Chapter 61: Miss Bai’s Age Is the Kind That Gets You Jailed
Meanwhile, at the Crown Guard headquarters.
Rolof hadn’t left his office in days. He had a simple cot for sleeping during long shifts, and his meals were brought to him by the headquarters’ staff.
To outsiders, it seemed he was working tirelessly for the Empire. But Rolof knew the truth. He was afraid to leave.
Only here, in the heart of the Crown Guard, would Isabelle hesitate to act, to kill him on sight.
But he hadn’t seen or heard from Isabelle, and now, he was reaching his limit.
“Ugh…”
He suppressed another surge of demonic corruption, knowing he couldn’t hold on for much longer. Soon, he would become a monster.
His fear of Isabelle’s return had turned into a desperate longing.
At least, if she came, he would have a chance…
This conflict had tormented him for days, his expression growing more haggard.
Knock, knock, knock.
A steady, even knock came at the door.
“Who is it?” Rolof asked, his voice low, trying to conceal the hoarseness, the bestial growl that threatened to escape.
“It’s me, Kweil. And Prince Kruse,” a familiar, deep voice replied.
Rolof’s heart trembled. His condition was worsening. Too much contact with the Legendary Knights, and they would notice something was wrong.
But he had no reason to refuse them entry. He composed himself, his voice as steady as he could manage.
“General, Your Highness, please come in.”
Kweil and Kruse entered. Kweil immediately noticed Rolof’s pale, drawn face, and having heard reports from the other Crown Guards, his voice was filled with concern.
“Commander Rolof, you shouldn’t push yourself so hard. The capital’s security is important, but so is your health.”
He assumed Rolof’s exhaustion was due to his injuries and his dedication to his work.
“Thank you for your concern, General. But the festival is too important. I can’t rest easy,” Rolof said, forcing a weak smile.
“Don’t worry, you won’t have to handle it alone,” Prince Kruse said, patting Rolof’s shoulder. “We’ve found someone to take over the capital’s defense. You should rest.”
“Who? Lady Leticia?” Rolof asked. He had anticipated this. If Lilia had thought of it, then so had he.
“Well, not exactly,” Kruse said, scratching his head, his answer confusing Rolof. “On the surface, no. But in reality, yes. Don’t worry, it’s all taken care of.”
“Lady Leticia is unwilling to take charge herself, so she has appointed someone else to oversee the defenses, with her as an advisor,” Kweil explained.
“I see,” Rolof nodded, then asked, “And who has she appointed?”
“A young lady named Bai,” Kruse said, then added, “The little girl who investigated the Sugg incident with you. She’s currently staying with Lady Leticia.”
“…Bai!” Rolof’s pupils constricted. He hadn’t expected Leticia to choose Bai.
He had thought Bai was dead, her body possessed by Isabelle.
Hadn’t Leticia noticed the change?
No, impossible… she had more experience with Shadow Demons than he did…
“By the way, her appearance has changed quite a bit. I saw a photo of her before, and she wasn’t this pretty,” Kruse said, stroking his chin. “But long, black hair is definitely better than light brown. Haha… don’t look at me like that, Kweil. I’m not like you. I prefer… curves.”
Kweil sneered, withdrawing his disdainful gaze.
“Changed? What… what does Captain Bai look like now?” Rolof asked, his voice strained. He normally wouldn’t be interested in such details.
But Kweil and Kruse, unsuspecting, didn’t notice his strange reaction.
“She has long, black hair now, and wears these… cute, round glasses. And she’s much prettier,” Kruse said casually.
Rolof leaned back in his chair, dazed, Kruse’s words echoing in his mind.
“Long, black hair… glasses… pretty…”
It was her. A body possessed by a Shadow Demon would undergo certain physical changes.
Isabelle’s avatars always had long, black hair, and the round glasses were likely to conceal her black eyes.
But why would Leticia entrust the capital’s defense to “Bai”?
Had Isabelle deceived her? Or had she… made a deal with her…
Just like him.
No, he couldn’t let this happen!
“May I… see her? Captain Bai,” Rolof asked, his composure returning, looking at Kweil.
He couldn’t just expose “Bai” to the Legendary Knights. They might not be able to kill her, and he would certainly die.
“Of course. She should still be at Leticia’s,” Kruse replied, then looked at Rolof with surprise. “Don’t tell me you’re like Kweil, you have a thing for that type? But Miss Bai’s age is the kind that gets you jailed.”
“It’s you who has a thing for her,” Kweil’s face darkened.
“No, I’m just… curious,” Rolof said with a weak smile. “I knew Captain Bai was an exceptional young lady, but for Lady Leticia to entrust her with such a heavy responsibility… it’s surprising.”
“It surprised us too,” Kruse sighed. “But if Lady Leticia made that decision, she must have her reasons. And of course, there’s also… well, never mind.”
