The setting sun cast a golden glow on the stone fortress walls, making the city look like a citadel forged from pure gold in the distance.

A massive drawbridge spanned the moat outside the walls. Even near dusk, merchants, mercenary bands, and adventurers still streamed across it, bustling with life.

Gazing at the sunset-lit city, Kuber felt a surge of excitement and relief. A tear silently slid down his cheek. "Oh wow," he thought, "I finally made it out of the forest. Traveling is really tough for someone like me who’s hopeless with directions."

"Lord Kuber, that’s Ferrol City ahead," Lena said, her face pale and voice trembling slightly.

Kuber nodded and patted the giant black spider beneath him. "Acrina, that’s enough. We can stop here."

The spider halted instantly, lowering its body gently. Kuber, with A Luo on his back, jumped off. Lena quickly followed.

Dark smoke swirled around the spider, dissolving its form. From the mist emerged Acrina, clad in an elegant black gown. She curtsied gracefully. "Then, I shall take my leave for now."

With a flash of light, she vanished. Kuber clearly sensed her presence now in his mental space, ready to be summoned anytime.

"I never thought Miss Acrina was a monster, heh heh," Lena chuckled dryly, watching the spot where Acrina disappeared. She’d never imagined such a stunning beauty could be a spider-type monster. No wonder she called him "master." Lena had assumed Acrina was a purchased slave, not a summoned creature.

"Yeah, isn’t she adorable?" Kuber teased, eyeing Lena’s uneasy expression. At the word "adorable," Lena shuddered, wondering if he’d completely misunderstood "cute."

Thanks to Lena’s guidance, they saved three silver coins on the entry fee. Inside the city, Lena suddenly stopped walking beside Kuber. "Um... Lord Kuber, are you planning to find an inn?"

"That’s right. Any recommendations?" Kuber blinked at her. Lena fidgeted, glancing around. "If you don’t mind... would you stay at my place for a while?"

"At your home?"

"Y-yes. It’s nearby. Just a small token of my gratitude." Lena’s head dipped low, her face nearly buried in her chest, inwardly scolding herself for being shameless.

Kuber was slightly surprised—he’d planned to book the best inn—but refusing seemed rude now.

"Uwaaah~ A Luo is so sleepy. Anywhere’s fine, A Luo just wants to sleep," A Luo yawned, perched on Kuber’s shoulders. Her eyes drooped heavily, struggling to stay open.

"Alright then, I’ll be imposing on you for a while, Sister Lena," Kuber said with a sweet smile, deliberately adding "Sister." Though Lena was older, Kuber—having lived two lives—saw himself as peers with twenty-somethings. Calling her "Sister" wasn’t a big deal for a place to stay.

"......"

"Huh???" Kuber waved a hand before Lena’s frozen face. No reaction. She stood statue-still, smiling faintly. Suddenly, blood gushed from her nose! She collapsed straight down, her mind echoing: Sister! Sister! Sister! Sister.........

"Hey! Lena, what’s wrong?!" Kuber cried, crouching. Holy Light flared from his hands, sealing her nosebleed. He cradled her. Tears filled her eyes as she gripped his hand tightly, voice trembling. "L-Lord Kuber... could you call me ‘Sister’ again?"

"????" Kuber was utterly baffled. Why did she look like she was dying, making a last-wish request? Still, refusing might kill her on the spot.

"Sister Lena?"

Instantly, Kuber regretted it. Lena’s face glowed with blissful satisfaction. She slowly closed her eyes, tears of joy tracing her cheeks. Her grip loosened, hand falling limply.

"Holy crap? Sister Lena?"

"Sister Lena???"