"All done?" Aimee had been waiting at the door for quite some time.

"Done," Mio said, untying the gray horse’s reins. "Shall we head to the Imperial Capital?"

"Leaving already?" Aimee’s face froze in shock. "We paid ten silver coins for the city tax. Why not stay and have fun? The money’s gone anyway. Leaving now or in ten days costs the same ten coins—they won’t refund it. Why not make the most of it?"

Mio glanced at the grilled skewers in Aimee’s hand and nodded thoughtfully.

"By the way, this city has a library," Mio said. "I need key materials. Let’s stay a few more days."

"The Seralni Grand Library sits right in the administrative district’s center."

"Yes," Mio replied, gazing toward the inner city. "Central Avenue through the workshop district gets us there fast."

"This way? No, no, no," Aimee grabbed Mio’s hand. "The right route is back to the commercial district first, then Central Avenue to the administrative zone."

"Why go through the commercial district? It feels like a detour..."

"It’s fine. Trust me!"

Mio eyed the few remaining skewers in Aimee’s hand uneasily, then led the gray horse back toward the commercial district.

The administrative district lay at the city’s heart, walled off from the other three zones. A stone-paved avenue stretched to the grand gate, wide enough for fifty people abreast. At a roadside stall, Aimee bought more skewers, then hurried to catch up with Mio. She happily stuffed the meat into her mouth.

Passing through the gate, noisy shops gave way to majestic Roman-style buildings. White marble colonnades and god statues exuded solemn beauty. Mio stared at the square’s towering monument, carved with a hero’s tale. Beyond it, a massive stone tower rose in the west—visible from afar but abandoned, its surface scarred by wind and rain. Even the spiral staircase to the top was half-eroded and crumbling.

Officials in white robes chatted among the colonnades. Slaves hurried past, clutching documents and scrolls. A luxurious carriage brushed by, its gold-foil body glittering in sunlight. The gray horse snorted at the carriage’s steeds, as if saying, "What’s so special?" Mio often wondered if this horse complained too much—was it becoming sentient?

Following Aimee’s directions, they easily found the library: a huge domed building ringed by white marble columns. Slaves had swept the steps spotless, leading to the grand entrance. Mio handed the gray horse to a slave at the door, paying one copper coin. The slave fondled the coin happily, but the horse looked thoroughly displeased.

Inside the main hall, hundreds of tall bookshelves filled Mio’s vision. She started toward them but was called back.

A bald, fat man with sagging cheeks stood there. "I’m Gharuin, the librarian," he said, sizing Mio up. "This isn’t a place for barbarians like you. Get out now."

Aimee opened her mouth to protest, but Mio raised a hand to stop her.

"Sir," Mio said, producing a glowing jewel. "Aren’t you afraid of trouble for treating a Chosen of the King this way?"

Gharuin’s eyes widened at the jewel, nearly popping out. He dropped his arrogance and bowed deeply. "This unworthy one was blind. Forgive me." He straightened instantly. "So, Your Highness, what books do you need?"

"I can find them myself. No trouble."

"No, no, no," Gharuin insisted. "Per Seralni Grand Library rules, readers can’t enter the stacks. You and your attendant wait in the reading area. We fetch books for one copper each. Books can’t leave. Damage means compensation."

Mio focused, gently touching the darkness within her soul. A drop of black sludge formed in her palm, transforming into a gleaming gold coin—engraved with an emperor’s face on both sides. Calmly, she placed it in Gharuin’s hand. "Then I’ll trouble you, sir."

Gharuin’s eyes sparkled. This coin equaled a thousand coppers—a common family’s monthly income. He reevaluated the girl: worn clothes couldn’t hide her noble aura. She must be high nobility, perhaps royalty. He dared no disrespect. Bowing deeply, he led them to an empty table in the reading area.

"Please read here," he bowed again. "What books does Your Highness require?"

Mio handed him a prepared list. Gharuin beamed and hurried off.

For hours, Mio devoured books and scrolls. By sunset, a tall pile surrounded her.

"So boring..." Aimee lay on the desk, voice lazy.

Mio stopped reading and met her gaze. Aimee stared pleadingly, like a husky begging to play. If she had a tail, it would be wagging furiously.

"Shall we call it a day?" Mio closed her book. "I’ll treat you to dinner. I know a good barbecue spot in Seralni’s commercial district—their sauce is unique. Want to try?"

"Yes! Yes!" Aimee cheered, eyes sparkling.

Mio smiled wryly, reminding her not to disturb others. Luckily, they were alone. After they left, Gharuin happily tidied the book mountain. That gold coin was pure profit—he’d struck gold today.

Back in the commercial district, they checked into an inn. When handing the gray horse to a slave, it gazed at Mio with teary eyes. She quickly looked away.

The sun vanished behind the high walls. Night deepened as the two girls walked side by side: the silver-haired, red-eyed beauty and the gallant swordswoman. Their dazzling presence drew curious glances. Along the way, Aimee devoured street snacks with terrifying vigor. Mio worried she’d have no appetite left.

The Migratory Bird restaurant sat in a quiet corner. Its secluded spot meant few customers. Though small, it was elegantly decorated with wooden tables and chairs. The bar served ale and beer—no carbonated drinks here. Mio chose a secluded table. A young attendant in neat clothes brought the menu. Aimee watched expectantly—she couldn’t read, so Mio ordered well-reviewed dishes. The attendant bowed and left. Mio watched his back thoughtfully. An iron collar marked him as a slave. The empire swarmed with slaves in every trade, but Mio’s world had none. She felt uneasy.

Depriving humans of freedom, collaring them—is this right? Mio shook her head, pushing the thought away. A tender steak arrived on a sizzling stone slab, juices bubbling with a mouth-watering aroma. Mio drew her small knife, sliced the beef, sprinkled spices on the steaming meat, and pushed a portion to Aimee.

"Please enjoy," she smiled.

"This is so good!" Aimee wolfed down the steak. Who knew how much her slim body could hold? Her never-gaining-weight physique was enviable.

Mio cut a small piece for herself, coated it with spices and sauce, and placed it carefully in her mouth. Savory juices blended into a delicious symphony. She ate contentedly, but her hunger remained. It wasn’t for food—it was a deeper, soul-deep craving for slaughter and blood.

The culprit behind it all—Fallen God Yaoye—was off enjoying himself somewhere, unknown.

After the hearty meal, Mio dragged the reluctant Aimee out. Aimee had eaten about five servings. Mio gasped at the bill. The boss counted the silver coins, beaming and hoping they’d return. For this secluded spot, a big-eater like Aimee was rare.

Under the night sky, they headed to their inn—but something unexpected happened.