Illumi led Bai Zhu through the outer wall.
The moment he stepped into the main estate grounds, Bai Zhu's back tightened.
There was no one visible on the rooftops, corridors, or towers, yet more than a dozen gazes followed his every move. At every corner, the directions locked onto him changed.
What was more troublesome was the ground beneath his feet.
The gaps between the stone slabs were far too neat, and several spots along the way showed slight wear. Bai Zhu did not dare step on those places. Every step he took followed Illumi's footing.
"Could you walk slower?"
Illumi did not turn around.
"Why?"
"It's my first time at your house. I want to look around."
"You've been staring at the ground."
"The stone slabs at your house have great historical value."
Illumi's steps paused for half a beat.
"There are traps beneath the slabs."
Bai Zhu immediately pulled back his raised right foot.
"Which ones?"
"Many."
"Can't you be more specific?"
"Don't worry. You'll know once you step on one."
Bai Zhu stared at the back of Illumi's head, beginning to suspect that this guy was still holding a grudge over being tied up earlier.
Two rows of butlers stood in the corridor ahead.
Their uniforms were identical, as were their stances. When Illumi approached, they all bowed at the same time. Not one of them made a sound.
The sight reminded Bai Zhu of certain deeply unhealthy rituals.
He had intended to pass through quietly, but Illumi beside him did not slow down at all, and the butlers were all secretly watching him.
He could not show weakness.
Bai Zhu took a breath, squared his shoulders, straightened his back, clasped his hands behind him, and strode into the corridor.
His steps had to be steady.
His