Shao Yun followed Dunyarzad and Dehya to a grand mansion located within Sumeru City.
The architectural style of this estate cleverly blended traditional Sumeru design with the beauty of nature, presenting a sense of harmony and unique elegance.
As they stepped through the main gates, their eyes were greeted by a spacious courtyard. At its center lay a vivid mosaic, carefully assembled from colorful pebbles, surrounded by a variety of native Sumeru flowers that filled the air with fragrance.
In one corner of the courtyard was a clear pond, within which bloomed Sumeru's unique aquatic plants—Kalpalata Lotuses.
The interior of the mansion was equally rich with Sumeru characteristics. Exquisite furniture and decor displayed the wealth of the household, while luxurious handwoven carpets covering the floors drew admiration from all who saw them.
Shao Yun was filled with amazement. He could hardly imagine that such a vast residence existed within Sumeru City—its grandeur second only to the Palace of Alcazarzaray. Without a doubt, it showcased the Homayani Family's extraordinary wealth and refined taste.
Inside the grand hall, Shahzaman was pacing anxiously back and forth, waiting for news of his daughter.
Suddenly, when he saw Dunyarzad being brought back by Shao Yun and Dehya, joy filled his face. He quickly rushed forward, exclaiming, "Ah, my dear daughter, you had me worried sick!"
Facing her emotional father, Dunyarzad smiled softly and said reassuringly, "Dad, I'm really fine. Please don't worry."
…
After that, Dehya explained to Shahzaman in detail what had happened during Dunyarzad's disappearance.
According to Dehya's account, Dunyarzad had grown extremely bored after staying home for so long. She decided to take a walk to relieve her restlessness.
When Dehya found her, she immediately brought her safely home and informed the family.
Once Dehya finished explaining, Dunyarzad calmly proposed her wish to go out again for another walk.
At first, Shahzaman was opposed to the idea. But when Dunyarzad mentioned that Shao Yun and Dehya would accompany her to ensure her safety, he finally relented.
Seeing the two willing to protect his daughter, Shahzaman sighed and said, "Since she'll be under your protection, very well. I'll entrust my daughter to you."
Before Dunyarzad left, Shahzaman reminded her once more, "Daughter, remember—never leave Dehya and Mr. Shao Yun's sight. If you feel unwell, return home immediately!"
Seeing her father's concern, Dunyarzad nodded seriously. "Don't worry, Dad. I'm not a child anymore."
Dehya struck her chest confidently and promised, "Rest assured, Master Homayani. With Mr. Shao Yun and me protecting the lady, it's impossible for her to encounter any danger."
As she spoke, she lightly patted Shao Yun's shoulder and asked, "Isn't that right, Mr. Shao Yun?"
However, Shao Yun didn't respond. The moment he entered the room, his gaze had been drawn to a painting hanging near the doorway—a portrait of the devil.
Dehya noticed his absent-minded stare and waved her hand before his eyes. "Hey, Mr. Shao Yun, what are you thinking about? You've been spacing out."
Her voice snapped him out of his thoughts. He quickly shook his head. "It's nothing, really."
Following Shao Yun's gaze, Dehya also noticed the painting.
"Oh," she began to explain, "that painting depicts the stranger who saved us. I remember him saying he could've left us to die in that withered land, but out of respect for the Lesser Lord Kusanali, he decided to save us."
Dunyarzad nodded in agreement. "Indeed, thinking back now, I even suspect he might be a follower of the Lesser Lord Kusanali, sent to rescue us."
Hearing Dunyarzad describe the Man with a Top Hat as the Lesser Lord Kusanali's follower, Shao Yun gave a bitter smile in his heart.
If that devil is truly her follower, then heaven itself should move aside and let Nahida take its place.
Shahzaman had already heard his daughter mention before that the person in the painting seemed to be connected to the Lesser Lord Kusanali, and that the painting had somehow soothed her Eleazar symptoms.
Now hearing it again, he chuckled and said lightly, "Ah, if that painting really has such miraculous power, the Bimarstan would've bought it from me at any cost by now."
Then, recalling what Dehya and Dunyarzad had told him, he shared his opinion.
"I think the doctors at the Bimarstan were right. You both must have been affected by the withering zone, which clouded your judgment. Some kind soul must have saved you from unconsciousness."
"As for sending us that painting—perhaps it was simply his way of letting us remember his face, so that when he visits us someday, we can properly repay him."
Waving his hand nonchalantly, Shahzaman added, "Well, if he ever does visit, I'll make sure to treat him warmly."
Shao Yun heard that and thought, You'd better hope that devil never shows up at your doorstep…
…
After leaving the Homayani estate, Shao Yun, Dunyarzad, and Dehya walked along the road leading to the Grand Bazaar.
As they went, Dehya, feeling a bit bored, clasped her hands behind her head and asked casually, "So, Miss, why exactly are we heading to the Grand Bazaar? Is there something special you want to buy?"
At that thought, Dehya pondered privately whether she should take this chance to pick up some waterproof foundation or other cosmetics.
Dunyarzad smiled and shook her head. "Not quite, Dehya. You see, the Sabzeruz Festival is coming soon."
"In the past, only the residents of the Grand Bazaar would hold small-scale celebrations. I've always wanted to help with the preparations somehow."
"But… sigh, I never really knew anyone who lived there, so I didn't know where to start, let alone how to contribute meaningfully."
She sighed softly, her eyes filled with a trace of regret and helplessness.
But then, a bright smile suddenly bloomed across her face.
"However," she said cheerfully, "I recently made a new friend who lives near the Bazaar! And, coincidentally, she's also a devout follower of the Lesser Lord Kusanali!"
Brimming with joy, Dunyarzad continued, "So, I decided to give her all the savings I'd been keeping, hoping she could use the money to help organize the festival."
"It's not much, but as long as the Lesser Lord Kusanali's birthday can be a bit more festive, I'll be perfectly happy!"
As Dehya listened, a certain girl came to mind, and she quickly asked, "Wait, Miss—you don't mean Nilou, the one who delivers flowers to your house, do you?"
Dunyarzad nodded gently, smiling. "That's right, it's her."
Dehya suddenly understood and muttered, "I thought she looked nervous the other day when leaving the mansion… clutching something tightly. That must've been something you gave her, right?"
Dunyarzad nodded again. "Yes. I didn't have enough money at first, so I asked Nilou to sell one of my dresses."
…
At the mention of selling dresses, Shao Yun suddenly remembered the secondhand qipao from Huachu that Miss Xingxi of the Star Pavilion had given him.
Thinking of that unlucky piece of clothing still sitting in his bag, he resolved that he must destroy it tonight!
…
Feeling a bit embarrassed, Dunyarzad revealed her plans for the day.
"Actually, I had an appointment with Nilou to meet at the Bazaar. But then… you found me, and, well, Mr. Shao Yun pinned you to the ground."
After hearing her explanation, Dehya scratched her head awkwardly. "Miss, why didn't you tell us beforehand? You scared me half to death disappearing like that."
Hands on her hips, Dunyarzad retorted helplessly, "Dehya, do you think you would've let me go if I had told you? My father certainly wouldn't have."
"And you—I'm sure you would've obeyed his orders and kept me locked up at home."
Dehya smiled sheepishly. "You're not wrong. Orders are orders, after all. But now, there's no need to worry about that anymore."
…
The Grand Bazaar lay at the lowest level of Sumeru City. Shops filled every corner, selling everything imaginable—from daily goods to exotic treasures.
Intricate handicrafts, vibrant fabrics, spices, and food filled the air with color and aroma.
Merchants from all over gathered here, haggling animatedly amid the bustling crowd.
The Bazaar wasn't merely a marketplace—it was a hub of cultural exchange.
Here, one could watch dancers and street performers of all kinds.
The famous Zubayr Theater stood here as well, drawing large audiences with dazzling performances every day.
Shao Yun gazed at the lively market beneath the giant tree in astonishment. "Wow, there's this much space under the tree…"
"Above is the Akademiya, and below is the Bazaar. With all that weight above, doesn't the tree risk collapsing?"
Hearing his question, Dehya chuckled. "I thought the same when I first saw it, but the Akademiya folks say this tree's life force is incredibly strong. No need to worry."
"Besides, if it really did collapse, the Akademiya would suffer too. So don't worry—someone else is already worrying for us."
Shao Yun nodded slightly. "Got it. If the sky falls, the tall ones will hold it up."