai’s pitiful appearance, their expressions softened.

“Whew…” Lin Yan inwardly sighed in relief, looking down at Xu Bai, a slight smile on her lips.

Skilled at using her vulnerable appearance… Bai was quite the actress…

Of course, Lin Yan hadn’t placed her trust in Xu Bai; she trusted Uncle Lin.

If Uncle Lin believed Bai was harmless, then she was harmless.

So, for now, she would treat Bai as an ordinary, adorable little girl.

“Didn’t Uncle Lin say anything, Miss?” Xiaona asked again, her tone less accusatory.

“Actually, Uncle Lin invited her,” Lin Yan replied, her expression relaxing.

“I see…” Xiaona nodded, falling silent.

Xiaoya still pouted, looking at Xu Bai with a hint of disapproval, but her expression was less hostile.

“You two can get acquainted.” As if remembering something, Lin Yan stood up, taking Xu Bai’s hand and introducing her to the twins. “Her name is Bai. You can call her—”

“Just Bai is fine,” Xu Bai quickly added, afraid of another strange nickname.

“Right, Bai.” Lin Yan smiled, ruffling Xiaoya’s hair. “They’re Lin Ya and Lin Na, but you can call them Xiaoya and Xiaona. Oh, and this one, who looks like the older sister, Xiaona, is actually the younger twin.”

“By three minutes,” Xiaona said flatly.

“Still the younger sister, hee hee,” Xiaoya said smugly, her earlier resentment forgotten.

They had no real animosity towards Xu Bai; they had simply been disappointed at not being invited to the banquet and needed someone to blame.

However, as Xu Bai finally looked up, the twins realized she was… truly beautiful.

Even with her face smudged with dirt, her beauty was undeniable.

“Alright, we’ll call you Little Sister Bai from now on!” Xiaoya, holding the box in one arm and placing her other hand on her hip, nodded at Xu Bai. “Yes, Little Sister Bai.”

“Little Sister Bai, hello,” Xiaona curtsied, her face still expressionless, mimicking Lin Yan’s formal demeanor, or perhaps imitating her.

“Little Sister Bai…” Xu Bai wanted to hide her face. Why another nickname…?

Lin Yan sighed in relief. It seemed her efforts hadn’t been in vain. Xiaoya and Xiaona were finally willing to accept Bai.

“It’s getting late. We need to prepare for the banquet… Xiaoya, Xiaona, take Bai to the bath!”

Xu Bai’s eyelashes fluttered.

“They… take me?”

Chapter 30: Look Not, See Not…

Soon, the carriage carrying Xu Bai and Lin Yan arrived at a magnificent mansion.

They had been mostly silent during the ride. Xu Bai was naturally quiet, and being in close proximity to Lin Yan made her even more reserved, careful not to reveal anything.

Lin Yan, on the other hand, had been observing Xu Bai with undisguised admiration, marveling at her beauty.

“We’ve arrived, Miss, Miss Bai.”

Uncle Lin opened the carriage curtain, his expression returning to its usual calmness.

But Xu Bai still felt his attention lingering on her.

“Alright, alright,” Lin Yan waved her hand, reluctantly tearing her gaze away from Xu Bai, then extended a hand expectantly.

“Bai, let’s go.”

Xu Bai hesitated, then placed her hand in Lin Yan’s, wanting to avoid any unnecessary trouble.

“Uncle Lin, you go ahead. I’ll take Bai for a walk,” Lin Yan said, her grip on Xu Bai’s soft hand surprisingly firm, her excitement barely concealed.

“Miss, really… well, as you wish.” Uncle Lin smiled, shaking his head, then looked at Xu Bai, his voice low and deliberate. “Miss Bai, I hope you and the Miss have a pleasant time and prepare well for tonight’s banquet.”

Xu Bai nodded slightly, understanding his implied meaning. His “preparation” wasn’t just about choosing clothes.

This banquet with Glaimond… was likely to be more than just a social gathering.

“Alright, Uncle Lin, you go ahead. We’ll be well prepared. Bai, let’s go find you a new dress!” Lin Yan waved her hand dismissively, pulling Xu Bai towards the mansion. “Hmm… a dress like mine. I think I brought a smaller size.”

As they walked into the mansion, their figures receding, Uncle Lin’s smile faded, his expression turning complex.

“Miss Bai, who are you really? Do you truly come from ‘Vikarn’? To appear in that place…”

He clearly remembered Xu Bai’s expression as she stood before the mysterious building complex. She truly believed her home was inside.

But that place had been abandoned and forgotten for centuries, only remembered by the locals as a dangerous place.

The complex was, according to records, the gateway to “Vikarn.”

But after the fall of the ancient empire that maintained “Vikarn,” that gateway had been destroyed.

“Regardless, perhaps bringing you along will help the Miss escape this whirlpool…”

“The shadows of the ancient empire are not ours to bear.”

Uncle Lin masked his expression, then followed them into the mansion.

…

The Lin family, a lineage stretching back to the ancient empire, was vast and influential, with branches throughout the North Empire. Lin Yan’s branch was only a minor one.

However, blood ties were no match for strength. Lin Yan had secured her position within the family through her own abilities, her status surpassing many direct descendants.

Even among the Empire’s younger generation, she was among the strongest, with few rivals her age.

So, when the Vikarn Port branch learned that Lin Yan would be stationed there with the Garrison Knights, they immediately prepared their finest mansion and a luxurious carriage—the one Xu Bai had arrived in—to accommodate her.

As Xu Bai stepped into the mansion, she was captivated by its lavishness.

Lin Yan, no longer as excited as she had been outside, maintained a composed demeanor, nodding to the servants who greeted her.

This was the Lin Yan Xu Bai remembered. However, once they were inside a private room, Lin Yan’s expression relaxed.

“Oh, that was tiring,” she stretched, rubbing her stiff cheeks, then chuckled, seeing Xu Bai’s surprised expression. “I have to maintain appearances. I’m a young lady from a prominent family, after all… well, sort of.”

“Were you always like this in the Knights, big sister?” Xu Bai asked curiously.

She had always found Lin Yan’s aura intimidating, though that was usually before she beat her up.

“Yes, it’s tiring keeping up a facade, but I represent the Lin family within the Knights… well, not anymore, I suppose.” Lin Yan sighed, remembering some unpleasant memories.

A flicker of sadness crossed her eyes, quickly vanishing.

She was thinking of him again. It had been over a year, yet she couldn’t forget…

“Well, let’s get you changed.”

Lin Yan shook her head, pushing aside the melancholic thoughts, and began removing her heavy armor, revealing her undergarments.

Xu Bai quickly averted her gaze, blushing.

Although she was a girl now, seeing another girl undress so casually was still embarrassing… Look not, see not…

Lin Yan, seemingly oblivious to Xu Bai’s discomfort, continued, “Bai, do you want to take a bath first? If you don’t mind… I can scrub your back?”

“N-no, thank you…” Xu Bai tried to control her blush, but Lin Yan’s words flustered her.

“Oh, alright…” Lin Yan’s voice was laced with disappointment. She turned to see Xu Bai shrinking back against the wall, her head down.

“Bai, what are you afraid of? Are you… shy?” A mischievous grin spread across Lin Yan’s face as she approached Xu Bai, now clad only in her undergarments.

“It’s nothing…” Xu Bai looked up, seeing the scantily clad Lin Yan approaching, and quickly averted her gaze, her blush deepening.

“Shy Bai. Wow, even cuter.”

Lin Yan reached out, wanting to pinch Xu Bai’s flushed cheeks.

Just then, a knock came at the door, followed by two cheerful voices in unison.

“Miss, Uncle Lin asked us to bring the dresses.”

Chapter 29: Although It’s a Bit Early, Of Course You Can!

Lin Yan’s assurances did little to ease Xu Bai’s apprehension; in fact, they heightened it.

That look in her eyes… definitely suspicious!

Lin Yan narrowed her eyes, adjusting her armor with satisfaction.

“Actually, clothes similar to what you’re wearing, big sister, would be fine. No need for anything special.”

Xu Bai had a sudden idea, remembering that Lin Yan, even in casual attire, favored men’s clothing and never wore dresses or skirts.

That would be… acceptable.

“Like mine?” Lin Yan looked surprised, clearly not expecting this request.

She hesitated, then said with a troubled expression, “But, if you wear clothes like mine, it wouldn’t be very… suitable for you…”

“…Is it because there wouldn’t be a size small enough?” Xu Bai looked up at Lin Yan’s six-foot frame.

Even in the past, Lin Yan had been much taller than Xu Bai, which deterred most men from pursuing her, while attracting the attention of many young women.

Hence the rumors about Lin Yan being…

Of course, they were just rumors; Xu Bai didn’t know the details.

“Not exactly…” Lin Yan looked at Xu Bai’s earnest, almost innocent expression, her hesitation growing.

However, she really wanted to see this adorable little girl dressed in clothes similar to her own.

With that thought, she gritted her teeth. “Of course you can!”

Although it felt a bit premature for Bai to wear such clothes, she really wanted to see it!

Just indulge my little whim, Lin Yan thought.

“Whew… thank you for understanding, big sister.” Xu Bai sighed in relief, having successfully averted a potential disaster.

Just then, Uncle Lin returned with a carriage, stopping before them and bowing respectfully.

“Everything is arranged, Miss, and this little miss—”

“Her name is Bai, Uncle Lin,” Lin Yan corrected him.

Uncle Lin paused, then smiled. “Alright, Miss Bai, please get in. We’ll return to the mansion to prepare. The banquet begins at sunset.”

Her name had acquired another suffix. Xu Bai sighed inwardly; she wouldn’t be able to escape this.

At least one person got her name right. She looked at Lin Yan with a touch of gratitude.

Lin Yan, already in the carriage, extended a hand to Xu Bai, a bright smile on her face.

“Bai, come on up!”

“Okay…”

Xu Bai reached out, her small, delicate hand dwarfed by Lin Yan’s calloused one.

She had once extended her hand to Lin Yan like this, though it had been after a fight, to help her up from the ground.

Now, their roles were reversed. It was a bit ironic.

Before Xu Bai could dwell on it, Lin Yan pulled her into the carriage, then called out excitedly, “Uncle Lin, let’s go!”

“Yes, Miss.”

Uncle Lin’s voice came from the front, and the carriage started moving.

…

Glaimond felt increasingly uneasy.

He sat in the Clock Tower, the highest building in Vikarn Port, looking at the overcast sky, his expression calm.

But a sense of unease gnawed at him.

“Why…?”

His subordinates had just reported that someone had breached the most secure area of Vikarn Port and left undetected.

Glaimond knew it must have been the elusive “Bounty Fox,” Sasha.

To his surprise, she hadn’t rescued Lugner, nor had she killed him.

Either action would have completely ruined his plans.

But she had done neither, seemingly only chatting with Lugner before leaving.

Of course, Glaimond didn’t believe they had merely chatted… Had Sasha obtained some information from Lugner?

His expression darkened as he considered the possibilities.

He had tracked the retired Lugner to Vikarn Port, meticulously gaining control of this small city, even paying a hefty price for a fragment of the Imperial Authority, all for one of the nine coveted positions of Legendary Knight.

Previously, he wouldn’t have even been considered for such a position, but the most likely candidate had been inexplicably abandoned by Lugner and left to die in Saint Noyes.

Glaimond had sensed an opportunity, setting in motion what he believed to be a perfect plan, targeting the former Legendary Knight, Lugner.

Even without Sasha and the mysterious demon girl, there would have been other “scapegoats.” He had planned for every contingency; everything should have proceeded according to his design.

But why…?

“Sasha, a mercenary who appeared in Vikarn Port about seven months ago, possesses the ability to bypass all security measures, freely entering and exiting restricted areas.”

Glaimond reviewed Sasha’s intelligence reports. All information on her ceased seven months ago. There was nothing prior to that.

It was as if, before seven months ago, “Sasha” didn’t exist…

And her combat abilities were shrouded in mystery. There was no concrete data; she always seemed to have the upper hand in every fight, never pushed to her limits.

Or perhaps, she deliberately avoided being pushed to her limits.

And the mysterious demon girl who had been with Sasha… Glaimond had felt a primal fear upon seeing her the first time, a fear that hadn’t resurfaced during their second encounter.

And the second time, her hair had been a darker shade, her eyes different, as if those unsettling dark-gold pupils had been an illusion.

One mystery after another…

“Should I continue…?” A flicker of doubt crossed Glaimond’s mind, but he quickly hardened his resolve. “No, I have no other choice!”

“For the Empire, I must continue!”

A knock came at the door, and the messenger’s voice called out,

“General, the nobles are inquiring whether you will be attending the banquet at the City Lord’s Mansion tonight, as scheduled.”

“Banquet? …Ah, yes, that’s right.” Glaimond rubbed his temples. “Those gluttonous old nobles… well, it’ll be a distraction.”

Although he looked down on these pleasure-seeking nobles, he couldn’t deny their usefulness in securing his control over Vikarn Port.

“I’ll be there. Tell them to wait.”

“Yes, General.”

The sound of the messenger’s retreating footsteps faded, and Glaimond leaned back in his chair, closing his eyes.

Chapter 28: Don’t Worry, I’ll Help You Choose!

“I think… that won’t be necessary…” Xu Bai subtly avoided Uncle Lin’s gaze, turning her face slightly.

“Little miss, you really won’t attend?” Uncle Lin’s voice was laced with feigned surprise. He smiled. “It’s a banquet specifically arranged by General Glaimond to entertain the nobles of Vikarn Port—there will be plenty of delicious food. I’m sure you’d be interested.”

Xu Bai didn’t answer immediately, just looked at Uncle Lin.

His insistence on her attending the banquet, and his deliberate mention of Glaimond, made her suspect he recognized her.

However, if he truly recognized her as the “Xu Bai” who should have died in Saint Noyes, his reaction would have been far more dramatic.

So, who Uncle Lin thought she was remained a mystery.

He maintained his smile, while Lin Yan looked on, confused.

“Uncle Lin, what are you saying? How can we bring this little girl to that guy’s—”

“Mister, are you saying there will be lots of delicious food?” Xu Bai interrupted, looking up at Uncle Lin with anticipation.

“Of course. I guarantee you’ll be interested.” Uncle Lin bowed slightly to Xu Bai, then turned to Lin Yan. “Miss, let’s bring her along. I’m sure General Glaimond won’t mind another adorable child at the banquet.”

“He certainly won’t mind…” Lin Yan’s gaze darkened, her tone unfriendly as she mentioned Glaimond.

This was consistent with Xu Bai’s understanding of her old friend. With Lin Yan’s pride, she likely resented being under Glaimond’s thumb.

But as a noble, bound by her family’s arrangements, she had no choice but to accept the position of Garrison Commander, despite her reluctance.

She was also surprised by Uncle Lin’s unexpected suggestion. It was rare for him to take initiative, especially for a little girl he barely knew.

Could it be that after following Xu Bai, he had discovered something about her that aroused his sympathy?

But as far as Lin Yan knew, although Uncle Lin cared for her deeply, he always prioritized the family’s interests, rarely showing personal sentiment.

Regardless, since Uncle Lin had suggested it, and the little girl seemed eager to attend the banquet…

Besides, bringing a little girl to a banquet wouldn’t cause any harm.

It was just a meal, and there was always plenty of leftover food. It would be a waste not to share.

Lin Yan finally relented.

“Alright, let’s bring her along.”

“Very well, Miss. I’ll make the arrangements and inform the City Lord’s Mansion.” Uncle Lin bowed slightly and quickly left.

Xu Bai noticed him wink at her before leaving, but she didn’t react.

What was Uncle Lin up to?

She frowned slightly.

“Little girl, little girl?”

Lin Yan waved a hand in front of Xu Bai’s face, seeing her lost in thought. “Make sure you stay close to me at the banquet. There are many bad people there!”

“Okay… thank you, big sister.” Xu Bai curtsied, mimicking the gesture she had seen a few times before, though her attempt was slightly clumsy.

“So cute…” Lin Yan found the girl increasingly endearing. She reached out to pat Xu Bai’s hair again, but stopped herself mid-gesture.

The little girl didn’t like having her head patted… she should restrain herself.

“By the way, little girl, what’s your name?” Lin Yan suddenly realized she didn’t know. She couldn’t keep calling her “little girl.”

Xu Bai’s heart sank. Here it comes.

“Just call me Bai,” she said cautiously. “No need for ‘little’ or anything else. I don’t have a family name.”

“Bai…” The name reminded Lin Yan of the young man in her memories. She shook her head. “Alright, Bai. It’s a beautiful name.”

“Mm-hmm.” Xu Bai nodded repeatedly, relieved.

At least she hadn’t been given any strange prefixes or suffixes. This instantly improved her opinion of her old rival.

“However…” Lin Yan took a step back, examining Xu Bai critically. “You can’t go to the banquet looking like that…”

“Why not?” Xu Bai blurted out, then realized what Lin Yan meant, looking down at herself.

She was still wearing her simple, faded, and worn linen clothes.

Xu Bai had never cared much about her appearance, and her unusually striking appearance had already caused enough trouble this past year. Wearing plain, even unattractive, clothes was a way to avoid further attention.

Of course, thanks to Sasha’s rune, her conspicuous silver hair was now an unremarkable black, and her eyes were a normal human color.

Although still pretty, she no longer possessed that breathtaking, almost alarming, beauty.

However, attending a noble banquet required at least presentable attire, if not elaborate and gorgeous.

In these clothes, she wouldn’t even be allowed through the door. Even if Lin Yan brought her in, it would reflect poorly on her.

As if sensing Xu Bai’s discomfort, Lin Yan hesitated, then said, “You’re already very pretty, Bai, but for the banquet… you need to be even prettier.”

“I…” Xu Bai blushed slightly at the unexpected compliment.

She knew Lin Yan was just saying her clothes were too plain for the banquet.

But being complimented by a former comrade felt strangely… heartwarming.

“Don’t worry, don’t worry,” Lin Yan said quickly, seeing Xu Bai’s embarrassment. “I can take you to choose some new clothes. We’ll make you look beautiful.”

She looked at Xu Bai again, her tone confident. “Yes, definitely beautiful.”

“Clothes… no, I think I’ll pass…” Xu Bai suddenly realized that if Lin Yan chose her clothes, they would be… girl’s clothes. Perhaps even dresses!

That was unacceptable!

Although she had been a girl for a year now, she had never worn women’s clothing, always sticking to men’s attire.

Lin Yan mistook Xu Bai’s refusal for shyness. She puffed out her chest.

“Bai, don’t worry, I’ll help you choose!”

Chapter 27: Because She’s Just So Cute, I Couldn’t Resist

Xu Bai didn’t seek out Ice Lily, not because she couldn’t find her, but because of other developments.

“What’s happened now…?”

Standing on a deserted main street, Xu Bai observed the increased City Guard patrols, the tension evident on their faces. She frowned.

Not only was Vikarn Port under lockdown, but the city’s security level had also been raised?

It seemed that overnight, Vikarn Port’s defense systems had gone into overdrive.

This unusual state of emergency made Xu Bai hesitant to use the rune Ice Lily had given her.

She didn’t know if Ice Lily was involved in this, or if using the rune now might cause unforeseen complications.

After careful consideration, Xu Bai put the rune away.

“It can wait.”

After realizing her seemingly real memories might have been tampered with, and that her beloved Sister Neily might not be who she seemed, Xu Bai’s world had crumbled, yet she felt strangely calm.

Perhaps it was numbness from the repeated shocks over the past year, or perhaps, on some subconscious level, she had already anticipated this.

All she could do was continue searching for the truth, no matter the cost.

She was ready for whatever she might find.

“Hmm? Little girl, aren’t you supposed to be home?”

A familiar voice called out from behind her, and Xu Bai felt a large shadow looming over her.

She turned to see Lin Yan, her signature heavy armor gleaming, but without her helmet. She was alone, no other Garrison Knights in sight.

“Little girl?” Lin Yan waved a hand in front of Xu Bai’s face, looking down at her with curiosity.

Xu Bai, barely over four feet tall, seemed miniature compared to Lin Yan’s six-foot frame, clad in heavy armor.

“I… I just came out to look around,” Xu Bai glanced up at Lin Yan, then quickly looked down again, finding the angle awkward.

But that brief glance seemed to trigger something within Lin Yan. Almost unconsciously, she reached out and patted Xu Bai’s head.

“Mmm…”

Xu Bai recoiled from the unexpected touch. “Lin… big sister, please don’t pat my head.”

“Ah, sorry… you’re just so cute, I couldn’t resist.” Lin Yan quickly withdrew her hand, then half-knelt, her armor clinking, to meet Xu Bai’s eyes.

“It’s dangerous outside lately. Even if you’re skilled, little girl, you shouldn’t wander around alone.” A gentle smile touched Lin Yan’s lips. Even knowing this little girl wasn’t ordinary, looking at her, Lin Yan felt a strong urge to protect her.

The intensity of this feeling surprised her. She checked herself again, but she hadn’t been affected by any spells, nor was it simply the girl’s cuteness. It felt more like…

A familiarity, as if she knew this girl, knew everything about her?

But she had no memory of this little girl, not even a flicker.

“Okay,” Xu Bai mumbled, wondering how to escape.

She really didn’t want further involvement with Lin Yan…

Not just because of the rumors surrounding Lin Yan, which could be dangerous for her in her current state, but also because Lin Yan had known the real “Xu Bai” for a long time.

Besides her fallen comrades, Lin Yan was probably the person most familiar with the original “Xu Bai.”

Although the chances of being recognized were slim, they still existed, and Xu Bai didn’t want to risk it.

But while Xu Bai wanted to leave, Lin Yan seemed intent on keeping her there, her gaze still fixed on her with interest.

“Where is your family?” she asked with concern.

She suddenly wondered if this little girl could be related to one of her former comrades. It was possible.

The image of a lone, slender figure flashed through her mind, but Lin Yan quickly dismissed it with a self-deprecating chuckle.

It couldn’t be him. He was still so young…

Xu Bai hesitated, then replied, “I don’t have any family.”

She shook her head, afraid that if she said she did, Lin Yan would insist on taking her to them, which would complicate things.

“None? Oh! I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to pry.” Lin Yan apologized, scratching her head. “How about I take you home? I have other matters to attend to, and it’s not convenient to bring you along.”

She paused, lowering her voice and adding a touch of sternness, “There’s a demon out there. You shouldn’t be wandering around!”

Xu Bai opened her mouth to reply, but a deep voice interrupted her.

“Miss, it’s time. We should prepare. Tonight’s banquet is very important.”

The voice sounded familiar. Xu Bai looked up, instantly recognizing the speaker.

“Uncle Lin…”

She was familiar with this middle-aged man, Lin Yan’s constant companion. He held a high position within the Garrison Knights and had always been Lin Yan’s guardian.

She wasn’t sure about his strength, only that he wasn’t weak.

He wasn’t wearing his usual armor, but a sharp, black tuxedo. Clearly, he and Lin Yan were attending some formal event.

Such lavish banquets were common among the Empire’s nobility.

Although Xu Bai had received a few invitations in the past, she had never attended one.

“Alright, alright, I’m coming.” Lin Yan replied without looking up, then turned to Xu Bai with a regretful expression. “I’m afraid I can’t take you home. How about I have Uncle Lin escort you?”

Xu Bai quickly waved her hands, about to refuse, but Uncle Lin approached, a polite smile on his face. “What are your orders, Miss?”

“Nothing much. Just escort this little girl home. As you know—” Lin Yan stopped mid-sentence, realizing she had almost said too much.

But Xu Bai wasn’t paying attention to Lin Yan’s words. She noticed Uncle Lin’s gaze, which seemed… strangely knowing.

Had he… recognized her?

No, that was impossible…

“Why not bring her to the banquet?” Uncle Lin asked, his eyes fixed on Xu Bai.

“Bring her? But that’s not appropriate…” Lin Yan hesitated.

“It’s perfectly fine. Don’t you agree, my dear little miss?”

Uncle Lin smiled and nodded at Xu Bai.

Chapter 26: “Vikarn” and the “Weapon”

Salred had been lurking near the building complex for a while. His primary objective in returning to Vikarn Port was related to this place.

So, when he saw the little girl, in whom he had taken an interest, also approaching the complex, his instincts told him she was more than just an ordinary child.

But as he was about to approach her, he noticed a Garrison Knight in officer’s armor following her at a distance. This made him reconsider.

He knew Xu Bai’s dagger belonged to the Garrison Knights. Even if she wasn’t a knight herself, she had strong ties to them.

Being followed by a high-ranking knight, whether for protection or surveillance, further emphasized her unusual status.

At this critical juncture, Salred didn’t want to attract attention or get entangled with the Garrison Knights, so he held back.

After Xu Bai and the mysterious knight left, Salred approached the old woman.

“Do you know that little girl?” he asked.

The old woman looked confused, shaking her head. “I don’t know her…”

“Alright.” Salred wasn’t discouraged; he hadn’t expected much.

The old woman hesitated, then continued. “Young man, are you thinking of going in there too? Let me tell you, a few years ago, some children…”

“Eight years ago, madam,” Salred interrupted with a smile, but didn’t elaborate, turning and walking towards the complex.

He looked up at the rising sun, reminiscent of the glimmer of hope that had emerged from the darkness of his fear so many years ago.

It was time…

The old woman froze, speechless.

“It was indeed eight years ago… but how did this young man know…?”

By the time she recovered, Salred had disappeared into the complex.

Of course, Salred knew. He was one of the children who had disappeared eight years ago.

Or rather, he was the only survivor, transformed into the half-human, half-demon he was now.

“If not for the organization’s orders, I would never have set foot in this nightmare again…” A bitter smile touched Salred’s lips.

Unlike other Demon Hunters, he hadn’t been forced into this life by demonic corruption.

He had willingly accepted the Demonic Runes when he had been desperate and cornered, right here, in this mist-shrouded complex.

This secret was buried deep within him, shared with no one.

“Retrieve the ‘Weapon.’ If retrieval is impossible, activate it on-site.”

Those were his orders: retrieve a weapon of mass destruction from “Vikarn.”

Having been inside the complex, Salred knew what the “Weapon” was, and he understood the organization’s plan.

It was a cruel fate for the “Weapon.”

“But, being able to see her again makes this trip worthwhile.”

Salred recalled the breathtakingly beautiful face he had glimpsed within the complex eight years ago, a memory still vivid despite the passage of time.

His figure disappeared into the complex, swallowed by the shadows where sunlight couldn’t reach.

…

Vikarn Port’s old district, where Lugner resided, was heavily guarded by the Garrison Knights.

Lugner lay in bed, his eyes half-closed.

A blade wound pierced his chest, expertly treated, yet refusing to heal.

The fight between Glaimond and Lugner had been short. The aged Lugner, without the Imperial Authority, was no match for Glaimond, wielding a fragment of its power.

Glaimond had even controlled his strength, inflicting a grievous, but not immediately fatal, wound.

Lugner knew his time was short. He could feel his life ebbing away, slowly but surely.

Yet, his expression was serene, his right hand resting on the large bag Sasha had brought, a sense of relief washing over him.

“Hey, old geezer, wake up.”

A familiar, sharp female voice startled him. Lugner opened his eyes slightly, turning his head to see Sasha standing by his bedside.

“You’ve come.”

His tone was flat, devoid of surprise, as if he had expected her.

“You still owe me something. Of course, I came.”

Sasha shrugged, reaching for the bag under Lugner’s hand.

But Lugner held on tight, refusing to let go.

Seeing the grayish-red blood seeping from his wound as he strained, Sasha relented.

“You took my goods, but you won’t give me what I want. What kind of deal is this…?” she muttered, releasing the bag.

“Miss Sasha, you know what that item entails,” Lugner said calmly, his voice raspy and weak, lacking its usual strength.

“I do, but I also need it, even if it’s from ‘Vikarn.’”

Sasha smiled, pulling a chair over and sitting down.

Clearly, the “Vikarn” she spoke of wasn’t Vikarn Port, or rather, not the Vikarn Port of the present.

“Miss Sasha, you know that place well. You know it’s forbidden,” Lugner sighed. “I don’t want this brought to light. I’ve worked hard for this, even sacrificed some innocent children.”

His grip on the bag tightened slightly.

“It’s inevitable,” Sasha whispered. “And others are interested in it as well, not just me.”

“The Demon Hunters? I know.” Lugner looked away, towards the ceiling, his voice drawn out. “Cough… They only know part of the truth. They believe that by entering ‘Vikarn’ and obtaining ‘her,’ they can solve everything.”

“They don’t realize that she is the source of all calamities…”

“So, is it better to be like General Glaimond?” Sasha’s voice dripped with sarcasm. “He knows nothing, yet he followed you to Vikarn Port, believing he’s in control.”

Lugner didn’t answer directly. “Knowledge can be a poison. Knowing more doesn’t always lead to a better outcome. This is the ‘curse of knowledge.’ Those who know the truth cannot comprehend the hope seen by the ignorant. All we feel is endless despair and a futile struggle.”

“Glaimond is fine as he is. He is my chosen successor, a mediocre Legendary Knight. That’s good.”

He didn’t mention who his first chosen successor had been.

Sasha’s expression turned serious, as if remembering something.

After a long silence, she sighed heavily.

Lugner looked up slightly, Sasha’s reflection shimmering in his cloudy eyes.

“As for what you want, I gave my word, and I won’t break it… I gave it to Glaimond, to let him familiarize himself with the power of ‘Authority,’ but he no longer needs it. Go and take it. I won’t stop you.”

Although Lugner was weak and frail, Sasha knew that if he wanted to stop her, even several Legendary Knights wouldn’t be able to take him down without paying a heavy price.

He was old, but until his last breath, he was a force to be reckoned with.

Sasha frowned slightly. “What about you?”

“Me? I no longer matter… Go. Although I’ve long since disregarded my own life, it’s not my time to die yet.”

Speaking seemed to take a toll on him, his voice now as raspy as a broken windpipe.

Sasha stood up silently, glancing at the bag Lugner clutched tightly, then her figure faded away.

Lugner hadn’t mentioned the demon girl named “Bai.” Perhaps he had guessed something but didn’t want to face it.

Only then did the Garrison Knights realize someone had breached the secured area. Alarms blared, shattering the quiet of the old district.

Chapter 25: Past? Truth and Lies

Xu Bai didn’t dwell on Lin Yan’s curiosity, nor did she realize she had been observed.

Despite her caution, her ingrained instincts set her apart from an ordinary little girl, something both Lin Yan and Salred had easily noticed.

As seasoned veterans, they could instantly distinguish between ordinary civilians and those with combat experience.

While Xu Bai could also make this distinction, it didn’t mean she could perfectly disguise herself as an ordinary, inexperienced person.

After parting ways with Lin Yan, Xu Bai walked cautiously, making sure she wasn’t followed, then examined the dagger.

It was light and agile, its thin blade exceptionally sharp, perfect for a knight favoring agility, a stark contrast to Lin Yan’s heavy-armor style.

Xu Bai had rarely seen Lin Yan use a dagger; she preferred using her armor for direct assaults in close combat.

“I suppose I owe her one…” Xu Bai rubbed her temples. She seemed to be accumulating debts, including one to the still-missing Sasha.

Sasha was likely still investigating Lugner’s attack, but Xu Bai now knew it was Glaimond’s doing, and that even Lugner himself was aware of it. Sasha’s efforts were futile.

This was beyond a mercenary’s purview. And with Vikarn Port under lockdown, even if Xu Bai wanted to help Sasha escape, she couldn’t.

And then there was Ice Lily…

The thought of the straightforward demon gave Xu Bai a headache.

Ice Lily’s existence had shattered her worldview.

Even after her transformation in Saint Noyes, Xu Bai had firmly believed she was human, that her current form was the result of some unknown spell cast by Sister Neily to save her.

But her effortless control of Demonic Runes, and the fact that Sister Neily and Ice Lily were acquainted, suggested a different reality.

So, for all the answers…

Xu Bai sheathed the dagger, her expression serious as she looked ahead.

She was home.

This was where she had lived with Sister Neily for over a decade, before joining the Knights.

Except…

“I was only gone for four or five years, right? How has it changed so much?”

Xu Bai scratched her head, retracing her steps mentally, confirming she hadn’t taken a wrong turn, then looked at the dilapidated, gloomy buildings before her with a frown.

While the layout was familiar, everything was far more decayed and desolate.

She vaguely remembered this place being remote, far from Vikarn Port’s center, but it hadn’t been this deserted, as if no one had been here for years.

And it hadn’t just been her and Sister Neily living here. There had been many others, mostly doctors in white coats like Sister Neily.

“Where did I go wrong…?”

Xu Bai frowned, troubled. She had hoped to find those doctors, Sister Neily’s colleagues.

Although she hadn’t interacted with them much, they had worked with Sister Neily before she joined the Knights. They might know something about her.

But the current state of this place confused her.

As she debated whether to investigate further, a kind, elderly voice called out from behind her.

“Ahem… little girl, what are you doing here all alone…?”

Xu Bai turned to see an old woman, her body devoid of psychic energy, radiating only the aura of age. She was just an ordinary person.

Wrinkles lined her face, making it difficult to read her expression, but Xu Bai saw concern in her cloudy eyes.

Before Xu Bai could speak, the old woman continued, her voice rambling,

“Leave quickly. This place is dangerous. Several children have gone missing here…”

“Gone missing? When?”

Xu Bai blurted out, a sense of foreboding washing over her.

She had never heard of children going missing here…

“Just a few years ago,” the old woman said, looking at the buildings with fear, then back at Xu Bai, urging her to leave. “Little girl, come back. They say there are monsters inside… like the one this morning. They eat people!”

She even put on a frightening expression, her concern for Xu Bai genuine.

“A few years ago…”

Xu Bai fell silent, her face paling.

Her memories were wrong again.

A sense of fear crept into her heart. As her memories crumbled, piece by piece, she didn’t know what to believe anymore.

As this realization dawned, she noticed inconsistencies and gaps in her fragmented memories, things she had subconsciously ignored before.

The faces of the doctors in white coats blurred, the bustling buildings in her memories falling silent.

“I understand. Thank you,” Xu Bai bowed sincerely to the old woman, then turned and left in the opposite direction.

She needed to find Ice Lily and get some answers.

Hidden in the shadows, Uncle Lin watched Xu Bai leave. He didn’t follow.

After a moment of silence, he reported to Lin Yan,

“Miss, there’s nothing unusual about her. She’s gone home.”

The old woman, relieved that the little girl had heeded her warning, turned to leave, leaning heavily on her cane.

But just then, a gentle voice called out,

“Excuse me, madam. Could you wait a moment?”

The old woman turned, startled, to see a strange man with his face wrapped in bandages, only one eye visible. She instinctively took a step back.

“Who… who are you?”

The man was Salred. Realizing his appearance was alarming, he softened his voice.

“Don’t worry, I’m not a bad person.”

He gestured to his face, a wry smile on his lips. “I was disfigured in the war. I have to wear these.”

It was Salred’s usual explanation, and technically, not a lie.

Beneath the bandages was the monstrous, scarred skin caused by his forced fusion with Demonic Runes.

The old woman’s expression softened. “Oh, I’m so sorry, young man. I apologize…”

“It’s alright.”

Salred smiled, then paused, looking in the direction Xu Bai had gone. “Madam, do you know that little girl?”

Chapter 24: Commander, What Else Do You Want?!

Xu Bai’s expression softened as she raised her head slightly, speaking in a low voice, trying to avoid her usual tone.

“It’s okay. My home is nearby.”

It wasn’t a lie; her former residence with Sister Neily wasn’t far from here.

“Nearby? Do you need me to escort you?” Lin Yan immediately realized her words were inappropriate. This was a little girl half her age, not one of her usual peers. She quickly corrected herself. “Ah, then… be careful.”

“Mm-hmm.” Xu Bai nodded vigorously.

She had been wondering how to respond if Lin Yan offered to escort her, but thankfully, Lin Yan had changed her mind.

The surrounding Garrison Knights chuckled at their commander’s awkwardness, making Lin Yan blush.

The Garrison Knights had completely relaxed their guard, at least outwardly.

But Xu Bai, familiar with these former comrades, didn’t dare lower her guard, keeping her eyes downcast to prevent her gaze from revealing anything.

“Commander, you’re a woman too. Why not just escort her home?” The adjutant standing beside Lin Yan suggested, a hint of amusement in his voice.

Lin Yan froze. He was right. She was a woman; why was she being so cautious? No one here knew her anyway!

Besides, she couldn’t possibly harm such a small child, even if she wanted to!

After a moment of thought, Lin Yan scratched her cheek.

“Then… I’ll escort you home. Just escort you. I won’t do anything else!”

Her solemn declaration elicited another round of laughter from the Garrison Knights, her blush deepening.

“What else did you have in mind?!” Xu Bai thought incredulously, quickly schooling her expression, maintaining her timid demeanor.

Could Lin Yan be a…?

She hadn’t noticed anything like that before. She only knew that Lin Yan was popular with young women, with a large following, or rather… fans?

Admittedly, Xu Bai didn’t know Lin Yan well. Their encounters had always involved physical confrontations, with little conversation.

Now, seeing Lin Yan without her usual scowl, Xu Bai had to admit her popularity wasn’t unfounded.

However, Xu Bai wanted to avoid further interaction with Lin Yan. Another incident like the earlier one might expose her true identity.

At least for now, there could be no connection between “Xu Bai” and “Bai.”

“No, thank you. I can go home by myself.”

Xu Bai shook her head, then, after a moment of hesitation, forced a smile. “Thank you… big sister.”

“Big… sister…”

Hearing Xu Bai’s soft “big sister,” Lin Yan felt a strange warmth in her chest, a hint of joy in her expression.

“How nice…” Lin Yan sighed, her gaze softening, the fatigue in her eyes fading slightly. “Little girls are the cutest after all.”

Xu Bai’s eyelashes fluttered. Hadn’t she heard that somewhere before?

“Ahem, Commander Lin, please behave yourself,” the adjutant coughed pointedly.

“Don’t worry, I know my limits.” Lin Yan waved her hand dismissively, regaining her composure.

She smiled at Xu Bai. “Little girl, since you called me big sister, I won’t let you down.”

She then drew a beautifully crafted dagger from her waist and offered it, sheath and all, to Xu Bai. “This is a small gift from your big sister. It’s much better than that little toy you have. You can use it to kill any bad guys who try to do anything to you!”

The adjutant thought, Aren’t you the one with potentially bad intentions?, but he kept silent.

Xu Bai hesitated, then accepted the dagger.

Her current dagger was a standard-issue one she had grabbed when she left, durable but of inferior quality, and its blade was now chipped from long use and the fight with Ice Lily. It was barely functional.

The dagger Lin Yan offered was no cheap trinket. Xu Bai recognized it as one of Lin Yan’s personal weapons. Although not a legendary artifact, it was a high-quality blade.

Xu Bai didn’t want further entanglement with Lin Yan, but she desperately needed a good dagger.

“Thank you, big sister.”

Having dropped her pretense, Xu Bai delivered the endearment more smoothly. Lin Yan, clearly pleased, nodded with satisfaction.

“It’s getting late. You should go home now.” A cheerful smile spread across Lin Yan’s face as she tapped Xu Bai’s nose gently. “Don’t come back here, okay? It’s dangerous.”

Xu Bai nodded slightly, clutching the dagger, pulling her hood over her head, and quickly leaving.

Lin Yan watched her go, her smile fading as she sighed.

“Uncle Lin, follow her. I left a trace of my aura on the dagger.”

Uncle Lin was the adjutant who had been teasing her earlier. He was a family steward, his position as adjutant arranged by her family.

“Miss, but…” Uncle Lin seemed surprised.

“Don’t you find it strange? A little girl with a standard-issue weapon, here at a time like this?” Lin Yan said softly, her gaze still fixed on the direction Xu Bai had gone.

“And her movements were too practiced. The way she drew and sheathed the dagger… I thought it was my imagination at first, but now I think I was right.”

“Moreover, she accepted my gift without much hesitation. A bit too readily for a stranger.”

What Lin Yan didn’t say was the unsettling sense of familiarity she felt towards the girl, and the strange warmth that had bloomed in her chest when the girl called her “big sister.”

Who was she…?

“Miss, but you just said…”

“No, she clearly meant me no harm,” Lin Yan shook her head before Uncle Lin could finish. “But she’s hiding something, and I’m curious. Besides—”

A smile suddenly appeared on Lin Yan’s face. “Even if I’m wrong, it’s no big deal. I’m just asking you to follow her. And I did give her my dagger, didn’t I?”

Uncle Lin nodded, looking at the young woman he had raised, now capable and independent, a warm smile on his face.

“You’ve grown, Miss… Alright, I’ll follow her.”