Seeing Su Ling’s figure, Sista’s expression froze instantly, her red eyes filled with shock.
Then, her lips trembled slightly, and her silver teeth gritted hard as if an invisible hand were clutching her throat. Her face turned pale as she took two steps back, staring fixedly at Su Ling.
“Go back! You useless thing! Who told you to follow me?”
Sista finally erupted, her voice hoarse and sharp. “I’m disgusted whenever I see a servant as stupid as you! Don’t make a fool of yourself in front of me. Get lost!”
She cursed so venomously that even Moria was slightly taken aback.
The Second Princess, who always presented herself as cold and elegant, had never lost her composure like this, even if her words were occasionally biting. She certainly would not scream like a shrew without regard for her image.
Yet today, Sista had clearly lost control. It was the first time Moria had seen her so angry.
However, Su Ling was not intimidated by those words. She scanned her surroundings, her gaze landing on a large tree by the window. Taking a deep breath, she gripped the branches tightly and nimbly climbed up.
She moved along the branch bit by bit and soon landed steadily on the ground.
“What are you doing here?!”
Seeing her actually descend from the Castle, Sista grew even more anxious. Her hands clenched into fists, and her face turned green with rage. “Can’t you even understand human speech? You idiot!”
“Your Highness.”
Su Ling patted the dust off her clothes, her voice calm but firm. “I know I am not perfect, but I will work hard to improve.”
The surrounding soldiers all wore surprised expressions. This silver-haired girl in a maid’s uniform appeared fragile, yet she showed no fear while surrounded by heavily armed troops. A hard-to-ignore resilience shone between her brows.
“Do you… do you have any idea how dangerous it is out there!” Sista roared, her voice faintly trembling. “Go back!”
She tried desperately to drive Su Ling away. But Su Ling acted as if she heard nothing. In her eyes, there was only Sista.
Not far away, Moria watched the scene with interest. A meaningful smile curled at the corner of her mouth as if she were calculating something.
Su Ling walked up to Sista step by step and met her gaze. Her rose-colored eyes were clear and firm.
“Your Highness, please believe me,” she said softly. “I won’t cause you any trouble. Please take me with you.”
Sista’s voice suddenly grew hoarse, and her eyes reddened slightly. “You…”
Her defenses were crumbling bit by bit. Yet, she still clenched her fists, wanting to continue refusing.
Just then, Moria suddenly began to clap.
“What a touching display of loyalty between master and servant,” she said with a mocking smile. “In that case, Sista, you should take her along. Don’t worry, the vehicle is spacious enough.”
Sista’s face turned incredibly ugly. She knew Moria’s intention—she was deliberately dragging Su Ling into True Danger. Sista did not want Su Ling involved no matter what.
But—she had failed countless times to keep her by her side before, yet this time, when she desperately tried to push her away, the fool had to chase after her.
Why? Why now of all times? Sista felt as if a knife were twisting in her heart.
Moria seemed to enjoy the show. She lightly snapped her fan shut, a cold smile on her lips. “Since you aren’t speaking, I’ll agree for you.”
She patted Su Ling’s shoulder. “No need for formalities. Go with her.”
With that, she pushed Su Ling forward. Su Ling stumbled a few steps and was shoved into the cabin of the Earth Dragon Cart.
“You—!” Sista could no longer hold back. She rushed forward in three strides and grabbed Su Ling’s arm. “Idiot! Get out!” she shouted hoarsely.
However, Su Ling gently took her hand and shook her head. Her expression was calm and steady.
“Let’s go together, Your Highness.”
—
The Earth Dragon Cart sped through the mountain forest.
The wheels crushed dirt and gravel, letting out a low rumble as it moved along the rugged mountain road. Sunlight filtered through the gaps between leaves, casting shifting patterns of light and shadow inside the window.
Ten Bloodkin Knights guarded the perimeter closely. Clad in black heavy armor, their expressions were cold, and their gazes were as sharp as eagles. The sound of horse hooves striking the ground intertwined with the rumble of the Earth Dragon Cart, making the air feel exceptionally oppressive and heavy.
Inside the cabin sat a carved wooden table with a silver candle stand. The seats on either side were covered in thick rugs. The two girls sat facing each other, yet neither spoke.
Su Ling lowered her eyes, her hands resting on her knees as she seemed to be thinking about something. Suddenly, she heard a very faint sound. It was—sobbing.
“Idiot… idiot… you idiot…”
The voice was so quiet it was nearly swallowed by the sound of the wind.
Su Ling was stunned and turned to look. She saw the black-haired girl with her head bowed, her long hair masking half her face. Her red eyes were already blurred by tears. One drop after another slid down her cheeks, wetting the back of her hand.
She… was crying.
Su Ling could hardly believe it. That Blood Noble Princess, who was always superior, cold, and forceful, would actually show such an expression. ‘Is this really Sista?’ For a moment, she even thought she was hallucinating.
She reached out, wanting to touch her shoulder, but stopped in midair.
Sista’s shoulders trembled slightly, her voice choked with suppressed sobs. “Why… why did you follow me… Why…”
Su Ling remained silent for a moment before finally reaching out to wipe the tears from her face. “I want you to live well,” she said softly.
At that moment, Su Ling finally understood. Sista had never changed. Whether facing the schemes of Nobles, the Queen’s difficulties, or even Moria’s threats earlier, she remained calm and composed.
She was a Princess of the Blood Clan. Even in the face of Death, she would not lower her head. In everyone’s eyes, she was the definition of cold and heartless.
But even so—she would shed tears for someone. This Blood Princess, who was intensely possessive and loved her in a nearly morbid way, had chosen to push her away at the moment of life and death.
Su Ling didn’t know what had happened during the time she was asleep. She didn’t know what methods Moria had used to drive Sista into a corner. But she could guess—
When True Danger approached, Sista’s first instinct had been to carry her back to the bedroom, seal the Castle, and face it all alone. If she refused the Royal Command, she would be executed for the Crime of Treason.
This was a dead end with no way out. And she had chosen to compromise simply to protect Su Ling.
“Why can’t you just understand my hints… Why did you have to come here now…” Sista’s voice was still filled with anger and sobbing.
She was not afraid of losing her status. She was not afraid of Death. She was afraid of—losing Su Ling.
Su Ling finally understood. This so-called “plaything” had never been a plaything from the start. Those sharp words were merely her clumsy way of expressing herself. Her love was obsessive and extreme, but undeniably real.
Su Ling stood up and walked to her side. She gently hugged her.
“I didn’t fail to understand your hints, Your Highness,” she whispered into Sista’s ear. “I came to take you away.”