As Kain took another step, three possibilities immediately came to mind.

First, the Mayor's mansion had been infiltrated. Kain dismissed this idea almost as soon as it formed. If it were a simple burglary, increasing patrolling guards around the mansion would make sense, but more than doubling the guards at the gate wasn't necessary. If it were an espionage infiltration, that didn't quite fit either, as four guards versus ten wouldn't make much functional difference in checking visitors.

Second, the Mayor's mansion had been raided. This could explain the sudden increase in guards after only a few days. However, when Kain observed the guards, he noticed they seemed quite "relaxed," showing none of the typical signs of tension or heightened vigilance. If the place had just been attacked and these guards were reinforcements, their demeanor would be vastly different. So, he also ruled out this possibility.

Third, the people who ordered the increased security—such as Wilfred, the Mayor—knew of some looming danger and thus bolstered security. But the guards themselves were unaware of the full situation, which explained their less-than-tense appearance despite the increased security. This was the possibility Kain found most plausible.

"Well, I'll know once I go inside," Kain thought to himself, having now reached the mansion's gate.

Kain wasn't met with any resistance at the gate, as some of the guards recognized him. It was clear that despite the heightened security, Wilfred had carefully instructed the guards about his existence and that he was allowed free entry into the mansion.

Seeing this, Kain felt a little relieved.

However, only halfway to the mansion, Kain saw a figure flying towards him from the sky.

"Mera?" he wondered, but his doubt was met with a tight hug.

"Finally... you're back." Mera's trembling voice brushed against his neck, momentarily stunning Kain and making his whole body tingle. Then, he gently put his arm around her back, resting his chin lightly on her shoulder.

Though he had somewhat guessed what had happened in his absence, at this moment, Kain temporarily cleared all calculations from his mind. All he wanted was to preserve this moment, this feeling, with his superhuman memory, so he would never forget it.

"Yeah, I'm back..."

After a moment of tender affection, they both pulled apart, blushing. Kain awkwardly scratched his head, then presented Mera with the bouquet of flowers and the earrings he had bought.

Her expression was just as stunned as Kain's had been when she had hugged him unexpectedly.

"This is... for me?"

"Yeah... I realized I didn't know what you liked, so..." Kain stammered slightly. He was nervous, unsure if she would like his gift.

However, Mera didn't show excitement or offer a compliment; she simply smiled gently, taking the bouquet from his hand. Then Mera said, "What are you waiting for?"

"I... waiting?" Kain was momentarily confused, and Mera pouted playfully.

"Can't you see both my hands are busy holding flowers? I don't have a free hand to put on the earrings."

"So... put them on for me."

Kain looked surprised, then smiled.

"As you wish, Mera."

Kain took out the earrings and carefully put them on her ears. Before, he had considered buying a necklace or a bracelet, but after some thought, he had chosen earrings. Dynamic, constantly moving earrings would suit Mera, who sought freedom.

"Well, how do they look? Pretty?" Mera asked. Kain nodded.

Seeing this, she shyly covered her face with the bouquet, but didn't forget to take his hand and lead him into the mansion.

Inside the mansion, both Kain and Mera were greeted by Wilfred at the entrance. Seeing his beloved daughter hand-in-hand with another man, Wilfred couldn't help but feel a pang of loss. He knew this day would come sooner or later, but he hadn't imagined it would unfold like this.

Given Mera's personality, Wilfred had always thought his daughter would remain single. Who knew she had such a gentle side after all?

"She's truly like her mother... in some ways," a thought flitted through Wilfred's mind.

Despite the slight sense of loss as a father, Wilfred felt extremely reassured, for the man Mera had chosen to lean on was no ordinary person. Kain was capable, responsible, and the way he treated Mera made Wilfred feel she had found the right person.

However, he still had to maintain the facade of a dignified father.

"Mera, I know you can fly, but no one welcomes guests into their home by flying in through the window."

"Yes, yes, I know!" Mera replied quickly, giving Wilfred no chance to say more before she dashed inside, seemingly looking for a vase for the flowers.

Then, Wilfred's gaze shifted to Kain.

"I won't interfere in your affairs, but... if anything bad happens to Mera, please don't... blame her."

"Wilfred." Kain offered no excuses, made no promises, but simply placed his hand over his chest, a gesture of the highest respect.

Seeing this, Wilfred was even more pleased. However, his expression changed when Kain asked a question.

"Wilfred, I have a question. It's about the sudden increase in guards at the mansion gate."

"Are you facing some kind of threat?" Kain asked, clearly indicating his desire to get involved.

The need to increase the number of guards proved that this threat was tangible, not abstract and intangible like power at a negotiation table. As for Kain, it wasn't arrogance, but he believed that nothing in Whesling was impossible to solve, at least in terms of strength.

Both out of affection and logic, Kain felt he had to help Wilfred.

However, Wilfred's face showed a complex expression. He glanced behind him, where Mera had just disappeared, then sighed and said, "Ask Mera. She knows the full story. This matter... it's not simple."

Wilfred was worried, and also helpless, for some things were beyond his reach.

Kain said nothing more, simply nodded, and went to find Mera.

When Kain found Mera, she had already chosen a beautiful vase and was arranging the flowers in it.

Seeing Kain's serious expression behind her, Mera sighed. Kain was still Kain; even before she could say anything, he had already figured it out. She had originally planned to tell him later.

"If this is difficult, we'll solve it together."

"I know." Mera couldn't help but be touched. She then began to recount the events of that day: how she was trailed by five mid-class Magus, how she had extracted their intention to question her about her mother, and how she had counter-ambushed and killed two of her pursuers.

"I still haven't told Father everything. You know..." Mera sighed, and Kain understood why Mera did that.

To require as many as five veteran mid-class Magus for an apprehension, it absolutely could not have been done by a local force in Whesling, as they lacked the capability.

Furthermore, they wanted to capture Mera to learn about her mother…