Her thoughts turned to the original host's frail mother and the brother who had never appeared in the original story.
She seemed to understand something, though it was merely a guess. Once she settled down in the chaotic lands, she would verify her suspicions.
After experiencing so many worlds, the original host's family members had been quite reliable. They shouldn't have changed in this world.
Lin Yan thought this as she walked towards a slightly elevated area, her personal maid following behind her.
Lin Yan gazed into the distance, calculating how many more days it would take to reach the edge of the forest.
"Angelina, watch your step," the maid said, holding a cloak.
"Don't worry, Darian." Lin Yan turned with a gentle smile and then noticed the picnic cloth already laid out on the grass.
"It seems lunch is ready. Let's head back."
In a magnificent room, a man with the same blond hair and blue eyes sat in a high-backed chair, holding a goblet.
"Your Highness, your lunch is served." A servant placed the plate in his hand on the dining table before him.
"You may go," the man waved his hand.
"Yes." The servant retreated.
This was the life he was meant to enjoy. Honestly, because that woman was around, he had to eat white bread and drink dew.
He was the Son of God, one of the future candidates for Pope, not like that woman who needed to maintain purity of body and mind.
The thought of that woman constantly overshadowing him, of all eyes being on her during every procession, made him wish she would die sooner.
Damn it, they both had golden hair, yet hers was more dazzling than his. He used better hair care oils, even bribed her servants and got her formula, but he still couldn't compare to her.
But it was better now. That woman had lost her position as Saintess, and what's more, she would never appear before him again.
He thought of the girl, as pitiful as a rabbit, with the same blond hair and blue eyes and excellent light talent. Yet, standing beside him, she would only hide behind his back.
Once she became the Saintess of Light, he would be the center of everyone's attention.
Who would have thought that even that woman's father disliked her? The thought of the Marquis's promise to him brought a smile to his lips.
Now, he was just waiting for news of that woman's death.
A knight squad of eleven men, with a mere level three Knight Captain, wouldn't survive in that chaotic land even if no one attacked them.
Moreover, with such a beautiful face, what could protect her once she lost the title of Saintess of Light?
He cut into the foie gras in front of him and put it in his mouth, the rich flavor making his eyes squint.
On the third day of their journey, they reached a small town by the forest. Though small, the town was exceptionally lively.
Lin Yan and her entourage attracted much attention as they entered the town.
Although Will and the others were not of high level, their equipment was exquisite and out of place in the town.
Especially the luxurious carriage in their convoy. While it might be considered dilapidated by nobles in the capital, it was incredibly luxurious to the townspeople, whose clothes were patched.
Lin Yan did not open the window, but the hushed discussions from outside still reached her ears.
The town's name was simple: Forest Town. Lin Yan's information mentioned it; it was a town that depended on the forest.
The town had few permanent residents; most people were adventurers who hunted magical beasts or collected materials in the forest.
It was autumn now, and the town was quite bustling. When winter arrived, the snow would block the roads, and the town would fall silent, only to awaken again in the spring.
Lin Yan and her group stopped at an inn in the town.
Lisa got off first to book rooms at the inn.
Will and the others stood guard, observing the townspeople.
Although the adventurers in this town were poor, they were capable. They were far superior to their hastily assembled group.
If these people decided to attack Ms. Angelina, they might not be able to stop them.
Lisa soon emerged from the inn, calling the other servants to carry Lin Yan's belongings to the rooms at the back of the inn.
"Miss, the rooms are ready. Please alight from the carriage." After the rooms were tidied, the maid approached the carriage and respectfully invited Lin Yan to disembark.
The carriage door opened, and a maid stepped out first, holding a cloak.
As Lin Yan alighted, the maid draped the cloak over her and adjusted her hat.
The beautiful woman who descended from the carriage astonished everyone. They had seen beauties before.
Noble ladies in gorgeous gowns, adorned with expensive jewelry, held their heads high with pride.
Or the barmaids in taverns, with their fiery and alluring figures.
Even female elves, with their pale green eyes and exquisite features, were beautiful.
But the woman who emerged from the carriage completely redefined their concept of beauty.
It turned out there were people who, even without opulent attire, could exude such nobility. Even in a simple, plain robe, they could capture everyone's gaze.
Her golden hair, as radiant as sunshine, her fair skin, and her azure eyes made everyone who saw her feel as if they were looking at an angel.
"Who is this?" they wondered. Whose noble daughter was this, so beautiful and graceful? They couldn't fathom why she would come to such a remote town.
"No matter who she is, if she stays here, old Jack will get the intelligence. Let's go for a drink."
"You're right, let's go for a drink."
Old Jack was the owner of the town's only tavern. All the adventurers stopped there to buy or exchange information.
Old Jack's tavern was the town's intelligence hub. Everyone who came to this town sought him out.
If anyone wanted to know who this woman was, they could only find out from Old Jack.
That evening, Old Jack's tavern was unusually crowded. Everyone ordered drinks and gathered around the bar, hoping to get early information about the woman.
"Blond hair and blue eyes, accompanied by a knight escort. With that description, I think I know someone," Old Jack said, wiping his glass.
Everyone perked up their ears, eager to hear who this person was.
"The levels of those knight escorts probably aren't very high. You can all try your luck. That lady will likely be short on guards."