Just as I said. You wont see Diamans face anymore, and you wont have to obey his orders. Youll be able to take Tanya anywhere.

The room went quiet after Apollonia spoke. They looked at her- half-doubtfully, half-hopefully. To them, getting rid of Diaman was an impossible task. But the voice underneath Apollonias dark robe had an indescribable power and conviction. The power to change their lives shed had it from the start. It had always been her.

Lets eat the food together. We can put the blankets on the floor and walls to block the wind. Sid jumped up to obey before the last word even left her mouth.

How can I believe you? The woman, whod been blinking incredulously, asked Apollonia. Her voice trembled, but her eyes were filled with hope.

Apollonia gestured to Sid, and he pulled a pouch out of his pack. It was much larger than what shed given Tanya before. Apollonia took the pouch from him and opened it. It was bursting with gold coins.

Take this as collateral. Im entrusting it to you. You can do whatever you want with it.

This this is enough to buy a noble title!

If I dont come back, you can use that to get out of Lishan. And before I forget

Apollonia pulled a hairpin out of her robe.

Just a few of these pins is worth a hefty sum. Ill pay you for guiding us with these.

All five of themthe old woman, Tanya, and her brothersgaped at her.

Could you give me a meal now? I have a busy day tomorrow, so I need to get some rest.

There was another silence. However, this time, the air was filled with an overwhelming hope. Still blank, the old woman slowly dragged her feet and moved the groceries into the kitchen. Tanyas brothers moved to help her.

Ive never met anyone like you so I have no idea how to repay you.

As long as Tanya shows me the way to Mt. Calt, I dont need a reward.

The old woman was lost in thought, and she didnt seem to hear her reply. Then she slapped her knees as if shed realized something.

Wait a second do you perhaps like handsome guys? Why dont you take one of my grandsons with you?

Puah-! Apollonia choked on her water. But the old woman was serious.

Look at them! This one his face is boring, but his long hair is beautiful. This one is skinny but handsome. And the last is good at singing.

The men smiled at Apollonia. They didnt seem to have any issue with what their grandmother had said.

A Bellas way of thinking was difficult for ordinary people to understand. Apollonia sighed. She could only think of one way to get out of this.

Uriel, untie the fabric on your face.

chapter division here

The young knight with hair that seemed to be made of moonlight obeyed without hesitation. As the soft fabric wrapping his head slowly fell away, it revealed a face that looked like it had been carved by God. His deep blue eyes resembled those of angels, and his delicate jawline could make anyone fall in love with him.

The Bella youths paled in comparison to Uriel. Next to him, they might as well have been strange animals from the depths of the ocean.

This is the face I see every day. Do you understand why Im not interested in other pretty men now?

The old woman, her grandsons, and Tanya, who instinctively tried to reach out to Uriels face, stared dumbfoundedly, and hurried out of the room.

She had a hunch that Uriels ears had flushed red.

After everyone had left the room, Apollonia didnt follow them. She pulled the old woman aside. Something was bothering her.

People in the imperial palace were eager to disguise Paris brown eyes as the imperial golden eyes. If they succeeded, Apollonias position could become unstable.

About the drug to change eye color is there anyone who can make it besides you?

The old woman stared at her for a moment and smiled.

Its very rare, but there are people who can make it. But dont worry. She peered at Apollonias eyes. Deep red eyes with a golden tinge I dont think anyone could imitate those eyes.

Apollonia froze. The old woman smiled again.

The only person who could replicate your eyes would be a genius sent from heaven.