... For a moment, an awkward silence hung between them.

Fate had already shifted his gaze toward the Inquisitor beside him, but Nia’s eyes remained fixed unwaveringly on Fate.

Hmm. Good. The Inquisitor was an unfamiliar face. Even with terrible luck, he wouldn’t run into two old acquaintances at once.

Still… a problem remained.

Nia seemed fixated on him.

Truthfully, Fate had wondered: could Christine’s disguise fool someone familiar with him? Her explanation had been vague—“Anyone not particularly close to you likely won’t recognize you.” The unspoken meaning? If someone knew him well enough… they’d see through it.

After all, the Alren Continent was a world of magic. The “Intent” and “Mana Essence” flowing within each person were as unique as snowflakes—no two identical. Soul and aura remained unchanged no matter the disguise. Even if unseen, intuition often caught a faint trace.

As one of his longest-serving disciples, Nia knew him deeply. Yet… she probably hadn’t connected him to the Dawnbreaker Knight.

“Who are these two?” The Inquisitor’s brow furrowed slightly at the strangers by the door.

“My apologies, sir. My negligence disturbed your meeting with the esteemed guest from the Imperial Capital. I’ll remove them at once!”

At the scene, Fate glanced at the other person—also watching him.

He’d planned to settle this today. But plans change. No one expected to meet an old acquaintance here.

Wishing to sever ties with his past, Fate avoided reconnecting—especially now, when suspicion flickered in her eyes.

Best not to invite rejection. Handling it later was fine.

Decision made, Fate took Lid’s hand to leave—

“Sir, please wait.”

A crisp, cool female voice halted him.

“... Esteemed lady, are you addressing me?” Fate didn’t turn.

“Sir, may I humbly inquire your name?” Nia stepped forward, ignoring the Inquisitor’s glance. Her gaze locked on Fate, as if fearing he’d vanish.

“No need. I’m just a passing country bumpkin. My name isn’t worth mentioning.”

“... Very well. My apologies for the disturbance.” Nia shook her head.

*She must be losing her mind.* To even think such a thing.

Of course it was impossible. Her Master had passed. She’d witnessed his body, the Empress-arranged burial—every moment. How could he be alive?

Just as Nia berated herself and Fate sighed inwardly in relief, Lid spoke:

“Mr. Fate, are we heading back now?”

... ...

Fate’s grip on Lid’s hand stiffened. He quickened his pace.

*Careless.*

He never should’ve kept the name “Fate.” Though the Dawnbreaker Knight’s identity was obscure, every old acquaintance knew it.

“... Hmm.”

“Wait.” Nia snapped to awareness, stepping swiftly to block their path.

“Sir… is your name Fate?” Her light brown eyes held calm intensity, straining to glimpse through the helmet slit.

“Is there a problem?” Fate feigned composure.

*No matter.* In the Karno Empire, “Fate” wasn’t rare—even cats and dogs bore the name. Just an ordinary name.

“No problem. It’s just…” Nia took a slow breath. “Pardon my boldness… you remind me of someone.”

“I see.” Fate nodded. “This person… also named Fate?”

“Mm.” Nia’s reply was faint. She held his gaze, silent, unmoving.

*Same as always.* Taciturn. Action before words.

“Lady Knight, shall I remind you it’s time for me to leave?”

“Mr. Fate… are you coming down with a cold?”

“What cold?”

“Your voice has sounded off since earlier—as if deliberately lowered.” Nia arched a brow.

“My voice has always been this way. Any doubts?” Fate’s expression stayed neutral—though she couldn’t see it anyway.

*Right.* After resurrection, even with the pendant’s disguise, his tone had subtly shifted. He’d lowered it further to avoid detection.

*Almost forgot.* This girl had always been unnervingly perceptive.

“Really now?”

“What else would it be?”

They held the silence.

“Lady Knight, it’s late. I must take my child home.” *How to slip away…*

“Is this your child?” Nia glanced at Lid.

“What, a problem?”

“He doesn’t resemble you at all.”

Fate arched an eyebrow.

*She hasn’t seen my face and claims that?* Clearly testing him.

“Lady Knight, jesting? How could he not resemble me? Have you even seen my face?” Too clumsy a trap.

Nia—Captain of the Empress’s Royal Guard, Hall Knight of the Inquisition Tribunal—uncharacteristically persistent with a mysterious stranger. The sidelined Inquisitor felt awkward, bewildered.

“Well then, Lady Knight, you have official duties, yes?” Fate gestured subtly toward the Inquisitor. “I won’t disturb further.”

“Understood.” Nia turned. “Your Honor, we’ll discuss work another day. A personal matter requires my attention—my apologies.”

“... Very well.” The Inquisitor’s cheek twitched. He’d cleared his schedule to host this Imperial Capital knight… only to be dismissed for a random country bumpkin?

But she was a Hall Knight. Direct disciple of the Dawnbreak Knight-Captain. Empress’s Royal Guard.

A status stacked like game buffs. A local Inquisitor dared not offend. He forced a smile. “No trouble at all.”

... Fate pulled Lid toward the exit. None of this concerned him now.

“Mr. Fate, a decent restaurant lies nearby. Care to join me?”

To everyone’s astonishment, as Fate walked ahead, Nia trailed like a persistent shadow—chatting, sticking close, refusing to leave. The Inquisitor and guards stared, stunned.

“Lady Knight, didn’t you say you had a matter to handle?”

“And isn’t this it?” Nia smiled softly. “Am I right… Master?”