Meanwhile, Shia returned to the sofa and settled beside Abel, every gesture radiating quiet elegance.

But the moment no one was looking, Abel leaned close and whispered,

“Is Favna really trustworthy? Could she be a mole?”

Alte’s words hadn’t reached Alte or Favna—but Shia, hearing them, blinked once. A playful smirk touched her lips as she held up three fingers.

“If a spy were *this* clueless? I’d trick her into my bed three times… and she’d *pay me* for the privilege.”

“…”

Abel’s lips twitched. *Only she would say that.*

Still, Shia’s assurance eased his wariness toward Favna.

After all—this Dragonkin girl appearing so suddenly beside the Dragoon Captain? Abel would never buy the “fated encounter” nonsense.

His gaze drifted back to behind the monitor, where Favna hunched small, trying to vanish behind the screen.

*She’s pretty… but seriously this shy?*

Just from his stare, her shoulders trembled faintly.

“Your Highness,” Alte said, patting Abel’s shoulder. “Rein in that hungry look.”

“Who’s hungry?!”

“You’re practically drilling holes into Favna with your white-haired-girl obsession. Have *some* consideration for the girl.”

Honestly—Abel’s black cat wife was adorable too. Why couldn’t she cure this incurable silver-haired enthusiast?

Shia, seemingly catching Alte’s words, tilted her head with innocent curiosity. Her gaze felt like an interrogation. The prince snapped his eyes away instantly.

Seeing Abel finally behave, Alte turned to Favna. Noting her visibly relaxed posture, he approached.

“Favna, did you find any clues just now?”

“Ah…”

Surprised, Favna met his eyes. She’d assumed her earlier words had fallen on deaf ears—yet he’d heard. A tiny warmth bloomed in her chest. Even with him standing close, she felt no discomfort, pointing softly at the screen.

“The signal originated here.”

The location she indicated: a bar in eastern Naro City.

Alte’s brow furrowed. *Veranica’s family owns that bar.*

Now he had a solid lead on the mole.

He disliked dealing with that family—but for Naro City’s safety, he had to investigate.

Favna, socially anxious yet perceptive, had caught the flicker of tension in Alte’s expression.

“Is… something wrong with this place?” she asked timidly.

“No issue,” Alte shook his head, “just unsure how to proceed.”

Veranica’s Bar was high-end. Its owners—Intelligence Bureau affiliates—were never fond of the Dragon Knights Order. Sending subordinates risked being turned away by arrogant nobles. Going alone? Too obvious.

Alte glanced at the cuddly cat-and-dog couple still whispering nearby.

“Abel, do you have an invitation to Veranica’s Bar?”

“Yep. Got it last night.” Abel pulled out a card—elegant script announcing a noble’s soirée. “Why d’you need it?”

“The Navia Hotel incident links to that bar. I’m investigating.”

Alte kept no secrets from his friend. Abel grinned knowingly.

“But this invite’s for *two*—Shia and me. Who’re *you* bringing?”

“Huh?”

Alte finally noticed: double invitation. He’d need a companion.

Abel smirked. “Our esteemed Dragon Knight Captain… who’s the lucky date?”

“Well…” Alte pondered. “My little sister?”

“*Huh?!*” Abel’s eyes widened. “Still denying your sister complex?! No wonder you’re single, you rascal~ Back home, my old man would’ve broken your legs and shipped you straight to orthopedics!”

Alte sighed. “What choice do I have? Drag a random female knight from the Order?”

Abel groaned. “Dude… isn’t the *perfect* candidate right here?”

“Favna?”

“Who else? My wife?”

“If you’re offering, I won’t refuse.”

“*Get lost!*” Abel burst out laughing. “Dream on!”

Alte meant no harm—but why not Favna? Simple: a man and woman arriving together at a bar? Obviously a couple. With Favna’s shy nature, she’d want to vanish into the floor.

“I’d love to,” Alte explained gently, “but look at her. Taking her there would be cruel.”

“Easy fix.” Abel shrugged, whispered to Shia. In seconds, the black cat produced a delicate mask and handed it to Alte.

“With this… Miss Favna won’t feel so exposed, right?” Shia smiled—warm as a spring breeze.

Alte stared at the mask, hesitated, then walked to Favna, still tucked behind the screen.

“Favna… I need your help with something. Would you…?”

“Ah… yes.”

She agreed without pause. Only after did she whisper,

“What can I do?”