Chapter 238: She Protects You

The man nodded, a hint of pride appearing on his face. “Yes, we are the Flame Society. we specialize in protecting the common people, robbing the rich to help the poor, and maintaining order in the streets.”

The corners of Sista’s mouth curled slightly into a sardonic smile. “Robbing the rich to help the poor? That sounds quite righteous.”

‘This must be an underground organization in Aiskon,’ she thought. ‘The Duke couldn’t possibly be unaware of them, yet he purposefully allows them to operate. Why?’

The man did not seem to catch the mockery in her tone and continued enthusiastically, “Miss, please rest assured.

With us around, no one will dare bully you. If you encounter any trouble in the future, just come find the Flame Society, and we will certainly stand up for you.”

Sista did not answer. She merely gave him a cold glance before turning to leave.

“No, really, we didn’t bully her! She’s the one who beat us up!”

The muggers were still wailing, but the members of the Flame Society did not stop their punishment.

The man leading them watched Sista’s retreating back, a complex look flashing in his eyes. He muttered to himself, “This woman… she’s not simple.”

—

On the other side, Su Ling and Tii were hurrying back from the bakery.

Su Ling held the freshly bought bread in her hands, her face etched with anxiety. “Tii, let us hurry back. I am worried Her Highness might be angry.”

Tii smiled and linked her arm with Su Ling’s, her tone relaxed. “Don’t worry, little Su Ling. Her Highness isn’t that petty.”

Su Ling swallowed the retort she wanted to make.

Just then, they saw Sista walking toward them.

Tii was about to speak when her gaze paused for a moment.

Sista walked up to the two of them and glanced at Tii without saying a word.

Her gaze fell on the bread in Su Ling’s hands, and she asked tonelessly, “Did you finish buying the bread?”

Su Ling nodded and held the bread out. “Her Highness, please try some. The bread from this shop is truly delicious.”

Sista remained silent for a moment before finally taking it.

She gently pinched the bread, and the aroma of cheese wafted out. The soft texture allowed the irritability in her heart to subside slightly.

“Let’s go. It is time to return,” she said softly.

She turned and walked toward the other end of the street, still thinking about the Flame Society she had just encountered.

“Let’s go, little Su Ling.”

Su Ling nodded and followed behind the two, but she felt a faint sense of unease.

She felt that Sista’s expression was somewhat off.

—

Upon returning to the castle gates, Tii hurried back to her room to organize items needed by the Alliance because she still had missions to complete.

Sista suddenly stopped in her tracks and looked back at Su Ling.

“I want to be alone with you for a while.”

Her voice was low. The wind ruffled her black hair, obscuring half of her face.

Su Ling was momentarily stunned before she nodded. “Alright.”

‘Something is definitely wrong.’

Su Ling keenly sensed that on that arrogant face, which usually carried a sense of aloofness, there was a nearly imperceptible trace of exhaustion.

The two of them walked to the second-floor balcony.

The sunlight spilled down, making the distant city clearly visible under the clear sky. People came and went on the streets; everything in Escon City was as usual.

Sista gazed into the distance, her voice slightly hoarse. “Su Ling, there is one thing I must break my word on.”

Su Ling’s heart sank, and she waited quietly for her to continue.

“I said before that you would be safe by my side… but now, it seems I can no longer do that,” Sista said in a low voice.

The scene of being blocked by muggers on the street earlier flashed through her mind.

Those contemptuous gazes made her realize — she was no longer that Princess whom no one dared to offend.

Now, she was a fugitive being hunted.

She had to hide her identity and act with caution.

Even the thugs on the street dared to make a move against her.

This disparity made her feel powerless.

What made her even more uneasy was Su Ling.

In the past, Su Ling was safe by her side.

Now, it had become dangerous instead.

She could no longer protect her as she had before.

She might even drag her into The Abyss.

Su Ling asked softly, “Her Highness, what are you trying to say?”

Sista looked at her with a complex gaze. “I want to ask you… if one day the Holy White River Alliance side is safer, would you return to the Human Race camp?”

“Eh?”

Su Ling was stunned.

“You would go back, wouldn’t you? Tell me the truth.”

Su Ling was silent for a while.

She knew that Sista had a strong possessiveness toward her.

She even wanted to control every moment of her life.

“I… I don’t know,” she said softly. “You have always said that I am your property, so… it seems I don’t have the right to choose.”

Sista gave a bitter smile. “Of course you are my property.”

Her voice carried a hint of exhaustion. “But I will change all of this. So, do not think of leaving me.”

Su Ling looked up at her.

For the first time, unease appeared in those eyes.

‘What an insincere person.’

She gently took Sista’s hand and felt the icy temperature.

“I want to stay by your side,” she said seriously. “Although I don’t have much ability, I can still help a little. So, please take me with you.”

Sista froze.

She looked at Su Ling, her expression complicated.

“I have actually always been curious,” she said in a low voice. “That day… why did you get on the Earth Dragon Cart with me? I clearly did those things to you. Shouldn’t you hate me?”

Su Ling was silent for a moment.

She had indeed resisted once.

That heavy and twisted affection had made her feel suffocated.

But through the experiences in the Summer Castle, she had also seen another side of Sista.

That obsession with wanting to save her regardless of the cost.

It made it impossible for her to simply hate her.

“Her Highness, I do indeed mind that you hurt me,” she said softly. “But in comparison, your help and your feelings are more important in my heart.”

“That is the reason why I want to stay by your side.”

Sista fell silent.

She opened her mouth but said nothing.

She only tightened her grip on Su Ling’s hand.

She had already made up her mind — no matter what, she had to win this game and reclaim the Throne.

Only then could she protect her.

Sunlight bathed the two of them.

The distant city was noisy, but at this moment, it was as if they were in a quiet world.

“Let’s go,” Sista said softly. “We still have many things to do.”

Su Ling nodded and left the balcony with her.

—

Night fell.

The streets of Aiskon grew quiet, and the dim yellow lights swayed in the wind.

Ron, a member of the Flame Society, walked through narrow alleys to a hidden stronghold.

It was an abandoned warehouse that looked dilapidated on the outside, but the interior held hidden depths.

He pushed the door open and entered.

“Boss, I’m back.”

Fesca looked up, half of his face hidden in the shadows, his gaze sharp. “Tell me about today’s events.”

Ron stepped forward and reported everything in detail. “We encountered a woman today who knocked down all the muggers. I suspect she might be someone from the Holy White River Alliance.”

Fesca frowned. “The Alliance? Why would they send someone here?”

Ron shook his head. “I am not sure either.”

Fesca was silent for a moment before he slowly spoke. “You did well. But I do not believe she is from The Alliance.”

“The Holy White River Alliance has always been our potential ally. They are equally dissatisfied with Moria’s rule.”

Ron was taken aback. “An ally?”

Fesca nodded. “Yes. The reason we were able to develop so quickly in Sarinan and Aiskon is because of their secret support. Their resources and information are vital to us.”

Ron nodded, though he was still a bit worried. “I understand, Boss.”

He turned to leave.

“Wait,” Fesca called out to him. “Do not tell anyone else about what happened today.”

“Understood.”

After Ron left, the warehouse fell into silence once again.

Fesca looked at the flickering candlelight and said in a low voice:

“It is about time… to hold the meeting.”