Bak walked toward Ata. Soldiers on both sides instantly parted, their gazes holding a trace of awe.

"Miss, let's go," Bak said.

Ata's face beamed with a bright smile. "A splendid victory."

"A Royal Court Knight was defeated so easily?" Mushiyu gaped in shock.

"It depends on the opponent. He must be a Royal Court Knight too," Grace replied.

Mushiyu was stunned. "How could that be... What about Ata?"

"She's the key to getting us out of the city." Grace took her hand and walked toward the pair.

"Mushiyu, Tess," Ata called out before getting close. "What a coincidence, meeting you again."

Grace smiled. "Yes, we were fortunate to witness this brave warrior's impressive performance."

Seeing Grace look at him, Bak scratched his head shyly and chuckled. "His Lordship was just holding back."

"Even so, it's still amazing, Brother Bak! So cool!" Mushiyu's eyes sparkled with stars.

Grace glanced at her, expression calm.

Bak grew even shyer, probably lacking experience in such situations.

"By the way, didn't you say you'd take an airship? Or are you staying here a few days?" Ata asked.

Grace looked troubled. "Actually... we haven't bought tickets yet."

Ata blinked in confusion. "Why? Are tickets hard to get?"

Bak explained from the side. "Miss, you may not know. Suxi City has huge crowds. Demand for airships is massive. Unless you're rich or influential, buying tickets immediately is tough."

Grace nodded. "Yes, fares are very expensive. We don't have enough money. We'll wait a few days or find another way."

"I see..." Ata blinked thoughtfully.

Mushiyu stared at Grace's face, as if expecting a flower to bloom there. She began doubting what kind of person she'd followed. Could lies flow so naturally?

Throughout, Grace didn't return her gaze.

Ata, catching Mushiyu staring by chance, seemed to misunderstand. Her heart softened suddenly. She stepped forward and pulled the unprepared Mushiyu into a hug, gently stroking her hair.

Mushiyu looked shocked. Only her wide eyes showed above Ata's arm, making her seem like a helpless little animal. Grace's expression stiffened for a moment, then smoothed over.

"Mushiyu, Tess, can you tell me where you're going?"

Ata whispered in Mushiyu's ear. Her warm breath tickled, freezing Mushiyu in place. She stared innocently at Grace.

"We plan to go to the empire's eastern coast. This child's relatives are there; we want to find them," Grace said.

"Find them... Could it be?"

"Yes, Mushiyu has been separated from her family for a long time."

Ata tightened her arms, squeezing until Mushiyu struggled to breathe. She shot an angry glare at Grace, who ignored it.

Ata suddenly turned to Bak. "Bak, let's go to the east coast too!"

"Miss, didn't you say you wanted the Elven Forest?" Bak sighed, rubbing his forehead. He'd prepared everything. Arrangements were made. Now his efforts were wasted.

Mushiyu's heart skipped: They'd planned for the Elven Forest? She'd wanted to see that magic scenery too. But thinking of a certain elf, she dismissed the idea instantly.

"We can visit the Elven Forest later. I've heard the east coast is beautiful—azure seas, golden beaches. I've always wanted to see it!" Ata's words seemed for Bak, Mushiyu, and Grace alike.

Bak nodded reluctantly. "Then I'll prepare the arrangements later."

Ata's smile deepened. She turned to Grace. "Tess, why don't we travel together?"

Hesitation flickered on Grace's face. "Eh? But..."

Seeing this, Ata loosened her hold on Mushiyu slightly. She looked at her gently. "Hey, Mushiyu, do you like your sister?"

A bead of cold sweat trickled down Mushiyu's heart: Big sister, my real age matches yours. Why treat me like a kid?

But she had to play along with Grace's act. She didn't dare refuse.

"I like her..." weakly.

"Then do you want to go play with her?" Ata coaxed.

"I want to..." in a faint voice.

Grace suddenly regretted it. Mushiyu had watched her from the corner of her eye. Seeing Grace's gaze turn cold, dread surged. She grabbed Grace's sleeve—

"Tess!"

Grace froze, looking at Mushiyu.

"Tess," Mushiyu repeated. "Can we travel with Sister Ata and them?"

They locked eyes briefly. Grace's coldness faded. She nodded at Ata. "Then we'll leave it to you."

"How about resting here today? Depart tomorrow morning. Bak needs time to prepare," Ata suggested.

Grace nodded. "We'll follow your arrangements."

Mushiyu breathed a sigh of relief. By chance, she glanced at Bak. He was staring at Grace, his eyes holding a strange intensity.

At the inn.

"Grace, that Bak seems to suspect you," Mushiyu said from the bed, watching Grace brew tea by the window.

"Don't worry. Nothing will happen," Grace comforted.

Mushiyu hummed softly.

Dusk fell. Streetlights dotted the streets like stars. Crowds thinned, but pleasure districts buzzed louder.

Grace lit the magic lamp on the table. Soft white light poured out, filling the room.

"Do you think... I'm a woman who likes to lie?" Grace suddenly asked.

"Not really," Mushiyu murmured, gazing dreamily at the lamp. "I've told many lies too."

It was nothing. No one hurt. Just a temporary measure.

Grace studied Mushiyu a moment, then changed the subject. "I decided on the east coast alone. Are you upset?"

"No, the scenery's beautiful," Mushiyu said lazily. Today's shopping with Ata had exhausted this frail body.

I must strengthen myself. In this deadly world, I'm no noble lady like Lin Daiyu. This weak frame is a burden.

A knock sounded. The waiter's voice came through the door. "Guests, your hot water's here!"

Grace opened the door, took the bucket easily. "I'll handle it myself." She locked the door.

She poured water into the tub, tested the temperature—just right.

"Mushiyu, bath time." Grace waved to her, still sitting dazed on the bed.

"Oh."

Mushiyu got up and walked over. Grace stood before her naturally, hands on her collar, unfastening her clothes.

Mushiyu blinked. She watched Grace's calm face, then her clothes slipping away. A blush spread across her cheeks...

"I... I'll do it myself!"