“Let’s not worry about whether the royal family catches that white-haired guy or not,” Liko said, grabbing Favna’s hand with a sincere smile. “What matters right now is saving those kids!”

“Can I refuse?”

Favna had zero interest in getting tangled up in such dirty business—but she knew Liko wouldn’t care about her objections.

“Nope. We’re in this together. And Miss Phantom… could you really stand by while innocent children get sold off to some basement?”

*Moral blackmail. This is straight-up moral blackmail!*

Though screaming inwardly, Favna gave a reluctant nod. She truly couldn’t bear the thought of it happening.

“Then what are we waiting for? Let’s go!”

Without hesitation, Liko yanked Favna forward.

*Thank goodness she didn’t see my face…*

The black robe offered Favna only a trace of courage. Nervously, she clutched the fabric, terrified a single gust might rip it away.

“Miss Phantom, your hand’s so soft~”

Liko squeezed it playfully.

Even after over a month with this cat girl, Favna—never comfortable with touch—shuddered. She couldn’t pull away. *Is she… a flirt?!* she wailed silently.

Before Favna could process it, they’d reached the slave merchant caravan’s camp outside Naro City. Unlike other relaxed caravans, this one *looked* careless—but vigilant sentries lurked everywhere.

As a thief, Liko murmured to the robed figure beside her, “Miss Phantom, your intel was spot on.”

“It’s *always* been spot on…” Favna muttered, still avoiding eye contact.

“Hmph~” Liko studied the camp with keen interest. “Slave trading’s a capital offense in the empire. What power let these guys slip past so many checkpoints? Your thoughts, Miss Phantom?”

“M-me?” Startled from her escape fantasies, the dragon girl shook her head rapidly. “I don’t know.”

*How could a low-profile info broker like me dig into official matters? Even if I could… I wouldn’t dare.*

“Is that so?”

Just then, two patrolling guards strolled near the bushes.

“This job’s getting too hot. Those Dragon Knights sniff like bloodhounds.”

“After this haul, I’m out. No fortune’s worth dying for.”

Favna pieced it together: the Dragon Knights Order suspected the caravan—but lacked proof.

“Miss Liko,” she urged softly, “since the Dragon Knights are already investigating… we might get caught in the crossfire. Maybe… we should go back?”

*Please, little cat girl, have a change of heart!*

Instead, Liko patted her shoulder with a laugh. “Relax! I’ve been around the block—only failed once. Nothing to fear!”

And before Favna could protest, she was dragged tearfully and reluctantly into the camp.

Massive and vile, the caravan was heavily guarded—sentries posted at every turn.

*We’re deep in enemy territory…* Favna’s nerves spiked. *Yes, I’m a dragon—but zero combat experience!*

*What if we’re found? Do I transform and carry her? But… would the Dragon Guard notice a giant dragon?!*

Yet somehow, the cat girl wove through every checkpoint unseen.

At the camp’s heart—where guards thinned—Liko flashed a reassuring grin. “See? Trusting me wasn’t a mistake, right?”

“But… why do I feel totally unnecessary?”

Liko ignored the mutter with a teasing wink. “Don’t sweat details. Honestly? I just didn’t trust your intel.”

“I swear on my honor as an info broker—I *never* sell unverified intel!” Favna huffed, though sensing no real malice.

“The slaves should be here.”

Liko lifted a corner of black cloth covering an iron cage. Inside: young girls, beastkin, goblins—their hollow eyes flaring with hope at the sight of them. Liko hushed them gently.

With so many children, she chose silence: lock-picking.

*Clang! Clash!*

Swords clashed outside—the chaos drawing closer.

Favna grabbed Liko’s wrist. “Fight’s breaking out. Guards might come. Let *me* handle it.”

“Miss Phantom knows lock-picking too—wait?!”

Before Liko finished, Favna strode forward. Gripping two fist-thick iron bars, she heaved—a sharp *creak*—and bent them apart!

The children gasped, swarming her with starstruck awe. Overwhelmed by their innocent stares, Favna turned to Liko (who gaped like she’d seen a gorilla) and pleaded, “Miss Liko… please take them to safety.”

“Got it, *strong*-handed Miss Phantom,” Liko teased, then beckoned the kids. “Follow me! While the chaos distracts them, I’ll get you somewhere safe—and food.”

She led them away.

Alone at last, Favna sighed in relief… then froze.

“WAIT! WHAT ABOUT ME?! I HAVEN’T COME ALONG YET!!”