Chapter 37: Undercurrents
Despite its plain exterior, the Clock Tower’s interior, visible through the slightly ajar doors, was far from simple, though not quite opulent.
Elegant music drifted from within, maids bustled about, and waiters in tuxedos stood at the entrance, holding trays of wine, ready to greet the guests.
Massive chandeliers, powered by psychic energy, emitted a soft, golden glow. Food and refreshments were strategically placed for easy access.
However, to the nobles of Vikarn Port, Glaimond’s taste was rather… pedestrian.
He was a general, after all, not a connoisseur of luxury.
Lin Yan’s carriage arrived at the entrance, and the surrounding nobles parted to make way. A young man, clearly of noble birth, rushed forward, his eyes lighting up.
“Cousin!”
It was Lin Yong, a member of the Vikarn Port branch of the Lin family, nominally Lin Yan’s cousin, though she didn’t recognize him. She nodded curtly in acknowledgement.
To outsiders, Lin Yan always maintained a stoic demeanor, so Lin Yong wasn’t offended by her coldness, considering even this brief acknowledgement an honor.
The Garrison Knights at the entrance didn’t immediately recognize Lin Yan, accustomed to seeing her in men’s clothing or heavy armor. This stunning banquet gown was a first.
However, upon seeing Uncle Lin driving the carriage, they realized who it was and saluted in unison. “Commander Lin!”
Their synchronized greeting drew attention, even a brief, concealed glance from the Clock Tower.
“I’m not your Commander tonight,” Lin Yan said, her gaze softening slightly as she looked at the knights. “I’m merely Lin Yan, a guest of General Glaimond, attending the banquet.”
“Yes, Commander… Miss Lin!” The knights maintained their respectful tone, only changing their address.
Lin Yan, holding Xu Bai’s hand, the two of them in matching low-cut gowns, like sisters, stepped out of the carriage.
Xu Bai kept her head down, her grayish-white hair concealed by her wide-brimmed hat and veil, difficult to see in the dim light.
However, due to the attention Lin Yan attracted, Xu Bai was also momentarily in the spotlight, gasps rippling through the crowd.
Not because they recognized her non-human features, but because the two of them together were a breathtaking sight, so stunning that everyone held their breath, afraid to break the spell.
Lin Yong wondered why he had never heard of his cousin having such a beautiful younger sister… his cousin?
The Garrison Knights at the entrance instinctively gripped their weapons.
But then, realizing it was Commander Lin’s companion, they hesitated, unsure how to react.
“Commander… Miss Lin, is she…?” one knight asked hesitantly, frowning as he tried to get a better look at Xu Bai. This seemingly beautiful little girl gave him a strange sense of familiarity, or rather, a familiar sense of dread.
Xu Bai, like a shy child, hid slightly behind Lin Yan, half of her delicate face visible, her captivating gaze drawing in anyone who met it.
But to the Garrison Knight, her beauty seemed dangerous, not innocent.
“She’s my little sister. Do you have a problem with that?” Lin Yan asked, her voice low, placing a protective hand on Xu Bai’s head. “Or do you have a problem with me?”
Xu Bai wanted to pull away from the touch, but given the situation, she could only bury her head deeper.
Lin Yan’s expression suggested anger, but inwardly, she was delighted, finally having an excuse to touch Bai’s hair.
Even through the veil, it felt so soft and smooth!
The Garrison Knights exchanged glances, then bowed their heads in unison.
“No, Commander!”
Lin Yan’s expression remained unchanged, but the knights parted to make way, forcing themselves to keep their eyes downcast as she and Xu Bai passed.
This little girl… was definitely suspicious!
But since Commander Lin had spoken, they couldn’t intervene, no matter how suspicious the girl seemed.
They could only feign ignorance.
As Lin Yan and Xu Bai entered the Clock Tower, the commotion gradually subsided.
The arriving nobles, though not entirely willing, submitted to the Garrison Knights’ inspections before entering.
There had been incidents in the past of Fallen Demonspawn infiltrating high-class gatherings and causing mayhem. The nobles, valuing their lives, had no choice but to endure the scrutiny.
Sasha, in her crimson gown, imitating the haughty demeanor of the noblewoman whose identity she had assumed, approached the checkpoint, presenting her invitation.
The Garrison Knight carefully examined it, then gestured towards the entrance.
“Welcome, Madam Madeline.”
Sasha smirked, rolling her eyes as she put away the invitation, her expression a perfect imitation of the real Madeline.
Several of “Madeline’s” friends greeted her, their conversation and mannerisms so convincing that even her husband of many years wouldn’t have noticed anything amiss.
This was Sasha’s power, her mastery of “disguise.”
The rune she had given Xu Bai was a manifestation of her power, easily replicated. Telling Xu Bai it was her last one had been a lie.
While the nobles entered the banquet hall, Uncle Lin remained outside with the other servants.
He looked at the brightly lit Clock Tower, his expression complex, and sighed softly.
“Miss, I don’t want you involved in this. The ancient empire is gone; their shadows are not ours to bear.”
“But neither of us has a choice…”
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