Lanqi in Peril

The southernmost border of the Hutton Kingdom was home to South Vantina. This land was blessed with exceptional geography. Backed by the Knox Mountains, also known as the "Guardian's Spine," the rugged ranges held abundant mineral and timber resources, while ancient ruins and unknown secrets lay hidden in their depths, making the region a paradise for adventurers and researchers alike. Because crossing the expansive Knox Mountains led straight into the territory of the Creti Empire to the south, most travelers interested in ancient ruins used South Vantina as a base for their journeys. For merchants wishing to trade with the Creti Empire, however, the sea route was far more practical. South Vantina was bordered not only by mountains to the south but also by the vast expanse of the Blue Wave Sea to the east. Its bustling port was packed with merchant vessels and fishing boats, while its beautiful sandy beaches and clear waters served as beloved leisure spots for local residents. On an early summer morning in June, sunrise broke over the central train station in the main city of South Vantina. Lanqi and Hyperion hurried off the train that had just pulled in. The station was an ancient stone structure whose corner masonry was covered in moss and climbing vines, giving it a much more natural ambiance than Ikerite Central Station. As they walked, Lanqi introduced his hometown to Hyperion. "That said, even though South Vantina has always been quite popular with people across the kingdom, I'm really sorry, Hyperion—bringing you here for the first time, only to rush back to the Wilfort residence in such a hurry." Lanqi responded apologetically to Hyperion's admiration. Yesterday, before they even had time to unpack, they had grabbed their luggage and rushed straight back to Ikerite Central Station, bought tickets for the fastest train, and traveled overnight on the mana rail train to South Vantina. Hyperion did not mind the hurried pace in the slightest; instead, she looked forward to the new journey. "It's fine. I visited a few times when I was little and always loved it," Hyperion smiled at Lanqi. "Even in my dreams, I've longed to return here." Inside the station concourse, crowds surged. Passengers walking to and fro and family members welcoming them spoke in hushed, leisurely tones, their expressions remarkably relaxed. Life in South Vantina moved at an unhurried, leisurely pace—even shops routinely closed down more than half their shutters by five in the afternoon. "So that's how it is." Lanqi blinked in mild surprise, then nodded. Together with Hyperion, he wove through the crowd and stepped out of South Vantina Station. Behind them, the tolling of the morning bell echoed through the crisp air from a towering clock tower. Lanqi recalled that during their earlier illusion in the Gentle Land of the Fallen, he and Hyperion, appearing as their younger selves, had indeed been on a train. The scenery outside the carriage window had felt strangely familiar—so it had been the rail route from the royal capital of Ikerite to South Vantina. "Say, do you think we might have met when we were children?" Hyperion asked, studying Lanqi's face as she walked, murmuring in confusion. Having accidentally brought it up, she too remembered that illusion. Riding the train to South Vantina with Lanqi made reality feel eerily like the dream. "That depends on whether my old man and your father, Duke Mikhail, knew each other. Last time, my dad went on for half a day without realizing you were a duke's daughter, treating you like an ordinary girl from a decent family." Lanqi felt Hyperion leaning in a bit too close, so he politely leaned back slightly as he answered. After their encounter with Xiaya in the Snowfield Province of the Northern Continent, Lanqi felt it was not out of the question—it mostly depended on whether their fathers had crossed paths years ago. "Oh!" Hyperion seemed to realize she was standing too close to Lanqi. Or perhaps she suddenly remembered that time at the Ikerite Academy hospital, when Lanqi's father had gloated, *"Duke Mikhail managed to marry a demon wife, but could Lanqi ever pull that off?"*—which had caused her so much embarrassment that she had fled on the spot. "Meow, meow, what are you two talking about?" Boss Cat poked its head out from Lanqi's shoulder, asking in confusion. "That time my dad came to the royal capital was right after Hyperion, Frey, and I finished our second Shadow World, the Banquet of Sanctuary Villains. The moment we came out, Hyperion and I went to the hospital to visit him. We only went to Boss Cat Restaurant to find Tata that evening, which was also the day Hyperion moved in. So all that happened just before we met you, Boss Cat," Lanqi patiently explained. "Hyperion, how come you never told Tata about this?" Boss Cat turned its head toward Hyperion. It often heard Hyperion and Tata sharing interesting stories, yet Hyperion had never breathed a single word about this one. "..." Hyperion's cheeks flushed pink, and she averted her gaze. It was all Lanqi's father's fault for making such bizarre jokes—and she had almost agreed by mistake. After a brief wait outside South Vantina Station, Lanqi waved down a mana vehicle. "North of Heart Pulse Plaza, 25 Northma Street, please." "No problem." The driver flashed a genial smile, motioning for the young travelers to stow their luggage and climb aboard. Soon, Lanqi and Hyperion settled into the back seat. The vehicle gently set off, rolling along the stone-paved streets through South Vantina's morning calm. The city's architecture felt far fresher and more rustic compared to Ikerite. The streets were bathed in the golden glow of the morning sun, and neatly pruned sycamore trees lined both sides of the cobblestone road, their leaves swaying softly in the gentle breeze. Boss Cat sat between Lanqi and Hyperion, glancing back and forth between them. For some reason, Lanqi had seemed restless and uneasy since yesterday. Boss Cat wondered if Lanqi had fallen ill. "By the way, Lanqi, dropping in so suddenly like this... won't it be a bit inappropriate?" Hyperion felt her tension rise the closer they drew to Lanqi's home. "I'm the one who dragged you along, so don't worry. Dad said you're welcome to visit South Vantina anytime. He has a wonderful impression of you," Lanqi reassured her. "Is that so?" Hyperion murmured softly. In that case, she felt somewhat less apprehensive. She resolved to make sure she left a great impression on the Wilfort household today. Then again, nothing should go wrong. She was a professional spy and priest trained by the Ice Snow Witch herself; there was no way she would bungle a visit to a friend's home. The carriage passed through the downtown area known as "Heart Pulse Plaza," the thriving political, economic, and cultural center of South Vantina's main city. A statue of Frontier Count Vantina from centuries ago stood in the plaza, commemorating the city's founder and its history. Lanqi's home was not far now, situated in the northwestern corner of the city on a branch of the avenue known as "Guardian's Path." This street was wide and serene, lined with towering oaks and manicured hedges. As the vehicle continued forward, the silhouette of the mansion gradually emerged outside the window. The Wilfort family mansion was an elegant three-story residence with pale yellow limestone exterior walls and a roof lined with deep red glazed tiles. The carved oak front doors bore the family crest. In front of the entrance, two bronze vases held blooming blue and white irises, releasing a faint fragrance. "We're here, Hyperion." "Okay." The vehicle stopped on the street outside the courtyard gates. Lanqi and Hyperion stepped out, retrieved their luggage, and walked up the stone steps leading to the main entrance. The hedges flanking the stone steps were neatly trimmed, dotted with morning dew that sparkled in the dawn light. "Young Master Lanqi, you're back?!" The guards outside the door gasped in surprise the moment they laid eyes on Lanqi, immediately rushing forward to take the luggage—and the cat—from Lanqi and Hyperion. They had not seen Lanqi for over half a year and had missed him dearly. Though young master Lanqi had once suffered a terrible reputation as a profligate son, during the two months before he left for school in the royal capital of Ikerite, his reputation had taken a complete turn for the better. The household servants had grown quite fond of this reformed, well-mannered young master. "Just back for a short visit! I'll leave the bags to you!" Lanqi waved a greeting to them, then hastily led Hyperion on a sprint through the garden to the main doors. He pushed open the heavy oak entrance and stepped inside. "Meow, meow, I'm not luggage!" Boss Cat wriggled out of the guard's hands and leapt into the garden. "Holy crap, a talking cat?!" The guards shouted in sheer astonishment, staring after the fleeing little black cat. Boss Cat quickly caught up to Lanqi and Hyperion, following them inside the mansion. The spacious foyer was bright and welcoming, adorned with ancestral portraits and exquisite wall lamps. Light footsteps echoed down the staircase; the household was evidently awake and ready to embrace the new day. The front door clicked shut behind Lanqi and Hyperion as they stepped fully into the Wilfort estate. Breakfast seemed to have just ended, and servants were bustling about clearing away dishes. Before the two could take more than a few steps, a familiar, deep voice called out from nearby. "Oh? Young Master Lanqi?" In the expansive first-floor parlor, Hans turned around and noticed them. As the butler of the Wilfort family, he was directing the day's household affairs. Hans's gaunt frame was ramrod straight, his white hair neatly combed. His face bore the etchings of time and deep wrinkles, yet his eyes still sparkled with wisdom and warmth. "Hans, I'm back," Lanqi nodded. At times, Hans gave off the aura of an assassin, maintaining a flawless smile even when facing people he clearly disliked. But Lanqi was no longer afraid of him. Although it remained a mystery how a wealthy merchant family in the borderlands of South Vantina had managed to hire a formidable sixth-tier butler, Lanqi was willing to trust that Hans was firmly on their side. "Young Master, you have grown stronger." Hans showed an initial flicker of surprise before his gaze softened with gratification. Then, his eyes shifted to Hyperion standing beside Lanqi, his brows lifting slightly in obvious surprise at this visitor. "Oh, and this young lady is... Lady Hyperion?" "Uh, yes." Hyperion blinked in surprise, caught off guard that Hans could call her by name, and gave a quick nod. She could tell that this butler shared a close bond with Lanqi. "Master Noe spoke of you when he returned from the royal capital last time. He has been looking forward to Lanqi inviting you to visit South Vantina, and to think such a wonderful thing happened today," Hans said, maintaining his dignified etiquette and displaying the poise of an experienced butler. "Allow me to inform the master in the second-floor study. We will ensure Lady Hyperion is properly looked after during your stay." "No, no, no, there's no need to prepare lodgings for me, and you don't need to address me so formally!" Hyperion waved her hands frantically. She and Lanqi still had to return to Ikerite Academy to submit their reports; how could she stay at Lanqi's house? From the old butler's tone, it sounded as though he was preparing to arrange a lengthy vacation for the two of them in South Vantina. "By the way, Hans, have we had any guests over the past few days?" Lanqi interrupted their exchange, his expression grave. Butler Hans turned to observe Lanqi. He had rarely seen the young master wear such an expression. The last time the young master had looked this uneasy was when he sought him out in the parlor to help dispose of an accidentally battered carrier pigeon. "No guests, strictly speaking. However, before your arrival this morning, Miss Tata came by and had breakfast with us. Francine is currently giving her a tour of the estate." Hans paused briefly, but quickly regained his calm, his tone steady as ever. In his eyes, Tata was nominally a steward of their estate. Though she rarely visited in the past, she had served as Lanqi's tutor and hardly counted as an outsider. Francine, the maid closest to Lanqi, had met Tata several times and was her most familiar acquaintance in the household. The only odd thing was that Miss Tata and Young Master Lanqi had happened to return at the same time, yet had arrived separately, completely unaware of each other's schedules. "!?" Lanqi's eyes snapped wide open. Seeing how peaceful the house appeared, he had assumed nothing was amiss. He had never imagined the Grim Reaper had beaten him to the punch! He had no idea where Tata had wandered off to, but her destination was without a doubt his second-floor bedroom! *I don't want to be Tata's top patron—!* Sweat poured down Lanqi's back. As if plunged back into a nightmare, he let out a silent cry from the depths of his soul. This was the pull of an inescapable force called destiny. *Calm down.* *Think on the bright side.* *Things aren't that bad yet.* *The mansion is still completely calm, which means Tata isn't angry. That must mean she hasn't reached my second-floor bedroom yet!* *As long as I can beat her to the room, hide that painting, and swap in a portrait of a genuinely poor, pitiable old woman, all will be well!* *I can still be saved!* "Hans, I have urgent business!" Without another word, Lanqi bolted toward the stairs, all his exhaustion and anxiety seemingly vanishing into pure speed. Racing along the second-floor corridor, he caught sight of the maid, Francine, sweeping the floor. "Oh, Young Master Lanqi, you're back!" The moment Francine saw Lanqi, a delighted smile bloomed across her face. She had already been thrilled by Tata's return, and now Lanqi had followed right on her heels. "Yes, I'm back, talk later!" Lanqi threw back a breathless reply, his voice hurried and terse, not pausing for a single second. His sole objective was his bedroom at the far end of the hallway! "The young master truly adores Miss Tata, rushing to see her like that," Francine giggled to herself. Before she could say another word, she saw Hyperion running after him. Francine instantly clamped a hand over her mouth, her wide eyes practically screaming: *Heavens above, Young Master Lanqi brought two girls home at once!* Despite her overflowing curiosity and shock, Francine maintained her professional poise and curtsied to Hyperion. She knew when to speak and when to remain silent. Meanwhile, at the end of the hallway, the sprinting Lanqi braced against the doorframe to brake, seized the bedroom doorknob, and urgently turned it. His heart pounded violently, yet at this very moment, he felt a fleeting trace of relief. *Wait.* *Wasn't Francine supposed to be giving Tata a tour of the estate?* *If Tata isn't with Francine, where is she?* Lanqi's brow furrowed. In his frantic rush, he hadn't even realized the contradiction. The door swung slightly open, spilling a beam of gentle light. Confusion and dread tangled in Lanqi's chest. When the bedroom door swung fully open and Lanqi stood on the threshold, the scene before him froze him in his tracks. Inside the spacious bedroom, sunlight filtered through the sheer curtains, casting dappled patterns across the floor. Everything in the room was neatly arranged. Even though its master had been away for months, it was clearly cleaned on a regular basis. In the most prominent spot on the wall hung a portrait. The woman in the painting wore a tattered, ancient gray cloak, her eyes carrying a faint melancholy and an unyielding pride, breathtaking as a wolf upon a snowy expanse. And before that very painting... A gray-haired woman stood silently in profile to Lanqi. Her tailored coat hugged her frame, and beneath the collar of her dress, a silk necktie was neatly knotted, lending her an aura both elegant and austere. A gentle breeze brushed past her face, causing the gray strands resting on her shoulder to flutter softly in the draft. Within the golden pupils that gazed fixatedly at the portrait, there was only confusion, deep emotion, and utter bewilderment. In this tranquil moment, the gray-haired, gold-eyed figure seemed to meld into a painted scene of her own—or perhaps, her very presence was the only thing that truly belonged in the picture. Standing in the doorway, Lanqi's subconscious half-step backward disturbed Talia. The moment those golden eyes snapped toward Lanqi... Lanqi's heart stopped dead in his chest.