"Forget about it." Ilya's voice was cold and emotionless again. "These flowers and the reward are yours." She pointed to the gemstones and gold coins on the table. Then, she looked at the two pieces of "evidence" resting on the cloth.
She pointed a finger clad in silver armor toward the energy traces left by Albedo and Rubedo. Her [Divine Domain Insight] worked like a precision scanner. It instantly captured and analyzed every trace of energy and material. It especially noted that unique "scent"—a mix of danger and chaos belonging to the original owners.
In reality, her senses already covered a huge area.
The two people she was tracking had not gone far. They were hiding in the shadows, thinking they had succeeded. They were happily discussing their next move.
A cold sneer curled in Ilya's heart.
Before this world ends, I will keep these two as sacrifices. They will serve a purpose at a specific time in the future... Heh.
"I have remembered it. It is etched into my soul," she said aloud. She intentionally let the two eavesdroppers hear her.
Then, pure white holy flames appeared out of thin air. They instantly burned the items and the cloth into fine ash. Not even a scent remained.
After finishing this, Ilya remembered there was a witness. She looked at Ivy, who was still shocked. Ilya's cold eyes softened just a tiny bit.
This child is quite interesting. At least her heart is pure.
"Is your name Ivy?"
"Y-Yes!" Ivy nodded quickly.
"Can you cook? Or do you know which restaurants in this city have the best food? I want places with a good reputation and a unique style," Ilya asked. Her tone was flat, as if the scary events from a moment ago had never happened.
Ivy blinked. She was surprised by how fast this "Goddess" sister changed the subject from something terrifying to eating. But she reacted quickly. Talking to someone so powerful and rich might bring benefits!
"I can do some home cooking... but for the best food in the city, I know several places! There is an old roast meat shop with amazing spices. There is a seafood place with southern food—it is expensive, but I hear it is very fresh. And there is a dessert shop called 'Honey Whisper.' Their honey cakes and fruit tarts are famous. People line up every day!" Ivy listed them off, her eyes lighting up. Talking about food made her forget her nervousness.
"They are all expensive, right?" Ilya remarked casually.
"Y-Yeah... especially the seafood and the dessert shop. They aren't places a commoner like me can go often," Ivy rubbed her hands together shyly.
"Lead the way," Ilya said shortly. "You will be my guide today. We will eat wherever you want. I am paying for everything."
Ivy's eyes went wide. The surprise almost made her jump!
A free meal! And from a 'Goddess' sister who looks incredibly rich! I can even go to those fancy restaurants I usually only look at from far away!
All this just for being a guide? Plus the big reward from before!
(I have to go! It's a waste not to! Maybe I'll even get another tip!)Ivy was overjoyed, a big smile appearing on her face.
"Okay! Leave it to me! Sister, where do you want to start? I know the best route!" Ivy immediately stepped into her role, full of energy.
Ilya looked at the simple girl who had already forgotten her troubles. The coldness deep in Ilya's eyes faded slightly. Fine. Before I truly explore this world, I should fill my stomach and calm my mind.
"Start with dessert." Ilya began to walk. Her [Valkyrie's Aegis] boots clicked against the floor with a steady rhythm. This time, her steps were strong and powerful. She showed none of her previous weakness. With her silver hair and white clothes, she looked like a beautiful statue carved from ice.
"Eh? Desserts first thing in the morning?"
"I feel like it."
"O-Okay! The dessert shop isn't far. We can walk there quickly! Their fresh cream comes from special cows in the North..."
Ivy chattered away as she led the way. The little flower shop was forgotten for now.
The morning sun grew brighter. It cast a warm golden glow over the streets of the Bahamas Empire's capital.
Walking beside Ilya, Ivy felt a subtle chill. It wasn't the temperature, but a feeling coming from this silver-haired "Big Sister." But this chill was soon forgotten because of the joy of a free meal. Ivy was almost skipping as she pointed toward a corner ahead.
"Sister! It's just around that bend! 'Honey Whisper'! Their cream is rich but not greasy. The honey comes from a special bee farm. It is limited, so if we are late, it will be gone!"
Her face was red with excitement.
Just then, a commotion broke out in the street ahead. People were whispering and gasping in wonder.
"Look! Over there! My god, she's so beautiful!"
"Silver hair? Is she an Elf? No, her eyes are blue..."
"That armor... what material is that? I've never seen such holy armor! What rank is she? Orichalcum? No, she looks even more impressive than the Adamantite-rank heroes..."
"Isn't that Ivy from the flower shop next to her? How did that girl end up with someone like that?"
"Shh! Lower your voice! Don't disturb her!"
The crowd moved out of the way. Everyone focused on the approaching Ilya.
Her stunning face remained expressionless. Her blue eyes gazed calmly ahead. She did not care about the stares of wonder and awe. The natural power she carried made ordinary citizens feel a heavy pressure.
Being the center of attention made Ivy feel a bit shy. But seeing Ilya's calm attitude, she puffed out her chest with pride. However, remembering what happened in the back room of the flower shop, Ivy's cheeks turned red again. She looked at Ilya's perfect profile. (This Big Sister... what exactly did she go through earlier... that was way too... cough! Don't think about it!)
Not far down the street, in a bar called "The Green Apple," four people sat by the window. They looked like experienced travelers. Their gear was well-maintained—the equipment of real fighters. This was the Orichalcum-rank adventurer team "Foresight."
The leader, Hekkeran Termite, was a man in his thirties with a short beard. He was sipping ale while looking at job offers. Beside him sat the team's mage, Arche. The girl had black hair and violet eyes. She looked young, but she had a steady gaze and a trace of hidden worry.
Opposite them was Linet Pista, a scout. She had short hair and sharp eyes. She was slowly peeling an apple with a knife. Beside her was the team's tank, Roberdyck Goltron. He was a muscular man with a rugged face. He was eating a large steak.
The noise from outside drifted in.
"It sounds noisy out there," Hekkeran said, putting down his glass.
"Sounds like they are talking about a beauty," Roberdyck said with his mouth full. He turned toward the window.
Just then, the excited chatter of people outside reached them:
"...Silver hair! I've never seen such beautiful hair in my life!"
"And that armor! It must be Legendary-class!"
"She's heading toward 'Honey Whisper'! Hurry, let's go see!"
"Silver hair? Armor? A beauty?" Hekkeran raised an eyebrow. As a leader, he was interested in any notable figures. He looked at his two female companions. "Arche, Linet, want to go take a look? It might be a big shot from out of town. It wouldn't hurt to meet her."
Linet put away her knife. "I have no objection. Gathering information is part of the job."
Arche frowned slightly. She was worried about her family and the future. But seeing her friends were curious, she sighed and nodded. "Alright."
"Haha, let's go! Let's see what kind of beauty can cause such a stir!" Hekkeran laughed. He stood up and tossed a few coins on the table.
The four walked out of the bar. They immediately saw the radiant figure approaching. She looked like she was absorbing all the morning sunlight.
"Hiss—" Hekkeran sucked in a breath. It wasn't just beauty; it was a feeling of extreme power and cold majesty. The silver armor had a piercing chill, and her face was so perfect it was hard to look away.
"Leader... this is just..." Roberdyck's mouth hung open. He forgot to eat the bread in his hand.
Linet's gaze sharpened. She analyzed the stranger. Her steps were perfectly stable. The armor looked light and easy to move in. This meant the wearer was incredibly skilled. Dangerous, Linet thought.
Arche's violet eyes showed wonder, but she quickly became cautious. She began to use her special talent—the [All-Appraisal Eye] that could see a target's magic power.
Just then, Ivy spotted the four of them. The girl waved and greeted them. "Lord Hekkeran! Lady Arche! Lady Linet! Lord Roberdyck! Good morning!"
Ilya didn't stop. Her blue eyes shifted slightly, sweeping over the four of them. Her gaze was flat. She had no curiosity. It was as if she were looking at stones by the side of the road.
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