The mysterious noblewoman stood calmly before them, just beyond the bars, and began speaking as she slowly approached step by step.

"You," she pointed decisively at Jonan. "Identify yourself! You're not an ordinary commoner, are you? If you're even one at all..." Her voice was assertive and smooth.

Jonan replied confidently and calmly, "My name is Jonan, but I have no family name, Your Ladyship." Cham Cham, who had never seen Jonan speak this way, was completely surprised but stayed quiet, attempting to hide his expression.

The mysterious noblewoman responded calmly, "I suppose I'll seem rude if I don't introduce myself after you've been so polite." She smiled slightly, looking directly into Jonan's eyes. "My name is Nevara Sylthorne, the only daughter of Marquess Volturin," she said with clear pride.

Jonan signaled discreetly to Cham Cham to follow his lead, then bowed slightly to the noblewoman. "It's an honor to speak with a noble of your stature, Lady Sylthorne," Jonan said smoothly, though a faint blush colored his cheeks.

Cham Cham, not understanding Jonan's hint, sarcastically echoed, "Oh, Lady Sylthorne, the honor of being in your presence is mine." His expression was angry and annoyed. Jonan quickly elbowed Cham Cham hard in the stomach, causing him to fall to the floor, and quickly said, "I apologize for my companion's behavior, Lady Sylthorne, he is not fond of nobility."

Lady Sylthorne nodded slightly. "That's unimportant right now. You've just confirmed what I suspected all along," she said with a cunning gaze, a faint smile appearing on her lips. "Guards, take him to the interrogation room."

And so it happened. Jonan was escorted by the guards toward the interrogation room, with Lady Sylthorne following closely behind. Cham Cham stood up, attempting to assist Jonan, but Jonan once again signaled him to stop. Cham Cham sighed in irritation, remaining where he was.

Inside the interrogation room...

"Alright, Jonan," Lady Sylthorne began, "from which noble house do you come?"

"What are you talking about?" Jonan replied calmly, his face unreadable, his voice still confident.

Lady Sylthorne responded aggressively, "Do you take me for a fool? Vermin! There's not a single commoner who speaks the way you do to a noble. You've clearly received a higher education, something only nobles have access to." Her voice remained firm but became slightly calmer, her gaze penetrating deeply into Jonan's eyes.

Jonan didn't answer; instead, he sat silently, his face unreadable, staring directly into Lady Sylthorne's eyes.

"Jonan, it wouldn't be wise for you to play games with me," Lady Sylthorne said threateningly, her voice aggressive. "Just confess, and everything will be fine..."

Still, Jonan remained silent, refusing to respond, his gaze growing even more intense. Lady Sylthorne momentarily flinched under his penetrating stare but quickly composed herself, continuing with a slight, cruel smile, "If that's how you want to behave, I suppose I'll have to be a bit more persuasive."

Suddenly, one of the guards entered the room, dragging Cham Cham beside him. The guard threw Cham Cham to the ground, drew his iron sword, and pressed it against Cham Cham's throat with a smirk.

"I assume you know what I'll say next, but just in case—talk, or he dies," Lady Sylthorne's voice was cold, devoid of compassion.

Jonan finally broke his silence. "I suppose I have no choice... Yes, I come from a noble house, but I am no noble, at least not anymore. Perhaps you know the story of the eldest son of Duke Darius Westrian...?" His expression remained cold as he finished speaking.

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Lady Sylthorne, visibly shocked and pale, stammered slightly, "You're Jonan Westrian?" Her voice cracked, tinged with sadness. Jonan nodded, his gaze still cold. Lady Sylthorne quickly ordered, "Guards, leave the room. I wish to speak with him alone."

One guard protested, "Your Ladyship, it's dangerous to leave you alone with him. Who knows what he could do..." His voice was firm, but when Lady Sylthorne turned her icy, threatening gaze upon him, he immediately relented. He reached for Cham Cham, but Lady Silferon sharply interjected, "He stays as well."

The guards left the interrogation room, leaving Jonan, Cham Cham, and Lady Silferon completely alone.

"Now that it's just the three of us, Master Jonan, would you care to tell me what happened that now u are no loneger one of nobility? I sincerely apologize for how I've treated you until now. I thought you might have been a spy from another noble house... I'm sure you understand," she spoke gently, her gaze warm as she looked deeply into Jonan's eyes.

Cham Cham suddenly interrupted angrily, "Understand? You want us to understand? Have you no shame?! Noble or not, you had no right to imprison us and treat us this way!" His voice was aggressive, eyes blazing with fury.

"Vermin, I wasn't speaking to you!" Lady Sylthorne snapped at Cham Cham, her cold expression returning.

Jonan cleared his throat, speaking calmly, "Ahem, Lady Sylthorne, I'd appreciate it if you could tell me why you were certain I was a noble. As my friend said, you had no reason to treat us this way, even if we were ordinary commoners." His voice hinted irritation; he despised people who judged others based on status.

Lady Sylthorne sighed gently, "I suppose it's alright to tell you, seeing as you're also noble. I could feel it—a certain connection to you right in my chest. It tells me you have powers like mine. And as you must know, only nobles possess special abilities. Not to mention your unique eye color, characteristic of the noble houses from the capital." Her tone softened, curiosity flickering in her eyes.

"So that's what it was," Jonan replied thoughtfully. "I felt something similar when you entered that bar. But I don't have much experience with these powers. As far as I know, even those from noble houses rarely inherit such abilities." Jonan's expression returned to its usual unreadability.

Cham Cham interrupted again, utterly confused, "Wait, hold on. What are you both talking about? Powers? Are you serious? You arrested us because you thought he had special powers? Such a thing doesn't exist—" Before Cham Cham could finish, a purple ball of fire flew past his ear, slightly burning it before hitting the wall.

Cham Cham collapsed to the ground, stuttering in shock, "W-what was that?" He fell silent, stunned.

"Now that I've proven my reasons for arresting you," Lady Sylthorne continued calmly, "I have a request for you, Master Jonan. Will you listen?"

Jonan nodded slightly, his expression unreadable, though internally intrigued. Finally, his lingering questions might be answered.

"I want you to lend me your power and become my personal knight."

"Whaaat?!" Cham Cham exclaimed loudly, shocked. "A personal knight?!"

Jonan considered quietly. Was it wise to strike a deal with someone who'd threatened them moments earlier? But he didn't see much choice—who knew what she'd do if he refused?

"If I agree," Jonan asked confidently, "what's in it for me?"

Without hesitation, Lady Sylthorne replied, "What's in it for you? Apart from the honor of being my personal knight, you'll receive a monthly salary of 10,000 silver coins, free lodging, and meals. I'm even willing to give your friend an employment."

Jonan took a deep breath and said calmly, "Right now, I can't accept your offer. But if you allow me time to finish the job I came here for, I'll return and work under you. You're probably wondering how you can trust me to return... You can hold onto this knife until I come back—it's worth more to me than my life."

Jonan stood, pulling a knife from his boot and offering it to Lady Sylthorne.

The knife looked old and rusty,

Her eyes widened in surprise, wondering how the guards missed it, but she didn't ask.

"I'll trust you," she said coldly, her gaze piercing, "but I suggest you don't betray that trust."

Lady Sylthorne escorted them outside the prison, bowing slightly to Jonan back as she said quietly, "I hope you won't disappoint me, Master Jonan Westrian." Her voice was cunning, a small smile playing on her lips.

While Jonan and Cham Cham made their way through the city,

Meanwhile - Enric was becoming increasingly impatient., "Where are those two? I've been waiting here for hours," Enric muttered to himself. "Cham Cham better not have dragged Jonan into trouble, leaving both of them drunk and passed out somewhere." He chuckled quietly at the amusing thought of Jonan lying on the ground, drooling and intoxicated.