Everything unfolded exactly as Aiden expected. A faint ripple moved through his chest, yet no surprise followed. The respawn point stood as the heart of every central hub. Its significance dwarfed anything in the outer districts. Even a first-class citizen faced consequences for spilling blood here. Aiden knew the risk before acting. He simply chose to act anyway. He slightly curled his fingers and started, "Honored Enforcer, the reason for—" A velvet-soft voice drifted through the air, smooth enough to draw every eye toward it. "Enforcer, Mr. Nighthale eliminated a vagrant who dared trample on his dignity. Both emotionally and logically, his response holds merit. "Isn't this punishment a little too harsh?" Players turned in unison. A woman approached with deliberate poise, a small entourage trailing her. Her blazing red dress captured every ray of light, bold and impossible to ignore. Gone was her graceful, understated elegance. Sienna carried herself with the authority of a monarch on procession—proud, confident, and untouchable. Her gaze held a chill only someone born to a higher station could wield. Each click of her heels echoed sharply across the stone, cutting through the crowd like a metronome of command. The enforcer lowered his hat and pressed it against his chest before bowing deeply. "Your Grace, Aimar Varron greets you with honor." "That won't be necessary." Sienna lifted a hand with an effortless sweep, her tone calm and refined. "Mr. Nighthale is a personal acquaintance. I prefer he receives fair treatment." She pressed, "What are your thoughts, Mr. Varron?" Aimar paused, choosing his words with great care. "Your reasoning stands, Your Grace. My earlier judgment lacked context. "According to Leafport law, a drifter who offends a first-class citizen does qualify for execution."The rule forbidding combat near the respawn point never surfaced from his mouth. Only a fool would bring it up in front of her. Some officers within Leafport barely recognized her influence. Aimar, after ten years walking these alleys, understood perfectly. Inside this city, aside from the City Lord himself, only one person you never challenged stood above all others—Lady Riley. She carried the royal family's backing like a mantle. Her former duchess title mattered little. The Grand Duke Guthere, whom she once married, lay long dead, grass tall above his grave. The royal family replaced the region's leadership soon after, firmly folding Leafport under their control. Anyone with sense understood how unusual Lady Riley's standing truly was. She simply lacked any interest in chasing authority and preferred her quiet life in the barren Westhand region. If she ever reached for power, the entire city structure would shift overnight.Even the City Lord tread lightly around her. Aimar's rank meant almost nothing in this moment. Trying to act tough in front of her only proved you had no idea who held the real cards. "Quick learner." Sienna's tone stayed cool. "Anything left unresolved?" "None, Your Grace. I'll take my leave." Aimar bowed once more and retreated with visible relief. Perfect nightmare. If I knew she was here, I'd have played dead at the entrance. I came looking for credit... almost earned a grave instead. Sweat darkened his uniform. Sienna's presence cleared the field with only a few sentences. She turned to Aiden, her gaze softening. "Nighthale, are you alright?" Aiden shook his head. "I'm fine. This small disturbance didn't reach me. Still... thanks, Sienna." "A small favor." A gentle smile curved her lips. Concern followed soon after. "I meant earlier—when the dragons seized you. They didn't harm you, did they?""A blessing in disguise. I came away with more than expected," Aiden replied with a faint grin. "That's a relief." Sienna exhaled slowly, tension finally loosening from her shoulders. Aiden blinked. "What brings you here, though?" Truthfully, her sudden appearance caught him off guard. Sienna's smile warmed. "After the dragon took you, you vanished for days. Every lead went cold. I searched everywhere until Madonna mentioned you might be here. I got worried, so I came myself." "Thanks." Aiden's expression wavered. Counting the lifetime he lost before rebirth, it felt like over a decade since anyone had shown genuine concern for him. He stood unshaken before two Tier-5 dragons, yet a simple expression of worry left him at a loss for words. Sienna noticed the awkward flicker and let out a small laugh. "We're friends, aren't we?" "Yeah." Aiden nodded. If rushing straight to you at the first rumor of danger doesn't count as friendship, then nothing does.