“He’s over there.” The guard pointed at the turning. “Go look for yourself if you don’t believe me. We’re running a strict investigation, and we prohibit anyone from disguising themselves.”

Curious, Adrian went to the turning and saw Shaquille on his horse. The latter’s expression was grim, and he said to Adrian through clenched teeth, “Happy now?”

“Of course,” Adrian said with excitement, “You being captured is the thing I want to see most though. You’re only being chased out right now, so they’ve let you off easy.”

Shaquille scoffed. “It’s too early to celebrate since there’s still two and a half months to go. If you can’t get into Debonaire City, you’ll have to obey me.”

“That’s never going to happen,” Adrian said smilingly. Lionel told him that Rozi’s illness would be cured after another hour of the needle treatment and drinking the soup brewed from Green Plum Grass. “I never want to set foot in that stupid place.”

“Have you forgotten about our bet?” Shaquille asked unhappily,