Wenwu stepped out of the palace at dusk, just in time for dinner. With ten gold coins left, he could finally enjoy a proper meal without freeloading—celebrating his narrow escape from death.

During the meal, Silver kept peppering him with questions about his encounter with the princess. Wenwu shared most of it but skipped the adult details.

"By the way, Silver," he asked, "what exactly is Essence Energy?"

Though Desmona had mentioned it often, Wenwu only had a vague idea.

"Hmm... new stuff..." Silver mumbled through a mouthful.

"Swallow first. No one’s stealing it from you," Wenwu said helplessly, watching her wolf down the food. She probably hadn’t eaten well since his capture.

After gulping down the meat, Silver explained, "Essence Energy is basically human life force. Having more or less of it doesn’t stop you from living."

"What’s it used for?"

"Well... sustaining life. Infusing a dying person with lots of it can extend their life."

"Can you regain it after losing it?"

"Sure. Eating and sleeping replenish it. Just don’t lose too much at once." She grabbed another chicken leg.

Hearing this, Wenwu felt like slamming his head against a wall. If only he’d known earlier, he’d have just given in to Desmona.

"Rumor has it beastmen ancestors survived by sucking human Essence Energy..." Silver added, but Wenwu wasn’t listening anymore. He was drowning in regret.

"Hey there, cutie," a flashy woman purred, leaning over their table. "Such a lavish spread tonight."

"You look down. How about chatting with big sister later?" Her outfit screamed her profession.

"Hey, Silver," Wenwu whispered, "do they solicit so openly here? Back home, they only lurked in dark alleys."

"In the Empire, it’s like gambling—legal as long as both sides agree and no trouble starts."

Wenwu perked up but remembered his empty pockets. He had no coin left, not even for a room.

Before he could refuse her offer, Silver set down her chicken leg. "Sister, wanna make a bet?"

"A bet? Little miss, what kind?" The woman’s eyes lit up.

"You battle my master all night. First one to beg for mercy loses."

"Oh ho! Young but savvy. What’s the stake?"

"If he wins, we pay nothing—and you cover the room fee. If you win, we pay double plus the fee. Deal?"

"Done! Don’t you dare back out!" she agreed eagerly, already picturing an easy win. Men always overpromised.

Silver flashed a thumbs-up at Wenwu, grinning like it was settled.

Wenwu hated admitting weakness, but making a seasoned pro beg? He had zero confidence.

"Master, you two go ahead. I’ll finish eating," Silver said, pointing at the inn across the street with her chicken leg. "Easy to find later."

"Alright, sweetie. Keep munching—we’re off," the woman chirped, dragging Wenwu away. He looked gullible in his gloom, unlike sharp-eyed Silver. She had to seal the deal before that kid finished her meal.

Wenwu recalled yesterday’s courtesan also mentioning a bet. Was this his old trick? Silver’s confidence gave him a sliver of hope.

The woman half-dragged him into the room.

From across the street, Silver watched their silhouettes start swaying in the window. She smiled. "Battle’s begun."