Chapter 100: Since You Did Nothing Wrong

Sefina still remembered the night after she and Lin Shu parted ways.
Too many questions and regrets were bottled up in her heart.
“Who was that black-haired human maid?”
Sefina only later realized that Lin Shu had been asking about her mother’s former lover. 
Her face was almost identical to her mother’s, which likely caused Lin Shu to misunderstand something.
But would she really just leave like that? Without even hearing an explanation?
No.
Humans were too weak before the Sacred Race. If they were targeting that key, what would happen to Lin Shu?
‘I can’t just leave her.’
Sefina pushed open the door to Eve’s workshop.
“Oh my, Head of the Family, your eyes are quite red.” A childish voice rang out.
Daphne was there too.
She sat on a table covered in Eve’s puppet parts, swinging her legs while holding the black cat, Laicai. 
Ever since she provided the first round of startup capital for Drago, this petite merchant often lingered here under the pretext of inspection.
Though she called it an inspection, she spent most of her time looking for Eve.
With the recent trouble in the Teppus Family, she had been busily gathering her connections in the business world to kick them while they were down, enjoying every second of it.
Sefina ignored her teasing.
Daphne tilted her head. “It seems that rare human didn’t come back?”
“Well, that stunt she pulled ended up wrecking the Teppus Family. I can help you take advantage of this timing to make your move.”
Daphne set Laicai down and flipped through the ledger in her hand.
“Your family will be back on its feet in no time.”
Sefina fell into silence for a moment before speaking. “In a few days, I want to go out for a while.”
“You haven’t given up yet?” Daphne raised an eyebrow.
Eve’s finger twitched slightly, controlling a nearby puppet’s hand to poke Daphne’s shoulder. “Stop talking.”
“Why shouldn’t I? If you don’t listen to your elders, you’ll suffer the consequences!” Daphne snapped back, putting her hands on her hips. “Besides, I’m the one funding this.”
Eve ignored her and looked toward Sefina with concern. “What about the family?”
“I will maintain regular contact. I can handle affairs remotely.”
“Remote work? Well, it’s not impossible, but are you really going to chase her to the Sacred Race’s territory?”
Sefina simply gave a polite bow.
“Lady Daphne, I hope you will help me.”
“I need a disguised identity and a completely new appearance.”
“I heard you mention before that you had come across a related artifact?”
Sefina knew she had a grudge against Hati and their goals were diametrically opposed. If they met, a conflict was inevitable.
“That…” Daphne crossed her arms. “You remembered correctly. I’ve traveled far and wide, so I do have something like that.”
“I have a mask that can temporarily turn you into someone else.”
“But, as you know, a deal requires equal compensation.”
“What can you offer me, Head of the Drago Family?” Daphne’s heterochromatic eyes locked onto Sefina.
“You are a wealthy merchant who has everything. What would interest you?”
Daphne leaned back leisurely, propping her hands on the table.
“Hmm, let’s see…”
“Those red eyes of yours are quite beautiful. How about you give them to me as part of the exchange?”
Daphne looked straight into Sefina’s eyes and smiled meaningfully.
Sefina remained silent.
“Can’t you Blood Clan members heal yourselves? It shouldn’t be a problem, right?” Daphne’s tone was light.
Eve gripped the armrests of her wheelchair.
“Daphne, the eyes… I can make them.”
“No. Didn’t you say it yourself? The originals are best. It has to be natural, not prefabricated.”
The room fell into a deathly silence.
Sefina spoke slowly. “…Deal.”
“What the hell!! Are you insane? You’re actually agreeing to that?” Daphne instantly jumped onto the table.
She glared at Sefina, looking like someone frustrated by a student who refused to learn.
Quickly, she deflated.
“Ugh, I give up.”
“Fine, fine. I’ll just give it to you.” She waved her hand helplessly. “I’ve enjoyed my stay here, so consider it a gift.”
“Money can’t buy my happiness, after all.”
“Sefina,” Eve added as a reminder from the side. “Besides the face… you must… watch… your scent.”
“I know. Thank you.” Sefina smiled. “I will handle the rest.”

—

Sefina had indeed thought of everything.
She tracked Lin Shu’s location and disguised herself as Sophia to get close to them.
She hadn’t intended to expose herself so soon; she only wanted to stay by Lin Shu’s side and ensure her safety.
But now…
Looking at Lin Shu, who was slumped in her arms, Sefina’s heart was a whirlpool of emotions.
Lin Shu’s warmth still lingered on her fingers.
She didn’t know if it was satisfaction, guilt, or both.
They were still hidden in the wardrobe. The narrow space was stuffy and hot, filled with a lingering, suggestive scent.
Lin Shu moved slightly, gasping for air.
“Sefina, I haven’t… I haven’t done these things with Hati.”
“Are you going to keep this up?” She looked up. “Continuing your disguise?”
Sefina’s heart constricted.
“Do you hate it? I just… I couldn’t stop worrying about you.”
She gripped Lin Shu’s hand. “Also, that human maid was my mother’s person.”
“There must be some misunderstanding between us for you to sign a contract with that wolf!”
Lin Shu squeezed her hand back. “It’s not like that, Sefina.”
“I didn’t break the contract because I wanted to be kind to her. It was just a condition for a deal…”
Lin Shu struggled to stand up straight. “Restore your disguise first. There’s an event in the village; I can’t be gone for too long.”
“Anyway, we need to coordinate our story. If anyone asks, we’ll say we went out early and avoided the eyes outside.”
Sefina bit her lower lip. “Fine, I’ll listen to you.”
Lin Shu pushed open the wardrobe door.
Sefina put the mask back on. After a slight sting, Sophia’s appearance returned.
Her hair turned chestnut, and the crimson faded from her eyes.
“I’ll still call you ‘Sophia,’ and you must remember to call me ‘Lin Shu.’ Don’t let anything slip.” Lin Shu straightened her dress.
“I need to go find Hati now.”
Sefina’s fingers tightened.
Lin Shu suddenly turned around. “You should come to the party, too.”
She stepped forward and took Sefina’s hand.
“We’ll go out through the back window. Don’t use the front door, just in case they see us.”
Sefina asked hesitantly, “You don’t mind? What I did to you in the wardrobe just now.”
“……”
Lin Shu didn’t answer, but she didn’t let go of her hand.
Sefina gave a soft laugh.
Hearing the laughter, Lin Shu looked back.
She caught sight of the red marks on Sefina’s wrist. “How did those marks get there? You didn’t really…”
“Yes. To make the identity more believable, I made many preparations.”
That included making up stories and intentionally injuring herself.
Lin Shu was stunned by Sefina’s words, then whispered, “I’m sorry…”
Sefina pressed further, “Do you not want me to go to the Sacred Race’s territory with you?”
Lin Shu looked away. “…I don’t know. I just don’t want you to be in danger.”
“Anyway… let’s go meet up with the villagers first.”