Meanwhile, on the road at the village entrance.

Several interconnected paths of stones and dirt met here. One led to a nearby village. Another went to a fishing lake. The widest—the official road—connected the village to the nearest town.

In autumn, carriages laden with crops and pelts would roll down this road. They traded for the villagers’ yearly necessities and coins. But this spring, with life renewing everywhere, farmers toiled in the fields. Rarely did a soul appear on the road.

Today, however, a figure seldom seen in such a small village stood there.

A male swordsman, towering over 1.9 meters tall, stood by the roadside like a sturdy tree. Yet unlike a tree, his pitch-black armor accentuated his imposing frame. His hair blazed deep red like flames. His features weren’t handsome but decent. Paired with that fiery mane, he radiated youthful vigor.

One detail stood out sharply: a massive greatsword strapped across his back. Even at his height, it hung diagonally to avoid scraping the ground. The thick blade bore intricate patterns—clearly enchanted. Their complexity hinted at power far beyond mere decoration.

“Why aren’t they here yet…?” Ade muttered, eyes fixed impatiently on the crossroads. For someone so restless, waiting this long was agony. Normally, he’d have left already.

After ages, a girl in a flowing blue mage robe finally strolled into view. That was why Ade had held his temper. She was breathtakingly beautiful. Her loose robe hid her curves, but her angelically sculpted face and cool expression captivated anyone at first glance.

A blue brooch pinned beneath her left collar caught the light. Experts would recognize its six engraved water droplets—a mark of a high-tier six-star water mage. Such power was rare in this world. Combined with her stunning looks, it left onlookers awestruck.

Beside her walked a little girl in lavish clothes. Golden hair cascaded down her back. A silvery-white princess crown, glittering with priceless gems, rested on her head.

“Ade, is Her Highness truly living in seclusion here?” the mage asked. Her voice was crisp yet cool, like clear mountain spring water.

“Yes. I never imagined Her Highness would choose such a remote place,” Ade sighed.

“Hard to picture. But…” Celia nodded, glancing around. “It’s undeniably beautiful. Peaceful.”

“…” Ade choked, speechless. He felt utterly out of sync with this companion. Why had he teamed up with this eccentric mage? Self-inflicted misery. He’d hoped traveling with a beauty might spark romance. Sigh…

“Uncle Ade, let’s find Auntie quickly, right? Sister Celia?” The little girl tugged Celia’s arm, impatient.

Why “sister” for her but “uncle” for me? I’m barely old enough to be a big brother! Ade’s heart wailed silently.

“Your Highness…”

“Mm… yes, Princess Nina is so clever.”

The trio reached a small wooden house. Inside, they found Nevia and her mother just returning to the hall from the back rooms.

“Who are you?” Nevia asked, slightly startled by the strangers entering her home.

“Celia Eve.” The mage smiled. With a respectful gesture, she lifted her pointed hat by its brim. Silky blue hair spilled out. Her deep blue eyes held an unreadable glint as she studied Nevia.

“Ade Rod,” the swordsman added.

“Hello.” Nevia crossed her hands over her chest in a polite bow. Her gaze shifted to the little girl ignoring her.

“Auntie!” The child dashed past Nevia, leaping into her mother’s arms with a happy cry. She nuzzled close affectionately.

“Good girl, Nina.” Her mother stroked the girl’s head fondly. The princess crown was hidden now. Loose golden hair framed her face like a lively lion cub’s mane.

Nevia’s chest tightened. That intimate gesture—once hers alone with Mother—now felt stolen. Annoyance flared.

“Who are you?” she asked flatly.

“I am Princess Nina.” The girl lifted her chin proudly.

“Hah! You’re a princess? I’m one too!” Nevia shot back, stung by the haughty tone.

“Actually—” Ade began, but Nevia’s mother silenced him with a sharp look.

“Hmph! You there! Why aren’t you bowing to this princess?” Nina demanded imperiously.

What?

Nevia almost doubted her ears—until Nina repeated it impatiently.

“Mom, who are they?” Nevia turned away from the girl, seeking answers.

“Well…” Her mother smiled gently. “Nevia, this is your cousin, Nina.”

“?” Nevia’s face froze in utter confusion.

“!” Nina beamed triumphantly.

Mom, you promised we had no family left. That we were alone wanderers. Was it all a lie?

Nevia shot her mother a betrayed glance. But Mother just winked back.

“Nevia, why not play with Nina while I talk with them?”

“No way!”

Both girls snapped the words at once.

“Auntie, Nina missed you so much!” Nina burrowed deeper into her mother’s embrace, then shot Nevia a defiant glare.

Absurd… When did I even upset this kid? I’ve never seen her before. Did Mom’s long absences mean visiting relatives like this?

“Mom, I’m going to my room.”

Brimming with questions, Nevia headed upstairs. A beautiful girl waited there to be saved—no time for childish squabbles. Hmph!

She shot Nina a fierce glare. Then, thump thump thump, her heavy footsteps echoed up the stairs, step by deliberate step.