Upon learning that the brave warrior before them was Skyfire, the captain of the knights bowed respectfully. Yet, he still refused, explaining, “I’m sorry, but he was a knight in life, and as his companions, we cannot surrender his body to you. It goes against our knightly spirit.”
Skyfire’s brow furrowed as she was about to respond, but the woman in black robes beside her pulled out a golden emblem from her pocket and presented it to the captain. “Even the command of an investigator from the Assembly is of no use?”
The Assembly investigator? The captain’s face paled as he looked at the woman, his eyes filled with deep fear. Investigators were a special position appointed by the Assembly of Heroes, usually more powerful than typical seventh-stage warriors. Wherever an investigator went, even the Empress had to cooperate.
He bowed deeply, apologizing for his previous words, and handed over the demon’s body to Skyfire. With that, he left with the other knights, his departure marked by a sense of humiliation. The onlookers, though unaware of what an Assembly investigator entailed, sensed something profound from the knights’ reaction, sparking numerous speculations about the black-robed woman’s identity. Eventually, someone suggested she might be the Silverbloom Sword Princess, which caused a stir in the crowd.
Celia, however, recognized the woman beneath her hood. She leaned in and whispered, “You are… Chiling, my senior?”
Surprised, Chiling glanced at Celia with a hint of astonishment. Though she had retired longer than Silverbloom, she had also been forgotten by many. But she was beyond the age where being recognized would excite her. “You are Celia?”
“Erm, you know my name, Senior?”
“Maintaining Vidona’s New Star, who wouldn’t know your team’s name at the Hero Guild?”
Celia blushed, her gaze shifting away. Aurora and Isha, however, remained composed. As the crowd grew more restless, Chiling gestured, and the demon’s body vanished into thin air. “It’s too crowded here. Let’s go somewhere quieter?”
“We could go to my place. Lena will likely agree, right?”
Celia looked at Lena with hopeful eyes, who, despite trying to remain inconspicuous, nodded stiffly. The situation was surreal for Lena, having just encountered Chiling and now inviting her home, leaving her feeling a mix of confusion and frustration. As they left the crowd, they made their way to Lena’s mansion. However, Skyfire did not follow. Chiling ordered her to guard the city gate, preventing anyone from entering or leaving. This seventh-stage hero complied without question.
Throughout the journey, Lena occasionally stole glances at Chiling, especially at her long hair that fell to her chest, each time causing her to pause. Finally, after another glance, Chiling noticed Lena’s gaze and asked, “Is something wrong, Lena?”
“N-no, just a bit nervous.” Lena quickly averted her eyes, her face flushed with embarrassment. “Just think of me as an ordinary person. Relax a bit.”
Chiling, assuming Lena was nervous about meeting a high-stage hero, offered a reassuring smile. Meanwhile, Celia curiously inquired about the relationship between Skyfire and Chiling. Upon learning that Skyfire was Chiling’s disciple, Celia smiled with satisfaction. Lena knew what Celia was thinking: the rivalry between Skyfire and Chiling was a common topic, and now that Celia had her answer, she was delighted.
Lena, however, was perplexed. The old Chiling would have likely proven her superior strength to Skyfire. Yet now, she seemed indifferent. Even her appearance had changed, with long hair and a gentler demeanor. Indeed, after twenty years, Chiling had become a stranger to Lena.
Upon returning to the mansion, Lena first changed into fresh clothes and took a shower. She then headed to the kitchen to prepare dinner. Meanwhile, Celia and the others were chatting with Chiling in the living room. As Lena served the dishes, she overheard their conversation.
“Investigator, you know? Silverbloom is also an Assembly investigator, even though her status as a member has been revoked, her investigator title remains.”
“Really? Why?”
“Who knows? Maybe those people just can’t forget Silverbloom? Anyway, no one in the Assembly has ever brought up the issue.”
Chiling seemed to remember something and asked, “Oh, and isn’t Silverbloom your instructor? Do you know where she usually is?”
Lena’s hand trembled slightly as she realized Chiling was about to reveal her true purpose. “Not really, Senior often appears and disappears. She usually comes to us.”
“Is that so? I had hoped to see her, but it seems…” Chiling’s voice trailed off, her gaze fixed on the coffee table, her beautiful face filled with confusion and disappointment. Seeing Chiling like this, Lena felt a pang of sympathy. But before she could think of any comforting words, she heard Celia whisper, “Silverbloom Senior? Lena knows more about her…”
Clank—
The plate hit the table with a thud, splashing some soup. Everyone’s attention immediately turned to Lena, who smiled apologetically. “I’m sorry, I’m still shaken from the demon’s attack, and now hearing my own name…”
Lena wiped the spilled soup with a cloth. Celia, meanwhile, felt even more worried about Lena, regretting not rushing to her side sooner. If she had, Lena might have been spared the ordeal. “Lena knows Silverbloom?”
The confusion and disappointment vanished from Chiling’s face as she focused intently on Lena, awaiting her response. “Just a bit, nothing much.” Lena admitted candidly, deciding to cut off Chiling’s search for Silverbloom.
****