At the last moment, Chu Xueyue noticed something. Albert had mentioned random teleportation—where would it send them? Why no fixed-point option? Chu Xueyue didn’t buy it. The mages must hate Albert to pull this stunt.

After teleporting, he was even more certain. What had Albert done to earn such hatred?

They weren’t sent to a sky-high altitude, nor a boundless ocean, nor before a feasting dragon.

Instead, it was a girls’ bathhouse.

At first, Chu Xueyue thought his luck had turned. But when he and Albert were caught as peeping toms and thrown back into jail, he changed his mind.

No beautiful bathing scene—just capture after being spotted.

“Albert, aren’t you supposed to break out of this cage? Why haven’t you? And you’re a Hero too. Why are we caught again?” Chu Xueyue said.

What was wrong with Albert? Those guards weren’t stronger than him. Escaping with me shouldn’t be hard. Worse, he’d been silent the whole time.

When did Albert stop talking? When he saw the guard? No—when he saw the woman behind the guard. Who was she? Albert froze after spotting her.

Must be some painful memory. But escaping came first. Chu Xueyue didn’t want to get too cozy with prison.

Just as he was about to speak again, a sound made him look up. Someone peered through the cell’s small window.

“You can come out,” the guard said, opening the door.

“You’ve got guts, trespassing in Princess Acelia’s private bathhouse. If not for her kindness, you’d be dead. Understand?” the guard snapped. In his view, such offenders deserved execution. But Princess Acelia’s mercy forced him to comply.

“If it happens again, you lose your heads. Got it?” The guard slashed a finger across his throat.

Chu Xueyue shivered. “We were foolish. It won’t happen again.”

“Enough talk. Follow me.” The guard waved them out.

Albert was still dazed. Chu Xueyue had to support him.

This armor was heavy. After we’re out, I’ll make him pay. Yeah—treat me to an expensive, unsatisfying meal.

Chu Xueyue hated such clunky armor. Comfortable clothes were better.

Outside, no one greeted them. No further action was taken.

Whoosh!

A bucket of water splashed onto Albert’s face, snapping him out of his daze.

After prison, Chu Xueyue asked around for a stream to wash up. He was fine, but Albert looked like he hadn’t washed in months—long beard, messy hair.

No stream, but a public well worked. Chu Xueyue hauled up a bucket and dumped it on Albert.

“What’s this for?” Albert growled, raising a fist.

Chu Xueyue didn’t back down. He stepped close. “I was worried! You were out for so long—I thought it was a side effect of your Hero Skill. Glad you’re fine, you jerk.” He sniffled dramatically, wiping fake tears.

Chu Xueyue wasn’t crying. He’d blurted the first excuse that came to mind. Better than asking: Was that girl your first love? Or is Princess Acelia the one who married a prince and lives “happily ever after” (shamelessly)?

Albert’s fist would’ve met his face if he’d said that.

Fresh from his daze, Albert missed the flimsy excuse. “My Hero Skill has no side effects. I was just lost in thought.”

If Albert wouldn’t talk, Chu Xueyue wouldn’t push. Ignorance was bliss.

“Oh, sorry about the water. But hey—you needed a wash. No bath here, but you can clean your face and shave.”

Albert was so filthy from prison, with that beard and wild hair, even his mother wouldn’t recognize him.

Albert rushed to wash his face, shave, and rinse his hair. Chu Xueyue sat nearby, watching the street.

So many beauties here. No wonder it’s a sword-and-sorcery world—every passerby was stunningly natural. If only I…

Before Chu Xueyue could fantasize further, Albert’s voice cut in.

“Chu Xueyue, I’m done.”

Chu Xueyue turned and blurted, “Sorry, handsome, who are you? I don’t know anyone this good-looking. Please don’t stand near me. I can’t handle it.”

“Chu Xueyue, it’s me—Albert.” The handsome man spoke.

Chu Xueyue wasn’t stupid. The voice and armor proved it. But cleaned up, Albert shone like the sun—a dazzling hero.

Chu Xueyue wondered: Was that princess blind? Or just stupid? A handsome Hero with a righteous Hero Skill—the ultimate protagonist. Yet she married someone else. This joke wasn’t funny at all.