Chapter 258: Making you willing

Sista nodded, her expression grim as she spoke.

“You must have noticed by now. We’ve been chased the entire way, and the situation is critical. Those pursuers are ruthless—it’s clear they don’t want us to reach the city alive.”

Phil gave a slight nod, her face cold.

“Your Highness, the people chasing you are no ordinary foes. But the Flame Society isn’t helpless either. We’ve placed eyes in this area. No move goes unnoticed.”

Sista frowned, unable to stop herself from questioning.

“Phil, your Flame Society has always stood against the authorities. Why are you willing to help me this time? I don’t believe you’d extend a hand for no reason.”

“Your Highness, you’re right. We don’t help anyone for nothing.”

Phil’s gaze grew cold.

“We oppose the authorities because they’ve never given us a way to live.”

“Beastfolk, humans—even those marginalized races—barely survive under their rule. We fight not to overthrow a regime, but for the right to live.”

She paused, her tone turning even colder.

“As for you, Your Highness… your existence is both an opportunity and a risk for us. We’re willing to help because you might be the key to breaking the status quo.”

“But if you can’t bring the change we want, then our cooperation ends here.”

A flicker of coldness flashed in Sista’s eyes, her voice low.

“So you’re saying that if I fail to meet your expectations, you’ll become my enemy?”

Phil met her gaze without flinching.

“Your Highness, in this world, nothing is free. The Flame Society isn’t a charity. Every step we take is for survival and gain.”

“If you can’t prove your worth, there’s no point in us taking further risks.”

Hearing this, Su Ling’s expression shifted slightly. She couldn’t help but interject.

“Phil… Her Highness truly wants to change the kingdom. She’s not what you think.”

Phil turned, her expression complicated as she looked at Su Ling.

“Su Ling, I know you trust her, but trust doesn’t fill your stomach.”

“Every decision the Flame Society makes affects hundreds of lives. I can’t risk that on personal feelings.”

Sista was silent for a moment, then slowly spoke.

“I understand. Your stance is clear—cooperation is based on mutual benefit. So, what do you want?”

Phil took a deep breath, voicing the demands she had discussed countless times with the captain and other members, buried deep in her heart.

“Simple. We need a place in your future power structure.”

“The Beastfolk, the marginalized races, even the oppressed commoners—they all need a voice.”

“If you can promise that, we’ll give you our full support.”

Sista gave a cold laugh.

“That’s no small demand. A seat in the power structure means you’d be directly involved in the kingdom’s decisions. That’s no trivial matter.”

Phil didn’t back down.

“Precisely because it’s no trivial matter, we need a clear promise.”

“Your Highness, you can refuse. But if you do, there’s no point in continuing this conversation.”

Sista’s gaze was as sharp as a blade, locking with Phil’s for a long time.

She understood well—this wasn’t just the Flame Society’s demand. It was what the oppressed humans and Beastfolk in the kingdom craved.

Whether the hidden resisters or the Holy White River Alliance supporting her, their ultimate goal pointed to the same thing—power.

It was a risky move.

But it could also become the key pawn to defeating Moria.

Finally, she nodded slowly.

“Fine. I can agree to your demands.”

“But on one condition: you must ensure my safe entry into the city and provide sufficient support when I need it.”

Phil let out a long breath, the tension on her face finally easing slightly.

“Deal.”

“However, Your Highness, let me warn you. Our cooperation is built on mutual trust. If you break your promise, you’ll face the consequences.”

Sista replied coldly.

“Likewise.”

Over the next few days, under the Flame Society’s arrangement, Sista and Su Ling hid in a secret safe house.

But unlike before, the atmosphere was noticeably tense.

The Flame Society members remained outwardly respectful, but their eyes always held wariness and caution.

On a gloomy morning, Su Ling sat by the bed, fiddling with the Communication Bracelet Tii had given her.

Last night, she had used the Dreamscape to convey their current situation to Tii. Inside the city, preparations for their reception had already begun.

Soon, the stalemate that had trapped them outside the city would end.

Once they successfully entered the city, the rest would go much smoother.

Just as Su Ling was about to get up and attend to Sista, a knock came at the door.

She walked over and opened it.

The old wooden door let out a creak, and fine wood dust fell from the frame.

Standing outside was Phil.

Light from outside filtered through the cracks, casting Phil’s figure in sharp relief.

Her face carried an unnatural blush, her eyes flickering as if uneasy.

Su Ling looked at her, a mix of emotions rising in her heart.

“Phil…”

She called softly, her voice carrying a hint of nostalgia.

Phil pursed her lips, forcing a light tone.

“What? Surprised to see me? Can’t I come find you?”

Su Ling smiled gently, warmth in her eyes.

“Of course not. We’re important friends, after all.”

“Important friends? Hmph, I never admitted that!”

Phil turned her head away.

“But… since you said it, I’ll reluctantly accept.”

The room fell into a brief silence.

Only the rustling of leaves in the wind outside the window echoed softly.

Phil’s fingers unconsciously twisted the hem of her clothes, as if she was mulling something over.

Finally, she took a deep breath, turned back, and met Su Ling’s eyes directly.

“Su Ling, to be honest… I thought I’d never see you again.”

Phil’s voice trembled slightly.

“I never expected you to actually stay by that Blood Princess’s side. Seriously, you always make me worry…”

Su Ling was taken aback, then gave a soft laugh.

“Phil, you haven’t changed at all.”

Phil’s face flushed even redder. She waved her hand in mock anger.

“Don’t change the subject! I’m not done yet!”

Her expression gradually turned serious.

“After all this time, my views have changed a lot.”

“About the relationship between humans, Beastfolk, and the Blood Clan… about the revolutionary path I’m on now…”

“Who would’ve thought that I, who once hated the Blood Clan so much, would end up cooperating with that Blood Princess? The world’s full of surprises.”

Su Ling nodded lightly.

“Yes, many things have changed.”

“But one thing hasn’t.”

Phil said suddenly, her voice low.

“Su Ling, in the past, I did a lot of things I’m sorry for. Now, I want to make it up to you, little by little.”

Her voice carried clear guilt.

“I didn’t keep my promise to rescue you from the Castle… but now, I can still do something for you.”

“Of course!” Phil quickly added, stubbornly. “It’s only because I, Phil, hate owing favors—don’t think our relationship has gotten any better!”

“Phil…”

Su Ling couldn’t help but laugh softly.

Warmth welled up in her heart.

“I’m really glad you think that way. You’ve grown a lot.”

“D-don’t say something so mushy!”

Phil looked away flustered.

“I just… just…”

Suddenly, Phil reached out and grabbed Su Ling’s wrist.

Su Ling jumped in surprise, instinctively stepping back until her back hit the wall.

Phil stepped forward, bracing her arms against the wall, trapping Su Ling in between.

“Huh?”

Su Ling froze at the sudden move, looking up at her.

Phil’s feline Beastfolk pupils stared unblinkingly at Su Ling.

A stubborn determination gleamed in her eyes.

“To be honest, Su Ling.”

Phil’s voice dropped low.

“Are you really going back to the city with that Princess?”

Su Ling nodded lightly.

For some reason, her heart began to race.

Phil was too close—she could even feel the other girl’s breath.

“Stay.”

Phil whispered, a hint of pleading in her tone.

“Let me make it up to you.”

“I’m not someone who goes back on my word.”

Su Ling’s breathing quickened.

She could feel Phil’s grip wasn’t too strong, but it held her wrist firmly, making it impossible to break free.

Phil’s gaze grew more resolute.

“After saying so much… will you give me this chance?”

“Phil, I…”

Su Ling’s voice trembled.

She couldn’t even imagine what would happen if Sista appeared right now.

“Are you worried Sista won’t agree?”

Phil’s tone carried obvious disdain.

“Anyway, that Princess probably doesn’t lack maids. I’ll give her enough benefits—she’s bound to let you go.”

Su Ling shook her head frantically.

“How could she possibly agree?!”

“Why not?”

Phil moved closer again.

“To her, you’re just a maid, right? Stay with me—I’ll value you more than she does!”

“No! That’s not it!”

“Then what is it?”

Phil stared at her intently.

“That cold-blooded Blood Princess—I don’t fully trust her.”

“Or… do you just like staying by her side that much?”

Phil leaned in again.

But since she was as slender as Su Ling, the pressure wasn’t overwhelming.

Su Ling instinctively shrank away.

“Phil, please…”

Her voice carried a plea.

A flicker of disappointment passed through Phil’s eyes, but she quickly regained her composure.

She slowly released Su Ling’s wrist, stepped back, and forced an awkward expression.

“Hmph, forget it. I was just saying.”

She turned her head away and muttered under her breath.

“But don’t think I’ll give up that easily.”

“I, Phil, always keep my word. One day, I’ll make you stay willingly.”

Su Ling looked at her, unsure what to say.

She could feel the deep concern hidden behind Phil’s bluntness.

But…

How could Sista ever allow her to stay by someone else’s side?