As Maxson and I stepped outside, we overheard people talking about Captain Chen’s upcoming wedding to his fiancée.
I bit my lip.
*He’s getting married—something everyone knows. But what about Mira…?*
"Ugh, why am I so annoyed?" I muttered under my breath.
Maxson chuckled. "Hahaha, Nyssa, you’re losing it. Also, are you sure you should be walking around right now? You’re sick."
I frowned. "Tsk. Since when did you care? Besides, I already told you—if I sleep or rest too much, I’ll just get worse."
I walked ahead, but he caught up and slung an arm around my shoulder.
"This is our last day. I want to enjoy it."
"Then go enjoy it. I never said you had to stick with me today," I grumbled, shoving his arm off.
He just laughed, his eyes nearly disappearing behind his grin.
"What’s so funny?" I scowled and turned away.
"I really like your personality, *Mira*. How do you manage to be so grumpy when you’re already pale as a ghost? And yeah, you never *said* I had to accompany you, but I don’t want you collapsing either. Your parents would kill me."
He grabbed my arm and dragged me around, stopping at every stall, eating random snacks, and buying useless souvenirs. I had no choice but to follow. Every time he did something embarrassing, I’d run away, muttering, "I don’t know him."
But he’d always find me, pulling me into buildings he found interesting. Honestly, it was exhausting—but seeing this side of Maxson was rare.
*Usually, he’s just crude and surrounded by women.*
I yelped when he suddenly threw a kimono at me, the fabric landing on my head. Before I could complain, he was already inside a dressing room. The shopkeeper just smiled at me.
I examined the kimono—white with black floral patterns along the sleeves and hem.
"Would you like to try it on?" the woman asked.
I blinked, then glanced at my usual outfit—a tight, revealing dress. People probably got the wrong impression of me. Maxson once said I always looked *too sexy*, and of course, he got a hard kick to the groin and a loud "Pervert!" for that.
I knew my clothes were a bit provocative, but that didn’t mean I welcomed harassment. I was just used to dressing this way.
But the kimono… maybe it wouldn’t hurt to try something new.
I stood and entered a dressing room, calling the shopkeeper to help me put it on. Minutes later, I stepped out—just as Maxson emerged in a blue kimono with floral designs.
He looked at me and grinned.
"It suits you!"
"T-Thanks," I mumbled.
He paid for both outfits without a word. *Well, he’s rich anyway.*
We wandered around until we found a stall selling hair accessories. A red tassel hair rope caught my eye, and I bought it.
"Woah! That’s pretty. Here, let me tie it for you," Maxson said, taking the rope and styling my hair.
"I didn’t know you were good at this," I remarked.
He laughed. "I used to tie my mom’s hair. It was our bonding time, so I learned."
*Huh. Maybe you’re not so bad, Maxson. Sorry for misjudging you.*
"O-Oh."
"Hey, why are you smirking?" he asked, finishing the tie and leaning in to check my face.
I immediately grabbed his face and pushed him away.
"Thanks," I said flatly.
He rubbed his cheek, pouting, but then grinned and dragged me off again.
By the time we finished exploring, it was 11:55 AM.
As we walked, a red carriage passed by—heading toward the Chen Clan’s estate, accompanied by a parade. My brows furrowed at their outfits and the flag one rider carried.
My eyes widened.
*That flag…*
"Hong Clan," I whispered.
I turned to Maxson—his expression unreadable. *Did he figure something out that I didn’t?*
He pulled me away, and we returned to the hotel, resting in the living room with the Duchess and two men—one who had hugged me earlier and another stranger. Both stared at me strangely.
I just nodded.
"Hmm, I heard one of the captains is getting married. Captain Zeid, correct?" the Duchess asked, her gaze fixed on me.
"That’s the rumor. We saw the parade earlier—it must be his fiancée’s carriage. From the Hong Clan," I replied.
She raised a brow, smirking.
"You know the Hong Clan?"
I smiled back.
"I only learned about them recently. A lieutenant I know mentioned them." *(But I didn’t mention the flag.)*
"In that case… what’s your plan?" She sipped her tea, watching me intently.
I froze, processing her words before forcing a smile.
"What do you mean?"
"The answer and action depend on you." She set her cup down. "If you do nothing, you won’t get the answers you want. And beyond that… you won’t be able to *save* him."
Her words carried a dangerous weight.
Then she left, followed by the two men—one glancing back at me as if he wanted to say something but shook his head and walked away.
*Duchess…*
I stood, noticing Maxson was gone. I didn’t bother looking for him and went straight to my room.
On the desk was an envelope—white with a red seal.
Inside was an invitation.
To their wedding.
I checked the time—12:00 PM. The ceremony was starting now.
I looked at myself in the mirror.
This is the time to confirm the memories.
But… it wasn’t just that.
Something bad was going to happen today.
The Duchess’s words echoed:
"If you don’t act, you won’t save him."
If she said that, then Captain Chen was in danger—or would be. And if something went wrong, many others would suffer too.
I grabbed my energy stone and called Maxson. He answered immediately.
"Maxson, where are you?"
"Where you’re about to go."
I frowned. "You mean—"
"Yes. I’ve got a lot on my mind too. Let’s just say… you have a very interesting life, Nyssa. And like you, I’m curious. So… I’ll help you."
I bit my lip. "Maxson, th—"
"Save that for later. I’ll be your shadow—just go there and confirm what you need to ask. Nyssa…"
I didn’t answer, just nodded even though he couldn’t see.
"Don’t die."
The light on the stone faded.
I clenched the stone tightly, staring at my reflection with determination.
I’ll get an answer. This time.
"I won’t die. Stupid."
I wiped off my lipstick, adjusted my kimono and hair tie, then rushed out—heading straight for the Chen Clan’s estate.
I pressed a hand to my chest.
Mira…
This is for you too.