Chapter 041: The Incident

“It’s nothing, really,” Delina said after a few seconds, calming herself.

She seemed a bit embarrassed by her earlier loss of composure, and the corners of her mouth twitched into an apologetic smile toward Yun Xi.

Just then, someone nearby called her name.

“Miss Yun Xi, please excuse me for a moment,” Delina said, using the opportunity to gracefully end their conversation.

Yun Xi nodded, not pressing for more details.

After Delina left, others began approaching Yun Xi one after another, striking up conversation on their own.

Yun Xi welcomed them all.

It wasn’t just that they wanted to glean information from her—Yun Xi was using the opportunity to learn more about the situation in Qinglan Town.

Things like: how simple and honest the townspeople were, that tax rates in Qinglan Town were only 20%, which shops were worth visiting…

With the appearance of a rich noble—real or not—Yun Xi was easily accepted by the crowd.

Of course, not everyone had good intentions. A few of them were clearly scheming, though they masked it well, trying to subtly inquire how much of her “inheritance” she still had, or whether she planned to go out hunting monsters soon.

But Yun Xi could see through their intentions at a glance—it was nothing more than trying to figure out if she had anything worth stealing or scamming, and then choosing whether to use tricks or force to take it.

—Such as the youth standing before her now, handsome in appearance.

“Miss Yun Xi, would I have the honor of teaming up with you? We could hunt monsters together.

I’m fairly capable—I’ve already mastered Fireball and Fire Arrow. I promise I won’t drag you down.”

Yun Xi’s smile had already vanished. She didn’t reply, only shook her head.

Then, yet another fool appeared from the side.

“Miss Yun Xi, don’t listen to him. Look at me! I’m only 25, and I’ve already reached Level 10 as a spellcaster. In about a year, I’ll be able to break through to the intermediate level.”

“Once I become an intermediate spellcaster, I plan to move to a major city. If you miss your hometown, I can go with you.”

This guy had completely misunderstood the earlier man’s intentions, foolishly mistaking him as a romantic rival, and proceeded to give Yun Xi a full-on matchmaking-style introduction.

The cold edge in Yun Xi’s gaze instantly dissipated—she didn’t know whether to laugh or cry.

The handsome youth pushed to the back could only stare in disbelief at the idiot now blocking his path.

What kind of moron is this? Trying to flirt with a fallen noblewoman? Does he even know what league she’s in? Wait… why am I getting pulled into this nonsense too?

Yun Xi simply turned around and walked off, ignoring both the schemer and the fool.

Of course, if the schemer still dared approach her again, she wouldn’t show mercy.

Fortunately, both of them understood the situation. Seeing that Yun Xi had no intention of speaking to them, they didn’t embarrass themselves further.

Yun Xi casually picked up a clear drink, not to drink, but to slowly stroll through the banquet, eavesdropping for useful intel from her neighbors.

And sure enough, she overheard something… about the enchanted accessory shop.

“Look at this new piece I bought—isn’t it beautiful? It’s made of white crystal!”

“Seriously? You actually spent a white crystal on jewelry?”

“I saw that design at the enchanted accessories store—it was on special, a non-attributed item.”

“Exactly! It was the only special piece, and I snagged it. Pretty awesome, right?”

“If I remember correctly, that white crystal jewelry cost one white crystal stone, didn’t it? I just don’t get it—why are those accessories so expensive? Some of the higher-end ones even require green crystals. Might as well be robbery.”

“You’re right, girl. Way too pricey. If my son hadn’t brought back a few white crystals last month, I wouldn’t have splurged either.”

“Speaking of white crystals… I remember a few years ago, my daughter brought back some green crystals. It was connected to that incident.”

“That incident?”

“Yes, the one from a few years ago. Say what you will about the nobles—they sure know how to spend. My daughter only met the requirements for participation and got green crystals as a reward. Who knows if there’ll ever be a second chance?”

“Don’t get your hopes up. Your daughter was lucky to come back. Who knows how many lives were lost in that whole mess? Besides, isn’t that story old news? That happened years ago.”

“No, you don’t get it. I’ve got a little insider tip—word is, it’s starting up again.”

“Really? There’s been new developments?”

Yun Xi’s eyes narrowed thoughtfully. Could this “incident” they’re talking about be what caused Delina to lose her composure earlier?

“We’re pretty isolated here, so news travels slow. But I went to the capital a few days ago. Seems like Qinglan Town has been marked as a key observation area, all because of that incident restarting.”

Key observation area… Yun Xi frowned slightly.

From what she’d read in An Introduction to the Shuyu Plains, in the Yuqin Principality, if a city or town was experiencing—or about to experience—a major incident, the authorities would label it as a key observation area to prevent people from flocking to it blindly.

And from the way these people were talking, “that incident” had already happened once a few years ago.

“I heard they’re preparing to publish related missions. Who knows if we’ll be affected this time.”

“Nah, that place is still a fair distance from Qinglan. Even if it spills over, it won’t reach us.”

“Alright, enough. We’re not getting any of those high-tier missions anyway. I even heard rumors that the Duke’s children are personally coming this time. Who knows if it’s true.”

At this, Yun Xi realized—this was no ordinary “incident.”

After all, the Duke of the Principality is the highest authority in the nation, and his children are essentially princes and princesses. If people of that level are coming to handle a mission…

Then there’s no doubt—this matter is far from simple.

It likely involves treasures above legendary rank, or even ancient knowledge and legacies buried in history.

Only that level of reward would be worth the risk for the Duke’s own children.

The group seemed like they wanted to continue discussing, but Delina took the stage to announce the start of the auction.

The attendants entered in an orderly line and guided the guests into a side hall, where they were seated one by one.

The side hall wasn’t very large—roughly the size of a standard classroom—but could comfortably accommodate a few dozen guests.

Yun Xi sat in a middle-right position, quietly awaiting the start of this small-scale auction.

“Ladies and gentlemen, friends, thank you all for coming.”

“Next, I will briefly introduce the auction items.”

[One-time-use High-Grade Scouting Rune…]

[Half-Moon Stone Detection Ring…]

[Gao Lin Green Jade Necklace…]

…