Leyang couldn’t leave immediately—not without keeping up appearances. He needed the assassins to lower their guard. If they realized he’d spotted them, they might strike recklessly all at once. That wouldn’t end well.

He shot Yvette a subtle glance. She gave an almost imperceptible nod, then slowly approached Princess Lumiere. "Your Highness," she murmured, "let’s return first."

"Huh? Why? Aren’t we waiting for Lord Leyang and Phoenix?" Lumiere’s brow furrowed in confusion.

Yvette whispered into her ear. A subtle shift flickered across Lumiere’s expression. "What? Assassins are tailing us? But if I leave, what about Leyang and Phoenix?" Her pretty face darkened with worry.

"With respect, Your Highness," Yvette said calmly, "most assassins likely target you. Our departure actually works to their advantage. As for their safety—you needn’t worry. That boy isn’t as simple as he appears."

"What do you mean?"

"Exactly what I said. And this is Lord Leyang’s wish too. We must go now."

Lumiere’s eyes flared with fury. "Sigh... I’ve burdened them again. Whoever keeps targeting me—I’ll make them pay when I find out!" She quickly masked her anger and slipped away with Yvette toward Camilla City, silent as shadows.

"Huh? Lord Leyang—" Phoenix looked up abruptly. "Princess Lumiere and Yvette left without us. And Louise is gone too." She turned to Leyang, puzzled.

"I sent Louise ahead. The princess likely had urgent matters," Leyang replied, stuffing intact or lightly damaged fluffball monster carcasses into a sack. "We should wrap up and return too." He muttered to himself, "Tsk. These pelts are charred to cinders. Should’ve used wind magic. Now they’re worthless at market."

"Uh... I guess so?" Phoenix scratched her head. "We’ve cleaned up enough. Let’s go."

"First," Leyang said, stowing the sack into his Spatial Magic Tool. *Shink!* His Silver Blade Dagger flashed free from its sheath.

*Whoosh!*

A glint of steel sliced through the air, aimed straight at Phoenix’s throat. Leyang flicked his dagger—*clang!*—deflecting the arrow past them.

"Cowardly archers again," Leyang growled, eyes icy. "Phoenix, stay behind me."

Another arrow—thrumming with raw magic—streaked toward them. Leyang tackled Phoenix aside just in time. The arrow cratered the earth where they’d stood.

"Lord Leyang! What’s happening?!" Phoenix gasped, shock etched on her face.

"They’ve tracked us since we left the city. Failed assassins seeking revenge, perhaps? Have you made enemies?"

"Never! I’ve never wronged anyone!"

"Save it for later."

Three more arrows ripped from the bushes. Leyang’s gaze sharpened. He gripped his dagger, unleashed the Moon Embracing Sword technique—*clatter-clatter-clatter!*—shattering each arrow mid-flight. He stomped the last one underfoot.

"Show yourself!" Leyang barked. "Skulking in shadows won’t kill us. With that pathetic aim? I could defeat you blindfolded." He sensed two fourth-tier warriors clashing nearby—others had followed Lumiere. Only this archer remained. The same one who’d ambushed Phoenix before. *Not today.*

"Phoenix, run."

"I won’t abandon you! That violates the knight’s code!" She shook her head fiercely.

"You’ll only be dead weight. I’ll hold him off. Your leaving lets me fight freely—or I’ll die protecting you. Understand?" His voice turned grave.

"But I—" She bit her lip, hesitating.

"No time! Think clearly, Phoenix. What’s *truly* right—not some dusty rule. Go! Fetch help. I’ll survive."

*Rustle-rustle.*

Bushes parted. A figure clad head-to-toe in tight black assassin’s garb emerged, eyes glacial and lethal.

"A third-tier warrior?" Leyang twirled his Silver Blade Dagger, a faint smile playing on his lips. *Perfect chance to test my strength.*

"Be careful, Lord Leyang! I’ll bring help!" Phoenix paled at the assassin’s aura. She turned and fled, heart pounding: *Please stay alive. I’ll save you.*

"You’re the one who ambushed us last time," Leyang stated flatly.

"You’re not afraid at all? Who exactly are you? An eight-year-old shouldn’t possess the skill to deflect my arrows." The assassin’s voice tightened. *Disguise magic?* He clearly suspected Leyang wasn’t a child.

"I am who I am," Leyang said, dagger gleaming. "Nebis Leyang. Son of a disgraced noble house. Future Lord of the Nebis Territory."