Please provide the text for Chapter 12 that you wish to have translated.

The distant, ethereal sound of bells was gradually drowned out by the growing clamor and cries of the bustling marketplace.

A finely decorated carriage wound its way slowly through the noisy city streets, heading toward the lord’s mansion.

“The missing person notice was posted today?” Lin Yu frowned, his face full of suspicion.

Yven, who had just returned from gathering information, sat upright nearby and replied, “Yes. While I was out scouting, I heard about it. The guests heading to the lord’s mansion today are a mixed lot—most are drawn by the promise of a hefty reward. Still, it seems the lord of Mo Yi City hasn’t come out to receive them himself…”

“That’s not surprising. But I’m curious—why did they choose today to post the notice?” Lin Yu spoke calmly, his gaze casually shifting in the direction of Hughes, who was absorbed in his medical book and offered no opinion.

“Well… There’s more. Some rumors have been circulating among the servants who’ve been bribed…” Yven’s tone was vague, and he occasionally glanced at the silent Hughes.

“Go on.”

The man’s words were cool and indifferent; his eyes never strayed from the pages of his book.

Yven, emboldened by the prompt, relaxed a little. “Last night, it seems the lord of Mo Yi City was attacked in his mansion. His injuries are said to be severe—he even took three secret life-renewing pills. Moreover, every guard sent to search for Ling Qianqian has disappeared without a trace.”

“So it’s desperation, then…” Lin Yu propped his chin in his palm and murmured softly.

At that, the man raised an eyebrow, his emerald eyes lingering on the book’s pages, a flicker of surprise passing through them. “What’s the situation inside the mansion?”

“For now, authority has apparently passed to a capable steward. Almost all the guests are being gathered in the rear courtyard, most of them skilled bounty hunters from the human race.” The blond elf Yven scratched his head, pausing noticeably when he mentioned “bounty hunters.” After a moment’s hesitation, he continued in a lowered voice.

“After all, Mo Yi City sits on the prosperous border of the Yaksa continent. Among the guests, there are also wandering adventurers from other races and… those banished for grave crimes. That’s troublesome, since these villains don’t abide by the continent’s rules at all…” Yven’s tone grew heavier.

It was widely known that those banished for serious crimes were the most desperate outlaws—scoundrels who had defied the rules and survived exile.

“Mm.”

Under Lin Yu’s worried and puzzled gaze, the man merely responded carelessly, waving a hand to dismiss Yven.

After a while, the opulent carriage finally pulled up in front of a stately red-tiled mansion.

Perhaps due to the steady stream of visitors all morning, even the burly guards flanking the grand entrance showed signs of fatigue.

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Even when the distinguished group declared their purpose, the guards offered little resistance and let them through easily.

From afar, thanks to the elves’ innate sharp hearing, the noise and commotion from the front courtyard was clearly audible. Led by a human attendant, the group walked leisurely through corridors adorned with distinctive murals. Along the way, Lin Yu’s attention was captivated by the seemingly simple yet intricate wall scripts, so much so that his steps slowed and eventually he lagged behind the others.

It wasn’t until Lin Yu finally drew his mind away from the elegant calligraphy and returned to reality that he realized he’d fallen behind. He hurried to catch up, but just as he took a step, he felt his elbow yanked forcefully from behind.

“Huh?! What are you doing here?”

Lin Yu spun around, wide-eyed in surprise. After swallowing, he asked warily and curiously.

Silver Fei, who had appeared suddenly, didn’t answer directly. Instead, he glanced around impatiently before saying, “Tch, enough talk—come with me…”

With a firm grip, Silver Fei pulled Lin Yu by the elbow, leaving no room for argument and dragging him off in the opposite direction.

“Hey, let go!”

“Wait, didn't Hughes say you went off to chase skirts? Why are you here?”

Despite Lin Yu’s struggles, the man leading the way remained unfazed, ignoring him. Only when the words “chase skirts” were uttered did his expression tighten imperceptibly. He walked briskly, leading Lin Yu through winding corridors until they arrived at a secluded, silent alley.

The man calmly released Lin Yu, turning to watch as he panted and wiped sweat from his brow. A sly smile crept across his handsome, almost otherworldly face, and he leisurely brushed his silvery hair from his eyes.

“Hmph! Why did you drag me here so mysteriously?!” Lin Yu muttered angrily, even lifting a foot as if to kick the man.

He dodged with a raised eyebrow, then gestured lazily toward the alley entrance. “Come on, let’s go in together.”

“What’s there to see? It’s just a garden, isn’t it?” Lin Yu pursed his lips, leaning forward with an impatient tone.

“Oh… You think it’s ordinary?”

The man pressed a finger to his lips, repeating the words quietly and mysteriously, then strode inside without another glance.

“Hey! What’s so unusual about it? Explain yourself!”

A few steps ahead, the man clicked his tongue and delivered a remark that stung with its casual air.

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“Tch, are you a man? I've never seen anyone quite like you—not only do you look effeminate, even your personality is…”

“Effeminate, my foot! You damned monster, if you’re so tough, stop wearing that flamboyant red shirt while spouting nonsense!”

“Oh, so it’s not just your personality—your temper’s as volatile as a menopausal woman.”

“You're more like a gossiping matron! Shut up!”

“Tsk tsk… Look, in front of me, you’re practically putting on a whole tantrum.”

“Fine, let’s go! Who’s afraid of whom?!”

Lin Yu, his anger piqued by the man's words, retorted furiously. Yet he didn’t hesitate, stomping eagerly onto the smooth, cool stone path and following the man inside.

************************* Warm tip from the adorable author ***************************************

Due to recent strong winds, the character designs in the story have been revised.

Some readers may not have caught up, so here’s a summary of the revised characters and basic relationships:

1. Hughes and Hugh Qi are not biological brothers. [You know, “brother” stories aren’t permitted.]
2. Hughes is a blond, green-eyed character who wears a silver mask covering a quarter of his face. [There’s a reason for the mask.]
3. Lin Yu has only seen about half of the story in this new game, and his memory is vague. This differs from the original “high familiarity” setting; dear readers, you understand. The silly, adorable author doesn’t want to get in trouble! QAQ

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