Grandpa Donn watched Su Hong—just finished delivering drinks, now standing quietly at the kitchen door—and lowered his head slightly, worry flickering in his eyes.

Every word of Su Hong’s chat with Lia inside the kitchen had been overheard crystal clear! No more delaying!

“This Su Hong… one look and he’s clearly a pretty boy! Must be after swindling mon—"

Hmmmm…

Wait, that doesn’t sound right. He *is* a highly skilled Spirit Glyphsmith—and brought serious profit to the shop…

Never mind! He definitely has no good intentions toward Lia! I must expose his true colors and make this silly girl see his real face!

Back in my day, I, Donn, escaped the Trichrome Wasteland as a slave—thanks to wisdom, sharp eyes, and ruthlessness! I *will* uncover this man’s malicious scheme for Lia!

“Oof… this old man’s back’s acting up. Heading home to rest.”

Grandpa Donn grimaced, clutching his waist, and slowly pushed himself up with a soft groan.

He declined Su Hong’s help and Lia’s concern, then nodded politely to the customers.

“Take care, Old Donn.”

“Hehe, this old man knows.”

Just as he reached the door, Donn turned back as if remembering something. “Lia, don’t forget groceries on your way back.”

“Mm, got it, Grandpa. I’ll still see you—"

Before she finished, Donn waved both hands hastily. “No need! I’m off first!”

Less than half a block from the shop, his slow, pained steps halted abruptly. The weary mask vanished—his eyes snapped sharp and alert.

“Hmph. Decades on stage… think I can’t fool you? Hehehe~”

He glanced at the setting sun and sprinted back to the mansion.

Grabbing pre-prepared props from his room, he swiftly set them around the estate.

“Here—needs an explosion! Over there… fire must shoot up. Ah, and this—no ice spikes? Unacceptable!”

He tucked tiny props and materials into hiding spots. Once done, he nodded firmly, satisfied.

“Hehehe… this’ll scare that kid witless!”

Donn pulled on a black-and-red striped robe, mask in left hand, large saber in right. He took position at the street corner, watching.

Only after the last customer left did he vanish behind the mansion’s great tree.

“He’s coming… almost here! Just wait till I scare that little—"

His mutter cut off. A suspicious figure lurked by the wall—peeking out repeatedly, clearly lying in wait.

?

Squinting hard, Donn froze. *That steward… from the Chris Guild?!*

Brow furrowed in confusion—but no time to ponder. Su Hong was already approaching from down the street!

No matter! Must expose this hypocrite for Lia’s sake!

After closing, Lia went grocery shopping. Su Hong strolled alone toward the mansion, lost in thought.

*Maybe craft some Weapon Spirit Cards first. Master them, then handle the challenge. Challenging Chris Guild? Mood-dependent. But getting Lia into Spirit Card Academy? Non-negotiable.*

Just then—a figure leaped from the mansion’s great tree!

Black-and-red robe. Masked face. Saber gleaming. No one would mistake this for a friendly visit.

The sudden drop startled Su Hong—and the steward in the corner jolted, nearly screaming.

But the steward clamped a hand over his mouth, eyes wide.

*The assassin the Guild Master warned about… When did he arrive?! Was he hiding there all along?! Did he see me?! C-could I be in danger?!*

“Hah! Brat! Know who I… who *I* am?! Today I kill you—then wipe out Lia’s whole family!”

Donn deepened his voice deliberately, eyes behind the mask locked on Su Hong’s face.

But Su Hong showed not a trace of fear. He sighed softly and rubbed his forehead.

“Old man, you feeling alright? Wrong target? Don’t eat weird stuff, don’t say weird stuff—got it? Run now. While you’re still in one piece. Far from me. Or you’ll regret it.”

The steward’s pupils shrank. Disbelief flooded his face.

*This guy… no fear facing an assassin?! Even provoking him?! H-he’s not wearing a Spirit Card Slot! No Spirit Cards! Zero defense! Where’s this courage coming from?!*