The remnants of the Demonic Beings invaded the manor in Chika Town, harming the Baron’s wife and daughter and burning the estate to the ground. This…

After listening to Mei Yige’s account, Aviva’s furrowed brow never once relaxed. "The South still hasn’t rooted out those vermin completely."

"The townsfolk are all on edge. Though Mister Albert wasn’t exactly beloved, he was still our ennobled lord. He and his guards were a major force keeping us safe."

Mei Yige swiftly expressed her condolences for the great, wise, and mighty Emperor’s appointed Baron—Mister Albert—whose family had been sacrificed to the Demonic Being villains. At the same time, she subtly conveyed the locals’ growing doubts about whether the capital truly cared about their well-being and security.

Aviva, hardened by her Inspector training but inexperienced in civil affairs, was left speechless by Mei Yige’s unexpectedly sharp, multidimensional analysis of local livelihood issues—utterly unlike her first impression of the woman.

Aviva opened her mouth, glancing at her companions’ blank faces. Then she looked at Mei Yige’s rabbit-eared subordinates and the apprentice sorceress, heads bowed as they took notes. Suddenly, she realized:

Their teams weren’t even on the same level of preparation.

"Tata Town aims to steadily develop mineral processing and liquor production under the principles of safety, stability, efficiency, and unity—"

"Hold on, Miss Mei—no, *Magic Consultant*. I’m no administrator. I can’t help with local governance!"

Aviva cut off Mei Yige’s new pitch just in time.

"Then why are you here?"

"Huh?"

"Ah, my apologies! Baron Albert shouldn’t stay here either. We’ll leave him to you all."

Mei Yige instantly masked her flicker of disdain, offering an apologetic smile as she proposed her solution.

"We’ll take Baron Albert to a safer location. Of course, we’ll conduct necessary investigations first. We’ll need the locals’ cooperation."

Aviva barely registered Mei Yige’s words, reciting the next steps by rote.

"As for the Demonic Beings—the capital has already noted their remnants stirring in the South. I bring good news."

Her expression turned eager, tinged with pride.

"Please share."

Mei Yige felt a sinking dread.

"The great Sword Hero has already set out to purge the Southern remnants. He’ll restore safety to the people there soon. So please, hold on a little longer. Trust that the Hero will soon lead the charge to cleanse this area."

As she finished, Aviva’s hand unconsciously brushed her insignia, as if the great Hero himself were listening. Her smug expression made Mei Yige feel like she’d swallowed something bitter.

"Is that so? Ahaha…"

Beyond awkward laughter, Mei Yige didn’t know how else to respond.

"The Hero will come to Tata Town? That’s major news! I must report to the Guild Master—uh… what are you doing?"

Ryan, hearing Aviva’s news, moved to alert the Guild Master. But before she could rise, Aviva seized her collar and yanked her up.

The other five Inspectors stood simultaneously, hands resting on their sword hilts. The air turned tense.

Leya instinctively reached for her Magic Wand—only for Mei Yige to clamp her wrist.

Confused, Leya abandoned her spell, whispering, "Teacher?"

She knew Mei Yige disliked dealing with these people. She understood how troublesome they were. She wasn’t afraid.

But did her teacher have a special plan?

Mei Yige didn’t answer. She simply faced the Inspectors.

"Gentlemen, do you have an issue with my assistant? I recall the Empire has no tradition of discriminating against beastkin."

"I merely wished to correct you—it’s the *great* Sword Hero. Heh… No wonder this place is so backward."

Aviva released Ryan, pulled out a handkerchief, wiped her hands, and tossed it onto Ryan’s lap as the girl slumped to the floor, trembling.

"How filthy. I hope you’re cleaner next time I see you. Oh… this place makes even the capital’s worst dump seem pleasant. No wonder Demonic Beings run wild here."

With that, she and her team left.

"Teacher, they—"

"Just fanatics. Don’t expect reason from zealots."

Mei Yige lifted Ryan, her face cold as she smoothed the girl’s collar. "Don’t be afraid. I’m here. Nothing will happen to you."

"Sister Yige… are all nobles from the capital like this?"

Inspectors were nobles too. Shaken by the sudden hostility, Ryan’s voice wavered.

"Nothing’s absolute. But keep your distance next time—especially from anyone bearing their insignia. Followers of the Hero are mostly fanatics."

Mei Yige sighed, ruffling Ryan’s hair. "This won’t happen often."

"Mm…"

Ryan lowered her eyes, taking the words to heart before leaving the reception room.

"Teacher? Wasn’t that a bit too—"

"What, has your worldview shattered, little apprentice sorceress fresh out of the ivory tower?"

Leya’s reaction drew a faint smile from Mei Yige.

In truth, she’d noticed Leya seemed to have lived long in the capital. Her grandfather must have given her a sheltered, elite education.

She knew magic inside out—but knew little of common lives or human dealings.

A theorist through and through.

"Not shattered. Just surprised. I thought those who revered the Hero might have some sense. Instead, they’re even more irrational."

Leya stared at her Magic Wand, fingers tracing its length. "I remember your teachings: don’t act rashly, observe more. I’ll practice and remember things beyond magic too."

"I’ve taught you nothing. You’ve merely learned from me. Whether it’s right depends on your own understanding."

Mei Yige smiled, offering no confirmation.

"So, Teacher… I want to ask—"

Leya clenched her fists.

…

"Persistent ghosts…" Walking home, Mei Yige’s mind clung to Aviva—and the shadow of the Hero she’d once traveled with.

No anger. No hatred. Only weariness.

She only wanted a quiet life. Why was it so hard?

Why did others always shatter this simple wish…

"How long can a person endure before breaking?"

Standing before her townhouse, she echoed Leya’s unanswerable question.

She sighed deeply.

"When patience runs out, there’s no need to endure further."

Was it time for an end?

She longed to answer with those words. But she knew: acting would shatter the life she’d built.

Was that what she wanted?

She opened the door. On the sofa—

A golden-haired girl lay on her stomach, chin propped on her hands, reading.

"Back already? I won’t scare you today. Can’t figure you out—you’re not afraid of me at all. Huh? What are you doing? Let go!"

Shiren stiffened as Mei Yige silently approached, collapsed onto the sofa, and wrapped her arms around her.

"Just… let me hold you for a moment, Sister Shi. I want to be selfish. I’ll pay hundreds of silver coins in rent if I must."

"What’s wrong with you today?"

The unusual gloom in Mei Yige’s breath, warm against her neck, melted Shiren’s tension. She stopped struggling.

Mei Yige didn’t answer. After a deep breath—

She fell asleep.

Breathing softly.