At that moment, Yue Feiyan stood before them with her arms folded, her crimson eyes locked on the three strangers.

She had to admit—they all stood out.

The women were beautiful, and the man carried a refined, commanding air.

"Welcome to the Moon Lake Tribe."

After looking them over, Yue Feiyan lowered her arms and introduced herself openly.

"My name is Yue Feiyan."

"My name is Luciel, a traveler of the world, a teacher to many, and a friend to those in need." Luciel's tone was gentle, his bearing elegant.

Hearing that, Yue Feiyan's pupils shrank slightly.

Not simple at all.

The way someone introduced themselves revealed much more than words.

"You'll have to forgive my curiosity." Yue Feiyan's casual air softened as she continued frankly, "The guards reported that a distinguished guest had arrived, so I came to take a look."

"Now that you've seen us," Luciel smiled wryly, "are you disappointed?"

"No," Yue Feiyan shook her head, one hand lifting to her chin. "You're... different. You carry a unique kind of temperament."

Her words sounded strangely awkward, like an old uncle struggling to find the right phrasing.

The maid behind her lowered her head, lips twitching at the odd praise.

"Your temperament is also... unique," Luciel replied, the corners of his lips twitching.

"Hahaha! That's right, I hear that a lot." Yue Feiyan placed her hands on her waist and laughed boldly.

Luciel now realized she was only parroting the compliments others often gave her.

What a funny girl.

"Big Miss, please don't laugh so loudly," her maid muttered, poking her from behind.

The eldest Miss was good at many things, but she often got carried away.

"Ahem..." Yue Feiyan coughed lightly, then smiled sheepishly at Luciel. "Are you here to sightsee?"

"No, we came to find someone." Luciel shook his head.

"Looking for someone?" Yue Feiyan's crimson eyes lit up. "Perhaps I can help."

"Oh?" Luciel raised an eyebrow, amused. "And why would you help me?"

"Uh..." Yue Feiyan faltered, realizing she'd spoken too hastily. Her straightforward nature wasn't the same as being foolish—she knew this might look suspicious. If Mother hears of this, I'll be lectured for sure...

"Our eldest Miss has a kind and generous heart," the maid quickly stepped in to cover for her.

"I see." Luciel nodded gracefully. "Then I won't trouble you further—we'll just ask around ourselves."

Conversations were like battles. Whoever held the initiative could guide their direction.

"I'm the eldest Miss of the Moon Lake Tribe," Yue Feiyan said openly, "and few besides me could help you find someone so quickly."

"Is that so?" Luciel chuckled softly. "Then I'll gratefully accept your assistance."

He had found his opening.

"No trouble at all." Yue Feiyan waved her hand breezily. "Why don't we sit somewhere and talk it over?"

"Of course." Luciel agreed.

"Our tribe has an excellent restaurant," Yue Feiyan offered, her lips curling into a smile. "Shall we head there?"

"That sounds perfect. I'd love to try the Moon Lake Tribe's cuisine."

"Then I promise you won't be disappointed." Yue Feiyan grinned, swaying her hips slightly as she strode ahead to lead the way.

Luciel followed with his two companions and the stealthy three-colored lizard slipping silently behind.

All the while, he kept up easy conversation with the fiery-haired girl.

---

The restaurant stood deeper within the tribe, a two-story wooden structure that resembled an ancient inn.

"Come in." Yue Feiyan beckoned and led them upstairs.

Luciel left the three-colored lizard hidden outside in the shadows before bringing the girls inside.

Few dined in the restaurant—survival in this world left little luxury for such things. By the time they reached the second floor, only the four of them were present.

Luciel and Yue Feiyan took seats at the table.

The rabbit-eared girl moved hesitantly to sit, but Liyue caught her arm and shook her head.

Her cold eyes met Minuo's as she whispered just loud enough for her sensitive ears to catch, "Maids do not sit."

Minuo's long ears twitched. She understood immediately and sent back a sheepish look that said, I nearly messed up.

Meanwhile, Yue Feiyan's maid cast furtive glances at Luciel's group. Their clothing was finer than her own Miss's. Looking down at her stained uniform, she felt an unexpected sting of inferiority.

Before she could speak, Yue Feiyan waved to the boss downstairs.

"The third dish—bring me the largest portion!" she called boldly.

"Right away!" the boss answered.

After placing the order, Yue Feiyan turned to the girls behind Luciel. "Why don't you sit down as well?"

"No," Liyue replied coldly, "we are Lord Luciel's guard and maid. It would be improper."

"Huh? Guard and maid?" Yue Feiyan blinked.

Her eyes flicked between their immaculate clothes and her own attire. Since when did bodyguards and maids look more refined than the eldest Miss herself?

The red-haired girl was momentarily dumbfounded.

"..." Her maid jabbed her in the back, silently pleading, Miss, stop embarrassing yourself.

"Xiao Nuo, take out the portrait," Luciel said with a gentle smile.

"Yes." Minuo, nervous but obedient, pulled a wooden box from her pack and handed it over.

Luciel opened it and withdrew a rolled portrait, presenting it to Yue Feiyan.

"This is?" she asked curiously.

"I'm searching for the person depicted here," Luciel explained calmly.

Yue Feiyan tucked a strand of hair behind her ear. "Just so you know, portraits can look quite different from real people."

"Take a look first." Luciel smiled faintly.

"Alright." She unrolled the portrait—her eyes widening at once. "This is so lifelike... Was it drawn by a great painter?"

"A very... unique painter." Luciel's lips curled with mischief.

Liyue and Minuo exchanged knowing glances, suppressing smiles.

Memorizing the features in the portrait, Yue Feiyan asked, "May I ask—who is she?"

"She is the elder sister of one of my family members. They've been separated for many years."

Luciel's voice was gentle, but he suddenly felt a small tug at his back.

"Family..." Minuo whispered softly, lips pursed, eyes downcast, clutching Luciel's robe tightly.

"I understand. I'll have people look into it." Yue Feiyan nodded and handed the portrait back.

"Thank you." Luciel carefully returned the drawing to the box.

"Are you from a big city?" Yue Feiyan asked, curiosity flashing as she began her true probe. "Can you tell me about the outside world?"

"We..." Luciel thought briefly, then chuckled. "We are from Black Tortoise."

"???" Both Liyue and Minuo froze, mouths twitching. Of course, they knew exactly what "Black Tortoise" implied.

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