In remote mountain villages like this, locals always regarded outsiders with a hint of wariness.

Even though Sophia appeared to be nothing more than a delicate young girl, the villagers still couldn’t shake their suspicion.

That changed only when Sophia pulled two gold coins from her bosom and pressed them into the man’s hand.

“Ahaha, honored Lady Mage,” the man said, forcing a wide smile, “there’s no proper inn in the village. If you don’t mind, my home has a small room—you can stay the night.”

Sophia considered briefly, then agreed.

After all, she doubted ordinary villagers could pose any real threat to her.

True to his word, the room was indeed tiny.

Dust thickly coated the wooden bed, untouched for who knew how long.

In any proper inn, this space wouldn’t fetch more than a silver coin—but Sophia had paid two gold.

No wonder the man’s face lit with ecstatic greed; he now looked at her like a walking treasure chest.

“Cleaning spell.”

Sophia waved her wand. A gentle stream flowed from its tip, swiftly purifying the entire room.

The air remained chilly. Sophia could endure it, but An clearly disliked it.

“This place is unbearable. I’m going out for a stroll,” An’s disgruntled voice echoed in Sophia’s mind.

Lying on the bed, Sophia said nothing, her gaze fixed on the moonlit stone wall, lost in thought for a moment.

Only after An flew out did she turn toward the window, staring at the bright moon, deep in contemplation.

Taking hidden paths reduced the chance of Regan Empire soldiers spotting them—but Sophia never underestimated her enemies. She knew exposure was inevitable. What mattered now was how to escape once found.

Reaching the Eus Empire meant crossing the Kelong Mountains—a long journey still ahead.

“One step at a time,” Sophia sighed.

This life of flight was hard to accept. Just days ago, she had been a pampered imperial princess. She knew she’d tried her best—but it still wasn’t enough.

*Thump, thump, thump—*

Just as Sophia was about to close her eyes, urgent pounding jolted her awake.

Alert, she sprang up, snatched the wand always kept bedside, and crept cautiously toward the wooden door.

*What’s happening?* she wondered silently.

“Little Princess, something rather interesting’s happening outside,” An murmured, gliding through the window on delicate dragon wings before curling onto Sophia’s recently vacated spot. *Much warmer than that cold board.*

Sophia glanced at her, whispering, “What is it? What’s that noise?”

An snorted. “This village’s unlucky. Mountain bandits launched a surprise raid while everyone slept.”

No sooner had she spoken than torchlight flickered outside. Steel clashed. Shouts erupted.

“You, you, and you—keep up! Cross me, and I’ll slice you down!” a gruff voice barked right beyond the window.

Screams and sobs followed.

Sophia recognized one voice instantly—the man who’d given her shelter. He’d been captured too.

Frowning, she pressed herself against the door. “An, hide. We’ll slip out during the chaos.”

“Hmph. Petty bandits. Hand you a sword, and you’d wipe them out yourself,” An scoffed.

“Don’t provoke trouble. If you don’t want to be dragged back to the Regan Empire, obey me.”

An flicked her tail, shifted into a tiny cat, and settled on Sophia’s shoulder.

Crouched quietly in the corner, Sophia monitored the door while straining to hear outside.

Then—a new commotion. A man’s desperate cry: “Let her go! Please! She’s just a child…”

Sophia’s eyes narrowed. *Him again.*

*Crack!*

A whip’s sharp report cut off his plea, replaced by a shriek of agony.

“Ungrateful fool! It’s an honor I’d even glance at your woman! Just a touch—and you dare complain?!”

Each whip crack punctuated another scream.

Sophia gritted her teeth. Her grip on the wand tightened until her knuckles blanched white.

An, perched silently on her shoulder, let out a faint, mocking snort before closing her eyes.

“Please… spare her! Wait—I know where a beautiful woman is! Spare my wife!” the man begged weakly, forcing a flattering smile through pain.

Sophia’s heart sank. The azure light in her eyes dimmed.

“Oh? Where? If she’s not lovely… heh… your wife’s mine tonight.”

“R-right here! In this very house! She’s inside!”

Sophia’s eyes narrowed further. Her fingers whitened around the wand.

An remained perfectly still, as if deaf to the betrayal.

“Hehe… let’s see,” the bandit leered. Frantic pounding shook the window.

“Honored lady—will you come out willingly? Or shall I enter… and enjoy you right here?”

Silence.

Sophia’s stomach churned at his vile tone.

Impatient, the bandit slammed the window harder.

“Another ungrateful wench! I’ll drag you out!”

*CRASH!*

A massive fist shattered the fragile frame. With a roar, the entire window tore away.

“Water spirit’s—”

“Nick! What the hell are you doing?! The boss has been waiting forever! You suicidal?!”