The young master saw Kevin, who looked like a celestial maiden descended to earth. He froze for a moment, stunned by her beauty, but snapped back instantly.

"So it's you, you damn bitch, no—"

His voice dripped with resentment. After all, he’d been thrown off an airship and injured. Who wouldn’t be furious? But before he finished, the old man sealed his mouth with magic.

"Apologies, Honored Executor. Please be magnanimous and forgive my young master. At the very least, consider House Ostada’s reputation. I beg you."

The old man groveled, pleading for Kevin’s forgiveness. If she killed them as Executor, even House Ostada wouldn’t dare protest.

"It’s fine."

Kevin was long immune to such words. Besides, she didn’t want to dirty her hands—let House Ostada discipline their own brat. Her demeanor shifted abruptly.

"You have one minute. Leave. Now. Or face the consequences, okay~?"

Kevin’s voice was soft and ethereal, incredibly soothing. Yet her words sent chills down spines.

Soon, the three limped away. She gently wiped sweat from her brow. Even her silky silver hair was damp. Then she sank back onto the plush sofa.

"Hurry up, boss. Don’t stand there like a fool. What’s wrong? Something on my face?"

Her pale blue eyes swept the room. Seeing no one moved, she snapped impatiently.

"Oh, yes, my lady! Quick, you lot, move!"

The boss had traded slaves for years, but never seen such beauty. He was utterly speechless.

"Hmm… never mind." Kevin raised her slender hand toward the heavy, stuffy hood, but stopped. It was just too hot to wear.

Anyway, no one here recognized her like this. She couldn’t live hooded forever.

She frowned, remembering something. Her swirling thoughts dissolved into a sigh.

Just that guy, Gali. Such a hassle. What if he saw her next time? Run? If she couldn’t escape, how to explain?

"What a bother. Why take Manna’s form? I feel guilty toward Gali, sigh."

As her words faded, hurried footsteps and hesitant knocks caught Kevin’s attention.

The boss entered with an exquisitely beautiful woman. Her clothes were freshly changed—no trace of the wretched dungeon figure remained.

"Not bad, boss."

Kevin stood, satisfied. She walked over, gently touched the woman, and ran fingers through her long golden hair. But the woman’s eyes held no spark, lifeless as a zombie.

"What can you do besides tying hair?"

"I’ll do whatever my master says."

"Is that so? You’ll follow me now. Don’t worry—no one will bully you again."

Kevin lightly touched her forehead, then crushed the slave collar around her neck. A sharp pain shot through her palm.

She’d forgotten her body’s fragility. Blood dripped from her hand to the floor. Yet Kevin’s blood held deadly allure for certain creatures.

"Ah, troublesome."

Kevin said it casually, uncaring. To her, it was just a healing spell away.

The slave’s golden eyes flashed eerily for an instant. The merchant boss panicked instead—if Kevin was harmed here, he’d lose more than ten heads.

"My lady, quick! Bandage it! My lady!"

The boss fumbled open a medical kit. Precious herbs and potions filled it, but he frantically rummaged, clueless.

"Found it!"

"No need."

Kevin casually wrapped gauze around the wound. Healing magic was pointless—she’d survived worse. Once, monsters nearly spilled her guts. She’d tied a bandage around her abdomen and dragged herself to a church, barely alive. Back then, before meeting Gali’s group, she was the "lone wolf" adventurer.

Thinking back, a shiver of fear lingered.

"By the way, boss—I need a favor. You’ll be well rewarded."

Kevin spoke flatly. With a casual wave, gems clattered to the floor. The boss’s eyes widened in awe.

"Well? Will you help?"

...

Night fell.

On the bustling imperial avenue, Kevin wandered aimlessly alone. No hood covered her head; the cold night breeze brushed her cheeks.

People passed as if she were invisible. A Tenth Tier magic disguise wasn’t a joke.

She dared stroll openly—she’d heard Gari Barodale was away. Still, she suppressed her magical aura to avoid Gali sniffing her out. She’d also tasked the boss with sending the slave to Divine Spirit Mountain.

Truly carefree now, she stretched lazily.

She trusted the boss—he’d never defy a superior, or he wouldn’t hold his position.

Another reason: savoring her reborn body. After the Demon King War and old battle injuries, her physical sensations and emotions had dulled, though her strength remained.

But she’d closed her heart on Divine Spirit Mountain, except for Gali’s constant interruptions. A faint smile touched her lips at the thought.

Her gaze drifted to a nearby boat. She’d heard the empire’s night waterscape was stunning—never tried it. Today, she’d treat herself.

"One more person. Can I join?"

Kevin stepped lightly to the riverside, dispelling her disguise. She called to the departing boatman.

"Sorry, miss. This boat’s booked."

As Kevin turned to wait for the next, a familiar voice sounded inside. It felt oddly recognizable, but she didn’t dwell.

"Come aboard."

Without overthinking, she stepped on. Waiting longer was pointless.

She lifted the curtain, entering the cabin to thank him—

Until Gali’s figure filled her pale blue pupils. He looked just as shocked. They stared at each other, the silence thick with awkwardness.