Hale didn’t take the secret passage back.

He figured returning the same way would likely lead to a run-in with the Inquisition Bureau.

So he found another exit—heading to the usual drainage channel of the Understreet of District Six. After walking a while along the damp tunnel, light finally greeted him.

By then, the Inquisition Bureau and White Knights had fully taken over security in the Understreet of District Six.

Sure enough, within minutes, he encountered Bureau agents. Hale didn’t avoid them—he walked right up and greeted them.

He mentioned helping delay things during Letitia’s rescue.

No lies. A single falsehood would demand bigger lies to cover it.

He simply wrapped it up by saying he’d lured those Xia Kingdom agents away and fled into the sewers of District Six.

Flawless.

He didn’t elaborate further—only asked if Letitia and the others were safe.

He was told Letitia, Moyel, and Siman had gone looking for him.

Hale weighed it: meeting them now meant swapping intel.

Staying perfectly in character, he left with a casual, “Huh. As long as they’re safe.”

He’d almost added, *Letitia should thank me in person at House Faxius*—but remembered the school incident. She might actually show up.

So he held back and left.

…

When Hale returned to the House Faxius estate, dusk painted the sky.

Lofu was picking grapes cultivated on the grounds. But her outfit made even Hale pause.

*Way too bold.*

What a fair back. What elegant legs.

Yes, she wore an apron—but it hovered between scandalously sheer and modestly covering. Not outright revealing, yet far from conservative.

Her entire back was visible save for two crisscrossing white straps and a large light-pink bow.

Ambushing her from behind would be dangerously easy.

And yes—from that angle, the heart-shaped ribbon on her panties was unmistakable.

“Young Master! You’re back! How was your day?”

Lofu heard his footsteps. She hadn’t planned to turn—imagining instead Hale quietly approaching, wrapping his arms around her from behind.

Something slightly intimate would’ve been nice.

But knowing he wouldn’t, she turned early with a soft smile.

“Fine. Just some trouble in District Six delayed me.”

“I’m glad. When do you plan to leave Saint Louis, Young Master?”

Since Hale mentioned leaving that morning, Lofu had been quietly hopeful. *Once he’s gone, no other women can reach him. Only me.*

“After this matter settles…”

News of rescuing Letitia and Moyel should’ve reached the Bureau’s upper ranks by now. Just wait for their judgment.

Ye Wangxue, the Phoenix Fledgling, had already returned to the Xia Kingdom.

Per the game’s plot, Mandala would soon rejoin the Salvation Sect.

Even if suspicion lingered, tension in Saint Louis would ease—perfect timing to slip away.

Delay further? Impossible.

He needed to avoid Siman, Christine, Letitia… and watch for Ye Wangxue possibly hunting him down post-escape.

Too many heroines to dodge.

“As long as I get out of Saint Louis smoothly, I’ll be safe before the Eastern and Western Continents clash.”

…

Same moment.

Understreet of District Six.

Letitia, Siman, and the others learned Hale had already left.

Siman frowned. *He just… went home?*

He saved Letitia and Moyel. Could he really match Moyel’s strength?

Unbelievable.

She had a hundred questions burning to confront him with.

Letitia simply murmured, “I’m glad Hale is safe,” then headed back with Moyel.

A quiet regret lingered: the succubus blood remained unbought.

Using family channels would get it fast—but invite dangerous questions.

Future searches would have to stay underground.

“Moyel, the Adventurers Guild must have adventurers selling loot, right?”

“Ah, yes, Miss! Wait… what were you buying earlier?”

“Something very important.”

This time, Letitia’s gaze held steady—serious, unwavering.

…

Days passed. Hale attended Sanctum University as usual.

Oddly, Siman avoided him in hallways—but in class, he’d catch her glances drifting his way.

The moment he looked back, her eyes snapped away.

After a few rounds, Hale stopped caring. *Whatever she’s thinking… not my problem.*

Strangely, it made life quieter.

Except for one headache: since interpreting Christine’s words publicly on Theology Day, theology girls kept asking him questions.

Simple stuff. He didn’t mind helping.

But Siman? Still lurking. Watching. Probably fearing he’d “misbehave” with the girls.

*Sigh. How many more days till I can slip out of Saint Louis?*

After school, Hale strolled to the university bulletin board.

And froze.

A notice: students recruiting a team to explore the Demon God Labyrinth on the outskirts.

His first thought wasn’t joining.

*Right—the puzzle-locked treasures.*

Per current plot progress, adventurers and the church had cleared and purified monsters from Floors 1–40.

If untouched, those rewards were his for the taking.

“Definitely need a new weapon. Azure Knightblade shattered completely the night after clashing with Ye Wangxue. Feels like a fake—durability was supposed to be top-tier in-game.”

Buying one? Forget it. Duke’s son or not, his allowance couldn’t swing a Heritage-grade blade.

And a legendary like ‘Moonward’? Practically mythical.

Just then, Siman’s voice cut through his thoughts.

“Hale. Interested in the Demon God Labyrinth? The White Knights have a routine patrol in its safe zone. Want to come with me?”