As Feng Yun left the shop, he strode through the bustling streets with an air of quiet confidence. His black robe, a stark contrast against the bright hues of the marketplace, fluttered slightly with each step. The moment he stepped onto the main road, he felt the weight of countless eyes upon him.
Women whispered behind their hands, their eyes flickering with admiration. Some noble ladies exchanged excited glances, while merchants' daughters peeked from behind stalls, giggling. Older women tending vegetable stands smiled warmly, offering greetings he did not return.
Feng Yun paid them no mind. He had no interest in their admiration, nor did he acknowledge the attention. To him, these people were little more than background noise—insignificant and temporary. He kept walking, his focus unwavering. However, his cold indifference only seemed to fan the flames of their fascination.
"He's so handsome!"
"Look at those eyes! So intense!"
"He must be a prince from another kingdom!"
Feng Yun smirked inwardly. The same city that had scoffed at him hours ago now fawned over him. "Foolish. People only see what they want to see."
Then, from the crowd, two noblewomen stepped forward—women he recognized. The very same ones who had scorned him earlier, treating him as nothing more than dirt beneath their feet. Yet now, their expressions were different—eyes gleaming with intrigue rather than disdain.
One of them whispered, "Who is that gentleman? Have you ever seen him before?"
Her companion shook her head, biting her lip. "No, never. But look at him! His demeanor… it's regal. Perhaps he's a foreign prince, traveling in secret."
Feng Yun continued walking, unmoved by their speculation. One of them boldly stepped forward, her elegant gown swishing as she blocked his path.
"Pardon, sir," she said sweetly, extending a delicate hand. "Might we know your name and from whence you come?"
A test. She expected him to kiss her hand, to bow slightly as etiquette demanded.
Feng Yun didn't even glance at her. Without a word, he sidestepped her as if she were nothing more than an obstacle in the street.
The noblewomen gasped softly, exchanging delighted looks.
"Aww, how adorable!" one cooed. "He must be shy! That's why he ignored us."
Her companion laughed. "How charming! A man of mystery!"
He heard every word, yet they meant nothing to him. These women would change their tune the moment they learned something unfavorable about him. Admiration and disdain were two sides of the same worthless coin.
As he moved past them, their hushed conversation continued.
"Wait, weren't we supposed to report that beggar from earlier?"
"Oh! Yes! I must scold the guards for their incompetence! How could they let someone like him into the city?"
Feng Yun's lips curved slightly. His voice, barely above a murmur, carried on the wind.
"The world doesn't care who you are—only who you pretend to be."
-
-
-
A few seconds later, when he reached the guild, he pushed open the door with more force than intended. The heavy wooden gate creaked loudly, the sound echoing through the large hall.
Heads turned. A few chuckled. Others merely glanced at him before resuming their conversations.
Feng Yun ignored them, stepping inside with measured grace. His gaze flickered around the room, absorbing details in seconds. The guild was lively—mercenaries, adventurers, and merchants scattered across the hall.
Some murmured as he passed.
"Who is that guy?"
"Never seen him before. And what's with those clothes?"
"You call him a man? Ha! Didn't the Mercenary King say a man without scars is just a boy?"
Feng Yun, unbothered, made his way to the front desk where a young receptionist sat. She was staring at him, wide-eyed, cheeks flushed with a deep crimson.
"Uh…" she stammered, barely able to form words. "W-welcome to the Alexa Kingdom's guild…"
She couldn't even meet his gaze. Feng Yun simply stared, offering nothing in return.
Another receptionist, older and more composed, stepped in. Her name tag read Sophie. She smiled warmly, placing a gentle hand on the younger girl's shoulder.
"Let me handle this. You can take your break."
The girl quickly nodded and scurried away. Sophie turned to Feng Yun, her gaze appraising. "Please forgive my colleague," she said smoothly. "She's new here and hasn't seen many… distinguished guests like yourself."
Feng Yun remained silent.
Sophie chuckled, but there was a flicker of unease behind her practiced smile. "It's rare to see someone with such presence. Are you here to register as an adventurer, or do you have other business with the guild?"