“Where will you stay?” After a moment’s thought, Alte said, “The Dragon Knights Barracks has plenty of empty dorm rooms. But if you’re scared, you can stay in the storage room of my office.”

“The storage room in your office…”

As Favna murmured, Alte studied her slightly gloomy face. What could have happened in just one night to cause such a complete turnaround in her attitude? Normally, though timid, she’d never looked this burdened. Alte asked directly:

“Run into trouble?”

“Mm…” Favna finished her steamed bun, clapped her hands clean, and explained without hiding anything: “The rent went up again.”

“Again?”

“Yeah. Many times.”

A rent hike wasn’t unusual—but that “again” spoke volumes. Recalling past incidents in the East District, Alte discreetly pulled out his phone, messaged the Police Bureau, then turned to the still-worried Favna.

“Then don’t stay there. Pick any empty room in the Barracks dorms.”

“Um… well… the storage room is fine for me.”

After stammering this, Favna dared not meet his eyes. Her face flushed. It felt almost like moving in with a guy. But she had no choice—staying among strangers in the Dragon Knights Order would scare her more. At least here, it was familiar… and close to work. She could even sleep in.

Wait. If she took the storage room… would Alte have to sleep in his office?

Was she being a cuckoo in the nest?

Better not.

“Sorry,” she said softly. “I forgot you’d need the storage room. I’ll find a dorm room instead.”

“No problem,” Alte shrugged. “I’d feel uneasy *not* sleeping in my office. You take it. Though we should probably rename it ‘bedroom’ now.”

“This…”

Favna hesitated, but Alte added, “If you’re uneasy, install a lock. Keep the door shut.”

“It’s not that…” To Favna, Alte’s integrity was beyond doubt—he’d never overstep. “It just feels wrong… making my employer sleep in the office…”

“If it bothers you,” Alte teased with a grin, “I could sleep in the bedroom with you?”

Favna didn’t take it seriously. “That would trouble me greatly. Please don’t.”

Amid their light banter, the room neared tidiness. Alte glanced around with faint wistfulness.

“Honestly, I’m a pretty responsible employer, right?”

“Why?”

“I even helped the maid clean her room. Miss Favna… shouldn’t you show appreciation?”

“Treat you to milk tea?”

“Perfect. Go buy two cups. I’ll finish up.”

Gently nudged, Favna headed out to buy milk tea for the shameless captain.

Once she was gone, Alte’s smile faded. Solemn, he stepped out, located the landlord, and approached.

The old man was shouting at a female tenant one floor up—again about rent.

“You can raise it, but isn’t this too much?!” the woman argued firmly. “Male tenants barely saw increases! You’re targeting us!”

The landlord leered at her, sneering: “Who told you to be women? Can’t pay 120 gold? Think of *other* ways.”

“You—!”

She understood his vile implication all too well. Gritting her teeth, she stayed silent—under someone’s roof, you bow your head.

“Don’t like it? Leave. You think it’s expensive? So do I.”

He swaggered off under her venomous glare—unaware someone tapped his shoulder.

He turned. A stranger.

“Who are you?”

“Doesn’t matter,” Alte said coldly, eyes narrowed. “Heard East District landlords jack up rent and pressure women into… *transactions*. Never thought I’d see it myself.”

“None of your damn business!” The landlord spat on the ground and turned to leave.

Alte held him fast.

“What are you doing?!”

The shout drew neighbors—including the threatened tenant. Murmurs spread. Seeing male tenants he counted as allies, the landlord smirked. “Planning to hit me? This is a law-abiding society. Assault = jail.”

Alte gave a dry laugh. *A thief crying “Stop thief!”*

He pulled out his Dragon Knight insignia. “By order of Dragon Knight Captain Alte of the Dragon Knights Order—you’re under suspicion for extortion and coercion. Come with me.”

At the sight of the insignia, the landlord paled. He tried to flee—but hurried footsteps echoed. Police officers swarmed the building.

“Everyone! Cooperate with the investigation!”

They appeared like divine reinforcements. The landlord and cronies turned ashen; female tenants exhaled in relief. Under the Captain’s authority, officers worked swiftly. Within ten minutes, all suspects were detained.

Only the police chief remained, saluting. Alte cut him off:

“Thank you. You may return.”

“Yes, sir!”

They vanished as quickly as they came. Tenants stared in stunned silence at the Dragon Knight Captain.

He walked slowly downstairs.

“Judging by the time… Favna should be back with the milk tea soon.”