Karida leaned against Wenwu, chattering nonstop about recent events. She seemed desperate to pour out every grievance, joy, and sorrow she’d held inside. Wenwu looked utterly bewildered but couldn’t bear to interrupt her eager chatter.

Just then, Wenwu clearly felt Karida’s long rabbit ears twitch.

Driven by her beastkin instincts, Karida sat up abruptly. "People are coming this way," she murmured while listening. "A lot of them. And they’re armored."

Wenwu didn’t worry much. Sure, he’d skipped a meal, but he doubted they’d send a whole squad after him.

*Bang!*

The door flew open as Wenwu reassured himself. Three figures strode in.

"Ah—!" Karida shrieked.

Two armored soldiers flanked a female knight. She wore a battle skirt, her black hair tied in a ponytail, left hand gripping her sword hilt.

"The knight who lost all afternoon at the casino," Wenwu blurted before she could speak.

She’d worn a mask there to avoid recognition—a knight gambling all day would ruin her reputation.

"Ahem!" She coughed sharply to drown him out. "You’re suspected of attempting to assassinate the Imperial Princess. I arrest you on the Emperor’s orders."

What? Wenwu couldn’t fathom it. He’d only skipped a meal—no need for this fuss. And assassinate the princess? He didn’t even know her face.

"Hey, Miss Knight! I was with you all afternoon at the—"

"You have the right to remain silent. Save it for the judges in the grand hall. Take him away." She didn’t want everyone knowing about her gambling.

The soldiers grabbed Wenwu, half-pushing, half-dragging him out.

"Hey! I’m innocent! Easy—don’t shove! Let me dress first. Okay, okay, I can walk!"

Wenwu vanished with the guards. Silence crashed over the room. Karida sat alone on the bed, staring blankly at the empty doorway.

The knight had let him dress properly—appearing in the palace in just underwear would be disgraceful.

Handcuffs and leg irons clamped onto Wenwu the moment he left the inn. They clearly feared he’d bolt.

He was dragged back to the palace, shouting protests all the way. "I’m innocent!"

Knight Mirantha led him by his chains into a grand hall. Judges sat high around the chamber—exactly as she’d described.

"Chief Judicator, the prisoner is here," Mirantha announced with a bow.

"Well done, Knight Mirantha. Withdraw," the central figure commanded.

"Yes, sir." Mirantha exited slowly.

"The trial begins!"