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In the commercial district, the streets teemed with pedestrians and buzzed with the constant hum of traffic—a vibrant urban tapestry.

“Get lost!” Kastina bellowed as she approached Layna’s Item Shop with her entourage. Instantly, pedestrians near the shop scattered in a swift, decisive retreat.

None wished to fall prey to the wrath of the Empire’s most feared, especially without cause.

“Smash the store,” Kastina commanded, her gaze fixed grimly on Layna’s Item Shop, indifferent to the bystanders she deemed insignificant.

Onlookers were stunned. Wasn’t she reputed to be close allies with the infamous Black-hearted Princess? Why, then, would she seek to destroy her store? To the common folk, Layna’s shop was synonymous with the Black-hearted Princess, frequented as it was by her.

Layna was considered nothing more than a minion. Had they truly been allies, surely she would have attempted a prison break, yet she had not. This assumption was shared by players and NPCs alike. The arrival of another supposed ally to wreak havoc on the store hinted at a brewing scandal.

The players, particularly, reveled in the unfolding chaos—some issuing threats on forums, others live-streaming the destruction, all tinged with a sense of gleeful malice.

A collective thought seemed to echo through the crowd: “That’s what you deserve, Black-hearted Princess!”

With a thunderous command, her cadre of Magicians unleashed a barrage of destructive spells at Layna’s Item Shop. In less than a minute, the modest two-and-a-half-story shop lay in ruins, dust clouds billowing into the air.

“Let’s go,” Kastina declared, clapping her hands crisply before turning to leave, her eyes never once flickering towards the devastation behind her. Her followers promptly echoed her departure, trailing behind without a word.

The onlookers exchanged bewildered glances, clearly confused by the unfolding events. Was it possible that the Seventh Princess had truly severed ties with the Black-hearted Princess?

A murmur of conspiracy spread among the players. “Something’s off here. These two are always thick as thieves; what’s sparked this sudden rift?”

“Agreed, something doesn’t add up.”
“Exactly, it feels like another one of their schemes.”
“I remember the last time they pretended to be enemies during that duel with Yasa. It ended up being a scam that cost us a lot!” someone recalled.
“They’ve pulled stunts like this before.”

“Exactly, they could be setting us up for another scam.”
“Damn, not another scheme!”
“Perhaps she’s concocted a new method to deceive us.”
“That’s just too much!”
“Exactly. What have we players ever done to her?”
We’re just fellow players here!”

“She’s truly malevolent!”
“Curse that Black-hearted Princess!”
The players erupted into a brief flurry of complaints.

“Hold on!” someone suddenly interjected.

The crowd paused and turned their attention to him—a Level 20 Warrior.

“Do you really believe the Black-hearted Princess and the Seventh Princess are pulling the same stunt to scam us again?” he questioned.

“Ridiculous, isn’t that obvious? Why even question it?” snapped someone impatiently. He had expected a significant insight, but was met with utter nonsense instead.

“Hey, are you just a simp? Abandoning your principles because she’s attractive?”
“I had a feeling he was off. Turns out he’s just a simp.”
“That explains it.”

The consensus was unanimous.

“I’m not a simp!” the Warrior retorted, exasperated. “There’s more to this than meets the eye!”

“Well, what’s your take then?” inquired someone curiously.

“Absolutely,” the Warrior replied, scanning the crowd. “Everyone, just calm down and hear me out.”

As soon as he spoke, the crowd fell silent. The spectators were curious whether he had a meaningful insight or was merely seeking attention. Worthwhile insights would garner applause; mere attention-seeking might meet with scorn.

Clearing his throat theatrically, the Warrior declared, “In my view, I truly believe the Black-hearted Princess and the Seventh Princess have become actual enemies.”

The audience remained silent, eagerly awaiting his explanation.

“There are two reasons. First, this store serves as her headquarters. Consider this—if it’s all a facade, why would she destroy her own base?”

Upon hearing this, several players nodded in sudden understanding. Indeed, without a significant feud, why would anyone target her headquarters? Owning property in this game was challenging due to numerous stringent requirements.

Even the affluent Taurus struggled to purchase property, resorting to renting a table at the Adventurer’s Guild for his operations—imagine the plight of others.

“If I owned a shop in this game, I’d be making passive income. There’s no way I’d destroy it,” remarked a player, expressing sympathy.
“Exactly. No one in their right mind would kill the goose that lays golden eggs.”
“True. The cost of such an action is too steep. I can’t see the Black-hearted Princess willing to pay such a price.”
“Indeed, everyone here is well aware of her love for money.”

Encouraged by the agreement he was receiving, the Warrior allowed a pleased smile to spread across his face. He continued, “The second reason is something I doubt anyone will believe.”

“Stop beating around the bush, out with it!”
“Exactly!”
“Alright, I’ll explain. The Seventh Princess targeted the Item Shop because of Layna.”

This revelation left everyone shocked. It seemed to be a straightforward feud between the Black-hearted Princess and the Seventh Princess. How did Layna get involved?

The Warrior got straight to the point, “I believe this whole issue revolves around a romantic affair.” His declaration struck like lightning, leaving the crowd stunned and speechless.

‘What is this nonsense?’

“Don’t be shocked. I assure you, I’m not making this up. Layna, the former owner of this shop, was implicated by the Black-hearted Princess and ended up in prison. You’re all aware of this, right?”

Everyone nodded.

“Exactly. Kastina, in a fit of rage over Layna, destroyed this shop. It’s widely believed that the Black-hearted Princess is a coward, which is why she didn’t rescue Layna from the high-security prison. Rumors are that Layna was tortured to death! Combining these actions with those of the Seventh Princess, her motives become clear! Think about it—if the Seventh Princess and Layna didn’t share a special bond, why would she react so intensely to Black-hearted Princess’s refusal to save Layna?”

The crowd found his argument somewhat compelling, though something about his logic didn’t quite add up.

Continuing, the Warrior said, “This is merely another ridiculous romantic drama. And speaking of dramas, are any of you interested in an insurance plan? I’m the sales manager at Cathay Peace, and I can offer you a five percent discount.”

Upon hearing this, everyone fought the urge to throttle him! His entire spiel had been a setup to promote his insurance business. City folks sure knew how to seize an opportunity!

Meanwhile, in a secluded bathroom within the Sage Tower, Yaeger slowly opened her eyes; all traces of fatigue had vanished, replaced by a refreshed vigor as if rejuvenated by some unseen force.

She could distinctly sense a slight increase in her strength once more. Regrettably, she was still far from achieving the third stage of the [Green Emperor’s Longevity Manual].

“If it were the size of a basketball, I’d easily break through to the third stage,” she mused, gazing at her empty palm with a hint of disappointment.