Yueling's expression was dazed. She hadn't expected her younger brother to suddenly ask such an odd question, but she wasn't foolish - with a little thought she could guess what was going on. Robin must have done something startling that caught this brother's attention.

"Robin?" Charlotte smiled, then adopted a mysterious tone. "She's someone special. Just remember that."

Without waiting for Mike to respond, she turned and walked away.

* * *

Time passed quickly - two more days had vanished before they knew it.

Zhong Shenxiu's group was finally about to resume their journey. Before leaving, Charlotte secretly deposited a large sum into her parents' savings account and left plenty of spending money for her little brother. Zhong Shenxiu also gave each of Charlotte's parents a gift wrapped with such care that no one could tell what they were.

"Daughter, remember the things I told you," Charlotte's mother offered final instructions, voice thick with emotion.

"Daughter, come home often when you can," her father added wistfully.

"I'll work hard - I promise not to slack off!" Charlotte's younger brother declared resolutely.

After parting from their family in tearful goodbyes, Charlotte quickly caught up with the main group. As they neared the tribal village, children suddenly appeared at the gates waving farewell to Robin like she was a hero being sent off.

Zhong Shenxiu's party had only one destination this time - CuiCuan Kingdom.

This transnational journey would have taken common travelers about thirty days, but their group covered the distance in just ten days. Upon crossing into CuiCuan territory, they immediately felt cultural differences and variations in clothing styles.

The Mercenary Phantom Guild remained inconspicuous however, as many merchants and mercenaries from the Winter Moon Empire were already established there.

Despite its modest size, CuiCuan occupied a prime location at the crossroads of major trade routes. The four great empires had long coveted it but kept their hands off due to mutual rivalries that threatened war - so CuiCuan remained curiously peaceful.

This kingdom boasted an advanced commercial system with global goods and handicrafts passing through its markets like waystations on the Silk Road.

As they approached the city, population density increased dramatically. Looking ahead, caravans loaded with cargo could be seen stretching for miles along both sides of the road toward CuiCuan's capital itself - Luminous City.

"Look! So many vendors!" Anjilia exclaimed like a wide-eyed country bumpkin.

Indeed, even without her shouting everyone saw the scene. For about five kilometers ahead, market stalls lined both roadsides all the way into the distance, forming a commercial artery directly to Luminous City itself.

As they drew closer, merchants' calls filled the air:

"Come see! Fine silk scarves at clearance prices!"

"Fruit just arrived! Sweet or your money back!"

"Buy one get one free - limited stock!"

The classic sales tactics were dazzling in their variety.

Under Zhong Shenxiu's guidance, everyone began haggling over items they liked. While all showed skill, no one could match Kai Ni who extracted purchase prices from vendors with just a few clever questions.

Everyone returned from the market with treasures - even Zhong Shenxiu found several valuable artifacts. However three hours passed before they traveled just dozens of miles, their progress slowed by endless shopping.

As dusk approached, most merchants began packing up for the night. After another hour, only sparse stalls remained under a now star-filled sky when finally Zhong Shenxiu's group quickened their pace again.

Before full darkness arrived, they reached Luminous City. The moment they crossed into it, an impression of grandeur struck them - the streets were more than twice as wide as those in Winter Moon Empire's capital city. With shops along both sides already lit with lanterns, the thoroughfare gleamed like a golden river.

Zhong Shenxiu led his group through the illuminated streets toward their first priority: finding lodging. The kingdom had plenty of inns - one appeared every few steps. Eventually they chose an upscale establishment and settled in.

Exhilaration kept everyone wide awake despite late hours. Finally unable to contain restlessness, they all went out for another round of shopping.

Charlotte, Anjilia, and Leng Xiangxue formed one group. This time Kai Ni and Robin stayed behind.

Cheri, Daisy, Makosin, and Elena made up another team focused on jewelry stores.

Ris, Laurent, and Solomon wandered aimlessly as their third group.

* * *

Three streets away...

"Princess, it's getting late - we should find lodging before nightfall becomes too dangerous," said a man in plain clothes. A dozen similarly dressed companions stood nearby.

Though appearing ordinary, close inspection revealed elite warriors: sharp eyes scanning constantly, hidden high-grade body armor visible through their flowing garments. The group exuded nobility they couldn't conceal.

Marching ahead was an adorable ten-year-old girl with cascading hair and a profile that promised beauty. "Princess, have you forgotten the palace's rules? Though granted permission to leave, you must cooperate!" The man pleaded as she ignored him completely.

"I want to keep exploring - just a little longer! Please?" She marched on without turning back.

Her guards all wore expressions of exasperation. This wasn't the first time she'd asked this request twice before in two hours already.

"Princess, if you don't cooperate with my duties I'll have to report your disobedience," he finally invoked his last resort - a threat no servant wanted to use against their charge.

As palace guards sworn to protect her under the East Palace Lord's direct command, they'd been given strict orders: first, maintain absolute discretion; second, prioritize safety and return before nightfall; third, obey the guards' instructions absolutely.

The princess had promised solemnly at departure she would follow all rules - but once outside those vows vanished entirely. Her curiosity led them everywhere while her lack of caution drained these warriors as much as any military training. With two more days ahead, they feared for their sanity.

The young princess hesitated when hearing this threat, then turned back with tearful eyes to plead: "Dugra-uncle! Just once - just this one time! It took me three nights of begging to convince Mother to let me out. If you tell her I'll never be allowed out again!"

Such puppy-dog eyes could melt even the coldest hearts, especially for those who had watched her grow up since childhood.

Dugra's resolve crumbled instantly. For nearly ten years, he and his comrades had fallen victim to this particular ploy countless times - and today was no exception.

"That will be your last one," Dugra said with mock sternness while secretly smiling.

"Thank you Dugra-uncle!" the princess cheered, her expression shifting from sorrow to joy so quickly it made one dizzy.

Though he knew she was manipulating them with those fake tears, Dugra couldn't help but give in - perhaps out of ten years together or simply because she called him "uncle."

"Look! So many fascinating toys!" the princess suddenly gasped as they entered a shop. The guards instantly followed suit.

Without any concept of money, she began buying everything that caught her eye while servants carried purchases and paid bills for her.

The shopkeeper adored such generous customers, enthusiastically recommending new products while she bought them all without hesitation.

Just as the princess was deep in shopping, the door opened again - Anjilia, Charlotte, and Leng Xiangxue entered to buy toys for Niu Niu. When they spotted the little girl, all three froze.

"Robin? What are you doing here?" Charlotte gasped involuntarily.