Nangong Yan

Quickly, capture him!

By this point, Lyte could hardly fail to grasp Xie Shenhong’s intentions.

Yet, while the idea was sound, its practical execution carried a high risk of failing to breach the opponent’s defenses and potentially harming the hostage.

For Lyte, of course, this was now the sole opportunity; he immediately sprang into action, rushing forward.

“Starfall Pursuit?”

The Imperial spy was not so arrogant as to disregard everything; thus, even before the magical projectiles struck, he became aware of them, recognizing them as one of Crimson Hawk’s most renowned techniques, and instantly activated his most potent defensive magic.

Barring any unforeseen circumstances, it was clear these two magical projectiles would prove utterly ineffectual.

However, Lyte had already launched his assault, and the Imperial spy knew full well that against the formidable Lyte, he had no hope of survival.

His only recourse was to end the life of the girl in his grasp, ensuring Lyte would suffer an agony beyond compare!

The instant the two magical projectiles struck with precision, yet failed to elicit even the slightest ripple, the Imperial spy made his move.

Yet, for some inexplicable reason, his dagger merely cut through empty air.

The blow that should have severed the girl’s head from her body instead met no resistance.

He instantly reacted.

“Origin Point Destruction?”

This was not a full Origin Point Destruction aimed at dispelling magic, but rather a partial one executed to disrupt magical flow… No, that wasn’t right.

His own body was also affected; this was an Origin Point Destruction of the ‘killing two birds with one stone’ caliber.

‘Is this the power of Crimson Hawk?’

The Imperial spy sighed softly in his mind.

Although the effect lasted only for a fleeting moment, he was up against Lyte, a warrior renowned for their speed.

He had only one chance.

Just as he attempted to retract his dagger, his arm was indeed sent soaring into the air.

He tried to snap Huangfu Jing’s neck with his other hand, but Lyte, now directly beside them, had already enveloped his sister in magic.

All he could do was bite down on his false tooth, allowing the poison to flow into his throat, and—

“Heh heh, don’t think you’ve won yet!”

To ensure Lyte would live in perpetual dread.

Yet, as he collapsed, he noticed Lyte wasn’t looking at him at all; his gaze was fixed solely on Huangfu Jing.

It was precisely like a parent, after a long journey, finally returning to their distant, warm home and immediately embracing their child.

‘Ah, what was it I came here for, exactly?’

‘Damn the Empire…’

****

“Why didn’t you stop him from committing suicide?”

Witnessing the last Imperial spy collapse with a face full of grief and indignation, Xie Shenhong, who had arrived a step too late, angrily questioned Lyte.

“My apologies…”

Lyte bowed his head deeply.

“This isn’t a matter of apologies, it’s… never mind.”

Realizing his demeanor was somewhat unbecoming of a “friend,” Xie Shenhong quickly reined in his anger.

“Big sister, thank you for saving me.”

At that moment, the adorable black-haired girl in Lyte’s arms spoke.

“No need to thank me.” Facing a child, Xie Shenhong immediately offered a gentle smile. “Are you hurt at all?”

“No, I’m fine. Thank you for your concern, big sister.”

“That’s good then.”

To be honest, Xie Shenhong never underestimated children; this world had been a medieval-style alternate realm until just ten years prior, where many noble children understood power struggles by the age of ten.

Moreover, throughout the entire ordeal of being held hostage, Huangfu Jing remained exceptionally calm, even displaying an expression of self-sacrifice at the most perilous moment that belied her age… Xie Shenhong simply couldn’t believe she was entirely ignorant of her family’s unsavory affairs.

Nevertheless, in the end, Xie Shenhong couldn’t help but intervene.

This was solely because Huangfu Jing reminded him of Shen’ai, who was similarly perceptive and sensible.

And also because Lyte had adopted a posture that suggested he was willing to sacrifice Huangfu Jing to silence the enemy.

Unfortunately, he ultimately failed to prevent the enemy’s suicide, and his efforts fell short at the last hurdle.

“Let’s head back first.”

Lyte came over and picked up Xie Shenhong as well.

“Wait—”

Xie Shenhong tried to protest, but Lyte’s movements were too swift; by the time he regained his senses, the scenery on both sides was already rapidly receding.

“Could you put me down on the main street in a bit? I really don’t want to be seen like this…” Xie Shenhong displayed an expression of genuine, albeit not entirely feigned, embarrassment.

“My apologies, I hadn’t considered that,” Lyte belatedly offered.

This certainly looked like feigned ignorance… but considering he was currently being carried, Xie Shenhong had no choice but to suppress his anger.

Soon after, reaching a street on the edge of the South District, Lyte set them both down and stepped aside to make a call, contacting the Knight Order and the Huangfu family.

Xie Shenhong had no intention of contacting the Duanmu family, so he waited alongside Huangfu Jing.

“Big sister…” Huangfu Jing suddenly spoke in a voice only Xie Shenhong could hear.

“What is it?”

To avoid speaking down to the child, Xie Shenhong crouched, asking with a slight bewilderment.

“Big sister, please don’t worry! When we get home, I’ll make sure to properly educate my brother!” Huangfu Jing clenched her fists.

It took a moment for Xie Shenhong to realize the black-haired girl was implying Lyte didn’t understand a girl’s heart… The problem was, he wasn’t even a girl!

“Thank you.”

However, the full story was far too convoluted, so Xie Shenhong offered no explanation, simply patting Huangfu Jing’s head and expressing his gratitude.

“So… please, big sister, won’t you stop being angry with my brother?”

“Yes, I will.”

Xie Shenhong smiled and sealed their promise with a pinky swear with Huangfu Jing.

Alas, it was merely a lie.

Yet, more than being angry with Lyte, he was furious at his own helplessness.

Whether Lyte and Huangfu Jing were putting on an act or not, they had both done what they were supposed to do.

Only he remained utterly ineffectual.

****

By the time everything was handled, it was already evening.

The Crimson Sea Knight Order dispatched a squadron to manage the situation, and thanks to Duanmu Yun’s arrangements, they faced no excessive questioning… though Xie Shenhong secretly wished they would thoroughly investigate Lyte and the Huangfu family.

The Huangfu family, for their part, expressed their profound gratitude to Xie Shenhong with great solemnity; a group of them encircled him, bowing deeply, and also presented him with valuable magical artifacts and money.

Considering these were all treasures of the kingdom, and refusing them would only benefit the Imperial lackeys for free, Xie Shenhong decisively accepted them, planning to use them later for the reconstruction of the Old District.

After being driven near his home by the Huangfu family, Lyte called out to Xie Shenhong.

“What is it?”

“Regarding what happened earlier, I am truly sorry.”

“That’s alright… No, actually, you helped me tremendously, thank you.” Xie Shenhong quickly waved his hand.

He, of course, knew perfectly well that Lyte was referring to the matter of leaving no survivors, and he could also understand that from Lyte’s standpoint, such a stance was expected.

However, with dinner time approaching, and him needing to cook for Shen’ai, he truly had no desire to waste any more time engaging in pretense with Lyte.

As for the thanks, it was for Lyte reporting his contributions, which had advanced his Knight Order application to the next round… Xie Shenhong now merely hoped Lyte would accept this gratitude and promptly leave.

“It was merely a small favor. Let’s return to our previous topic. I know you don’t wish to hear it, nor are you willing to forgive me, but if I don’t reveal the truth, I truly cannot rest easy.”

‘You truly are a drama king… Come on then, bring on your excuses and explanations, I’m ready!’

“Very well, then please tell me the reason.” Xie Shenhong surrendered his struggle.

“Hm, before that, I must admit something… I did it on purpose.”

“…”

‘Why does this guy always deviate from the expected script?’

“And the reason?” Xie Shenhong asked.

“Because most Imperial citizens do not love their own country.”

“?”

Xie Shenhong paused in surprise, then immediately understood.

“Are you implying…”

“Yes, unpatriotic Imperial citizens who nonetheless flock here as spies, readily committing suicide… The reason is that if they fail to do so, their wives and children back in the Empire will be executed.”

“…”

“In the Empire, only those with complete families and harmonious marriages are dispatched abroad as spies.”

“…That’s utterly despicable.”

Even knowing Lyte was searching for an explanation favorable to himself, Xie Shenhong couldn’t help but utter this.

Upon reflection, it made sense; while assassins who committed suicide upon mission failure weren’t unheard of, such a vast number felt inherently wrong.

As for patriotism, an Empire renowned for its corruption and exploitation of its populace was utterly undeserving of the term.

“Such is the Empire.”

Gazling at the impassive Lyte, Xie Shenhong couldn’t resist asking:

“Do you truly despise the Empire?”

“Yes… I wish to see it utterly annihilated.”

Lyte made no attempt to conceal his indignation.

But this time, Xie Shenhong understood.

Lyte’s animosity was never directed at the Imperial people.

But at the Empire itself.