Has the knight lady who married into the countryside fallen into depravity today?

The sound of horses' hooves shattered the tranquility of the morning.

Ophelia rode a magnificent horse, her golden eyes gleaming with a light rarely seen in her daily life.

Her back was ramrod straight, but the corners of her mouth unconsciously turned up slightly—this was the first time Klein had seen her with such a relaxed expression.

The high-tied golden ponytail bounced up and down with the rhythm of the horse's gallop, swaying back and forth in the morning light along with the horse's tail.

That sense of rhythm inexplicably makes you want to reach out and grab it.

Klein followed behind her, his gaze involuntarily falling on her bouncy golden ponytail.

I really want to touch it.

The thought popped into his head, and he quickly shook his head.

Now is not the time to think about these things.

But the ponytail kept swaying in front of him, as if it were deliberately seducing him.

Her golden hair shimmered softly in the sunlight, and every movement seemed to say, "Come touch me."

Klein sighed and urged his horse to catch up.

Never mind, let's talk about it later.

No, I should say we must find an opportunity—

"Klein," Ophelia suddenly spoke, turning her head to look at him with her golden eyes, "What are you looking at?"

"Huh?" Klein paused for a moment, then subconsciously looked away. "Nothing, just... looking at the scenery."

"Scenery?" Ophelia followed his gaze and looked around. There was nothing special there, just rolling hills and farmland.

She blinked, a hint of doubt flashing in her golden eyes.

Then, as if she had thought of something, she reached out and touched her ponytail, and only withdrew her hand after confirming that there was nothing wrong.

Klein breathed a sigh of relief.

Fortunately, this knight lady is rather slow to catch on in this regard.

"I didn't expect you could ride a horse," Ophelia suddenly said, her tone tinged with surprise.

Her voice startled Klein, who had just breathed a sigh of relief.

Klein smiled somewhat guiltily.

Why do you think I can't?

"Hmm..." Ophelia thought for a moment, her golden eyes looking at him earnestly, "You don't seem like it."

"Doesn't it look like what?"

"You don't seem like someone who can ride horses," Ophelia said seriously. "You usually stay in your study studying alchemy, or fiddling with those bottles and jars in the courtyard. I thought you preferred riding in a carriage. And you always go out in a carriage."

Klein was both amused and exasperated.

"I'm a nobleman, how could I not know how to ride a horse?"

“But you’ve never ridden one,” Ophelia said. “At least I’ve never seen one.”

"That's because it's unnecessary," Klein shrugged. "The territory is only so big; it's just a short walk away. Riding a horse would be too much trouble. Besides, the horses in the stables are all cared for by servants; if I were to ride one, it would feel like I'm taking their job."

Ophelia nodded in understanding.

Then she asked, "So, how's your horsemanship?"

"It's alright," Klein thought for a moment, "at least I won't fall."

"Just won't fall?" Ophelia's tone was tinged with doubt, her golden eyes fixed on him intently, as if assessing his strength.

"Well, actually it's not bad," Klein admitted. "My father taught me when I was a kid, and although I haven't ridden much since, the basics are still there. Want to have a race?"

Ophelia's eyes lit up.

That was the first time Klein had seen such obvious excitement in her eyes.

But soon, the light dimmed again.

"No need," she said, a hint of regret in her voice. "Getting on our way is more important."

Klein noticed the fleeting expectation in her eyes and a smile crept onto his lips.

"When we get back, we can have a match." He paused, then added, "I'll take it seriously then."

"Yes." Ophelia nodded, her voice filled with barely concealed anticipation. "I'll be serious too."

Klein noticed that Ophelia was talking much more than usual while on horseback.

This knight lady is usually very sparing with words; she would never use two words if she could say something in one.

But now, she actually takes the initiative to chat with him and even asks him questions.

This change struck Klein as something new and exciting.

"You really enjoy horseback riding?" Klein asked.

Ophelia paused for a moment, then nodded.

"Um."

Why?

Ophelia was silent for a moment, her golden eyes looking ahead.

"Freedom," she finally spoke, her voice softer than usual. "When you're riding a horse, you feel like you don't have to think about anything, you just have to run. The wind on your face, the horse's hooves pounding the ground, that feeling...it's so real."

"So you have this sentimental side too."

Ophelia's ears turned slightly red.

"I just..." she paused, a hint of embarrassment in her voice, "I just told the truth."

"I know," Klein said, his tone softening, "but this is the first time I've seen you like this. Ophelia on horseback is quite different from usual."

"What's different?" Ophelia's voice carried a hint of nervousness and anticipation.

"More relaxed, more..." Klein thought for a moment, then finally said, "More adorable."

After saying that, he was stunned for a moment.

Ophelia did not answer.

She simply urged her horse to go faster, and the golden ponytail swayed even more violently behind her.

But Klein noticed that her ears were even redder.

Not only her ears, but even the back of her neck had turned a faint pink.

Klein watched her retreating figure, a smile playing on his lips.

The golden ponytail swayed in the morning light, as if beckoning to him, or perhaps running away.

Klein urged his horse to follow, and the two horses galloped one after the other in the morning light.

The road ahead stretched out in the morning light, flanked by rolling hills and farmland.

Occasionally, you can see farmers working in the fields or merchants driving oxcarts.

The air was filled with the scent of earth and grass, along with the distant chirping of birds, which made one feel relaxed and happy.

But Klein knew that this tranquility would not last long.

The further west you go, the closer you get to the coast, and the greater the danger becomes.

Raymond said the situation on the West Coast is complicated.

The missing person, the strange events on the night of the full moon, and the mysterious Silver Scale Merchant Guild.

Klein watched Ophelia's retreating figure ahead, secretly relieved that she had come with him.

If we really encounter anything related to siren, at least with her there, our safety will be guaranteed.

Although the purpose of this trip was very serious, Klein had to admit that he was quite happy to be traveling with Ophelia.

At least, he finally saw a different side of this knight lady.

……

The empire's commerce was quite prosperous, and its trade routes were well-maintained.

The towns along the way all have hotels, so at least you don't have to sleep outdoors.

On the evening of the first day, they stopped in a place called Green Town.

The town is small, but it's very lively.

The streets were lined with various shops, selling cloth, farm tools, and a few taverns.

The air was filled with the aroma of roasted meat and beer, mixed with the smell of horse manure and burning firewood.

Klein led the horse ahead, with Ophelia following behind him.

Her golden eyes swept across both sides of the street, warily observing everything around her.

That wary posture reminded Klein of how she looked when she first arrived in the territory.

"Relax," Klein glanced back at her. "It's not necessarily dangerous everywhere."

"Hmm." Ophelia nodded, but her hand remained on the hilt of her sword, her body poised to draw it at any moment.

Klein sighed.

The knight's occupational hazard is probably something he can't change.

However, he understood, after all, Ophelia had been fighting on the West Coast for so long, and her vigilance was ingrained in her bones.

They found a hotel that looked fairly clean.

The sign read "Green Leaf Inn," and a flickering oil lamp hung at the entrance. The owner was a plump middle-aged man with a warm smile.

"Would you two like to stay at the hotel?" the innkeeper asked, rubbing his hands together and looking the two men up and down with his small eyes. "Our rooms are very clean, and the beds are soft."

"Two rooms," Klein nodded first, then said.

"Huh?" The boss was stunned, his gaze shifting back and forth between the two men, a clear look of curiosity flashing in his eyes.

He glanced at Klein, then at Ophelia, and finally his gaze settled on the longsword at Ophelia's waist.

"You two aren't... Judging from this young lady's attire and your demeanor, I thought you were a couple," the boss said with a smile. "And you two actually look quite well-matched."

Klein remained unfazed: "Two rooms."

The owner leaned closer and lowered his voice, saying only to Klein, "Sir, how about I tell you there's only one room left? You could use it then..."

He winked and made faces, his expression practically screaming "you know what I mean."

"Besides, my room is very soundproof, so you don't need to worry—"

Klein's lips twitched.

"No need," he said decisively. "Two rooms, I need them now."

The owner immediately realized what was going on and nodded repeatedly, "Okay, okay, two rooms, I'll arrange them right away. I was just being nosy, please don't take offense."

He turned to get the keys, muttering something like, "Young people are so reserved," and "These days, all the noblemen are so particular about the rules."

Klein turned and glanced at Ophelia.

The knight stood behind him, her golden eyes calmly observing the furnishings of the hotel lobby, seemingly oblivious to the conversation that had just taken place.

But Klein noticed that her ears had turned red again.

And this time, not only her ears but also her cheeks flushed slightly.

Although this knight lady usually seems indifferent to everything, she still gets shy in these kinds of situations.

This contrast inexplicably made Klein find it quite endearing.

The rooms are on the second floor, two adjacent rooms.

The owner thoughtfully handed Klein the keys and added, "The two rooms are next to each other, so you can hear me if you need anything."

He paused, then added, "The wall isn't thick; you can hear it if there's a loud noise."

Klein took the keys without saying a word.

He just looked at the boss speechlessly.

He really wanted to ask the hotel owner if all hotel owners were this "enthusiastic".

I also want to ask, is this wall thick or thin?

"Would you two like dinner?" the owner asked. "Our stew is absolutely amazing. We use local lamb, and it's stewed for ages until the meat is tender and the broth is incredibly flavorful. I guarantee you'll feel refreshed and energized after eating it!"

"Yes," Klein nodded. "Two portions, bring them to the room. Also, a kettle of hot water, enough for two people."

"Alright!" the owner replied with a smile, "I'll prepare it for you right away. By the way, would you two like some wine? We have excellent mead here; it's warming and—"

"No need," Klein interrupted him. "Just stew the meat and bring in hot water."

"Okay, okay." The boss nodded, knowing better than to say anything more.

Klein handed one of the keys to Ophelia.

"Take a rest first, dinner will be here shortly."

Ophelia took the key and nodded.

"Um."

She pushed open the door and went inside, paused for a second, and then peeked out again.

Her expression remained indifferent, but the golden ponytail that peeked out from her body swayed against the door frame.

Klein looked at the ponytail that seemed a little bouncy and couldn't help but laugh.

"Klein."

Ophelia's voice was filled with doubt.

"What's wrong?"

What time do we leave tomorrow?

"No rush, let's get ready first." Klein thought for a moment. "We've traveled quite a bit today, so we can go a little later tomorrow. You get some rest."

Ophelia nodded. "Okay."

She hesitated for a moment, then said, "You should get some rest too."

After saying that, her face flushed again, and she quickly closed the door.

Klein stood outside the door, looking at the closed door, his smile widening.

He turned and went into his room.

The room wasn't big, but it was very clean.

The bed looked fairly comfortable, with the blankets neatly folded. In the corner was a simple wooden table and chair, with an oil lamp on the table.

Klein put down his luggage and walked to the window.

The sounds of the bustling town drifted in from outside the window.

Some people were haggling, some were laughing and talking loudly, and there were children playing.

This kind of lively atmosphere makes people feel very relaxed.

Klein opened the window and took a deep breath.

The evening breeze carried a hint of coolness, and the sound of singing drifted from a distant tavern.

He leaned against the window, watching the sky outside gradually darken.

The West Coast.

He remembered what Raymond had said.

The missing person, the strange events on the night of the full moon.

And there's also the Silverscale Merchant Guild.

Klein pulled a small notebook from his pocket, which contained the information Raymond had given him.

All the missing persons disappeared on the night of the full moon.

Silverscale Harbor...

If it really is related to sirens, then someone in the merchant guild must know something about it.

Perhaps the problem lies with the chamber of commerce itself.

Klein closed his notebook and sighed.

Hopefully it won't be too much trouble.

But he knew in his heart that things wouldn't be that simple.

The story of the siren is never simple.

And if it really is related to sirens, it means Ophelia may have to face those things again.

Klein frowned as he thought about this.

He didn't want Ophelia to be in danger again.

Although he knew she was strong, and although he knew she was prepared.

But he still couldn't help worrying.

A knock came at the door.

"Guest, your dinner is here."

Klein got up and opened the door. The owner was standing outside with a tray on it, containing a large bowl of stew, a piece of dark bread, and a glass of ale.

"The other one has already been delivered next door," the shopkeeper said, winking at Klein. "Enjoy your meal. Let me know if you need anything."

"Thank you." Klein took the tray and closed the door.

The aroma of the stewed meat is very tempting.

Klein sat at the table, picked up a spoon, and took a bite.

The taste was indeed good, just as the owner said; the meat was very tender and the soup was delicious.

The lamb stew was very flavorful and went perfectly with the black bread.

Klein ate his dinner slowly, his mind still on the West Coast.

A slight noise came from the other side of the wall.

Ophelia should be having dinner too.

Klein suddenly realized that this was their first trip together.

Although the rooms are separate, they are only separated by a wall.

This feeling is a bit strange.

After finishing his meal, Klein placed the tray outside the door. Then he sat on the edge of the bed, took out the small notebook, and continued studying the intelligence Raymond had given him.

He needs to figure out the structure of Silverscale Harbor and what those missing people have in common.

On the night of the full moon...

Klein looked out the window.

There's still plenty of time before the next full moon.

Night was falling.

The noise of the town gradually subsided, leaving only the occasional barking of dogs and singing from a distant tavern.

Klein extinguished the oil lamp and lay down on the bed.

Moonlight streamed through the curtains, casting dappled shadows on the floor.

He closed his eyes, but his mind was still on the West Coast.

And Ophelia.

And that golden ponytail swaying in the sunlight.

Klein sighed and rolled over.

The neighborhood next door seemed to have quieted down as well.

Ophelia should be asleep too.

Klein stared at the ceiling and suddenly felt a little sleepless.

He remembered Ophelia on horseback during the day.

That relaxed expression, that rare smile.

And the glint in her eyes when she spoke of "freedom".

Klein suddenly longed to see more of that expression on her face.

Not that indifferent knight, not that vigilant warrior.

It was Ophelia who was truly relaxed.

Ophelia who can laugh.

Ophelia is shy.

Klein rolled over, forcing himself to stop thinking about it.

Go to sleep.

We still have to travel tomorrow.

But his mind just wouldn't listen.

That golden ponytail kept swaying in his mind.

Klein sighed and resignedly opened his eyes.

Forget it, I'm not going to sleep.

Occasionally staying up late is nothing to an alchemist and mage like myself.

He got up, went to the table, and lit the oil lamp.

Since I can't sleep, I might as well take another look at the intelligence.

Klein picked up the notebook and began to study it carefully.

The moonlight shone through the window onto the town, and everything was peaceful.

But Klein knew that this tranquility would not last long.

The calmest hour is always before the storm.