The local branch confirmed he wasn’t home. But as instructed, I brought this—his personal item."

The Association agent handed Mei Yige an ornate pipe. Among all the relics brought over during the Transmigration, this was arguably the worst. Legend said some chain-smoker had begged the Goddess to allow tobacco in this new world.

And she’d actually agreed.

Now this realm had its own tobacco industry.

Mei Yige examined the pipe without twirling her Magic Wand. Though she never smoked to relieve stress, she recognized such antiques. She unscrewed the filter—traces of old Bob’s saliva still clung to it.

"Tch. I truly hate using tracking magic for errands."

With a disdainful snap of her fingers, ambient mana surged toward the filter. Instantly, countless threads materialized, weaving a dense, spiderweb-like guidance barrier across the forest outside Water Fungus Town.

"He’s in a cave roughly five hundred meters southeast. Find him. Ask what he’s done. I’ll check another location."

"We’ll go at once. Please stay safe, Advisor."

Only after the agents vanished did Mei Yige unwind a strand of hair tangled on the pipe’s mouthpiece. She rubbed it gently between her fingers. Faint as it was, she confirmed it didn’t belong to old Bob—but to someone else.

The threads reformed, pointing in the exact opposite direction.

"Tata Town?"

Stowing the pipe, Mei Yige summoned her Magic Wand and soared toward the threads’ end.

At that very end, a golden-haired woman haggled with a market stall owner.

To Shiren, Tata Town’s farmers’ market felt like her own creation. When she’d first arrived here? Even she couldn’t say. Though rarely seen, her gaze swept every corner of the town and its outskirts. She wasn’t exactly Tata Town’s guardian spirit—but she was its ever-present phantom. So…

"Don’t treat me like an outsider. Your price is wrong. Think you’re the only one selling perilla here?"

No one cheated Shiren on prices.

The stall owner had never faced such trouble—not from her firm tone, but from how intimately she knew market rates.

"Ah… my mistake! How about one silver coin for two jin?"

If he didn’t yield, Shiren would recite his sales records to regulars. His business would collapse overnight.

"Next time, be careful. Just because my steward didn’t come today, you jack up the price? Hmph…"

"You’re… oh! You’re the lady Miss Liz mentioned! I’ll give you a ten percent discount per jin this time—as an apology! What do you think?"

He finally recognized her: the town’s biggest spice buyer. While others purchased by the jin, she bought by the ton. Half the merchants owed her favors.

Usually, her black-haired steward Liz handled purchases. Her appearing personally was unexpected.

"Just charge the standard rate next time. Here’s payment. Deliver to the usual spot. Don’t be late."

A small pouch of silver coins landed on the table. Shiren yawned, scanning the crowd. No one seemed tempted by her languid demeanor.

*[No outsiders here… So I must rely on newcomers for ingredients after all?]*

Better return home. Lingering outside risked exposure to sharp-eyed observers. With summer heat already killing her appetite, Shiren quickened her steps.

"Hello."

"？！"

A hand landed on her shoulder. Shiren froze mid-stride in the bustling crowd.

*[No aura at all… Too weak? Or—?]*

Before identifying her shoulder-tapper, she’d already composed her expression. Only when she saw the familiar violet-haired, golden-eyed girl did her mind flicker with disorientation.

*Why her?*

———

The hair strand led to this woman—appearing twenty, wearing a wide-brimmed hat and a black gown edged in white, its cut resembling formal wear. Tall, aloof, with cascading golden curls, she perfectly matched Mei Yige’s image of a noble lady.

"My apologies for the intrusion."

Seeing the woman’s startled confusion, Mei Yige relaxed slightly. *Such a beautiful lady couldn’t possibly be a villain!*

"May I ask what you need?"

Shiren recovered swiftly, stepping back half a pace. One hand guarded her chest; the other drifted toward her waist—where a hidden dagger lay.

"I’m the Magic Consultant for the town Association, investigating a matter. Older Sister, might I ask you a few questions?"

*Older Sister…?*

Did she call everyone that? So casually…

Shiren’s eyes dimmed inwardly, a sour note twisting her chest. Her face remained calm.

"Ask away. Though… perhaps somewhere less crowded? A teahouse, maybe?"

"Allow me to make amends. There’s one nearby. And introductions first—I’m Mei Yige. As mentioned, a mage."

"Young Qian. Hmm…"

Years of practice made forging identities second nature. Shiren offered no cracks for suspicion.

"What tea does Older Sister prefer? Black tea? Or something unique like Hari tea?"

"Flower tea, if available."

*Again with ‘Older Sister’… Is the title so cheap to her?*

*Mei Yige, Mei Yige… Are you mocking me?*

*I want to devour you.*

Shiren bit her tongue lightly, the sharp sting anchoring her against the urge to pounce on the girl opposite. Oblivious, Mei Yige waited for the tea to arrive before carefully phrasing her questions.

"You—"

"Do you treat everyone this warmly?"

Before Mei Yige could speak, Shiren interrupted, addressing her unexpected roommate.

An ancient Blood Demon like herself wouldn’t be charmed by sweet words from a youngster.

Seeing Mei Yige freeze, Shiren’s suspicion flared into irritation.

"I dislike chatting with frivolous people. Let’s part ways here."

She didn’t understand her own words. She’d always viewed this roommate as prey. Yet on only the second day, facing Mei Yige in this new guise…

Emotions she’d long suppressed refused to obey.