The night was as dark as ink. Under Tii’s guidance, Sista walked through a hidden passage, her steps light but her expression grave.
Tii walked ahead, head down, saying little. Sista’s eyes gleamed sharply in the darkness, as if observing something.
The passage was narrow and dim, with only occasional torches casting flickering shadows.
Finally, Tii stopped and pushed open a heavy wooden door.
Behind the door was the Duke’s study.
The air was filled with a faint scent of parchment and ink. Candlelight flickered, and the walls were covered with ancient maps and family crests.
The Duke sat behind a large oak desk, holding an unrolled parchment scroll, his expression grave.
“Your Highness, you’ve returned.”
The Duke stood up and bowed slightly, his tone respectful but dignified.
Sista nodded, her eyes scanning the study’s furnishings before settling on the Duke’s face.
“Lord Duke, thank you for your protection. I think we need to discuss our next plan as soon as possible.”
The Duke smiled slightly and gestured for Sista to sit.
“Your Highness, please sit. I was thinking the same.”
After they both sat down, the Duke unfurled the parchment and pushed it toward Sista.
“This is a map of the current power distribution within the city. The Queen has ordered a citywide search for you, but her forces are mainly concentrated in the palace and noble districts, while our people are spread across the south and north.”
Sista examined the map closely, frowning slightly.
“Although the Queen’s forces are concentrated, her control is not stable. Especially the merchant guilds and some commoners—they’ve long been dissatisfied with high taxes and monopoly policies.”
The Duke nodded in agreement.
“Exactly. Your Highness, your royal bloodline is the symbol of Hailuosen’s legitimacy. If we can use the ‘rightful inheritance of Hailuosen’ as a banner to rally those dissatisfied with the Queen, we will surely form a powerful rebel force.”
Sista looked up at the Duke, her gaze sharp.
“Lord Duke, before that, I want to ask: do you hope to make me your puppet, using my bloodline to gain more support for yourself?”
The Duke’s expression froze for a moment, then he laughed.
“Your Highness, you flatter me. I only believe that your identity is our greatest advantage against the Queen. We cooperate, each taking what we need.”
Sista let out a cold laugh, a hint of sarcasm in her voice.
“If only that were true. Lord Duke, I am not a pawn to be manipulated. We can cooperate, but it must be on equal footing.”
The Duke gave an awkward smile.
“I… of course wouldn’t do that.”
Sista nodded slightly, but her tone remained cold.
“Good. One more thing: I need you to ensure the safety of Su Ling and my other companions.”
The Duke agreed readily.
“Of course. I will arrange for people to protect them.”
Next, the two began to discuss the plan of action in detail.
The Duke pointed to several key points on the map and said:
“On the day of the Moon Eclipse Rite, the Queen will hold a grand ritual at the altar near the palace. At that time, her attention will be completely focused on the ceremony, and the guards will be relatively lax.”
“Time is tight, but enough for us to prepare.”
Sista said.
The Duke nodded in agreement.
“I have already contacted the people from the merchant guild. They are willing to launch a strike and protest on the day of the Moon Eclipse Rite. As for the palace raid, I suggest it be carried out jointly by your Flame Society members and my Knight Order.”
Sista frowned slightly.
“Although the Flame Society members are skilled in covert operations, their numbers are limited. Are your knights reliable?”
The Duke smiled confidently.
“Rest assured, Your Highness. My knights are elite, strictly trained, and absolutely loyal.”
Sista nodded.
“Good, then it’s settled. However, I need to personally participate in the palace raid.”
The Duke was somewhat surprised.
“Your Highness, that’s too dangerous…”
“But it’s necessary.”
Sista’s gaze was icy, her tone resolute.
The Duke was silent for a moment, then finally nodded in agreement.
“Since Your Highness insists, I will arrange the most elite soldiers to protect you.”
After the discussion ended, Sista stood up to take her leave.
“Lord Duke, thank you for your support. I will quickly work out a detailed plan with the Flame Society members.”
The Duke also stood up and said solemnly:
“Your Highness, may our cooperation go smoothly.”
After leaving the study, Sista returned to the temporary base accompanied by Tii.
Su Ling’s injuries had stabilized, and she was resting in bed. Phil was organizing weapons and equipment nearby.
“Your Highness, how did it go?”
Seeing Sista return, Tii immediately stepped forward and asked.
Sista briefly told everyone the results of her discussion with the Duke.
“On the day of the Moon Eclipse Rite, we will launch the attack. Phil, you are responsible for coordinating with the Flame Society members. Tii, you are responsible for contacting our supporters in the city, ensuring they respond quickly once the operation begins.”
Phil and Tii answered in unison:
“Understood.”
Sista then walked over to Su Ling’s bedside.
“Su Ling, your injuries haven’t healed yet. Don’t participate this time.”
“Your Highness, I’m already much better.”
Su Ling looked at her and said softly:
“Are you sure you don’t need my help with anything?”
“No need. You’re weak and still sick. You can’t help me.”
Sista said flatly.
Just as she was about to continue, Phil suddenly interrupted, her tone filled with obvious dissatisfaction.
“Your Highness, I know Su Ling’s physical condition best. She has indeed recovered well and can fully participate in the operation. You don’t have to always make decisions for her.”
Sista frowned, turned to look at Phil, her gaze cold.
“Phil, I saw Su Ling’s injuries with my own eyes. I cannot let her take risks.”
Phil snorted, crossed her arms, and spoke with a hint of provocation.
“Your Highness, you make decisions for her in the name of ‘what’s best for her,’ but have you ever asked for her opinion? Su Ling is not your possession. She has the right to choose her own path.”
In fact, Phil’s heart was already full of resentment toward Sista.
She hated the way Sista pretended to care about Su Ling, as if Su Ling were her private property. But she couldn’t directly confront Sista.
Seeing this, Su Ling quickly tried to smooth things over.
“Your Highness, Phil is just worried about me. Please don’t argue…”
Tii, standing nearby, curled her lips slightly, a hint of slyness flashing in her eyes, as if she enjoyed watching the two of them argue.
She gently patted Phil on the shoulder and said teasingly:
“Oh my, Phil, you’re so concerned about little Su Ling. Could it be… that you have special feelings for her?”
Phil’s face instantly flushed red, and her tone became flustered.
“Wha—what nonsense are you talking about! I just… just think Her Highness shouldn’t always make decisions for Su Ling!”
Tii blinked and said with feigned innocence.
“Really? But just now, I felt like the way you looked at little Su Ling seemed a bit different.”
“Tii, stop talking nonsense!”
Phil grew even more embarrassed and glared at Tii.
Sista watched her flustered state, her eyes growing colder, and said flatly:
“Phil, if you truly care about her, you should understand that my decision is for her own good.”
Hearing Sista say this, Phil gritted her teeth.
She had clearly spoken those words for Su Ling’s sake. How did she end up being the one in the wrong?
But she didn’t want to give up like this.
She wanted to prove to Su Ling that she cared about her more than Sista did.
So she looked seriously at Su Ling.
“Su Ling, I just don’t want you to always be protected. You have the ability and the right to make decisions for yourself.”
Under Phil’s expectant gaze, Su Ling sighed and gently shook her head.
“I’ll follow Your Highness’s orders.”
Premium Chapter
Login to buy access to this Chapter.