Faerun: The arcane mage is still too imprisoned.

Arya turned around, her amber eyes gazing intently at her daughter.

There was worry, pride, and a complex emotion that was hard to describe in his eyes.

"Mr. Lance agreed?" she asked.

"He said if you agree, I can go with him tonight."

Arya walked up to her daughter and reached out to stroke her cheek.

Lillian's skin was soft and still retained the innocence of a young girl, but the determination in her eyes was genuine.

"You'll be scared," Arya said.

"Perhaps," Lillian nodded, "but I think... I'll have to face it sooner or later."

Arya's fingers lingered on her daughter's cheek, not moving away for a long time.

The only sound in the study was the soft crackling of the fireplace wood, while outside the window the setting sun was slowly sinking into the distant mountains.

Finally, she withdrew her hand, turned and walked to the liquor cabinet, pouring herself another glass of flaming whiskey.

The amber liquid sloshed in the crystal glass, reflecting the light of the fireplace.

"Do you know what kind of people those gang members are, Lillian?" Arya asked, her back to her daughter, her voice eerily calm.

"They're not the guards you spar with in the training ground—even if those guards lose, the worst they'll do is rest for a few months."

She turned around, her amber eyes sharp as knives in the firelight:

"They'll use poisoned daggers, sprinkle lime powder, and sneak up on you from behind. They'll grab your hair, tear your clothes, and humiliate you with the most vulgar words."

"If you get caught, you will experience something worse than death."

Of course, this was just Arya trying to scare Lillian; she didn't think a level 4 warrior plus a mage with at least a second ring rank would lose to a bunch of thugs.

not to mention……

Lillian's face paled, but she remained standing still.

"I know," she said, her voice trembling slightly but firmly. "Mr. Lance said this isn't a game."

Arya stared at her daughter for a long time, so long that Lillian almost thought she would refuse.

Then, the Lady suddenly laughed.

"Go," she said, downing her drink in one gulp, "but remember three things."

Lillian's eyes lit up: "You said!"

"First, follow Mr. Lance's orders and do not act on your own." Arya held up one finger.

"Secondly, wear light armor. I have a spare set of mithril chainmail in my study; it should fit you well."

"Third—" She walked up to her daughter, bent down and gently kissed her forehead, "You must come back unharmed."

"A level 4 warrior facing a group of ordinary people, plus miscellaneous professionals who are at most level 2, if you get injured, even if it's just a scratch, your training load will double."

"I will! Thank you, Mom!" Lillian practically jumped up and hugged Arya, then let go before her mother frowned, lifted her skirt, and ran out of the study.

"I'll go tell Mr. Lance!"

"Slow down!" Arya shouted helplessly.

"Okay—" Lillian agreed verbally, but instead of slowing down, she increased her speed.

……

When Lance left Silvershine Manor, Arya personally saw him off at the door and even gave him a carriage.

She gave Lance a deep look, her eyes filled with some indescribable emotion.

"Take care on the road, Mr. Lance."

"See you tomorrow, Ms. Arya."

The carriage that Arya had given to Lance drove away from the manor, and Lance leaned back in his seat, closing his eyes to rest.

Riverside villas.

Cielsa has already prepared dinner.

Upon seeing Lance return, she immediately greeted him joyfully: "Lord Lance, you're back! How was your day?"

"It's alright." Lance took off his outer robe. "I'll be going out tonight, so I might be back quite late."

Cielsa's expression stiffened slightly: "Are we going to clean up those gangs again?"

"Yes." Lance sat down at the table. "However, this time I'll bring one more person."

"Bring one more person?" Cielsa paused, then realized, "Could it be from that Silvers family... the older one or the younger one?"

"It's Lillian." Lance picked up a piece of stew. "She begged me to take her to see real combat, and Arya agreed."

"She can't be very old, right?" Cielsa frowned. "Isn't this too dangerous...?"

"Lillian is level four," Lance calmly put the stew into his mouth, "and I'd conservatively estimate she could take on four of you."

"That amazing?!" Cielsa exclaimed in surprise, but then understood. "No wonder she's Viscount Silvershine's daughter..."

Her expression turned somewhat strange.

She pursed her lips and whispered, "Then... can I come along?"

Lance glanced at her: "Do you like fighting?"

"Actually, they quite like fighting..."

"Besides, it all depends on who you're with," Cielsa leaned closer and took Lance's arm. "I'm a professional now, I can be of help!"

Lance thought about it and agreed; after becoming a ranger, Cielsa's strength had indeed improved considerably.

"Okay." He finally nodded, "but you still have to follow orders."

"Yes! Master is the best!" Cielsa immediately beamed and kissed Lance on the cheek. "I'll go prepare the equipment!"

Watching the girl's joyful figure disappear into the distance, Lance shook his head and chuckled.

After dinner, Cielsa changed into a set of brown leather armor, tied her long silver-gray hair into a neat ponytail, tucked a scimitar into her waistband, and carried a short bow and quiver on her back.

[Mage Armor!]

Lance cast magical protection on both himself and Sissa.

"Thank you, Lord Lance!" Cielsa felt a surge of security as she felt the invisible protective field around her.

At 7:30, the two left the villa and disappeared into the night.

The old warehouse district in the south of the city is located on the edge of Rild City, near the abandoned industrial area.

There used to be many warehouses and workshops here, but with urban expansion and industrial relocation, they were gradually abandoned and became a gathering place for gangs and vagrants.

At eight o'clock sharp, Lance and Cielsa arrived at the agreed location—the shadow of an abandoned mill.

Lillian was already waiting there.

The girl changed into a dark, fitted outfit, her fiery red hair was tied up and hidden under her hood, and an unassuming longsword hung at her waist.

Upon seeing Lance, she visibly relaxed, but a hint of surprise flashed in her eyes when she saw Cielsa.

"Teacher." Lillian stepped forward and bowed, then looked at Sielsa, "And this is...?"

"My name is Cecilia, Lord Lance's follower and only personal maid." Cecilia walked up with a smile and touched Lillian's fiery red hair.

Lillian nodded and bowed to Sielsa: "Hello, I am Lillian Silvershine."

Cielsa sized up the girl, who was younger than her but far stronger, a complex emotion flashing in her purple eyes.

But she quickly smiled and said, "Hello, little sister. Stay close to us and don't wander off."

The tone was like coaxing a child, and Lillian's face flushed slightly, but she still nodded earnestly: "I will."