"D-Ddesmona... what are you doing..."

"Can't you see? This guy's off. Mirantha, help him up," Desmona ordered.

Wenwu was dizzy but not fainting—he stayed conscious. With Mirantha's support, he managed to stand.

"Mirantha, take him to rest. And give him a thousand gold coins."

"Yes."

Mirantha guided Wenwu out of the princess's chamber.

Mirantha's fragrance teased Wenwu's nose. Before long, his dizziness faded. His vision cleared. He could walk alone. Besides, her light armor left no room for accidental contact.

"Lady Knight, I think I'm fine now."

Mirantha instantly dropped her hands. *Seriously? How much does she hate me?* Wenwu thought.

"Since you're okay, come get the coins. Then I'll escort you out. Your servant's waiting outside."

Mirantha looked eager to be rid of him.

In the princess's chamber—

"Desmona, what happened just now?" Hadi asked after they left.

"Just as you saw. He collapsed suddenly. I only caught him."

"What did you promise him?"

"You were eavesdropping!" Her tone turned sharp.

"I'm your fiancé. Shouldn't I care?"

"Is eavesdropping your idea of care?"

"Desmona, I'm doing this for you."

"Then stay out of my affairs."

Hadi fell silent. After a pause, he whispered in her ear, "You're just the Emperor's tool to bind our families. To me, you'll be nothing but a plaything. Don't act so high and mighty. Excuse my bluntness."

He left the chamber.

Desmona ignored his words. Her fate was sealed long ago.

Alone, she opened a hidden door to her lab. She began studying the Divine Tree Seed Wenwu brought.

Mirantha escorted Wenwu out with the gold coins. Silver sat alone on the stone steps, holding the reins.

"Silver, why didn't you return the horse?"

"Master, you're back! I had no coins for rent."

"Just run. Like skipping a meal bill."

Silver shot him a resentful look. "They have horses."

Wenwu had no reply.

"Let's go."

"Huh? Master, you have money now?"

Wenwu shook a clinking coin pouch. Silver's eyes lit up.

"Master, you got nothing. Why pay you?" Silver asked curiously on the way.

"Heh heh. You missed it. The Elf Queen slipped me something good."

"What?"

"A secret."

"Tch." Silver grimaced. "Master, why did you change your mind when the Elf Princess called you 'brother'?"

"Well... everyone has quirks. Don't sweat details."

"Accidentally summoning Sister Jade Star restored some memories. Not bad! Do this more, Master—your memories might fully return."

*Yeah, right.* Wenwu vowed never to act on impulse again.

Chatting, they reached the horse market. Seeing the girl, Wenwu recalled her parting words—and the old seller's sharp glare.

"Ah, customer! Back already?" The old man beamed.

*Huh? Did he forget everything?* Wenwu wondered.

The man stayed smiling through the paperwork. Wenwu decided to test fate.

"Beauty, remember what you said before?" he teased the girl.

She glanced up. "Do I know you? Have we spoken?"

*Ah.* Wenwu finally understood the old man's calm. This girl had zero recall.

"Oh? Isn't this Brother Wu?" A sultry voice purred from behind.