Back when she was a man, Liang Lin had visited this underground tavern often—partly to unwind with a drink, partly to pick up obscure rumors and gauge commoners’ sentiments. For two women, though, such a place was undeniably risky. So she’d bought two black cloaks.

*Creak…*

She pushed open the heavy, splintered wooden door. Dust and the sharp tang of beer washed over her. Dim light flickered from a swaying, aged chandelier overhead—precariously close to crashing down. Most servers were men, weaving between tables with tall glasses of fresh malt beer.

Two steps in, the central bar came into view. A thick-bearded man polished a glass with a rag. The tavern was grimy: dust and grease stains coated every surface. Food scraps, muddy tracks, and unidentifiable animal droppings littered the floor.

“Two bottles of fresh malt beer.” Liang Lin approached the bearded man, held up two fingers, then tossed a silver coin onto the counter.

The man froze at her delicate voice. Spotting the coin, he instantly guessed these weren’t ordinary girls—likely merchants’ daughters or nobility.

“Miss, fresh malt beer may not suit you. Wine’s smoother. Ladies here usually order wine… and two bottles cost only ten wite coins. This is—"

“I know. Keep the change as a tip.”

Liang Lin refused wine. Ordering it would betray her affluent background. Though nobles occasionally visited, most patrons were commoners or thugs. She wouldn’t risk exposure.

But others had other plans.

“Your voice is lovely, Miss. Remove your hood—let us see that pretty face.” A hulking brute, nearly two heads taller than Liang Lin, scar slicing his cheek, blocked their path. Two equally menacing men stood behind him.

*There it is. The trouble I wanted to avoid.*

*Well. Since we’re here…*

Liang Lin lowered her head, silent. She wanted to see Liang Di’s move.

Liang Di waited too. She knew Liang Lin never tolerated disrespect—sharp retorts, even violence. Yet this time? Utter silence. As if she weren’t there.

“Miss? Cat got your tongue?” the brute sneered.

*Huh?* Liang Lin blinked inwardly. *Why shove me? The one in the wheelchair’s the softer target. Don’t these thugs know how to pick the easiest fruit?*

Liang Di slowly turned her head. A film of moisture clouded her eyes; her body trembled uncontrollably, tears glistening on the verge of spilling.

“S-Sister… I’m scared…”

*Wait, what?*

“Sister… You’re the academy’s top swordswoman, right? You’ll protect me… won’t you?”

“…”

*Fine. Fine.*

Liang Lin sighed inwardly. She’d planned to watch Liang Di act. Now? No choice.

“Which filthy hand touched me?” Her fingers tightened on her longsword’s hilt.

Oblivious, the brute smirked and raised his left hand. “This one. What of it? Wanna see what this hand can—"

He never finished.

Blood droplets splattered. Liang Lin recoiled in disgust—but a few drops still stained her cloak. On the dusty floor, a severed arm lay motionless.

“How revolting.”

“Get out. Lowlborn.”

She flashed a golden noble emblem.

Liang Di’s brow furrowed. *Too extreme. I came to investigate… Now our cover’s blown. No more progress today.*

*Foolish villainess.*

“Alright, Sister Liang Lin, let’s go. I don’t wish to stay.”

“But the beer—”

“Consider it compensation for the disturbance.”

No hesitation. No flinch. Severing an arm felt as casual as sipping water. That cold “lowlborn” sealed it: Liang Lin was ruthlessly sharp. Liang Di’s wariness reignited. Deeply dissatisfied.

*Just wait, my dear villainess,* she thought, fingers brushing her thighs. A new section had regrown. Half a month more… and the wheelchair would be gone.

Back at the manor.

“Liang Lin, did you enjoy your time with Liang Di today?” Auston’s recent behavior felt… odd.

*So they want me to say “Yes, so happy with my sister”?*

“It was lovely. Time with my little sister is always joyful.”

Auston smiled warmly, signaling a servant to bring a plate of cookies. “Our new chef made these. Share them with Liang Di.”

*What’s this about?*

Suspicious but compliant, Liang Lin carried the plate to Liang Di’s room. Maids were tidying inside.

“Here. Cookies for you.” She broke off a piece, popped it in her mouth. Crisp. Delicious.

“From you?” Liang Di reached for the plate.

“No. Auston sent them.”

Her hand stilled mid-air, then slowly withdrew. “I’m full. Not craving sweets. You eat them all.”