It was just nine in the evening, yet word of my situation had already spread. I hid in a large cloak, avoiding people.
Really? How did the noble ladies manage this? Everyone here knows about me now! They're saying I've gone crazy!
They were gossiping about me! They didn't even know the subject of their whispers was right beside them.
My face remained stoic and silent. They acted like they knew everything about me—yet they couldn't even pronounce my family's name correctly!
I heard two women laughing. I guessed they were mercenaries. "She really has gone crazy. She can't accept the Prince doesn't want her!" one said.
The other shrugged. "They say she's depressed. Probably just seekinging attention. She might be acting this way to make the Crown Prince notice her—desperate to save the wedding," her voice dripped with judgment. They laughed again.
I sighed. Ah, prejudices. This is why people suffer in darkness—because of people like them. They judge from the surface, never digging deeper for the truth.
I purposefully bumped into them without apologizing. I could feel their angry stares.
"What the hell?! Are you blind?!" they snapped. I didn't look back, walking on. I smiled inwardly at their furious shrieks.
I continued down the street, moving gracefully as if I'd been here a hundred times. Well, I did read about this place in the book.
I had a strong feeling I'd find the man here.
I entered a secluded cathedral. It was dark outside, but the faint light and loud noise inside told me people were there. Instantly, I felt the stares of the madmen in the room.
Barbarians, assassins, and rogues filled the space. They stared at me like prey. The noise died, and the atmosphere turned tense. They must have wondered how a young lady had wandered into such a place.
I removed my hood. They scowled—then their eyes widened in realization. Greed flickered in their gaze as they recognized me. A blade suddenly pressed against my right side.
I'd expected it, so I didn't flinch.
I scanned each of them one by one, walking forward gracefully as if I owned the place. They watched me intently.
I didn't know why they hesitated to attack, but I could sense they were... intimidated.
Finally, one couldn't hold back.
"What are you doing here? Lost?" a man with a scar over his left eye asked roughly. I shook my head, fixing him with a serious look.
He scowled. "You're so arrogant— "
"Calm down, Alexus. She might have guards outside; we don't want to get caught. She wouldn't walk in here so confidently if she were alone," an older, burly man interrupted.
I stared at him before shaking my head. "I'm alone." I sat in front of them, and they let me. The man in black wasn't here, but maybe these people could help.
The older man laughed. "Young lady, this is no place for someone of your status. We're criminals. We could kidnap or... kill you in a heartbeat," he said.
My brows raised. He sounded practiced. I nodded. "I know."
Even if they tried to kill me, the story wouldn't let me die. I'd survive, even if I wanted to. It wasn't my time yet. That's why I'd come here without fear—I knew the book wouldn't let me perish.
The older man laughed again. "I can't believe the Duke's daughter is so interesting. What's your name, young lady?"
I looked at the others, who were also staring. They said nothing, but their gazes were intense. I ignored it. "Malaya. Malaya Eléftheros," I said.
He nodded. I noticed the rogues had fallen silent. He must be their leader. He wasn't mentioned in the book, so I didn't know him.
"What brings you here? This is the first time I've seen you in a place like this. You don't seem like you're here to do business. I think you need... something," he said.
I nodded. I held out my wrist, showing him the mark. Everyone's eyes fixed on it. I could tell they knew what it was.
I sighed in relief. Even if I couldn't find the man, I'd gained something.
I yawned, staring at them blankly. Alexus hissed, but the older man stopped him.
"So, what is this?" I asked, pointing to the mark. "I want to know what it is. I'll buy your information. Name your price."
The man laughed. "One bag of gold bars. Deal?"
I smirked. "Deal." We shook hands.
He began telling me the myths of the bird. He said the mark belonged to a powerful creature.
"The Black Phoenix symbolizes destruction, war, envy, darkness, and death. He was the strongest of all. So the other six Phoenixes formed an alliance to... exterminate him," he said.
"Then?" I asked casually.
"He was cursed, losing his powers one by one. He can only regain them if he breaks the curse," he grinned. I couldn't tell if he was lying, but I listened carefully.
"What curse?"
"He was forced to protect someone 'deserving' from all danger—meant to contain his own power. The marked 'Muryō' becomes his Master. And that's you," he said, staring at me.
"You bear his mark, so he is bound to protect you at all costs. You are his Master. Your words are his chains," he added.
I hadn't fully processed it yet, but I asked again.
"Why me? Why did he choose me?"
"I don't know. But from what I remember, Black Phoenixes are... possessive," he laughed.
I cringed. That was not helpful.