Just as the standoff reached the brink of violence-
"Enough."
A young woman's clear voice rang out from behind them.
Clop... clop...
Hoofbeats sounded as a magnificent white horse galloped toward them.
Seated upright on its back was a young woman clad in gleaming silver knight's armor.
Her golden hair shone like molten gold in the morning light, and her blue eyes were as clear as the sky.
She was beautiful, with a noble bearing.
An innate arrogance lingered in her expression, forming a curious contrast with the girlish innocence she had yet to fully outgrow.
The instant Cui Ciyou's gaze met hers, his heart jolted.
That face... she looks so much like Zenith!
Aside from her sharper, prouder demeanor, her features were practically a replica of Zenith's.
The young woman pulled on the reins. The white horse reared up and let out a piercing neigh.
She surveyed the group from horseback, her gaze lingering on Rujierd for a moment as a flicker of surprise crossed her eyes.
Finally, her gaze settled firmly on Cui Ciyou.
To everyone's surprise, she swung neatly down from her horse.
Making a fist with her right hand, she gracefully held it across her left breast and gave Cui Ciyou the salute of a Holy Country knight.
"Greetings, Mr. Cui Ciyou, Duke of the Asla Kingdom."
Her voice was bright, her enunciation clear, and her tone deeply respectful.
Just as I thought. Keith's gambling money was only a pretext.
The Latoreia family had their sights on me from the beginning.
Cui Ciyou understood now, but his expression remained as calm and unruffled as ever.
He was about to speak and probe her intentions...
But before he could, Keith poked his head out from behind him.
He immediately recognized her as the noble girl whose money