“Really, Master? Why can’t I feel it at all?” Aifei asked, her face etched with confusion. She sensed absolutely no trace of that abnormal demonic energy.

“Your perception in this area is still too weak,” he replied. “Among these knights, some are concealing a peculiar demonic energy—identical to what’s lurking in the forest right now. Anyone deliberately hiding themselves there can’t be up to good. I’ve seen the demonic energy of the Demonkin before. These people fit the profile.”

“I trust your judgment, Master. But what should we do? Even if I told Father, he wouldn’t believe me.”

“Simple. Just tell them you’ll scout ahead first. Take out everyone inside—problem solved. We’ll deal with those outside later.”

“Alone? That’s way too dangerous!” Aifei protested, a hint of exasperation in her voice. “If there’s an ambush inside, I can’t handle it by myself! This forest is the perfect place for a trap.”

“Don’t worry. I’ll step in at the critical moment. Battle is the true path to growth. Go.”

“I… I understand…”

Reluctantly, Aifei dashed to the front of the group and raised her hands to halt everyone.

“Daughter, why?” Aide asked, brow furrowed in confusion.

“Father, please let me scout inside. An ambush in terrain like this would be hard to handle later.”

“My lady, no need to worry,” the guard said with a reassuring smile. “Mages and magic warriors emit detectable magical energy. My scans show absolutely none.”

“Still, we can’t be careless. This mission allows no mistakes. Let me check.”

“Hmm… Very well. Be quick, daughter. We’re short on time,” Aide said after a brief pause, his tone calm.

“Wait. If she’s scouting, I’ll go too. One person is too risky.”

Just then, I stepped forward and addressed Aide.

*I realized—if only one enters, they might not attack. Aifei would go in vain.*

But seeing me approach, Aifei’s thoughts spiraled elsewhere.

*Master was going to make me go alone… Wait… does he still want to…?*

*Now it’s just us two… Everyone’s gone… Let’s do it right here in the forest, Aifei…*

*No! Master, not here! With so many watching, I’ll definitely… I’ll…*

*Ah~~~~*

*It’ll happen for sure… but in front of monsters? Too much…*

Flustered, Aifei covered her crimson face again, sinking deep into her fantasy.

“Go quickly and return safely,” Aide said, trusting Ling Xie’s strength. He wouldn’t risk his daughter alone.

“Let’s go.” I took Aifei’s hand and headed toward the Silver Forest.

“M-Master… isn’t this inappropriate? Coming here together to… do *that* kind of thing…?” Aifei murmured, cheeks burning as she trailed behind me.

“I wouldn’t feel safe leaving you alone. Together, I can guide you better—teach you how to handle situations like this.”

*Guide…?*

*So it’s true… Master really does want to…*

Aifei had twisted my words again. She was now utterly convinced: her Master was a thrill-seeking pervert.

*If I knew what she was thinking, I’d be speechless.*

“Stay alert. Don’t let the silence fool you. Observe every obstacle carefully,” I warned.

“No problem, Master! I’ll find a *perfect* obstacle to… you know… and I won’t make a sound!”

*What the hell is she talking about?*

Baffled beyond words, I sighed inwardly. *How many times has this happened with Aifei?*

*Whatever. Let it go.*

*Finally—someone’s here. But no movement… He must think we’re just passing travelers.*

Just then, a concealed demonic energy crept closer.

*One problem left: how to make him target Aifei…*

*Got it.*

“Your Highness the Prince,” I said with exaggerated reverence to Aifei, “your female disguise is truly flawless. With this, you shall reach the Tianduo Republic without a scratch.”