“It’s autumn, a truly nostalgic season. Meeting you is a stroke of luck.”
Her throat moved involuntarily again. Sista couldn’t directly control Su Ling’s words, but she could manipulate the direction of her emotions. Thus, every time she spoke, a desire to be close to Sista would well up in Su Ling’s heart.
This felt extremely awkward to her.
“Luck…” Sista chuckled. “Doesn’t Your Highness feel the same way?”
Sista tilted her head.
“I don’t know.”
Su Ling’s heart stirred slightly. Her eyes flickered as she prepared to say more, but at that moment, the voice of the maid from earlier suddenly rang out from the distance.
She intentionally shouted loudly so Sista could hear her clearly.
“Your Highness! We have — we have a guest!” She jogged over while speaking, breaking the harmonious atmosphere between the two. “It’s Princess Zeer, Your Highness. Her carriage has already reached the gates of the castle.”
“I understand. I’ll be right there.”
Sista hesitated for a moment, frowned slightly, and took Su Ling’s hand, leading her quickly back inside. They crossed the long corridor, and then she brought Su Ling back to the cage in the basement.
*Clang!*
The iron door was locked once more. Su Ling returned to the space divided by iron bars, greeted by the chill and damp air.
Sista was in a great hurry. She turned and left the basement without another word. As her back faded into the distance, Su Ling felt the power controlling her mind recede until it disappeared completely.
‘Phew…’
Reason and willpower returned, and control over her body finally belonged to her again. Su Ling’s face was pale, and her back was drenched in cold sweat.
It seemed Tii was right; the abilities of the Blood Clan had significant limitations, the most obvious one being distance. Unless they possessed a special talent, members of the Blood Clan could only control humans within a certain range. Once that range was exceeded, the ability would fail.
The lingering rhythm of her pounding heart remained in her chest.
Looking back, the atmosphere between her and Sista just now was completely different from before. There was no restraint or tension, only the casual conversation of a master and servant.
‘Is this what Sista wants?’
The questions in Su Ling’s mind seemed to be gaining some clarity.
***
Walking hurriedly, Sista followed the maid to the entrance of Xiami Castle. From a distance, she saw Princess Zeer’s luxurious carriage. Oil lamps hung from the four corners of the golden-painted carriage. Two black horses stood at the front, their manes curling in the wind.
In Ansels, nobles chose different means of transport based on distance. Horse-drawn carriages were used for short distances, while Earth Dragon Carts were used for long journeys.
The carriage door opened, and Princess Zeer slowly stepped down. A faint smile graced her face, but a sharpness that was not easily detected leaked from her eyes.
As soon as Princess Zeer’s feet touched the ground, an attendant stepped forward immediately and respectfully handed her a crimson cloak. She threw it on lightly and then walked toward the castle gates with elegant steps.
“My dear sister, it has been a long time.”
Princess Zeer’s voice was rich and magnetic. The two exchanged polite greetings. Zeer’s gaze lingered on Sista’s face for a moment, as if searching for something, before quickly shifting away.
“Yes, Sister. What brings you here today?”
Sista’s tone was polite, but it carried a hint of wariness. She took a slight step back, maintaining a proper distance.
“It’s nothing special, really. It’s just getting a bit late, so I wanted to see you,” Princess Zeer said casually, as if she were merely making a friendly social visit.
“Ever since Sister Nori left, I have been grieving every day. It’s so unsafe outside now, yet you insist on staying at Xiami Castle. I’m truly worried about you.”
A mocking smile tugged at the corner of Sista’s mouth.
“Sister, there are no outsiders here. There’s no need to be so serious.”
What true feelings could exist between members of the Blood Clan? Both of them knew this well. Hypocritical and hollow social etiquette was merely for the sake of appearances, a habit trained into them since childhood.
Sista felt that Princess Zeer sometimes got too into character, which was a bit repulsive.
“You’re still so outspoken.” Princess Zeer appeared slightly displeased.
“I just feel there’s no need to beat around the bush with you,” Sista said, stepping aside to make a path. She made a gesture inviting Princess Zeer inside. “Please, Sister, come in.”
Led by the maid, the two walked to the parlor and took their seats.
In truth, even if Princess Zeer didn’t speak, Sista could roughly guess her purpose. Nine times out of ten, it was related to the war.
But why come to her? She didn’t have a single soldier or horse in her hands.
The light in the parlor was not very bright. The maid served tea to the two of them and then sensibly retreated. She naturally knew this was not a place where she could stay for long.
“I believe you’ve heard about the Count’s rebellion,” Princess Zeer said, getting straight to the point. “He has joined forces with the human Rebel Army and has reorganized a force of nearly 10,000 men in his territory. He plans to attack Kerr City.”
“10,000 men?” Sista frowned. “He is but a Count. How can he mobilize an army on such a scale?”
“That is the information the scouts brought back,” Princess Zeer said, taking a small sip of tea. “During the time of the Old King, the lands within Ansels were already fully distributed. The younger sons without inheritance rights all became Landless Knights. Their income is meager, and some are even heavily in debt.
“The Count is taking advantage of this. He claims in his territory that land will be rewarded for military merit. Many have moved upon hearing this, joining his banner one after another. Combined with the Rebel Army, they undoubtedly pose a threat to Ansels.
“I intended to lead the Blood Clan to suppress them, but the years of war with Morivadan have already exhausted our strength. Regarding the decision to suppress them, the Nobles are divided. The Royal Council has held several rounds of meetings but has failed to reach a conclusion.”
Sista listened quietly, staring at the swirling liquid in her cup, hesitating to drink.
This was tea from the East. Half-dried brown tea leaves were submerged in the green, slowly spinning with the water.
In a daze, she seemed to see the fate of Ansels changing along with this movement, falling into an unpredictable abyss.
“The Financial Minister, Clara Pamir, discussed this with me the other day. With the kingdom’s current financial situation, we can no longer support a long-term war. Therefore, I believe it is necessary to implement tax reforms.”
As soon as these words were spoken, Sista suddenly understood Princess Zeer’s purpose for seeking her out.
Sure enough, the beautiful blonde woman lowered her eyes, gently swirling the tea in her cup. With the tone of a Princess who looked down on all things, she spoke:
“To be blunt, I need your help, Sister. This is for the future of Ansels, and for the common interests of our family.”
Sista remained unmoved. She finished the tea in one gulp and set the porcelain cup down heavily on the coffee table. Then, she brushed her dark violet hair behind her back.
“What are you saying, Sister? I help you? Help you compose poems, paint, or attend balls?”
Princess Zeer’s expression changed slightly, clearly dissatisfied with Sista’s response, but she quickly adjusted her expression and continued, “Sister, this matter is of great importance. You cannot just sit by and watch.”
“You think too highly of me. I haven’t concerned myself with national affairs for years. What great use could I be?” Sista smiled slightly, a hint of mockery in her eyes.
“No, I don’t need you to do much,” a rare serious expression appeared on Princess Zeer’s face. “I only need you to — help me convince Father.”