Strictly speaking, the Lis Empire was also Sasha and Roland’s hometown.

Though Sasha only remembered being taken in by Master Gudao in the mountains five years ago, everything before that was a blank.

She didn’t know why her body was that of an Elf, nor why a single consciousness controlled two bodies.

...

Sasha shifted the Elf King’s head slung across her back. The blood spilled earlier had been messy to clean, but it had already scabbed over. Passing through the reed marsh at the empire’s border, they soon reached the checkpoint.

Scaling the hundred-meter-high wall would’ve been easy with their agility—but rumor said a barrier hid atop it. Cross the line, and alarms would blare across the entire border defense. The Lis Empire’s army was highly disciplined: courteous, helpful, shaped by chivalry, nearly every soldier a gentleman. But…

Sasha narrowed her eyes. To intruders? No mercy. No questions. Just arrows until you looked like a pincushion. Survive? Interrogation. Dead? Buried on the spot.

Anyone strolling outside the wall would see grave mound after grave mound—too many corpses to count.

So…

Sasha and Roland chose to play model citizens and queued up politely.

...

One hour later.

Their turn finally came. Without proper entry papers or a local identity certificate, travelers were turned away or detained. Rumor said paying a fee granted entry—but only into the Fifth and Fourth Rings, never past the Third.

“Documents, please.”

The guard’s voice was weary. Doing the same dull task day after day, politeness was a miracle.

Roland handed over both identity certificates.

The guard studied Roland’s face first—stunned by his strikingly beautiful, androgynous features—but remained composed with a calm nod.

Then he turned to Sasha.

“Have your sister remove her hood.”

“It’s fine like this. You can see her face clearly enough,” Roland said helplessly. The guard’s eyes widened.

“This is my duty! Yours too! Cut the chatter—do it now!”

“You wouldn’t be *interested* in my sister, would you, soldier? That kind of guy?” Roland teased. The guard clicked his tongue.

“Say another word like that, and I’ll have you both tossed out.”

“Alright, alright.” Roland patted Sasha’s head and lifted her hood.

Sasha shrank behind him, acting shy.

The guard’s stern face instantly softened.

“No need to fear, little one. Big brother won’t trouble you.”

Roland: “Good enough?”

“Identities check out. But what’s your sister carrying?” He pointed at the large basket on Sasha’s back.

Roland had prepared an excuse.

“Valley herbs. Light-sensitive. Wrapped tight to protect them.”

“You…” The guard stood, glaring fiercely.

Roland tensed. *Did he see through it?*

“How dare you make your little sister carry this?! What kind of brother are you?!”

“Ah…” Roland broke into a cold sweat.

“Not like that, Guard Big Brother,” Sasha chimed in softly. Her gentle voice melted his resolve instantly.

“What is it, little sister?~”

“Actually… Brother carried it the whole way. But while waiting, I saw he was tired, so I begged to carry it. Please don’t misunderstand him, okay? Handsome Guard Big Brother.”

She looked like a pitifully cute little animal. Her words pierced his heart. Under the blazing sun, he felt himself melt.

“I see… Such a thoughtful sister. My mistake.” He turned to Roland, tone shifting. “Go on. Treat her well.”

Roland: “Next month’s citizen feedback box: ‘Your border guards have a severe lolicon tendency.’”

Guard: “Leaving or not? How about *you* guard the gate while I walk her home?”

Roland chuckled. “Whoa, getting flustered? Seriously.”

“Brat.” The guard waved them through, done with it.

Though Sasha was an Elf, she differed from others. Without using her powers, no Elf traits showed—no pointed ears, slit pupils, fangs, or six fingers.

Legend said the sixth finger evolved for archery. Elves possessed innate bow mastery, woven into blood and bone.

Why Sasha appeared human, Master Gudao never explained. She only knew: Elves were feared like tigers. Spotted among humans? Death. So she hid her nature unless absolutely necessary.

Yet one Elf trait shone perfectly: her looks.

Sasha had long accepted it—beauty was justice in this world (except for Elves).

Attractive? Goodwill. Attractive woman? More.

Attractive woman *and* little girl? Unbeatable. A hint of cuteness, big watery eyes, a soft whisper—nobles to guards, all fell. Every. Single. Time.

Arms crossed, Sasha smiled confidently. *No human resists my charm.*

According to a Demon Clan researcher, Elf blood carried traces of Succubus and Incubus lineage… Maybe the charm was real.

“Sasha and Roland, correct?”

A dark-skinned middle-aged man stepped before them, blocking the path. He held a portrait, eyes scanning their faces.

A chill ran down Sasha’s spine. Roland answered for her.

“Yes… And you are?”

“I am Kong Li, Third-tier Executor of the Spirit Eradication Corps.” He shook his head with a faint smile. “And you must be Roland—the *so-called* Second-tier Executor? May I see your token?”

“Uh…” Roland froze.

*How did the Empire track us this fast?* Damn. Past the border, escape would’ve been easy.

Seeing Roland speechless, Kong Li sighed.

“Come. Let’s talk in the diplomatic hall.”