Just as I was about to head out to buy professional gear, a familiar figure caught my eye. My friend Saches stood beside a narrow alley, counting copper and silver coins in his palm.

What’s he up to? My curiosity flared instantly.

"Weihui, I spotted Saches over there. Can you hold my things? I’ll be right back."

"But Sister, he doesn’t even recognize you now. Charging over like this might scare him off."

Ah, right. I’d never told Saches about my reincarnation. The last time we met was after I’d killed someone and locked myself indoors—he’d come to check on me. A mischievous urge hit me: I wanted to mess with him, see how this rigid guy would react to a beautiful stranger hitting on him.

"Then I’ll just see what he’s doing. If the chance comes, I’ll reveal my new identity. Can you wait for me here?" I pointed to a milk tea shop, hoping my sister would agree.

"Fine. I’m a bit tired anyway. I’ll rest here."

The moment she nodded, I hurried toward Saches. He’d just turned into the alley, so I trailed him quietly.

My flashy outfit drew stares everywhere—terrible for stealth. But Saches seemed in a hurry, and he quickly reached his destination: a secondhand weapon shop.

The storefront had glass windows displaying barely decent weapons. Hiding outside, I watched Saches stride to the counter and place a beautiful sword on it.

"Old man, this is the sword. What do you think?"

*What do I think?* Of course it’s a fine blade—I gave it to him. When he first offered to be my enforcer, I picked it from my family’s armory. Just standard issue, but well-crafted. He’d refused all my other gear offers after accepting this sword.

Back then, he’d dreamed of knighthood but lacked even basic plate armor or a shield. I’d wanted to help. But this stubborn fool rejected every gift. I finally convinced him to take just the sword, arguing that an armored bodyguard looked ridiculous. Yet this blade was his prized possession—always at his side. Now he was selling it?

The shopkeeper examined the sword, tested its edge, and said:

"Solid piece. I’ll give you fifty silver coins. Consider it my support."

Brand new, it’d cost one gold coin. Fifty silvers for a used blade meant near-zero profit—likely a favor to Saches. *He must need money desperately. Wait… did his creditors track him down again?*

"You’ll hunt monsters later, right? Listen to me, boy: girls are lovely, but don’t push too hard. Without this sword, hunting gets harder. Stay safe—you won’t win her over if you get hurt."

*What?!* He had a crush? Selling *my* sword to chase a girl? Forgetting old friends for new flames—typical!

My curiosity exploded. This block of wood actually had a love life? In just one week? What beauty could crack a heart locked tighter than a forbidden spell?

Still lost in thought, I froze as Saches exited the shop. We collided face-to-face.

"Yo, Saches! Morning!" I blurted out instinctively.

"Uh… Angel Miss, do I know you?" He stared, bewildered—a gorgeous angel in lavish robes had just called his name.

*Idiot!* I panicked. *Just admit it?*

"Ahem. I’m from the Divine Church," I lied, lowering my head to hide my face. "Here on official business."

"The Church? My apologies!" He bowed slightly. "May I ask your name, Angel Miss?" *So gullible. Since when does the Church care about nobodies like him?*

"Call me Rael." I swept my long hair behind my shoulder. "I have a few questions. Just answer honestly."

"Anything I know, I’ll tell you." He agreed, though utterly confused.

I gathered my thoughts and asked:

"Do you know about the half-elf girl murdered on Imperial Capital Avenue recently?"

His body flinched. He clamped his mouth shut.

"You *do* know something, don’t you?" I leaned closer, inches from his face. He flushed crimson. "M-Miss Rael, you’re too close…"

Ignoring his discomfort, I locked eyes with him.

"You know the truth. Who was the real killer?"

Inside, I was thrilled. To him, justice was sacred—but so was loyalty. I wanted to see how far he’d bend for me. *Such a mischievous streak I have.*

His face flushed then paled. Conflict raged in his eyes. Finally, he choked out:

"I… don’t know."

"Alright then." Even I—a novice—could spot his lie. A real Church inquisitor would’ve broken him instantly. But his answer satisfied me. I knew he’d crack if I pressed further. To him, a knight’s code outweighed everything.

He exhaled sharply and walked toward the alley exit. With only one path, I followed. Near the end, he froze abruptly—I nearly crashed into him. Then he bolted out.