"Whoa..."

The Sinan Family’s private car glided smoothly along the elevated highway. The vermilion city walls grew larger in my view, finally looming like a massive mountain pressing toward me. I let out a soft sigh. Only up close could one truly grasp their grandeur—I had to marvel at human ingenuity.

"Ye, before we reach the Sinan residence, I need to brief you on some matters." Sinan Yuan’s voice snapped me out of my thoughts. Her serious expression told me this was important. I straightened my posture and listened attentively.

"As the capital of Heavens Origin Kingdom, the Imperial Capital is a mix of all sorts. Countless factions, big and small, swarm here. Influential figures are as numerous as stars. You must understand this," she paused. "First, tell me what you already know about the Imperial Capital."

"Hmm... the two biggest powers are the Sinan Family and the Cleone Clan. The Sinan Family has always held the upper hand. There’s also the Imperial Palace, but it’s just a puppet of the two families—no real power. That’s all I know."

"Only that?... Too little. Let me fill you in. This is Elder Hong’s request too.

"Besides the Sinan and Cleone families, other formidable factions exist in the Imperial Capital. They’re not as powerful as the great clans, but they demand caution.

"First, the Embroidered Spring Workshop. Its name sounds feminine, but it’s the largest equipment manufacturer here. Even the Sinan Family’s private armory can’t match it. They run several martial arts schools too. Almost every faction does business with them—never underestimate them.

"Next, the Chen Family. Their influence rivals the Workshop, but one harms, the other heals. The Chens are an ancient healer clan. Nearly all medical institutions here answer to them. They meddle heavily in Spiritual Medicine trade, controlling sales in major markets. Crossing them would be troublesome."

...

For the next hour, Sinan Yuan detailed every faction in the Imperial Capital. I started attentive, but soon I was nearly dozing off... How could anyone memorize all these messy groups!

"Pay attention!"

Her sudden shout startled me.

"Last—and most dangerous besides the Cleone Clan—is the Tatalia Family!"

"Tatalia?"

What a funny surname... Wait, didn’t Elder Hong mention "a young lady who doesn’t lose to the Tatalia Family’s"? Could it be them?

"By now, you grasp that the Imperial Capital has many dark factions in shady dealings. In this underworld, the Tatalia Family reigns supreme. They own all famous casinos, dance halls, and high-end brothels. They control smuggling and human trafficking. The Tatalia Family never lacks ruthless thugs—ferocious as wolves, cunning as foxes. Extremely dangerous!"

So they’re the underworld boss, a local tyrant?

"Still, they’re shadows—illegitimate. They can’t compare to the Sinan and Cleone families. If the great clans truly wanted, they could wipe them out. But the underworld needs an overlord for order. Chaos would follow otherwise."

"I see... So the Tatalia Family isn’t easy either. Their fate rests with the two clans. One misstep, and annihilation comes in minutes."

"You catch on fast. That’s why they have Lunara Tartalia."

"Lunara... Tartalia? The name feels mismatched."

"Lunara Tartalia is the adopted daughter of the Tatalia Family head. She took the surname. At eleven, powerful factions proposed marriage. At fourteen, countless heirs ignored the Tatalia’s notoriety just to glimpse her beauty at her birthday party. Now nineteen, she’s firmly the ‘Imperial Capital’s Most Beautiful Woman.’ Plus, she’s exceptionally skilled—a top-tier figure here."

Wow... a real-life Mary Sue. And she’s my age.

"You know the Sinan Family’s four-son power struggle. The Tatalia Family spread rumors: they’ll betroth Lunara Tartalia to the new Sinan head. The winner gains power, wealth, and the most beautiful woman here."

"I see... Using marriage to expand legitimate influence and secure their position? Cliché, but effective."

"...I admit, in many ways, you surpass Miss Rui Xin. You understand instantly—I barely need to explain. It’s almost boring."

"Hey, hey, hey..."

"Beware the Tatalia Family—not for your identity, but your appearance."

"My appearance?"

She yanked down my face-covering hood, studying me closely. Her usually cold eyes filled with admiration. Gradually, it shifted to enchantment, then obsession. She just stared, silent.

"Um... Ms. Yuan?"

"...! Ah, sorry. That was rude." She hastily pulled the hood up, flustered and looking away. Hey, that’s kinda cute.

"Frankly, appearance-wise, you match her level—maybe even slightly superior."

"Thanks, but so what... ah!"

I get it... Lunara Tartalia is key to the Tatalia Family’s revival. Her value hinges on beauty. If someone like me appears, rivaling her looks, it weakens her worth. The Tatalia Family won’t welcome that.

"Easy fix—I’ll just keep my face covered."

"No."

"What!?"

"You’re part of Miss Rui Xin’s faction now. For her to stand firm in the family and Imperial Capital, she needs ‘bargaining chips.’ Chips can be strength, wealth, or—"

"—her subordinates. So you want me to show my face and boost her prestige? But Rui Feng and Rui Xin are capable too."

"They’re good, but neither their looks nor strength match yours. Miss Rui Xin trusts you deeply—you hold a high place in her heart. We can’t afford idle talent right now."

"I see..."

With that, I couldn’t refuse.

Realizing I was stuck, I sighed in resignation. As they say, once you’re in this world, you can’t control your own fate...