When you meet a strong swordsman, you may not be able to use a barrier or magic against them. Not to mention that your gang isnt even skilled enough to steal candy from a baby, much less from us. If you go after our wealth or threaten us one more time.

Kyaaaa! A-a-are you going to split me in half? Tanyas scream splintered the air. Apollonia had only been trying to keep Tanya from doing anything suspicious, but Tanyas excessive imagination had taken her threat too far.

She didnt deny it, though. If youre curious about whatll happen, feel free to give it a try! Apollonia smiled at Tanya. The little girl in front of her nodded vigorously. Apollonia was far scarier than Sid and Uriel, even with their swords.

Were here. The place Tanya had taken them was more like a hut than a house.

My other family members will be back at dusk. You can use an empty room.

What? The miss cant sleep in a place like this.

The single room Tanya showed them was disgusting. The floor, made of wooden planks, was rotten and cracking. Holes in the wood revealed grey dirt underneath. A small bed lay in the corner of the room, but it had thin, dirty rags instead of a blanked tossed on top.

Are there any other houses where we can stay? We cant live like this.

But we dont even have rats in our house! Tanyas face was redder than when Uriel had been accusing her earlier. Sid tried to goad her, but Apollonia stopped him, and asked Tanya softly: Tanya, do you know any other facilities around here? Moneys no issue. Tell me whatever you can think of.

Who in the world would build a facility in a place where theres no travelers nor anyone to live in it? Theres a guesthouse on the border, but around here, everyone lives like this.

Apollonia looked around the room once more. There was no window, so the room was dim and it was hard to see. It was filthy, and there was no heater.

Despite all the many mistreatments shed received from Petra and the emperor, Apollonia had lived her entire life inside the palace. She could never have imagined sleeping in such a poor environment.

When Apollonia and Sid glanced at each other in shock, Uriel interrupted them.

Is there anyone in Lishan who provides daily necessities in exchange for money or jewelry?

Theres no one like that. Even if there were, theyd be far away, Sid reprimanded him. He didnt wait for Tanya to reply.

Even in a slum devoid of resources like this, surely there must be at least one rich person. There must be someone who collects the valuables of people, on the verge of starving to death, at a bargain price.

He sounded like he was speaking from experience. Apollonia glanced at his face, but there was no emotion to be seen.

Otherwise, they wouldve been robbing the wallets of the guests and knights.

Tanya looked slightly shaken by Uriels words.

Well, there is one but if you dont go there with a lot of money

There was a little fear in the eyes of the proud girl.

Where? Apollonias order was soft but clear.

In the lords mansion.

What?! Apollonia and Sid blurted simultaneously. Uriel was the only one who didnt react.

Did you say the lord? The lord of Lishan doesnt live here.

No, he lives in his mansion in central Lishan. In the mansion he owns nearby, they only supply food and clothes there. They dont let us go inside. People sometimes try, but if theyre caught, they are punished severely.

Apollonias blood turned cold.

Are you saying youre providing the lord with stolen goods?

Yes, most of the time. The lord uses them to pay taxes to the empire.

Haaa

Apollonia took a deep breath to suppress her anger. Her golden eyes, only barely visible underneath her dark hood, glowed coldly.

Is the lord youre talking about Viscount Diaman? Her voice was lower than before, and had an almost cruel tone that Tanya didnt recognize. She was surprised.

Do you know Lord Diaman? Tanya stammered. She peered at Apollonia, trying to decipher her face beneath the robe. But Sid pulled her back.

Everyone here just calls him my lord

Apollonia didnt miss the fear lurking in Tanyas amethyst eyes.

Youve met him, havent you?

Ill hear the details later.