Karinbana was Cocooni Town’s renowned Investigator—and a beauty famed across the region.

She had flowing silver hair, captivating golden eyes, long legs, and a tall, slender figure.

Born into poverty, she apprenticed under a retired warrior of the Expeditionary Corps. Through raw talent and relentless effort, she followed her master’s path: mastering both magic and martial arts.

Nearly eighteen, she was already a mid-level mage and a fourth-tier martial artist. At full power, she could briefly rival a Senior Mage or a fifth-tier warrior—but only she knew the sweat and sorrow behind that strength.

An orphan now, her parents had sold everything and worked themselves to the bone to send her through the Magic Academy.

Right after she passed the Investigator exam, their health shattered. They collapsed one after another and passed soon after.

She threw herself into her duties, handling every case with care, solving them flawlessly. Promoted often, she later earned a disciple spot under a wounded Expeditionary Corps veteran. Her future gleamed bright.

That afternoon, a report came in: a new Bard was telling lewd jokes at the tavern, corrupting the town’s wholesome vibe. Karinbana was asked to intervene.

Without hesitation, she headed there with her team. Pushing the tavern door open, she saw burly men gathered around the Bard, utterly absorbed in his tale.

She crept closer silently, ears pricked, listening intently.

She’d catch him red-handed the moment he slipped into filth—then lock him in a dark room for a stern lecture. No one messed with Cocooni Town’s harmony!

Handsome or not, morality came first.

Karinbana clenched her delicate fists, every inch a little warrior of justice.

The Bard spun his story; the men hung on every word, oblivious to her presence.

*“The elegant Duchess unleashed a move she called ‘Dragon Mount’ upon the Duke, drowning him in the taste of the sea. Bewildered, the Duke countered with ‘Loyal Dog’s Devotion’—lavishing frantic, skillful licks across her face. The Duchess flushed, breath hitching, magical energy flowing like a spring. Flustered, she whispered, ‘My love… let’s begin the real battle.’ And then…”*

He paused. Picked up his wine. Sipped slowly—deliberately teasing. The men squirmed, desperate for more.

“Ooooh!”

Some hooted; others slammed tables. One calm voice sighed, “I’ve traveled far and met many Bards… but none like this master. His craft? Unique. Captivating. Breathtaking!”

“Indeed!”

“Absolutely!”

Others chimed in.

Karinbana narrowed her eyes. *What’s so exciting? Weren’t the Duke and Duchess just sparring?*

Men were so hard to understand.

Pure-hearted Karinbana sat utterly confused. Her two male Investigator colleagues, however, exchanged a glance—*Catch this after work?*—and nodded in silent agreement.

She shot the Bard a tiny pout but stayed seated.

Next, the Bard shifted tone. A gentler, sadder tale began:

*A poor girl fought her way into the Magic Academy. Her parents toiled for years to support her… and passed soon after graduation. Left alone, she tasted life’s bitter-sweet solitude.*

Disappointed groans rose. Many men left. Some stayed, sipping quietly.

He finished at dusk. The girl found happiness with her destined partner.

Karinbana remained till the end—eyes red, tear-streaked cheeks glistening.

Her story. Her pain. She’d slipped right into the girl’s shoes.

Her colleagues exchanged stunned looks. The stern, aloof Karinbana… crying?

*This Bard’s insane!*

*No wonder he’s a master of subtle innuendo—so smooth.*

The Bard announced his rest. “Return tomorrow for more.”

The crowd dispersed.

Karinbana wiped her tears, turning to leave—when the Bard approached, two wine glasses in hand.

“Miss… may I ask why you cried?” He set a glass before her, smiling gently.

“I wasn’t crying,” Karinbana huffed, looking away.

*Two seconds of silence.*

*Could this aloof girl… be a cute tsundere?*

He tested carefully: “Miss… are you a tsundere?”

“You’re the tsundere! Your whole family’s tsunderes!” She slammed the table, cheeks flushed with anger.

*Oh~ such a classic tsundere~*

He was certain.

In the rugged east of the Kirsolo Empire, most girls would’ve snapped, “Get lost.”

“Alright, my apologies for the boldness,” Roland said, doffing his hat with a bow.

“I am Roland, a wandering Bard. Arrived two days ago. No lodging yet. Miss… know any place for rent?”

Karinbana opened her mouth—then froze. *Article 7, Clause 2: A righteous Investigator carries kindness and helps others.*

She glanced at the deepening twilight… then at Roland’s handsome face. Sighed.

“…Actually. I know a place. Follow me.”