"Sir, where to next?" Higor whispered, sticking close to Rogue's side.

Leaning against the city wall, Rogue glanced up at patrolling guards and lowered his voice. "Find the library. I need details on the Silver Dragon King. Nobles work too—grab one for answers."

"Understood." Higor hid in shadows, stealing a glance at No. 5, who followed Rogue silently.

Rogue noticed his look. "Relax. I boosted our robes' stealth magic before entering. My guard won't slip up."

Once the wall guard passed, Rogue crouched, rubbed dirt between his fingers, and flicked it at the campfire. Flames shuddered violently, then slowly died.

Magic sensors filled the castle. He couldn't cast spells now.

As the guard investigated the fire, Rogue darted up the wall and landed soundlessly inside. No. 5 and Higor followed, equally quiet.

"Follow me." Rogue knew nothing of this layout. He wandered blindly, targeting rooms with faint lights—aiming to grab a noble familiar with the castle.

But trouble hit fast. In one room, a naked man like a fat pig writhed on a bed. Beneath him, a girl stared at the door, eyes lifeless as ashes.

She was already dead.

Yet the pig kept thrusting tirelessly.

Under his robe, Higor's smile widened. He mocked humanity, eyes fixed on Rogue, curious about his next move.

Rogue's gaze stayed calm. He turned and left.

"Sir, won't you kill him?" Higor asked while searching elsewhere.

Rogue replied flatly, "Meaningless actions stir trouble. It risks Ilidian's deal."

"You're cold-blooded. That red-haired guy would've killed this pig."

"I've seen too much. Guards patrol here. Find another."

Before leaving, Rogue memorized the room and the pig-man's face. Impulsive moves were childish. Cleansing time hadn't come.

After half an hour of wandering, Rogue stopped in a dark corner. He sniffed. "This smells like the dungeon."

As an interrogator, he knew this scent well.

Suddenly, a sharp voice nearby: "These slaves suck. They die after minutes. No quality stock?"

Rogue slightly leaned out. A twin-tailed blonde girl stood there—about two years older than Lilitha. Her face was arrogant, voice cutting.

The maid beside her bowed her head. "Fifth Miss, better slaves are off-limits. Master trades them."

"Tsk. A hundred trash slaves can't match that young Silver Dragon I played with. Her screams were perfect. Only that elf was fun lately, but Father took her." The girl's face flushed as she complained, walking toward Rogue.

She halted, grabbed the maid's cheek, and examined her. "Boring slaves lately. How about you play with me?"

The maid trembled, words jumbled. Rogue watched distant guards. When they left, he signaled Higor.

Higor vanished instantly with Rogue.

They appeared beside the girls in a flash. A chop to each neck—terrified eyes rolled back as both fainted.

Guards returned, muttering about the girls' quick pace.

Inside, Higor held the maid. "This human's useless. Should I step out?"

Rogue eyed Higor's crimson gaze. "No blood mess."

"Relax. I won't kill her. Just a taste. Haven't drunk human blood in ages."

Higor carried the maid out. This disused storeroom was deep in the castle. Rogue had seen the Fifth Miss's name on her token.

Baili Steven.

If Lilitha had one former master, it was her. If many, Baili was among them.

That young Silver Dragon's screams... Rogue remembered her words clearly.

He slapped Baili's face. Pain jolted her awake. Pupils shrank. Seeing Rogue, she opened her mouth to scream—he clamped it shut.

Rogue's eyes turned icy. "Listen. Magic soundproofs this room. Screaming won't help. Answer my questions, and you live."

No magic existed. He was bluffing.

Baili sneered, lips pinched. "Kidnapping me? You're fearless. This is the Steven Family's castle. Father will—"

Rogue punched her stomach hard. Eyes bulged as bile rose.

Next second, he gripped her neck, squeezing tight.

She was young, pretty even. Rogue felt no pity.

She played slaves to death. Dead ones were worse than a young dragon. He recalled Lilitha's broken state upon arriving at his manor.

Hah. A pure human girl?

A demon lived in her heart.

If exposed, he'd kill her without hesitation.

Only when Baili nearly died, choking, did he release her. "I'm not negotiating."

"Heh, hahaha!" Baili coughed, clutching her neck, laughing hoarsely. "This near-death feeling... wonderful. So this is the despair those dying slaves felt?"

She grinned mockingly at Rogue. "Uncle, among my dead slaves—is one your kin? I love playing with girls my age. For your age... your daughter?"