When Nameless woke, she vaguely felt herself lying on a soft bed. The scent of citrus filled the air. Waves of noisy sounds rose and fell around her.

Since following Shel and staying by his side, she’d never felt this exhausted.

Even opening her eyes seemed to drain all her strength.

“Don’t move,” a voice beside her said, soothing her instantly. “I’ve temporarily lifted the curse on you. But your body hasn’t recovered. Rest now, even if you’re awake. Don’t push yourself.”

Though he said that, Nameless felt a little strength return.

She finally opened her blurry eyes. First, she saw the low ceiling of a small bedroom. A delicate kerosene lamp hung above.

She turned her neck with effort. She was lying on a large bed in an inn’s guest room. Shel sat by the window, gently adjusting a scented candle with orange peel.

He’d changed into casual clothes. Warm sunlight bathed him, making him look like a golden-cloaked statue.

The noisy voices came from outside the window.

Their room faced a bustling avenue. Excited music and cheers drifted up—clearly a grand parade was underway.

“Lord Shel…” Nameless recalled the moment before she was struck. Shame flooded her. “I’m sorry. While organizing your books, that woman appeared behind me. She dodged my attack like a ghost, then knocked me out with a wave of her hand. I… I’m so sorry…”

“It’s fine. She’s strong. Even I might not beat her. And I didn’t want to fight her. You did well.” Shel placed the candle on the nightstand. “The curse isn’t fully gone. Breathe in the detoxifying scent. Lie still and rest. Don’t strain yourself. It’ll help.”

“Oh…”

Nameless realized she’d panicked too much.

Shel’s calm presence eased her tense body.

Only then did she notice the key point.

“Lord Shel, where are we?”

“In the capital of the Eastern Epoli Empire—Lofanania.” Shel’s expression shifted subtly at the name. “I had an emergency teleportation array under my study. I brought you here in a hurry. To be precise, we’re near the commercial district of Lofanania’s outer city. I found this inn. We’ll stay here for now.”

“Eastern Epoli…”

Nameless knew it was one of the continent’s mightiest empires. Centuries ago, the true Empire of Ypoli split east and west. This was its legitimate successor.

She didn’t understand why Shel, who loved quiet solitude, had fled to such a crowded imperial capital.

But too weak to ask, she worried about something else.

“Lord Shel, what about our home…?”

“Don’t think of going back. It’s no longer safe.” Shel shook his head. “We need a new place. We’ll stay at this inn for now. Later, we’ll find a house.”

The bad news crushed Nameless.

She’d loved that seaside castle.

Thousands of books she’d carefully organized for Shel filled its shelves. She’d picked drinks to last a year without repetition.

The warm storeroom held cured fish, hams, and sausages—enough for a month of varied meals.

Every room bore her meticulous care, places where she and Shel had rested together.

Now, all gone.

“Don’t be sad. As long as we’re alive, we can build a better home.” Shel saw her sorrow. “You’re safe. I’m safe. That’s what matters most.”

“…Yes, Mr. Shel.”

Nameless still felt downcast.

“Rest now. I’ll buy food downstairs. You need to eat—what do you want?”

“Lord Shel, I should prepare food for you…”

“You’re sick. No need to be formal. Recover quickly. We must travel soon.”

After a few seconds’ hesitation, Nameless replied, “Just a piece of bread, Lord Shel.”

“You need meat, eggs, and milk. I’ll get bread, fried eggs, and milk tea too.” Shel stood up. He opened the door, then turned back. “Anything else?”

“Uh, Lord Shel…”

“Speak.”

Nameless asked carefully, “That red-haired woman… who is she? Your enemy? Will she chase us?”

“…………” Shel stayed silent.

“Lord Shel?”

“I don’t know.” He shook his head. “I hope she can’t find us.”

He closed the door and walked downstairs.

After all, he didn’t know how Lofna had located him.

The inn he stayed at was called the First Veteran Inn. A retired Eastern Epoli soldier had opened it, but he was dead now. His son and daughter ran the bar.

The inn had two floors. Upstairs held seven or eight bedrooms. Downstairs was a bar serving snacks. It was mid-afternoon, quiet hours. Only a few listless customers sat scattered, sipping lukewarm beer and chatting about trivial matters.

Shel ordered bacon, fried eggs, toasted bread, and pea-mince soup from the owner.

While waiting, he stepped outside and stared at the street.

The avenue was splendid, leading straight to the inner city. Flower beds lined both sides, filled with ornamental plants. Tall poles displayed colorful flags and portraits of the current imperial family.

In a few days, it would be the Eastern Epoli Emperor’s birthday.

The royal family had organized a massive parade. Floats, gaudy and oversized, rolled down main roads daily. Bands played as they patrolled, tossing flowers and coins to cheering crowds. This pointless display flaunted their wealth and status, leaving foreign merchants and envoys wide-eyed.

No choice—the Eastern Epoli Empire was truly rich.

The endless parade stretched far. At the rear were the largest floats, carrying giant portraits of past Eastern Epoli emperors. They moved slowly down the center.

In the paintings, these black-haired, dark-eyed rulers gazed solemnly at their people.

Pedestrians stopped to bow. Those with titles knelt on one knee before the floats.

Inside the frames, the stern-faced, elaborately dressed emperors seemed to glare down.

Last of all came a colossal full-body portrait, nearly ten meters tall.

The painting was enormous. Two Mages stood behind it, using magic to keep it balanced on the float.

Within an ornate frame, a red-haired girl wore a floor-length crimson gown. She held a wine glass in one hand, a blade in the other. Her hair hung loose behind her. A faint smile played on her lips as her crimson eyes looked down on bowing subjects.

She was Lofna von Ipoli.

The posthumously honored founding empress of the Eastern Epoli Empire. The namesake of Lofanania.

After watching the parade awhile, Shel found it flashy and boring. He returned to the inn.

His meal was ready.

The owner placed the dishes on the counter and slid them to Shel.

“It’s lively in the city today,” Shel remarked casually. “Parades like this are rare elsewhere.”

“Lofanania is always lively,” the owner replied indifferently. “You get used to it.”