A faint smile graced Nico's face, but his eyes glinted sharply, intimidating without raising his voice. "Thank you for the compliment. If she were my sister, I'd certainly allow you to meet her. Unfortunately, she is my wife. And with the high regard for manners in this city, wouldn't it be inappropriate to flirt with another man's wife?"
Silence followed his words, accompanied by a shift in the men's expressions. Their smiles slowly faded, replaced by awkward laughter.
"Hahaha, very well, sir. Apologies, we didn't know she was your wife. You're a lucky man," one of them said before motioning for his friends to leave.
Nico watched their retreating backs calmly before turning to Sana. "Let's go," he said briefly, signaling her to continue.
Sana followed, but a subtle frown creased her forehead, as if wanting to say something. When she finally summoned the courage to speak, her voice was barely a whisper. "I know I need to play this role, but… I'm afraid it will become real."
Nico paused, gazing at her with an unreadable expression. But instead of responding directly, he simply gave a faint smile. "Just do your part well," he said lightly, as if dismissing the doubt in her voice.
They continued walking, leaving the bustling streets behind and entering the small inn. Once inside, they both immersed themselves in their respective tasks without much further conversation.
Meanwhile, the pawnshop and lending business Malik managed was running according to plan. The modest building had now become a focal point in Soltera, attracting customers from out of town. As Nico had predicted, the place was a strategic step in his plan to dominate the market and strengthen his foothold in the region.
However, Nico knew this was just the beginning. Soltera was a city filled with opportunities—and dangers. To win this high-stakes game, every move had to be calculated with precision, and every risk taken with caution. Under the starlit night sky, he gazed into the distance, his mind brimming with strategies and burning ambition.
The morning light began to seep through the inn's small window, bathing the room in a faint warmth. Nico opened his eyes slowly, blinking a few times before realizing Sana was still sitting by the bedside, her posture upright and alert. Her eyes were puffy, a clear sign she had stayed up all night.
"Sana," Nico called softly as he sat on the edge of the bed. "Why didn't you sleep? We have a lot to do today. Lack of sleep will leave you tired and unfocused."
Sana lowered her gaze briefly before answering in a quiet voice, tinged with nervousness. "I was too anxious, Nico. I've been in situations like this before, but this time feels different, like it's my first time. I'm scared something might happen maybe bad people will try to kidnap you again or harm you."
Hearing this, Nico gave a faint smile, then chuckled softly. "Haha, Sana, you worry too much. The Emperor won't let me be in danger. Do you see the man selling goods in front of this inn?" he asked, pointing out the window.
Sana shifted her seat and glanced outside. A man was busy arranging his merchandise on a cart. He seemed ordinary, but Nico's gesture made her wary. Sana frowned and looked at Nico in confusion.
"He's one of the Emperor's men," Nico explained, leaning back in his chair. "I thought you'd be able to recognize him. So I'm sure your lack of sleep isn't just about security. There's something else, isn't there?"
Sana looked at Nico with puzzlement, but there was curiosity in her expression. "So, the Emperor sent someone to guard us?" she asked.
"Of course," Nico replied with a broad smile. "This is an important mission. So from now on, get enough rest. If you look exhausted, people might think I'm mistreating my wife. Do you want that to happen?"
Sana remained silent, her face flushing with embarrassment. She lowered her head and muttered an apology. "I won't act childish anymore. I should realize this is the Emperor's mission. I don't want to be a hindrance."
Nico stood and gently placed his hand on Sana's shoulder. "I understand. But from now on, I need you to fully play the role of my wife. Your appearance should reflect that too. If you keep looking like this, people might think you're my secretary, not my wife."
Sana looked at him with widened eyes, trying to process his words. Nico continued, this time with a more serious smile. "Bernault, the king we're going to meet, has a penchant for luxury. According to the information I've gathered, he loves pampering women with gifts—and also playing around with them. So, dress beautifully. We need to leave an impression that I indulge you as my wife. That will enhance my credibility in his eyes."
Sana nodded slowly, though her eyes showed hesitation. "Alright, I'll prepare," she finally said.
"Good," Nico replied with a small smile. "Come on, it's time to meet the building owner. And Sana," he added before turning away, "make an unforgettable impression."
Sana nodded again, this time with more confidence. She headed toward the bathroom, while Nico stood by the window, watching the city streets come alive with activity, his mind busy planning the next steps.
The morning air outside the inn felt fresh, but it couldn't hide the ominous undertone enveloping the city of Kashgar . Dusty streets, dilapidated buildings, and the shadowy figures of the city's inhabitants moved like ghosts through the narrow alleys. Nico and Sana stepped out of the inn, their footsteps accompanied by the faint hum of morning activity.
"Sana," Nico said, turning to her, his voice calm but full of warning, "I want you to stay close to me. This place is full of bandits and criminals. They won't bother us if you look like my wife Madam Tang. But if you stray too far, it could be a different story."
Sana nodded, noting the firmness in Nico's tone. She walked closer, feeling the sense of protection emanating from his presence. They continued their journey, and soon, they stopped in front of a large but crumbling building.