The continent of Hilar is mainly divided into five empires, three of which are connected on land, with the Lycas Empire being the most powerful. In the mysterious sea, there are two other empires.

Among them, the Xisha Empire was the weakest.

Therefore, the Xisha Empire did not establish a teleportation array that could traverse the empire, and the main means of transportation was by sea.

Moreover, the slave industry was also particularly prevalent here, but it mainly involved other empires buying slaves at low prices and then reselling them at high prices, making a fortune in the process.

...

The capital city of the Xisha Empire.

In the bustling market, pedestrians came and went, all wearing thin veils. Women covered themselves up completely, while men were shirtless and covered in sweat.

As people walked, their gazes unconsciously fell to the end of the road, their eyes filled with an instinctive sense of amazement.

Compared to the women of the Xisha Empire who covered themselves, the girl was as bright and beautiful as a flower blooming on a branch, showing off her beauty and charm in a bold and flamboyant manner. She was wearing a rather formal and luxurious long dress and a small lace-trimmed hat on her head.

Behind her was Aldridge, also dressed in an expensive suit, following closely behind her, never leaving her side.

The girl seemed to be used to people's gazes and didn't care. As for Aldrich... he only focused his gaze on Ruan Qing'an and then ignored everyone else.

"Aldrich."

"Master, I'm here."

Ruan Qingan suddenly asked, "Which family do you come from?"

Although Lucas had investigated Aldrich's background, it was, after all, an event that occurred across the ocean on the borders of another empire. No matter how powerful the Lancaster family was, they could not possibly know every detail of what happened.

Aldridge remained silent when faced with Nguyen Thanh An's question.

This happened ten years ago. Aldrich was mentally challenged and had some memory loss, so he couldn't remember things from his childhood very clearly. He pondered for a moment before recalling them.

Aldrich then said, "Master, I don't remember clearly. I only remember that after I was old enough to remember things, I lived in the backyard. It was overgrown with weeds and everything was in a mess. I couldn't see anything clearly."

"The only thing I still remember is one thing."

Ruan Qing'an paused, "What is that?"

Aldridge pressed his hand to his temples, his brow furrowed, trying to recall: "It was...it was my mother who, because I was growing too fast and was too hungry, took me to the kitchen to steal food. On the decorations on the wall, I saw an eagle-like mark."

Upon hearing this, Ruan Qing'an's lead-gray eyes flickered slightly, and he said in a deep voice, "The eagle family crest, the Garcia family of the Xisha Empire, their influence within the Xisha Empire is quite good."

"So you're saying—"

She paused, looked up at Aldrich, and said softly, "Your original name should be Aldrich Garcia."

"..."

Aldridge frowned slightly but didn't say anything. He simply moved a few steps closer to Nguyen Thanh An.

—Like a big dog unconsciously searching for belonging.

With a goal in mind, they no longer needed to wander around aimlessly. However, Ruan Qing'an's special status meant that the imperial family quickly received news of his arrival in the Xisha Empire.

They sent someone privately to make contact, and seeing that Ruan Qing'an had no intention of making a fuss or causing trouble, they abandoned their other plans and took the initiative to help deliver a visiting card to the Garcia family.

As evening approached, Nguyen Thanh An and Aldrich finally arrived in the countryside outside the capital of the Xisha Empire. The head of the Garcia family seemed to be enjoying a rather unusual "retirement" in his country estate.

The sun was setting, and the evening glow painted the sky red.

Duke Garcia was standing with his hands behind his back, holding a watering can in one hand, watering the flowers in front of him, as leisurely as a retired old cadre.

The old butler reported from the side: "Your Highness, the royal family has sent a visiting card on behalf of someone, signed by the Lancaster family."

"The Lancaster family?"

Duke Garcia paused, his hand still: "When did Cecilia suddenly appear with the Lancaster family, and even get royal help?"

“It is I, Duke Garcia.”

Just then, a smiling voice came from behind. The soft voice was naturally arrogant and noble, but it was so natural that it did not make people feel any disgust.

Duke Garcia was stunned. He looked in the direction of the sound and saw two figures standing at the gate of the manor through the iron gate—a loyal slave and a master as bright and flamboyant as a flower.

He hadn't recognized her at first, but his expression changed drastically when his gaze fell on the dark red ring on the girl's slender finger!

The ring was made of an extraordinary material, likely an extremely precious magical metal, and even had a miniature magic circle engraved on it. The ring face also bore a family crest.

Scepters and swords clashed, and roses bloomed amidst thorns.

Even though Duke Garcia was in the Xisha Empire, he understood the meaning of this family crest and knew the immense power it contained, even before he could speak—

Outside the iron gate, Nguyen Thanh An's smile remained unchanged as he spoke loudly.

"Dolores Lancaster has come to the Westsa Empire specifically to pay a visit to Duke Garcia. I wonder if I may have a meeting with her?"

"...Please, Your Excellency Dolores."

Duke Garcia, believing that what is meant to be will be, quickly composed himself, nodded to Nguyen Thanh An, and then instructed his butler to handle the matter.

Soon, less than fifteen minutes later—

Nguyen Thanh An and Duke Garcia were already seated in the banquet hall, while the butler and Aldridge stood behind them.

After a polite toast, Duke Garcia asked, "Your Excellency Dolores, is there any important matter you need to attend to in the Empire of Xisha, having traveled all this way?"

"You're joking, it's nothing serious."

Ruan Qingan paused, his gaze falling on Duke Garcia: "I've only come here for an old matter."

"Old stories?"

Duke Garcia was stunned, somewhat confused.

Seeing this, Nguyen Thanh An knew that Duke Garcia had not recognized Aldrich, so she put down her knife and fork, her slender fingers interlaced, her posture upright, and stared at him.

Seeing the Duke Garcia's somewhat uneasy reaction, she chuckled: "Duke Garcia, how is your wife? I remember that after your first wife died, you remarried about four years later."

“I’m not interested in your second wife, but when you announced the death of your first wife, did you really know whether she was alive or dead, Duke Garcia?”

"You should be able to recall what I'm referring to, what exactly it is, don't you think?"

Her fingertips intertwined, her smile undiminished, yet she subtly cornered Duke Garcia in a deadly predicament, while Duke Garcia's face twitched uncontrollably.