Ningtin has suggested an inn where they would eat, but the others were cautious and chose an inn themselves.
When Lady Pherna picked the inn, Ningtin told them it was not a good idea because of what happened last year.
However, Arnin and the rest found his reaction to be suspicious and proceeded; then Ningtin had to tag along.
Inside the inn, Lady Pherna and her bodyguard occupied a table beside a window, overlooking the bustling thoroughfare. Meanwhile, Ningtin, Arnin, and Prince Khane convened at a central table, surrounded by fellow diners.
The trio enjoyed their feast, savoring succulent pork and refreshing water.
"Junior brother," Ningtin began, his voice laced with gravity, "you won't believe what transpired after your departure.
The Laon family is unhinged! Meiyer Laon commissioned us to abduct her on her wedding day, and we succeeded. You returned to Bacain, but I was kidnapped and awoke within the Laon family manor.
Meiyer had already deceived her family, implicating us in her supposed abduction."
Ningtin paused, taking another sip from a newly provided cup.
"I remain perplexed by her actions. A 24-year-old woman, a formidable phase 7 cultivator... yet she orchestrated my forcible marriage.Now I'm married to her .
My hands bound, I was wedded against my will. My parents in Alsán remain ignorant of my marital status, and I'm trapped in Essed, beholden to the Laons."
A profound sigh escaped Ningtin's lips.
Prince Khane's countenance turned introspective, his mind straining to recall, but memory eluded him. He remained silent, lost in contemplation.
Ningtin's palm struck the table, his eyes flashing with intensity. "I forgot to mention Meiyer has advanced to phase 8.
You defeated her last year before her wedding, but now she's more formidable than ever. Her dedication to training is unsettling, almost...unnatural.
She trains like a man!"
He shook his head, concern etched on his face. "Brother, you may not emerge victorious this time."
Arnin's interest piqued; he leaned in. "Meiyer Laon, I've heard of her. A Lotus Sect prodigy, one of the finest young talents alongside Nameless."
Prince Khane's gaze locked onto Ningtin's. "Ningtin, I must confess, I'm not nameless. I'm just a lookalike, ignorant of martial arts."
Ningtin's smirk twisted into skepticism. "You're still lying," he said, grasping Prince Khane's wrist to feel his essence.
Suddenly, Ningtin's eyes widened, and he released Prince Khane's wrist. "You have no essence."
Prince Khane's expression remained steadfast. "I told you, I'm not him. Thank you for the food, but I must admit, I pretended to be him so you would buy our meal. Arnin and I are merely poor travelers."
Ningtin's face inches from Prince Khane's; his voice dropped to a whisper. "How can this be? You're an uncanny duplicate. I've studied Nameless's features, and you replicate every detail.
Doppelgangers are real, but you."
Prince Khane's eyes locked onto Ningtin's, unwavering. "I am Khailian, not nameless. I don't know you, nor what transpired last year, or Meiyer Laon's identity. This is my first time in Essed."
Ningtin's gaze probed Prince Khane's face, searching for deception.
Arnin tapped Prince Khane's shoulder, and he turned. Arnin bent his head, and Prince Khane followed suit.
"I've been observing the people in the inn for a while, but I didn't really notice them at first," Arnin whispered. "They kept glancing at us, but it looks like they're glancing at you. I thought they were just glancing, but it's something more than that."
Prince Khane's eyes met Arnin's, curiosity sparking.
"Their hands are at their weapons," Arnin continued. "I think we should leave now."
They raised their heads, resuming their previous posture.
Prince Khane placed his hands on his cup of water and raised it to his mouth, his eyes scanning the room without turning his head. The patrons' furtive glances confirmed Arnin's suspicions.
Outside, the inn owner, a 40-year-old man with a black and gray beard, approached the establishment with two bodyguards. His rich clothing stood out against the humble inn.
As he stood before the entrance, he placed his hand behind his back. "Looks as good as new. Nameless destroyed this building during a fight last year."
He turned to one of his bodyguards. "I forgot to keep a 'Stay Aware' poster of Nameless. I have to do it early, before that scoundrel of a lad comes to Essed."
Back at the inn, Prince Khane discreetly signaled Lady Pherna and her bodyguard with a glance, and they rose from their seats. Prince Khane and Arnin followed suit.
"We're grateful for the meal, but we have somewhere to be. No need to see us out," Prince Khane said to Ningtin, leading the group towards the door.
Suddenly, five men from different corners of the inn converged, blocking the exit. The door creaked shut, trapping them.
Arnin's grin flashed as he drew his sword from its sheath. "Good sirs, my friends and I wish to leave. Why bar our way?"
A man seated in the corner, his face shrouded in shadows, spoke up. "Nameless has countless enemies. We hail from various lands, united by our grievances against him.
He thinks himself invincible, achieving phase 8 at a tender age. Let's see if you can vanquish everyone here."
Arnin shielded Prince Khane, his expression wary. "You're mistaken, good sir. My brother's name is Khailian, not Nameless."
He forced a smile as he drew Prince Khane closer to him. "Can't you see we resemble each other?"
Ningtin stood up from his seat, his eyes narrowing. "Even if he's not Nameless, with over 24 men arrayed against a lad, isn't this bullying?"
His gaze swept the room, challenging the would-be attackers.
"I'll like to eat here!" a voice outside yelled, sending a spark of recognition through Arnin, Prince Khane, and Lady Pherna.
"I think we should move out of the way," Arnin whispered, "let that person deal with these men."
Him, Prince Khane, Ningtin, Lady Pherna, and her bodyguard sidestepped, clearing a path.
The person outside knocked on the door, prompting one of the men guarding the door to snarl, "Hey, you! Deal with that person outside. Teach him a lesson."
The man opened the door, but before he could take a step, a deafening bang echoed outside. The man flew back into the inn, crashing into tables and chairs.
"Who is that?" the second man yelled, alarm etched on his face.
Prince Khane's voice barely rose above a whisper, "Eyrin."