Upon noticing his master’s scrutinizing gaze, Nasir hastened over and whispered, “Master, pardon my bluntness, but I fear that woman is unhinged. Even in our brief encounters, she’s already testing the limits of my patience. While I cannot condone the actions of that scoundrel, I find myself beginning to understand what led him to such cruelty. In the short time I’ve spent in her company, I’ve felt an overwhelming urge to pull at my own hair in frustration.”

‘Hmm… I think I’m right. There’s something odd about her.’

As the attendant spoke, Dhi’b’s focus remained on the old woman. Taking a moment to study her, he couldn’t shake off a lingering sense of unease. Though his instincts were sharp, they failed to pierce the veil of mystery surrounding her.

‘No matter how I look at her, she appears to be just an ordinary old woman. Yet, my instinct tells me that she’s more than that. I’m certain she’s dangerous—shrouded in a thread of mystery that I can’t unravel. Also, I can’t detect any aura from her. Could she hide that from me? I’m already a high-level cultivator in the desert, and my senses are quite good. Perhaps she’s one of those in the hidden arts?

No, I’m familiar with most of them—or at least, all that matters—all possessing the ability to conceal their identity. I’m confident I can tell if it’s one of them. Even their hidden rulers would find it hard to hide this close to me.

Hmm… This is rather troubling.

Maybe I'm becoming paranoid? Am I getting old…

No. No, my instinct has saved me all these years. I’m certain there’s something about her…

This only means…’

Dhi’b’s eyes widened, realizing the most likely possibility, like the final piece of a puzzle that suddenly fit: something implausible yet possible—a complete paradox. Though not completely certain, he was confident enough to conclude that she was dangerous.

“Why ya keep starin’ at me, boy?” the old woman asked, grinning at him, revealing what remained of her teeth. “Ya think I’m pretty, huh? Maybe I ain’t as young as I used to be, but I still got a bit o’ spice left in me.”

‘Now I understand why Nasir was annoyed at her.

However, if you look beyond her words and instead focus on her actions and eyes, you can see that confidence in her—that arrogance. I have no doubt she could beat me in terms of cockiness.

And those eyes… Ah, those eyes that seem to pierce through my soul as if they can see my thoughts and unravel my deepest secrets, leaving me with nothing to hide.

A paradox indeed.’

“Hey, mind your manners,” Nasir responded with irritation in his voice. “My master just saved your life. You should show him some respect.”

Instead of stopping his attendant, Dhi’b remained silent, observing their interaction.

“What? Ain’t offering myself enough to show how thankful I am?” the old woman asked, her toothed grin widening. “Y’know I ain’t got no money. All I got’s this old body to offer.”

“You…”

‘Her acting is quite good. I can’t find a flaw in her facade.

Hmm… I better put a stop to this.’

“Stop,” Dhi’b interjected, signaling his attendant to keep quiet while his gaze never wandered away from the old woman.

“But master…”

“Sorry for the disrespect, wise one,” Dhi’b continued, slowly walking in front of her before bowing respectfully.

Nasir immediately fell silent, his eyes widening as he heard the respectful tone his master used to address her. He quickly cleared his throat, turned his back, and pretended to look somewhere, ignoring them.

Dhi’b glanced at his attendant, shaking his head and chuckling at his reaction.

‘This cheeky b*stard.’

Seeing the attendant’s reaction, the old woman frowned, showing her annoyance at Dhi’b, before touching her injuries again. “Tsk. You ain’t no fun.”

“Need a hand with that?” Dhi’b asked, sitting beside her.

Staring at him for a second, she retorted, “Of course, you rascal! Can’t you see I’m hurtin’? And you still gotta ask?”

‘Now I’m even more curious. What kind of entity has such a foul mouth?’

Ignoring her harsh words, Dhi’b just smirked, placing his hand above her injury.

‘This is interesting. Even up close, I can’t detect anything unusual. Even my aura just passes through her without any problem. There’s no interference whatsoever that would identify her as a cultivator. Her body is as normal as any ordinary woman—too normal.

Hmm… too healthy.

And that’s the problem; she's too healthy. Well, except for her eyes. There seems to be some white film forming over them, like what happens to most old people.

Oddly, she can see just fine. Apart from that, she seems remarkably healthy.

Interesting. At her age, she should’ve had numerous health problems, yet her body appears as normal as those in the prime of their lives.

If I hadn’t been observant enough, I’m sure I might’ve missed this.’

“You keep starin’ at me, boy,” the old woman teased, smiling knowingly at him. “Did ya like what ya saw?”

Dhi’b just smiled back at her without responding to her advances.

“Hmm… a healer, but not quite,” the old woman muttered, observing her injury getting healed. “Boy, you’re a peculiar one, ain’t ya?”

“Not as much as you, wise one,” Dhi’b replied after healing her. He then offered her the food he had just bought. “Here.”

“What’s this? Ah! kebab and naan,” she exclaimed, taking the food immediately. “Ya such a good boy. Ya bought somethin’ good for old me.”

As the old woman quickly ate her food, Dhi’b just sat back and observed her in silence. After a while, he turned to gaze at the setting sun.

‘Why are endings so captivating? There’s a beauty in them that can’t be compared—defies reason.

Why am I brooding again?’

“Hey, boy,” the old woman called the attendant, who was ignoring her. “I know ya can hear me. If ya don’t come this instant, I’ll drag ya here myself.”

Nasir paled and rushed to her side, sweat dripping from his forehead. “Do you need anything, wise one?”

Their banter caught Dhi’b’s attention, and he simply chucked as he quietly watched them.

“Ah, ya such a fine little lad,” she exclaimed, pinching his cheeks with her greasy hand. “Here, take this,” she offered, handing him naan and kebab.

Stunned, Nasir glanced at his master, who in turn looked at the old woman. “What are you starin’ at? I won’t give ya any since ya been naughty.”

‘I’m the one who gave you food, but my attendant got to eat it, tsk.

The look on Nasir’s face is priceless, I have something new to tease him about later.’

Dhi’b simply smiled, shrugging as he completely ignored his attendant. Nasir could only accept the offered food before slowly stepping back.

“Ya raised such a fine lad. He’s lucky he didn’t learn nothin’ from ya,” the old woman remarked, returning to eat her food.

‘Yep, looks like I’m gonna get hungry this time. Good thing I’m headed to the welcome banquet of the Satrap. There’ll be plenty of food there.’

Dhi’b sighed and turned his attention back to the setting sun, as he always did.

“Ah, that was good,” she muttered, burping after finishing her food. Glancing at Dhi’b, who seemed lost in thought while gazing at the setting sun, she let out a sigh and joined him. “The past is indeed a shackle from which you can never escape.”

‘Does she know something?

Of course she does.’

Her words pierced his heart deeply, waking him up from a dream. Dhi’b turned to look at her, his gaze revealing a mix of surprise and anguish.

“Why bother dwelling on your past when you can never change anything?” the old woman asked, her eyes reflecting the pain in his heart. “You’ll only exhaust yourself and end up with a miserable life.”

“I know,” Dhi’b responded, feeling the pain in his wounded heart reopen once again. “But I can’t seem to stop,” he stated, tears welling up in his eyes as his heart broke anew after such a long time.

‘Why does it hurt so much?! After all these years, the pain hasn’t lessened at all.’

The old woman exhaled deeply when she saw the tears streaming down his cheeks. “Poor child. Fate has truly been cruel to you. But blaming her for your misfortune is a waste of time. She’s neither right nor fair—she’s blind. She can’t see whose thread she’s weaving. And blaming yourself is the cruelest of all. It’s not your fault.”

“I-I know… I know, but how can I let go when the pain won’t fade? The ache hasn't ebbed even once. It’s still as fresh as it has ever been,” Dhi’b replied, covering his eyes with his hands. He stayed like that for some time, trying to compose himself.

You could be reading stolen content. Head to Royal Road for the genuine story.

“Would you go back in time if you could?” the old woman inquired, staring him straight in the eyes.

‘Don’t tell me…’

“Is it truly possible to go back in time?” Dhi’b asked, his voice suddenly filled with hope. “Can you…”

“Stupid child, no one can go back in time in this life,” she said quickly, cutting him off. “And I’m just an old hag. If I could do that, I’d have done it already. It ain’t just ya who’s got regrets.”

‘Seriously? Going back in time? What was I even thinking, asking such a stupid question?

And here she goes, back to her usual way of talking again. What a day. I’m exhausted, and I still have a banquet to attend.

Can I just not go?

No, that won’t do. It’d be a slap in the face to our host.’

Dhi’b sighed, forcing himself to muster a smile. “You’re right.”

“‘Cause ya been kind,” she mumbled, giving him a necklace made from a simple string with an ordinary black stone instead of a gem.

‘A cheap necklace. Does this have some kind of power or something?’

“What’s this?” he asked, looking at her with confusion.

“Are ya blind? It’s a necklace, boy,” the old woman retorted, snorting at him. “It’s a thing ya wear ‘round ya neck.”

‘I know that.’

“No, what I mean is… Is there anything special about it?” Dhi’b asked, hope creeping back into his voice.

“Yes, it’s special ‘cause a beauty like me gave it to ya,” she said, winking suggestively at him. Getting up, she grabbed a wooden stick from the side to help her hobble away.

“Do you need help getting somewhere, wise one?” Dhi’b asked, staring at her departing back.

“I ain’t that old, brat!” the old woman exclaimed without bothering to turn around. “I can still walk ‘round wherever I want.”

‘Indeed, you can.’

“May we meet again, wise one.”

“Dream on, boy! Journey ain’t nothin’ but straight lines. Our paths crossed once. May we never meet again.”

“Goodbye,” Dhi’b whispered, watching the disappearing figure of an unusual encounter.

‘It seems like this is really goodbye. It’s strange—I’ve only met her once, but it feels like I’ve known her forever. Saying goodbye felt like parting with an old friend.’

“Who was that, master?” Nasir inquired, standing beside him.

‘Who was she? I forgot to ask.

Well, it doesn’t really matter, since I doubt she’ll answer.’

“Hmm…” he mused for a moment, glancing at his attendant. “I don’t know.”

“Then why are you so polite to her?” Nasir asked, looking at him, puzzled.

‘Why? Because she’s f*cking dangerous.

Well, I can’t be entirely sure, but it’s better to be cautious around people like her. That’s why I’m still alive today.’

“Because she’s an old lady,” Dhi’b quipped, raising a brow at his servant. “Didn't they teach you to respect your elders?”

“That’s it?” Nasir asked, astonished by his response.

“Why else?” he retorted, suppressing a smirk.

“What did she give you?” the attendant inquired, staring at his hand.

“A necklace,” Dhi’b replied, opening his palm and showing it to him.

The attendant inspected it for a moment before glancing back at his master. “That’s an ugly necklace.”

Dhi’b stared at the necklace again, he saw an ordinary string and a black stone instead of a gem.

‘He’s right. It truly is an ugly necklace. Was I just scammed?

Well, it’s free. Maybe, she was just messing with me. I really don’t know. She’s very hard to read.’

“Hmm, you’re right. It’s ugly,” he finally conceded, nodding in agreement.

“What can it do?”

‘What can it do? Hmm…’

“You can wear it around your neck,” he responded, his voice serious.

Nasir’s mouth just fell open as he continued to stare at his master. “Are you messing with me right now?”

‘Yes, I absolutely do.’

“No,” he replied with a straight face. “I asked the same thing. That’s what she told me.”

“Maybe it has some powers?”

‘That’s what I wanted to know.

Hmm… With that old woman’s personality, maybe this is some kind of a curse item. F*ck!

But no, she doesn’t have any reason to do that, right? I’ve been good to her.’

“What? Turn me into an old woman?” Dhi’b asked as both of them started to laugh, but the laughter quickly turned awkward as they nervously stared at the necklace once again.

“What will you do with it?” Nasir asked, sounding as if he wanted to stay away from it.

“I don’t know,” he responded honestly. “Wear it?”

“Really?” the attendant asked, looking at him for a moment.

‘Yes, why? Is there a problem? Oh, wait. This might be cursed.’

“Hmm, well, you can try it first,” Dhi’b said, staring straight into his servant’s eyes.

“No, she gave it to you. You wear it,” Nasir responded, quickly walking back to his horse.

Dhi’b could only sigh as he watched his attendant.

‘Well, let’s find out what it does.’

The merchant shrugged and put on the necklace. He waited for a moment before muttering, “It seems I’m still a man.”

----------------------------------------

“Ah! honored one, thank you for accepting my invitation,” the Satrap said, hugging Dhi’b in greetings.

“The honor is mine, your grace,” the merchant responded, smiling at the warm welcome he received from their host.

Gesturing toward the stunning surroundings, Dhi’b remarked, “Your grace, your home is truly remarkable. Its beauty surpasses even the grandest palaces in the east.”

‘Damn, this is too wasteful. No wonder poor old women are being assaulted in broad daylight if this is the ruler of this oasis.’

“Your praise is too kind, honored one,” he said shyly, unable to suppress a chuckle at the compliment. “I imagine your palaces are even more magnificent than this.”

‘No way; I have taste. Besides, why would I buy these expensive items? It’s a waste of money, with no purpose other than for others to steal it. If I ever buy one, it’s only to sell it to fools like you.’

“I only have one house, your grace, and it’s not as beautiful as this, given my poor taste,” Dhi’b stated, glancing at his attendant. “Isn’t that right, Nasir? My house isn’t as beautiful as this.”

“My master spoke the truth, your grace,” Nasir responded, bowing respectfully to the Satrap. “Yours is many times more beautiful than his.”

“Did you hear that, your grace? Even my aide marvels at the beauty of your palace.”

“Your words warm my heart, honored one,” the Satrap remarked, grabbing his arm and passionately talking about the beautiful arts he collected. Dhi’b smiled the whole time, but as time went by, he struggled to maintain his smile. Glancing back at his attendant, he sighed; Nasir just smirked at him.

‘Oh god, can’t we just move on to dinner? I’m starving. I didn’t come here to admire your paintings or sculptures, damn it. Next time, I’d better be a little more careful with my praises.’

“Did you enjoy that?” the Satrap inquired, beaming with pride.

‘Hell, no. It was a torture.’

“I do, your grace,” Dhi’b responded, mustering a smile with considerable effort. “They’re not just beautiful, but also carry profound meaning.”

‘Profound meaning, really? What nonsense am I spewing again?’

“I know you’d understand. You have great taste, honored one,” he remarked, his smile growing even wider. “Would you like to go to the other room? I have some interesting stuff over there.”

‘F*ck!’

“Other stuff, your grace?” Dhi’b asked, his smile beginning to fail him.

“Sorry to interrupt, your grace,” Nasir bowed, trying not to laugh. “Have the other guests arrived already? If they did, it would be rude to keep them waiting.”

The Satrap sighed. “You’re right. Sorry, honored one. After dinner, I’ll show you my other collections. I’m sure you’ll love them.”

Nasir winked at him while Dhi’b heaved a sigh of relief. “Of course, your grace. Of course.”

The Satrap led them to the main hall, which was already full of people. The first thing that caught their attention was the abundant food on display, accompanied by a group of fire-breathing performers entertaining the guests. When they noticed the Satrap, everyone paused and stood up, bowing respectfully. Nodding in appreciation, the ruler walked, followed by Dhi’b and his attendant from behind.

“Friends!” the Satrap exclaimed with a warm smile, standing in front of everyone. “I'm sure you’re already familiar with the person next to me. Nevertheless, it’s my great honor to introduce to you, my esteemed guests this evening, Grandmaster Dhi’b al-Sahra—the Star of the North and Slayer of Arachnoxar, the Blight of the East,” he declared in a booming voice, locking eyes with Dhi’b. “Thank you for accepting my invitation and gracing my halls, honored one,” he bowed, followed by his other guests.

“You’re embarrassing me with such a warm welcome, your grace,” the merchant remarked with a smile, returning the boy. “I’m deeply humbled by your actions.”

The Satrap laughed loudly and responded, “Don’t be embarrassed, my friend. This marks the beginning of a deep friendship that will be known throughout the lands.”

“I agree, your grace. This signifies the start of a great friendship that will be remembered through time immemorial,” Dhi’b replied, laughing along with him, followed by the other guests.

“Let’s drink to that,” the Satrap said as the servers handed each of them a cup of wine.

“Your grace, can we sit for a moment?” Dhi’b whispered as the Satrap was about to make a toast in his honor. “My feet are killing me.”

“Ah! Of course,” he said awkwardly, even turning a little paler than normal.

‘Now, I understand. This all makes sense.’

“I’m grateful for your understanding, your grace,” the merchant replied, his eyes staring at the main door while a grin crept onto his lips for the briefest of moments. “Your hospitality is without comparison. I’m feeling at home already.”

“Sit. All of you, sit,” the Satrap said, sitting down before gesturing for the others to follow suit.

After all the guests had settled into their seats, the bustling hall suddenly fell into a hushed silence, punctuated only by the occasional exchange of uncertain glances among them. The air thickened with an uncomfortable tension, casting a heavy atmosphere over the gathering.

“Your grace, is it just me, or are your people unusually healthy?” Dhi’b inquired, looking at the guests and servants. “They all have impressive builds, seemingly fit to become warriors. Even your servants exude a formidable presence.”

“I’m glad you noticed,” the ruler responded with an awkward smile. “I always reminded them to eat right and exercise. How can they serve me if they’re sick all the time, right?”

‘Yet you’re obese. Great.’

“Wise words, your grace,” the merchant said, nodding in agreement. “Wise words.”

The Satrap cleared his throat, changing the topic. “Honored one, please try some of the food. My chef carefully prepared them just for you,” he said, pointing excitedly to a specific dish. “This one. It’s one of my favorites. You won’t find anything like it in the entire desert.”

“Ah! Your grace, it looks incredibly tasty,” Dhi’b exclaimed excitedly, lifting the plate to marvel at the beautiful arrangement. “This is like a piece of art. Truly beautiful.”

‘Damn, just looking at this is making me even hungrier now.’

The Satrap beamed with pride as his awkward smile quickly faded away. “It is truly a beautiful and delicious creation, just for you.”

Instead of eating, Dhi’b calmly set the food down in front of the Satrap. The entire room seemed to hold its breath as every gaze focused on the ruler and the dish, their expressions turning cold, while beads of sweat formed on their foreheads.

“What’s the meaning of this?!” he demanded, his voice growing louder as his irritation began to show. “Did you just insult me?!”

‘You have the gall to grow angry? Shameless!’

“I didn’t mean any disrespect, your grace,” Dhi’b said, quickly standing up and bowing in apology. “I just thought that since you like that food so much, I couldn’t dare eat it. You’ve been such a good host to me. Even though it pains me, the only thing I could think to do is give you your favorite dish.”

The Satrap laughed again, the tension dissipating as if he had already forgotten the incident. “Sorry for misreading your intentions, honored one,” he said with a warm smile. “Come, sit. Let us continue our meal together.”

“Your grace, thank you for your tolerance,” the merchant bowed respectfully. Instead of sitting, he continued, “For your kindness, I would like to offer a toast.”

Instantly, the entire hall erupted with cheers and applause. The once silent and awkward atmosphere transformed into one brimming with life and energy.

Dhi’b lifted the cup of wine in a gesture of acknowledgement. However, just before the cup could touch his lips, he abruptly stopped, a smirk playing on his lips while his eyes radiated with contempt.

‘Do you believe you can mess with my people and live?’

Suddenly, Dhi’b threw the cup to the floor, its echoing clatter silencing the hall. With a simple flick of his hand, the front door swung open, revealing an unconscious Tariq, gagged and kneeling on the ground.

“Let’s get this show started, shall we?!”