“I got caught in this mess when I lost my companions. The streets are so complicated. Gate 7 of the Spice Market, at the intersection.”

Latifa still didn’t know who Luhan was, so she answered vaguely without mentioning Hades’ name. It wouldn’t be prudent to identify herself as one of Caleb’s people when Hades had many enemies.

“Ah, that intersection is a bit daunting for newcomers.”

“It’s beyond daunting. People just, um, you know, that.”

For a moment, Latifa couldn’t remember the desertic word for ‘flow,’ so she slowly extended her finger and mimicked the flow of a wave.

Following the soft movement of her slender wrist and small fingers, which moved like a white butterfly, Luhan’s dark eyes fluttered busily.

“So what’s that word… like water…”

Though it was a simple word, Latifa kept feeling like she was on the verge of remembering it. Finally, she looked at Luhan as if asking for help.

“Like silk sliding…”

“Silvery silk…”

Muttering under his breath so quietly she couldn’t hear, Luhan echoed her words.

“When there’s music, you know… Oh, what is it really…”

Continuing to ponder, Luhan flashed a slight smile and responded,

“‘Flowing,’ you mean?”

“Yes.”

‘Flows! Ah, why couldn’t I think of something so simple?’

Due to the confusion of being lost and facing danger, her thoughts were scrambled.

“People were flowing. Everyone in the Grand Bazaar was busy flowing. I was just standing still, and then I got pushed around until…”
Latifa’s body shivered as the fear from her kidnapping experience surged back.

‘I must return to Yanan quickly. This person might also be dangerous. The only one I can trust right now is General Hades.’

“Sorry, I have to go. Thank you for saving me.”

Swiftly putting on her robe, Latifa turned away.

“Wait, do you know the way out?”

Luhan urgently called out to her. At his voice, Latifa halted and looked straight ahead. The winding alleyways branching in different directions gave her no clue where to go.

Latifa glanced back with an anxious expression.

There, Luhan had both his hands raised, likely showing that he had no intention to harm her.

“Young woman from a foreign land, there’s a saying in the Grand Bazaar that even a brush of clothes can form a connection. If you do not trivialize the fate our guardian spirits have led us to, would you allow me the honor of showing you the way?”

“Uh…”

‘Can I trust this person?’

Latifa looked again at the confusing alley ahead.

‘I can’t make it alone…’

Finally, Latifa cautiously spoke to Luhan.

“You walk ahead. I will follow a bit behind. Please take me to the main intersection. I have to get to the management building of Caleb Gate 9.”

“You’re wiser than me.”

With a slight smile, Luhan began to walk. Latifa quickly pulled her robe further over her face so her white skin wouldn’t show and followed him from about ten steps behind.

The quiet alley was mostly devoid of people, but the distant sounds of merchants and footsteps were audible. Breaking the silence, Luhan spoke as he passed by.

“My name is Luhan.”

“…”

“And yours?”

“…Latí.”

Latifa skirted around her name.

“As beautiful a name as you are.”

“…”

Despite Luhan’s cheerful voice, Latifa was filled with worries.

‘What if I can’t find Yanan? Should I ask this man where the private territory of Caleb is? Ah, I should’ve just sent Yanan on an errand.’

“Latí.”

‘Ah, why did I agree to come…’

“Latí?”

“Ah, yes?!”

Startled by Luhan’s repeated calling, Latifa responded. Ahead, Luhan again raised both hands and softly said,

“The main intersection is just ahead.”

Indeed, as she peeked out, the bustling intersection she’d seen earlier was there.

“Ah, that’s true! Thank you!”

“You said you’re going to Gate 9?”

“…”

“Would you mind staying close? There are so many people ahead that you might get swept away. I’d like to help you find your company. I’d worry if I left you now.”

Finally, Latifa cautiously moved closer to Luhan, who had led her safely to the intersection.

As she approached, Luhan gently reached over to adjust her robe. Latifa flinched and pulled back a bit, but the man’s warm hands simply properly adjusted her robe.

“Latí, the heat in the Grand Bazaar is intense. A flame ignited here never cools. Please be cautious.”

“Ah…”

“Everything here is hot and intense.”

Luhan, after adjusting her robe, offered his elbow. Hesitant at first, Latifa eventually took it and they stepped into the bustling crowd.

Luhan walked with certainty, clearly knowing his way. But he didn’t walk fast. It seemed he was adjusting his pace to match Latifa’s.

‘It’s completely different from General Hades, who would just stride ahead.’
Latifa’s attentiveness and consideration made her internally compare Luhan and Hades. Luhan was a man who was the complete opposite of Hades from head to toe.

‘His manner of speaking is smooth and polite. He seems like someone from a welloff family, yet he’s not arrogant. He must be popular among women.’

In the midst of such thoughts, Luhan asked Latifa.

“So, Latifa. What brings an Imperial like you here?”

“Ah, I came to find Gaebakha.”

“Gaebakha?”

“I need to find Yanan quickly, but…”

“Wait! Did you say Yanan?”

Luhan changed his expression mysteriously and tilted his head.

“Yes. Yanan came here with me. She’s part of my group.”

“Yanan… Oh my! Could it be Caleb’s Yanan?”