Houshao'nao was terrified—the brute's sword had nearly nicked his neck, and his heart still raced. At Sheffield's call, he thought darkly: *Stupid donkey, you brought this on yourself. If I die, you're first.*
He kicked the dazed donkey and shuffled forward, head bowed. The donkey, realizing its mistake, trotted after him, resigned to the inevitable punishment.
The (VIP) studied the cowering boy. "Why did you block my path, young man?"
Knowing this must be the honored guest, Houshao'nao didn't dare look up. "My apologies, Your Excellency. My donkey suddenly balked—I couldn't move him. Please forgive me."
A flicker of (flickered) in the's eyes. "Do you know who I am?"
The sound of swords sliding from scabbards made Houshao'nao jump. "N-no, Your Excellency. But you must be a distinguished guest of my master. I meant no disrespect."
Sheffield exhaled quietly, impressed by the boy's quick wit.
The nodded, flicked his whip, and the caravan surged forward.
"Who the hell are they? Scared me half to death," Houshao'nao cursed, watching the dust settle.
"Hurry up, Boss! Your master will fire you if we're late," the donkey joked.
"Shut up! This is your fault! I nearly got sliced—next time, I'll butcher you myself," Houshao'nao snapped, still rattled.
"Yes, Boss. noted," the donkey snickered, trotting after him.
By the time they returned to town, the caravan was gone. Houshao'nao stormed into the guild, but Sheffield's office was locked. *Probably at Giles' mansion,* he guessed, and raced there on the donkey.
"Ow! Boss, you're insane with that whip!" the donkey complained.
"Blame your slowness," Houshao'nao hissed.
At Giles' gate, two guards blocked their path, swords planted menacingly. Houshao'nao immediately turned tail.
"Boss, why retreat?" the donkey asked.
"Idiot—they're refusing visitors. That guy's more powerful than we thought," Houshao'nao muttered.
Inside Giles' hidden chamber, Sheffield and Giles knelt before the, who removed his cloak, revealing a gaunt face. "Tell me about her," he demanded, voice trembling.
Sheffield hesitated. "Your Excellency… she… passed away."
The closed his eyes, tears falling. "Lily, I failed you. It's all my fault…"
After a long silence, he snapped back to anger. "How did she die?"
"We're still investigating, Your Excellency," Giles murmured.
Sheffield added, "Her home was burned, remains cremated. But there's a clue: she had a daughter."
The seized Sheffield's arm. "My daughter? Where is she? Alive?"
"She was adopted, but the couple is dead. The trail leads to Aifar Magic Academy," Giles said.
" (Saddle the horses)!" the roared. "I'll find her."
Sheffield blocked him. "Your Excellency, patience. We know nothing of her appearance or the necklace she might carry—"
"The *Blood Bond* necklace," the said, pulling a ruby pendant from his neck. "If she has its twin, she's my daughter."
Giles swallowed. "But *Blood Bond* is cursed, Your Excellency. Drawing attention could endanger her."
The deflated, collapsing into a chair. "Then what? I can't lose her too."
His nephew (Aru) stepped forward. "Uncle, let me send spies to Aifar. We'll find her secretly."
Sheffield objected again, but the waved him off. "No more delays, Sheffield. Aru, proceed. And you two—" he glared at Giles and Sheffield, "—prepare for my departure. I leave at dawn."
As the men bowed out, the stared at the necklace, whispering, "Lily, our daughter will know her father's love… even if it costs me everything."
Outside, Houshao'nao slumped against the donkey, unaware of the storm brewing—of curses, lost princesses, and a destiny that would soon entangle him, Anna, Dier, and the donkey in a web of magic and lies. The donkey brayed softly, a mournful note in the twilight—a warning of the chaos to come.