"Cooperation? Mutual benefit? What do you seek?"

Harvey might be naive, but he wasn't stupid. He asked cautiously when a stranger proposed teamwork.

"After we cooperate, you'll get your beloved Felice. I only want Wenwu's life."

"Wenwu's life? His Majesty the Emperor wants him captured alive, not killed. Do you have a deep grudge against him?"

At the mention of a grudge, Bai's face flushed slightly.

"You don't need to know that. Just report Wenwu died resisting arrest. His Majesty won't care about a wanted criminal's fate—he might even reward you."

Bai's offer sounded tempting and risk-free.

"So what must I do?"

"You just need to..."

While Harvey schemed, Wenwu was dragged around by Felice. He finally realized TV tropes were real—glasses and a haircut could make you unrecognizable.

All afternoon, Wenwu repeated: "Not bad," "Looks good," "No money."

Wenwu and Felice strolled for hours. Silver watched Bai warily the whole time, convinced she'd pounce and bite him any second.

"Yo, my goddess! We meet again."

Harvey reappeared before Felice and Wenwu.

"Harvey? What now? Don't ruin our date." Felice was blunt, shooing him away.

"Come on, don't be cold. I've always loved you."

"Huh? Can't you see? I have a boyfriend."

"So what?"

"Harvey, spit it out!" Felice snapped, fed up with his pestering.

"I challenge him to a duel!" Harvey pointed at Wenwu.

Huh? A duel? Over a woman? Wenwu was just acting—he never expected a real challenge.

"Tomorrow morning at Sor City's central square. We duel. No. Backing. Out."

"Fine, fine. We'll be there. Now leave." Felice agreed instantly, ushering him off.

*Hey, missy—this is my duel! Shouldn’t you ask me first?* Wenwu bit his tongue. Exposing their act now would ruin everything. A real boyfriend wouldn’t ignore a rival’s challenge.

"Don’t stay out late. Return early, or my father and I will worry. If anything happens, I can’t face your dad." Harvey left after Felice nodded.

"Let’s be clear: I’m not going." Wenwu spoke once Harvey was gone.

"Huh? Why? I already promised!"

"You promised. Not me."

"I’ll pay extra."

"Not even for double."

This wasn’t about coin. Normally, Wenwu wouldn’t flinch from a duel. But now—wanted, hiding—he’d already risked too much showing his face among nobles. Dueling one? That’d scream "recognize me!"

"Scared? Don’t be. Harvey’s no warrior—just a hobbyist swordsman. Nothing like real knights." Felice explained, worried he feared Harvey’s skill.

"My answer’s final." Wenwu stood firm.

"Please! If you beat him, he’ll stop bothering me. One last time—I’ll pay anything after!" Felice hugged his arm, swaying it playfully. Her soft chest brushed against him.

...

"Alright, alright. I’ll go." Wenwu relented after a pause.

"Really? Great! Here’s a deposit." Felice handed him her last thirty gold coins. "I’ll pay the rest tomorrow. It’s late—I’m heading back. Tomorrow, no backing out!" She skipped toward the castle.

"Master, have you forgotten your situation?" Silver reminded quietly.

"Of course not."

"Then why agree to Miss Felice?"

"If I refused, would she let me go? Like hell I’ll duel. One night here—we leave at dawn."

Wenwu picked a modest inn. "Innkeeper, a double room."

The man stared silently at Wenwu and Silver.

"Problem? No rooms?"

"Rooms are free. But that girl hiding behind the door—is she with you? She’s been staring nonstop." He pointed.

Wenwu turned. *Heavens.* Bai still followed them, eyes locked on Silver. Silver shuddered, ducking behind Wenwu.

"We don’t know her. Just the room."

"Right. Wait here."

Wenwu took the key and climbed upstairs. Bai trailed behind.

Felice stayed at Harvey’s castle as his guest. She returned to find her father, Duke Alessandro, sipping tea in the hall.

"F-father?"

"Father? What brings you here?"

"Felice, I heard you have a boyfriend."

"Huh? Who said that?"

"And that you slept with him." Duke Alessandro spoke bluntly.

"No! Impossible!"

"Lying again?" He shot up, glaring. "Harvey heard it from your own lips!"

*Harvey told him?* She’d thought he was bluffing. Now the mess was huge.

"Father, it’s not what you think—" Felice rushed to explain.

"Uncle Alessandro, calm down." Harvey entered.

"Harvey! Tell him it’s a misunderstanding!"

"Uncle, Felice is young. Mistakes happen. No need to damage family bonds."

"Harvey, you—" Felice fumed as he fanned the flames. "Father—"

"Enough! No noble will marry you after giving yourself to a commoner. You’ve shamed this house."

"Uncle Alessandro, forgive my bluntness. I’ve loved Felice since childhood. My heart hasn’t changed. I don’t care about her past—I’ll marry her!"