The Imperial Capital of the Yersas Empire, Kaya, stood beneath the distant silver-white castle—the seat of the royal court.

The entire capital was draped in white, sprawling across a vast expanse that swallowed over a dozen smaller towns.

As the heart of the Empire, Kaya brimmed with entertainment venues—taverns and gambling dens lined every street.

At night, hidden alleyways glowed with discreet shops, their doors slightly ajar, spilling dazzling light onto the pavement. Inside, stunning beauties in revealing outfits lounged provocatively, flashing pale thighs and striking suggestive poses.

Yet for Kaya’s long-term residents, such places were simply accepted outlets for passing time and releasing pent-up desires. Their absence would’ve caused more headaches than their presence.

Half an hour had passed since Mu Yi entered the Imperial Capital.

He’d given the caravan a brief farewell before leaving, only to find Luo Er, Hank, and Olienna silently trailing behind him.

No matter where he went, the trio clung to him like stubborn leeches.

Hank and Luo Er walked just behind Mu Yi, chatting animatedly as if it were the most natural thing in the world.

Olienna, however, trailed quietly, head bowed with a hint of shyness.

...

..

.

*Ten minutes later*

Mu Yi stood before the inn, dark lines creased his forehead as he glared at his persistent shadows. *How much longer would they follow him?*

Hadn’t they agreed on the road? Hank was to visit old friends. Luo Er would join his companions to find work. And Olienna—she was searching for relatives.

With clear plans of their own, why were they so fixated on *him*?

“What exactly do you want by following me?” Mu Yi’s eye twitched as he faced the trio.

Days cramped in carriages had left him exhausted. Now that he and Aiva had finally secured an inn for rest, these three still wouldn’t let up.

“We simply needed to confirm which inn you’d choose, Lord Mu Yi,” Hank declared with a snap of his fingers and a gentlemanly grin. “Makes it easier to find you later. Since I’ll be staying in the capital a few days anyway, why not share lodgings?”

“My friend’s already registered me for jobs,” Luo Er added, ruffling his messy hair with a careless shrug. “No need to rush. Might as well explore the city with you and Miss Eva while I’ve got free time.”

Truth was, he just wanted to savor these fleeting moments. Their paths were bound to diverge soon—Kaya was where dreams began and groups scattered. Mu Yi and Eva existed in a world far beyond his own. Missing this chance might mean never seeing them again.

“And Miss Olienna?” Mu Yi shot skeptical glances at Hank and Luo Er—clearly just bored thrill-seekers—before turning to the girl. “You came to find family. Why follow *me*?”

“I... I...” Olienna stammered, flustered under his gaze. She hadn’t even realized she’d trailed them. Was it instinctive awe for strength? Or mere curiosity about this intriguing man?

“We invited her!” Hank boomed, slinging an arm around Mu Yi’s neck. His laughter rang loud, but his eyes flickered between Olienna and Mu Yi. *Tsk tsk... Could the little miss have a crush on Lord Mu Yi?* Unlikely—they’d barely known each other. *This pace feels dangerously fast.*

“Just pick a restaurant and tell us the time,” Mu Yi muttered, peeling Hank’s arm off. The reek of alcohol clinging to him made his stomach turn.

“The room is ready, Master. You may rest now.”

A crisp, clear voice floated from the inn’s entrance. Heads turned as passersby caught sight of Aiva—her delicate features and silken sea-blue hair drawing scorching stares.

“Stop gawking. Inside. Now.” Mu Yi waved impatiently at his three shadows, keenly aware of the growing crowd. *Better handle this indoors before it causes a scene.*

“Miss Eva, sorry for the intrusion,” Olienna murmured, bowing deeply before Aiva. Her eyes traced the girl’s flawless face and flowing azure hair. *Wah... Miss Eva looks like she stepped straight out of a painting...*

“No trouble at all. You’re Master’s friends—I welcome you warmly.” Aiva clasped Olienna’s small hands, smiling softly. She adored the girl’s unguarded shyness.

*Hm?*

A barely-there scent of blood drifted on the wind, laced with the stench of rot.

Aiva’s gaze snapped toward a shadowed street corner. For a fleeting second, she’d felt it—a gaze thick with malice.