Help! The Villainess Trapped in the Beast World's Drama!

He didn’t say much, just did things by the book, stepped forward to check the two’s identity information, and said solemnly, "They’ve paid the entry fee and hold legal transit passes. That makes them temporary residents of Sky City."

Captain Balon looked at the hook-nosed man, his voice cold and brooking no argument. "These two are protected by city regulations. You’ve crossed the line. Disperse at once, or I’ll arrest you for disturbing the peace."

The hook-nosed man’s smile froze. He clearly hadn’t expected the patrol to stick up for two shabby out-of-towners. They’d made plenty of trouble before, and other gangs had taken advantage of the chaos, yet the City Defense Army had never bothered to intervene.

Most of these soldiers turned a blind eye. After all, what kind of place was Sky City? A nest of chaos and criminals. The regular army couldn’t be bothered with commoners and passersby.

Damn it.

Why are they sticking their noses in today?!

The hook-nosed man clenched his teeth. Knowing a head-on clash would end badly, he could only glare viciously at Shen Tang and the others, then wave his hand. "We’re leaving!"

The group of thugs followed him sullenly and quickly vanished into the cluttered alleys.

With the danger gone, Shen Tang let out a breath and hurriedly thanked this Captain Balon. "Thank you for stepping in."

Captain Balon merely dipped his head slightly to her, his attitude surprisingly carrying a faint, hard-to-detect trace of deference. "Just doing my duty. The two of you must have been shaken."

He paused, then added, "The refugee camp is a complicated place and not suitable for a long stay. From the way you’re in such a rush, I assume you’re in a hurry to be on your way."

Shen Tang’s heart stirred, and she exchanged a glance with Xue Yinzhou.

Xue Yinzhou gave a slight nod.

"Yes, we’re just a passing caravan. We happened to stop here for a short rest and will be back on the road soon," Shen Tang answered cautiously.

Captain Balon nodded, seemingly not surprised at all.

"In that case, I’ll arrange an exit route for you. It’ll save time and help you avoid future trouble."

He made a "please" gesture. "If you’re ready to depart, please come with me."

A hint of delight surfaced on Shen Tang’s face.

This was simply a timely gift in a snowstorm. Still, wasn’t this going a little too smoothly?

At the same time, suspicion and wariness rose in her heart. But she reminded herself that the two of them were just Ordinary merchants right now. The other side had no reason to harm them—and if they really wanted to, there’d be no need to help them first, would there?

Maybe he really was just fulfilling his duty and maintaining public order.

"Then thank you, Captain." Shen Tang pressed down her doubts, thanked him again, and followed the patrol with Xue Yinzhou.

Captain Balon didn’t lead them along the crowded main road. Instead, he took them down a relatively quiet path guarded by soldiers, and soon they reached another, smaller city gate.

The guards here clearly knew Balon. Seeing the people he brought, they only checked the transit passes briefly before letting them through.

Once they passed through the gate and reached the relatively safe mountain road outside the city, Captain Balon finally stopped.

He looked at the two respectfully, and when his gaze fell on Shen Tang in particular, his manner was even more deferential. "I can only see you this far. Please be careful on the road ahead."

He didn’t ask many questions, nor did he ask for any reward.

"We’re very grateful, Captain Balon," Shen Tang said sincerely, though the doubt in her heart only deepened.

That faint respect this captain showed toward them—especially toward her—where did it come from?

"There’s no need for thanks. It’s my duty. May the two of you travel safely."

Captain Balon dipped his head again, then turned briskly and led his soldiers back into the city.

Watching the patrol’s receding backs, Shen Tang frowned deeply, feeling that something was off.

This... isn’t this a bit... too normal? Too smooth?

She had been prepared to run into trouble in Sky City. She’d even been ready to make a move against the Grey Falcon Gang just now. She hadn’t expected the City Defense Army to intervene in time and even personally escort them out of the city.

This was not how she’d imagined it.

Although Sky City was chaotic, it seemed... not quite as deadly as the rumors had said.

Xue Yinzhou also frowned slightly, feeling it was strange.

He asked, "Do you know anyone here?"

Shen Tang shook her head, perplexed. "No, it’s my first time here. This captain is also someone I’m seeing for the first time... but I can’t shake the feeling... that he knows me somehow."

Xue Yinzhou was silent for a moment. He looked toward the towering, unbroken shadow of Sky City, lips pressed thin, and said nothing more.

Whatever the reason, this unexpected aid had kept them from being exposed and saved them time.

"Let’s not worry about that for now. Finding the Mother Tree is what matters." Shen Tang shook off her doubts, her gaze firming again.

The two didn’t linger. They quickly concealed their presence and sped toward the south, in the direction of the Parasite Clan’s territory. Their figures soon vanished into the vast twilight and rugged mountain paths.

Meanwhile, atop the East Gate’s city tower, Captain Balon had not left.

He watched the two until they disappeared completely from sight, then opened his communicator.

"My lord."

Balon lowered his head, his tone utterly respectful. "As you instructed, I’ve escorted those two safely out by the side path to the west, without drawing the Big Boss’s attention."

There was a brief silence on the other end of the communicator, then a low hum could be heard. It was clearly a man’s voice.

The man’s voice was magnetic and steady, like mellow aged wine, carrying the detached calm of someone long accustomed to being in high places.

"How... does she look?"

Balon chose his words carefully. "That young lady is in disguise and uninjured. The male traveling with her keeps his aura restrained. I didn’t probe further into his strength, so as not to alert them."

"Mm. Keep an eye on them, and escort them out of our territory in secret."

The man paused, then said softly, "If it isn’t necessary, don’t interfere."

"Yes, my lord. I understand!"

Soon after, a Feather Clan squad silently flew out of the city and followed after them.