This Life, I Will Be the Protagonist-Chapter 257: Don’t Underestimate the 12 Sacred Races

Nivalis tugged at Rita’s ear. "Hey, hey, what’s with that look? When you argued with Scarlett, I unconditionally sided with you! If I ever argue with Beisui or Holy Grail, you’d better back me too!"

That was a lot of pressure. Scarlett and two adult dragons weren’t even on the same level!

Rita took a deep breath. "I’ll make sure none of you ever argue." Internally, she resolved to read more parenting books when she got back. After a pause, she solemnly promised, "I’ll always take your side."

Nivalis finally broke into a grin, rubbing Rita’s ear affectionately. "That’s more like it!"

Rita didn’t rush into the city. She observed the gates from a distance, noticing that security checks had grown significantly stricter. Even animals were no longer allowed entry.

When she saw a dignified-looking bull-headed humanoid with a 9 Charm score being detained on the spot, she didn’t hesitate to drink the [Gold-Class Assassin] potion from Lucia.

Even so, the guards scrutinized Rita for half an hour before finally letting her and Nivalis into the city. With Gold-Class Assassin in effect, Rita decided to make the most of her time in Lania Kaia before returning.

Unlike the relatively accessible [Melting Time], this potion was much rarer and more precious. Rita could brew a cheaper alternative, [Time Is Always Squeezable], to reset cooldowns, but Gold-Class Assassin was irreplaceable. The auction house never seemed to have any for sale—likely snapped up immediately or privately commissioned.

High-grade potions took hours, days, or even years to brew. According to Hecipah, some formulas required preparation times longer than Kayden’s entire lifespan.

Rita’s first stop was the library, where she discovered, to her surprise, that the Mahjong tile she had turned in was still there.

She casually glanced at the lost-and-found box without lingering too long or avoiding it conspicuously. She played the part of a curious country goblin seeing the Oak Owls’ grand library for the first time. She even smiled nervously at passing strangers in what could only be described as "goblin charm." Discover exclusive tales at novelbuddy

Nivalis stayed hidden in her pet space while Rita spent several hours in the library researching. The city’s patrols were on high alert, with soldiers even entering the library to inspect it. They confiscated the consultation desk’s lost-and-found box during their sweep.

Rita was questioned a few times, and one guard even tested her with an obscure goblin greeting. She responded flawlessly, her extensive dealings with the goblins of all 36 cities paying off. Her experience even extended to goblin insults, though she kept that knowledge to herself.

After leaving the library, Rita met with Gota to ask about her Bear Cookies.

She wasn’t looking for an apology. If the Bear Cookies could pass library inspections and transform into a guardian bear, there was no question of their quality. But their peculiarities suggested some unknown connection.

Using the token Gota had given her, Rita brought him outside the tavern for a discreet conversation. Despite the memory-erasing potion he had previously consumed, the token ensured he wouldn’t question her approach.

When she explained the situation, Gota pondered briefly before replying:

"The only explanation I can think of is... every Bear Cookies is unique, made to protect a specific child. If the Oak Owl who sold me that Bear Cookies has a close connection to the one who recognized yours, that would explain everything."

Rita held up the Bear Cookies, tracing the small scratches on its bear head. She hadn’t considered that angle—it was as unlikely as being recognized because of a secondhand phone.

There was no helping it. Back in Blue Star, she’d buy the bear a headband to disguise it. She just had to decide whether to size it for the bear’s transformed state or its cookie form.

After giving Gota another memory-erasing potion, Rita made a detour to Dark City, intending to consult Hecipah about her recent troubles.

But the moment she entered Hecipah’s shop, the older alchemist pulled her aside and whispered, "Maple Cang, isn’t it?"

Rita looked genuinely puzzled. "Who’s Maple Cang? An Oak Owl royal?"

Hecipah sighed. "...You’re a slippery one, aren’t you?"

She rubbed her temples in exasperation, muttering something about saying too much, before casting a soundproof barrier over them. Crouching to meet Rita’s eyes, she spoke with deliberate care:

"Don’t underestimate the 12 Sacred Races’ royals. They didn’t rise to power by luck. All their subjects genuinely respect and admire their kings and queens. Even Kayden, who despises war and nobility, would never hate her Undead Monarch—not truly."

This was as much warning as Hecipah could give. It echoed her earlier advice about avoiding transformation into an animal.

Rita silently met Hecipah’s gaze, committing her words to memory. After a long pause, she smiled and said, "I understand."

She didn’t try to defend herself, deny provoking Maple Cang, or press Hecipah for more details about the royals. Nor did she complain about the vagueness of the warning.

Instead, she cherished this rare moment of sincerity from Hecipah.

It wasn’t much—it wasn’t warm or overwhelming. It was stingy, like a passing breeze. But to Rita, even that small show of concern felt invaluable.

After the conversation, Hecipah retreated upstairs with her cauldron, muttering about how she shouldn’t have said anything.

Rita didn’t press her further. She turned to Kayden, who had been eavesdropping with her trademark curiosity, and asked if she could introduce Gota as an information broker to others.

Kayden replied, "Sure, he’s in the business. You won’t put him in any real danger. Without my recommendation, you might get swindled, though."

Amused by Kayden’s old-soul tone, Rita chuckled. "Thanks for the warning."

The Special Affairs Bureau didn’t need coddling. Connecting them with Gota carried little risk—if anything, the Bureau would likely benefit.

With her business done, Rita grabbed Nivalis, who was snacking on Kayden’s treats, and prepared to return to Blue Star. She was growing worried about her disconnected little spider in The Lopez Family.

At the shop’s door, she hesitated for a moment, but ultimately decided against asking Kayden about Mahjong tiles. Such precious items were best sought personally. Even if she needed help, she’d start by enlisting her own kind.

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