While Adrien was inside his self-dimensional space, far away from Thorne Palace, there stretched a dense and mysterious forest where ordinary people didn't even dare to venture. This forest was called the Green Mountain Forest.
Deep within that forest, a slim young man about nineteen or twenty years old was moving forward cautiously, crouching and slipping between the bushes. His clothes were covered with dust and leaves, and though his face was weary, his eyes still reflected unwavering determination. He had been wandering in the forest for nearly three hours.
Again and again, he cast vigilant glances around—every rustle of a leaf, every faint sound caught his attention. Dangerous beasts lurked here at every step, but he was more worried about something else than fear.
"I must find some herb soon," he whispered to himself in a hushed tone, as if even his voice might attract the attention of some predator.
"Han Fi's condition is getting worse day by day... If I'm any later, it may be too late... I must find a way to get money... for her treatment..."
His voice quivered, but he didn't stop walking.
He knew that if he didn't find anything today, tomorrow would be even harder for Han Fi. Pushing through the thorny undergrowth, scratched and cut, he pressed on, his gaze fixed on the ground and the shadows between the trees.
Then...
His eyes caught sight of a rare, blue-tinged luminous grass—something distinctly different from ordinary plants. Its leaves were trembling lightly in the air, pulsing with energy.
"Spirit Leaf Grass!"
A spark of hope lit up in the young man's eyes. He quickly looked around to ensure no danger was near, then slowly bent down and began carefully uprooting the herb.
This herb was not only rare but also fetched a good price in the markets. With it, he could arrange Han Fi's treatment, and perhaps buy her medicines for a few more days as well.
Relief flickered across his face, but he didn't linger. He placed the grass carefully into a small cloth pouch and immediately started retracing his path back—because he knew staying longer in the forest was fraught with peril.
Much later, Adrien left his self-dimensional space. With a calm and solemn expression, he walked toward the palace. It was around noon, and he remembered that in the evening he was to depart on an important mission with his father, Victor.
As he entered the main hall of the palace, his eyes fell upon his two mothers—Selena and Evelen—who were engaged in conversation.
Adrien smiled and bowed to them respectfully.
"Mother, where is Father?" he asked.
Evelen smiled gently and replied, "Son, your father is busy preparing for that plan he mentioned this morning. Perhaps he will return only in the evening."
Adrien nodded. "I see... In that case, I'd like to go out for a while. Mother, would you give me some money?"
Without questioning, Selena handed him a small pouch filled with gold coins, then asked with a faint smile, "So, Adrien, where exactly are you going?"
"I just want to listen to what people are saying in the city. It's important to know what ordinary folks think and what they're going through," Adrien answered seriously.
Evelen teased him lightly, "Since when did you start enjoying gossip, Adrien?"
Adrien chuckled, "No, Mother, I don't mean the gossip of grandmothers. I mean the affairs of the state, people's difficulties, local concerns. These things help broaden my understanding."
Selena looked interested. "If you don't mind, we'd like to come along. After all, your father isn't home, and there's no point sitting idle."
Evelen immediately brightened, "Yes, I'll come too! I don't remember the last time I went out without official protocol."
Adrien nodded with a smile. "Alright, come with me."
As they left the palace, Selena and Evelen suggested summoning the carriage, but Adrien shook his head.
"The carriage will draw unnecessary attention, and we don't want that. Better to walk—like ordinary people."
The two women agreed. They lightly veiled their heads to avoid being instantly recognized, but their aura and grace were so remarkable that people's eyes were inevitably drawn to them. Every movement of their bodies radiated beauty and dignity, and the subtle pressure around them kept strangers from approaching.
Together, with soft smiles and light conversation, the three made their way toward the main market.
After some time, Adrien's gaze fell upon a small café where he'd first visited. Pausing, he said, "Mother, let's sit here."
Selena and Evelen looked at the café—it was very modest. Perhaps since leaving their sect, they had never set foot in such ordinary places. But neither raised any objection and followed Adrien inside.
There was a vacant table in a corner. Adrien chose that spot so he could clearly see the surroundings and easily overhear the conversations.
The three ordered simple food and drinks and then calmly activated their senses.
Meanwhile, Miya, who had just become Selena's disciple the previous day, was at her home. Pride and contentment shone on her parents' faces. With the money Lady Selena had given her, Miya had purchased all the essentials—rice, oil, some firewood, and medicines—so her family would lack nothing while she lived at the palace.
The news that Miya was now Lady Selena's disciple had spread through the neighborhood like wildfire. People came to offer their congratulations, and some even sent gifts.
Miya's mother looked at her with concern.
"Child, now that you are Lady Selena's disciple, you must be careful in every step. A single mistake could cause trouble for your mistress."
Miya smiled softly.
"Mother, you worry too much. The Master's family is so kind-hearted. I've worked there for two years, I've seen it myself... The Young Master used to be short-tempered and sharp, but ever since he lost his memory, he has changed completely. He calls the maids his sisters now, he has become so gentle and understanding."
But her mother's eyes still reflected unease.
"Child, the state is in turmoil. Danger is everywhere. Now that you're part of that world, you won't be able to avoid it. Just... take care of yourself."
Miya took her mother's hand.
"Mother, the Master will only be training me. I'll stay in the palace most of the time, and whenever I get the chance, I will come home. You just take care of yourself and Father."
After a moment of silence, Miya suddenly asked,
"Mother, have you seen Brother Chen? I went to their house this morning, but only Han Fi was there. Chen was nowhere to be seen."
Her mother sighed deeply.
"Child, Chen is a very hardworking boy. All he thinks about is his sister Han Fi. Her health has worsened further. That's why Chen keeps going into the forests to find herbs to sell, so he can gather some money for her treatment."
Tears welled up in Miya's eyes. After a pause, she said quietly,
"Master has given me many gold coins. Today, I will meet Brother Chen and take Han Fi to a proper healer."
She had not even finished speaking when there was a knock at the door. Startled, she rose and hurried over. When she opened it, joy flooded her face—it was Chen standing there, the same young man who had found the Spirit Leaf Grass that day.
Miya embraced him excitedly.
"Brother Chen! You're back!"
Chen looked a little surprised, then smiled.
"Miya, you're here? Do you have the day off from the palace today?"
Miya nodded.
"Yes, there are some things I'll tell you later. But first, tell me—why did you go back into the forest again? You know how dangerous that place is for people with only ordinary cultivation!"
Chen smiled calmly.
"Sister Miya, I had to go. Han Fi's condition is getting worse. I had to do something. And this time, my efforts paid off—I found an extremely rare herb."
He pulled a shimmering green grass from his pouch—Spirit Leaf Grass.
Miya's eyes shone.
"Brother Chen! This is Spirit Leaf Grass! It will sell for a lot. With this, Han Fi can finally have proper treatment!"
Chen exhaled in relief.
"Yes. Now we just need to sell it and gather the money. Since you're here, come with me to the market."
Miya nodded with a smile. She informed her mother, said goodbye for a while, and left with Chen.
In a quiet corner of the café, Adrien sat with his two mothers—Evelen and Selena. They had ordered plain food, but their true purpose was simply to listen to the conversations around them.
Adrien had extended his consciousness outward. Both his mothers, sitting beside him, were also attentively listening with their spiritual perception.
All around, there was only one topic—security of the state... and Adrien's family.
Evelen smiled faintly.
"Adrien, your idea was truly remarkable. Coming here has taught us so much."
But behind that smile was a pain only a mother could understand. Most people were criticizing Adrien's family—someone said, "They can't control the bandits." Another remarked, "Just a royal family in name." Someone even said, "They are not what they used to be anymore."
Adrien took a deep breath and spoke in a calm voice,
"Most people only believe the truth that they see before their eyes. And their thoughts remain confined to the limited experiences they themselves have suffered."
People's vision is so narrow. They neither see the efforts behind the scenes nor understand the entire reality.
They are bound by the society, pain, or circumstances they've endured. They cannot imagine what someone else's position might be.
In their words, only their hardships are speaking—their pain. They don't know... how many nights Father stayed awake devising plans to deal with the bandits, and how many times those efforts failed."
Selena, who had remained silent until then, spoke softly,
"You are right, Adrien. True efforts are not always visible to everyone. But we know. And that is enough."
Outside the café, the sun was beginning to set. Golden light streamed through the window.
Selena stood up.
"Come, let's return. We have been here long enough."
Adrien nodded, and the three quietly finished their meal. He paid the bill without a word, lowered his hood, and without drawing any attention, the three of them slipped out of the café.