Azure Echoes.

Chapter 3: A Debt Unveiled

With the girl finally freed from the spirit's control, Lian took a vial from his sleeve and poured a drop onto the girl's lips, which slowly caused her to open her eyes. Lian and Zeng help her to her feet, her expression dazed but calm. Her eyes blink against the morning light filtering through the temple's broken walls, and her thin frame sways as she takes in her surroundings.

Lian steadies her with a firm hand on her shoulder. "Easy now. We'll get you home," he says, his voice gentler than before. The girl nods wordlessly, her gaze shifting away from the temple with a weary acceptance.

As they make their way back, Zeng walks a step ahead, silent and watchful, his gaze flicking between Lian and the girl. They move in a tentative calm, the previous night's tension lingering unspoken in the air.

"What's your name?" Lian finally asks the girl.

"Lin," she murmurs, glancing up at him, her face a mixture of exhaustion and relief.

"Miss Lin," Lian repeats with a small nod. "Did you know the spirit took over at a critical moment? Just as you were about to..." He trails off, allowing her to fill the silence with her thoughts. Her expression shifts, her fingers clutching her own wrist tightly.

Lin's face pales as she stammers, "I—I didn't know..."

Lian's tone is steady but probing. "Your father mentioned you'd fallen sick. Yet, this wasn't the work of an illness, was it?"

Lin's eyes lower, her silence a heavier answer than words. She draws a breath, glancing at Zeng, then back at Lian, as if steeling herself.

"My father," she says, voice trembling. "He... sends me away. For money. And he'd arranged a man for me—a stranger I've never met. I... I couldn't... face it. Not again."

Zeng's steps slow, his gaze sharpening on her. "And did you consent to any of these arrangements?"

She shakes her head, shame in her eyes. "No. Never. But he doesn't... he says I owe him, and that he's only doing it to keep us from starving."

Lian clenches his jaw, hands tight on the fabric of his robes. He stops walking, turns to face her, and lets his voice take on an edge. "Miss Lin, did anyone in the town know?"

She nods almost imperceptibly. "People... they must have known. But no one cared to stop him. He's charming with them, always smiling and talking about how he looks after me. They all think... they think he's an upstanding man."

Zeng's voice hardens, his eyes flashing. "Then they'll be proven wrong. Lian, let's go back and have a talk with this 'upstanding man.'"

Lian nods, his face set, and they quicken their pace. Within the hour, they find themselves back in the town, a small group of townsfolk watching curiously as they approach Mr. Jiang's residence. Jiang himself steps outside, his face lighting up with false relief as he spots Lin.

"Ah, my daughter! You've brought her back!" he exclaims, reaching out to her. But Lin shrinks back, eyes wide with fear.

Lian steps forward, blocking Jiang's path. "Not so fast. I have a few questions for you first."

Jiang's face falters. "I... I don't understand, Physician Lian. You've saved my daughter, I'm grateful. There's no need to involve the town in—"

"Oh, I think there's every reason to involve the town." Zeng's voice rings out, authoritative and piercing. "And I believe you have something to explain. Your daughter tried to take her own life to escape something terrible. You wouldn't happen to know what that might be?"

Jiang's face flushes, and he glances nervously around. "She's... She's mistaken. My daughter doesn't know what she's saying."

"She seems to know exactly what she's saying," Lian retorts, his gaze cold and unwavering. "You've been sending her out, using her to profit off men's advances, haven't you?"

A murmur runs through the gathered townsfolk, disbelief mingled with suspicion.

"I-I only did what I had to!" Jiang stammers, eyes darting around in panic. "For her sake, to keep us afloat. She's always been taken care of, well-fed, safe..."

"Safe?" Lian's voice rises with anger. "Safe from what? From a father who treats her like an object? And what about this so-called marriage arrangement? Was that also for her well-being?"

Jiang's face reddens with shame, and his voice drops to a defensive whisper. "A good marriage, it was... She'd be well provided for. And I've done nothing others haven't. This is no crime, no matter what she says."

Zeng's eyes narrow, and he strides forward, his bearing sharp and uncompromising. "You may think yourself untouchable, but this ends here. By the authority of the Azure, I am arresting you, Mr. Jiang, for exploitation and violation of your daughter's rights."

Jiang sputters, trying to protest, but Zeng holds up his Azure badge, silencing him. "This badge represents the kingdom's protection of all its people—including Lin."

Turning to the gathered townsfolk, Zeng speaks clearly. "Let this be known: the kingdom will not tolerate those who abuse their power over the vulnerable."

Jiang, now pale and trembling, is led away by two Azure guards who arrive at Zeng's call. Lin watches silently, her eyes brimming with conflicting emotions— relief, sadness, and something close to gratitude.

When the guards have taken Jiang away, Zeng turns to Lin. "You'll be staying here in town, but under the care of one of the Noble families. You'll receive proper schooling, and once you're of age, you can choose your own path. No one else will be deciding for you."

Lin's eyes widen, a tear slipping down her cheek as she bows deeply. "Thank you, sir."

Zeng's face softens for a moment, and he gives her a small nod. Then he glances over at Lian. "Seems we both have other tasks to return to now. But I wouldn't be surprised if our paths crossed again."

Lian smirks, crossing his arms. "Oh, I'm sure they will. Just remember, next time, don't unsheath that sword without a good reason."

With a last glance at the now-unsettled town, Lian and Zeng exchange nods and part ways, each leaving with a new sense of purpose.