Xia Lun gazed at the gap in the wall of the house, feeling a slight headache. Mo Lini stepped out of her room and could directly see the garden through the hole in the opposite wall. The little red beast trembled in fear.
"What happened here?" Aina demanded, glaring at Yisi.
Yisi scratched her head and recounted the events that had transpired earlier.
"So, not only did you let someone break in and turn the place upside down, but you also allowed them to stroll away without a care?" Aina frowned.
Yisi thought for a moment before suddenly raising her head with realization. "Yeah, that's pretty much it!"
"Hey… Xia Lun," Liyana whispered into his ear, "this kid doesn’t seem too bright."
Xia Lun nodded helplessly. "No need to guess—she really isn’t."
From their first meeting, Xia Lun had already noticed that Yisi wasn’t the sharpest tool in the shed. Despite wielding terrifying spatial abilities and even being capable of breeding insectoid races, she seemed utterly clueless about how to use her powers.
Still, she was obedient—that much was true.
Xia Lun wasn’t sure if this was some precautionary measure left by the Goddess when she created Yisi.
Aina continued scolding Yisi, who looked on the verge of tears, her cuteness rivaling Mo Lini’s.
"Alright, Aina, that’s enough. Don’t be too hard on her—she’s still just a child," Xia Lun intervened, stopping Aina from disciplining Yisi further. Yisi’s eyes shone with admiration as she looked at Xia Lun.
In Yisi’s eyes, Aina was already an intimidating presence, yet she obeyed this man’s commands.
"I… I’m not in danger here, am I? Should I move back to Professor Enlaisi’s house instead…?"
Though reluctant to part with the soft bed, Mo Lini felt her safety was more important.
"Don’t worry. As long as you’re with us, nothing will happen to you," Xia Lun reassured her gently. "This was just an accident."
Strangely, Mo Lini actually felt a wave of security from his words.
"I’ll protect you too!" Liyana placed a hand on Mo Lini’s shoulder.
Mo Lini suddenly felt uneasy again.
Xia Lun examined the gray-yellow robe in his hands—left behind by the intruder.
The culprit had been cautious. The robe had been specially treated, leaving no trace of the wearer’s aura… and no useful information could be gleaned through divination.
The Twilight Apostles… had they already infiltrated Olifando? Moreover, the fact that they escaped right under Yisi’s nose suggested their strength was extraordinary—far surpassing those who had invaded Lake Village before.
The robe’s material was unusual, offering decent defensive properties. On its own, it could be considered a rare treasure, not something an ordinary person could possess. It was nothing like what Old Cody or Ge Rui wore.
This intruder was likely a high-ranking member of the Twilight Apostles.
Xia Lun already had a vague suspicion.
"Aina, would you take a walk with me?"
"Of course, dear." Aina naturally linked arms with him, a sweet smile on her face.
"I… Never mind, I won’t intrude." Liyana opened her mouth but then swallowed her words.
Mo Lini seemed restless. She had only just moved in when the attack happened, and she couldn’t help but feel responsible.
Liyana decided it was best to stay at the manor.
"Liyana… I really should leave this place…" Mo Lini fretted.
"It’s fine. We’ll handle everything," Liyana said, quickly ruffling Mo Lini’s head in her usual odd manner. Mo Lini had grown somewhat accustomed to it.
Liyana added, "And don’t worry—we won’t make you pay for damages. We really are Moke’s friends."
At the mention of Moke, Mo Lini perked up slightly.
"What kind of person was my ancestor?" she suddenly asked. "I only know he traveled with the legendary hero… Liyana, can you tell me what he was like?"
"Of course! Moke and I were close… Hmm, let me think…"
---
Xia Lun and Aina strolled leisurely down the street.
Couples weren’t uncommon here—this was a magic academy, after all—but nearly everyone’s gaze was instinctively drawn to the pair.
"Who are those two?"
"That girl has such an aura…"
"Haven’t seen them before. Maybe new students?"
Aina kept her eyes downcast, paying no mind to the murmurs.
"Is this too flashy?" Xia Lun asked softly.
Aina’s expression dimmed slightly. "Do you dislike this? Are you embarrassed to be seen walking with me?"
"Of course not!" Xia Lun immediately straightened up. "Walking alongside the Demon King is my greatest honor."
Aina’s smile returned.
Both knew the truth, but the couple still enjoyed playing these little games.
Xia Lun sighed inwardly. He still remembered when Aina had refused to walk beside him in public.
"What? Stand next to you? No way. What if people misunderstand?"
"Uh… Aina, we’re married now."
"Tch, you’re so troublesome…"
Now, the soft warmth pressed against his arm was almost distracting.
"Xia Lun, what are you thinking about? We’re here."
They stopped in front of Enlaisi’s house.
The gate was shut, and the yard was empty.
Xia Lun pressed the intercom by the iron gate, but there was no response.
"He’s not here," Aina murmured. "But there’s a corpse inside—female, preserved in the basement."
"Aina… that’s rude. And it ruins the fun," Xia Lun chided, tapping her forehead lightly.
Aina stuck out her tongue. "The most efficient method is the best method."
"That just makes things boring."
"Fine, you’re right… Oh, and he’s back now. He’ll be here in three seconds—just around the corner." The crimson glow in Aina’s eyes faded.
Exactly as she said, three seconds later, Enlaisi appeared before them.
"Xia Lun, I didn’t expect you to visit…" Enlaisi held an unlit pipe between his teeth as he approached the gate, pulling a brass key from his pocket and unlocking it.
The iron gate creaked open.
"Let me guess—did Mo Lini forget something?"
Xia Lun shook his head slowly, holding up the gray-yellow robe. "No, Professor Enlaisi. You did."