Unfortunately, that damn cat had already fled with the little slaves, leaving Favna stomping her feet in frustration.

But luckily, she wasn’t directionally challenged. As long as she followed the path back…

"Hands up, everyone!"

Before Favna could take two steps, the camp gate burst open—Dragon Knights storming in.

The sudden intrusion terrified the socially anxious homebody dragon. Without a word, she spun and bolted the opposite way.

"Captain! The slaves in the iron cage are gone!"

"We spotted a suspicious, furtive figure in a black robe at the gate. Pursue?"

After hearing the report, Dragon Knight Captain Alte waved dismissively. "The cage was forced open—likely a rescue. Search the area for tracks. I’ll chase the black-robed one."

"Yes, sir!"

The Dragon Knights immediately fanned out for a thorough sweep. Alte stared thoughtfully at the fleeing figure’s direction.

"No caravan leader found in camp… Could that black-robed suspect *be* the leader?"

Intel said Terras Merchant Guild’s head was an old man. Judging by the figure’s short, hunched frame—it had to be him.

Eyes sharp, Alte gripped his dragon lance and gave chase.

The black-robed figure moved slowly. Soon, Alte spotted his panicked silhouette weaving through the jungle.

Close. Very close.

But Alte wasn’t some movie hero yelling "Stop!" Catching criminals was like hunting rabbits—never tip your hand.

*Phew…*

Favna glanced back, then around. Relief washed over her.

Furious at that traitorous cat? Yes. But also grateful—he’d left. Now she could spread her dragon wings and fly straight to Naro City, back to her cozy, safe den.

"Dragon wings, un— Agh!!"

Before she finished the chant, a brutal force slammed into her back. An unseen attacker seized her.

"For your own safety," a cold voice warned, "don’t move."

Favna struggled—then froze. The tip of an Enchanted Short Spear pressed against her throat. One inch more, and she’d be dead.

Trembling, she slowly raised her hands. Voice changer active, she rasped, "I surrender…"

Then she saw his face.

Her blood ran cold.

*Of all people—Radiant Sun Tier Dragon Knight Captain Alte?!*

His fierce glare… Did he think she was the slavers’ accomplice?

Worse—he’d seen her face at the café.

If he ripped off this robe…

Beyond fainting from social anxiety on the spot—Alte would *never* let her go!

"Good." Alte retracted the spear, frowning at the tightly wrapped robe. "Take it off. Now."

"Huh?!"

Her already-chilled heart plummeted to Antarctic levels.

*Did he recognize me? Is he… planning to take advantage of me out here?! How utterly depraved!*

Favna forced calm, voice changer shifting to a rough male tone: "How did you find me?"

(Sweat soaked her back. Droplets slid down her hidden forehead.)

Alte’s reply was ice-cold: "Just take it off. Why so many questions?"

*Done for!*

*He knows! Settling old scores for that sarcastic raid-group troll?!*

"I…"

Under Alte’s stunned gaze, Favna slowly placed her life savings—freshly withdrawn bank coins plus Liko’s reward—on the ground. 1,500 gold. 150 ten-gold coins.

"I was wrong! Please, be magnanimous—spare me!"

Panicked Favna forgot: voice changer still on. To Alte, a fifty-something old man begged.

And 1,500 gold meant nothing. "What is this?" he asked, colder.

"A bribe."

Her heart bled watching the coins. *Please… let me go.*

"Since you won’t cooperate," Alte said, "I’ll do it myself."

He grabbed her robe.

Favna curled tight. *No way!*

"Dragon Knight Captain! This is illegal!"

Tears welled. *Can I dragon-form and win?*

No. Against Radiant Sun Tier? Futile. Might even… excite him.

*Beaten back to human form. Dragged to a basement…*

…

As Alte tugged, unease prickled him. This didn’t feel like stripping an old man. It felt like… molesting a girl. Especially seeing her crouched, head tucked.

*No. Impossible.*

He shook his head. *Strong old man. Just strong.*

"Get off!"

Magic surged. Strength exploded.

*RRRIP!*

Not just the robe—her top tore clean off.

Only a flimsy chest guard remained.

"Eeek!!"

"Hm?"

A delicate feminine shriek. The voice changer in his palm.

Alte froze.

He looked down.

A familiar white-haired girl lay exposed. Body trembling. Arms crossed over chest. Pale legs squeezed tight under her short skirt. Dragon tail tucked protectively between them—like a frightened puppy.

Tear-filled eyes locked on him for two seconds.

Then—

"HELP! THE DRAGON KNIGHT CAPTAIN IS ASSAULTING AN INNOCENT MAIDEN!!"

Her scream startled birds from the treetops.

Philo and the approaching Dragon Knights heard it too.

The entire team froze.

Silently.

A single, collective question mark hung in the air.