Sista stepped out of the study and gently closed the door, the cold expression on her face softening slightly.
She stood by the window in the corridor, watching the drizzling rain outside as a thousand thoughts swirled through her mind.
A moment later, she turned and walked toward Su Ling and Tii, who were waiting at the other end of the corridor.
Su Ling stood with her head bowed, her hands tightly interlaced, appearing somewhat restless. Her gaze drifted toward the study from time to time, as if she were worried about something.
“Her Highness… how did it go? Was the talk successful?” Su Ling asked, hurriedly looking up as she saw Sista approach.
Sista reached out and gently patted her shoulder. “The Duke has clearly expressed his support for us. Things went more smoothly than expected.”
Su Ling breathed a sigh of relief, a look of ease appearing on her face, but she soon lowered her head again. Her voice was as faint as a mosquito’s buzz.
“Her Highness, while the Duke’s support is important, we must still proceed with caution. Moria’s influence spreads throughout the Capital, and her eyes and ears are everywhere. Our next moves must be careful.”
“I am naturally aware of that,” Sista said calmly. “However, with Moria’s coronation approaching, the Duke suggests we take refuge in Aiskon for a while.”
Su Ling remained silent for a moment before nodding gently, her tone gaining a hint of determination. “I understand, Her Highness.”
Tii watched the two from the side, the corners of her mouth curling slightly. “Her Highness, what do you plan to do next?”
“Meet with the representatives of the Holy White River Alliance as soon as possible to discuss specific plans. Simultaneously, we will contact other nobles loyal to the Royal Family to gather more support,” Sista answered.
Tii nodded. “I will arrange the meeting with the Alliance representatives as soon as possible. As for the nobles… I’m afraid Her Highness will have to appear in person to convince them.”
“That is only natural. I will go see them myself.” Sista cut herself off and suddenly stopped in her tracks. “However, before that, there is one more thing.”
—
After the rain, the streets of Sarinan were permeated with the fresh scent of earth. Sunlight filtered through the clouds, casting a warm glow upon the cobblestone paths.
Sista, Tii, and Su Ling — the three of them — walked side by side down the street, preparing to pick out a few suitable outfits for Su Ling.
Originally, this task was meant to be handled by Tii alone. After all, Sista had just escaped an assassination attempt, and appearing on the streets was not safe.
But she had insisted on staying by Su Ling’s side.
Left with no choice, Tii had the servants from the Duke’s manor apply makeup to Sista and gave her a black veil to wear, disguising her as an ordinary Noble Lady.
Su Ling was still wearing that slightly worn Maid Uniform. Though it was clean, it looked out of place on the bustling street.
She kept her head down, clutching the hem of her skirt, appearing somewhat uneasy.
“Su Ling, you need a few decent clothes,” Sista said flatly, her gaze scanning the shops on either side. “You cannot keep wearing that old outfit.”
Tii chimed in with a beaming smile, “That’s right, little Su Ling. You must dress up properly today.”
Su Ling’s face turned slightly red as she whispered, “Actually… I think my current clothes are fine. There’s no need to go through the trouble…”
“No,” Sista and Tii interrupted in unison.
Su Ling was stunned. ‘Why are you two so synchronized at a time like this!’
Before long, they walked into a magnificently decorated clothing store.
The racks inside were filled with all kinds of dresses, ranging from elegant gowns to exquisite short skirts.
“Welcome! May I help you ladies find anything?” The shop assistant greeted them warmly.
Sista pointed at Su Ling. “Pick out a few suitable clothes for her.”
The clerk understood immediately. “This way, miss. Please follow me; we have many styles that would suit you.”
Su Ling followed along, feeling somewhat lost.
Sista and Tii followed closely behind, carefully inspecting the racks.
“This one!” Tii suddenly pulled down a light purple lace gown. The hem was adorned with bows, and the neckline featured semi-transparent gauze. “You would definitely look beautiful in this.”
Su Ling’s face instantly flushed. “This… this is too much. I can’t wear this…”
“Why not?” Tii held the dress up against her, a meaningful smile on her face.
“That doesn’t suit her,” Sista interrupted coldly.
She pulled down a deep blue silk gown. The style was simple, adorned only with a silver belt. “This one.”
Her tone brooked no refusal.
Su Ling held the two dresses, unsure of how to choose.
Tii raised an eyebrow. “Her Highness, isn’t that just your style? It might not necessarily suit Su Ling.”
“She doesn’t need to dress so flamboyantly,” Sista replied calmly.
“You’re being overbearing.” Tii refused to back down and picked up another form-fitting dress. “Ah, I really want to see little Su Ling in this.”
The dress was short, reaching only mid-thigh, and the neckline was cut extremely low.
Su Ling’s face grew even redder. “This… this is too revealing…”
Sista’s expression darkened, and she stepped directly in front of Tii to block her. “Tii, my cooperation with you does not mean you can tell my people what to do.”
Tii shrugged. “Her Highness, this isn’t Hailuosen. Su Ling isn’t your possession; she has the right to choose.”
The atmosphere instantly grew tense.
“You — “
“Um… maybe we shouldn’t buy anything?” Su Ling hurriedly interrupted.
“No!” the two of them snapped in unison again.
Su Ling shrunk her neck back and said in a small voice, “Then… you two help me pick…”
—
Ultimately, under the guidance of the two women, Su Ling tried on clothes of various styles.
From sexy lace to cute puffed skirts and elegant gowns.
With every change, she was too ashamed to lift her head.
Finally, at Sista’s insistence, she chose a light blue cloth dress.
The design was simple, with only woven decorations at the chest, appearing fresh and dignified.
Su Ling stood before the mirror, her face still bright red. “Is this… really okay?”
Sista nodded gently. “It suits you well.”
Tii laughed. “It’s not as interesting as the ones I picked, but it’s not bad either.”
Su Ling finally breathed a sigh of relief. “Thank you both…”
The two women glanced at each other.
Although there was still a slight scent of gunpowder in the air, the tension unconsciously softened in the face of Su Ling’s smile.