Tii’s hemline fluttered gently as she tried to maintain a steady voice. However, the slight tremble at the end of her words betrayed the turbulent emotions within her.
“Little Su Ling, do you know what you’re saying? Do you want me to accept her existence too?”
Su Ling looked up, the grievance in her eyes tugging at the heartstrings.
“I’m sorry, Tii… I’m sorry.”
Hearing that soft, sweet apology, Tii felt as though an invisible hand were squeezing her heart, causing a dull ache. Her eyes dimmed, and a bitter smile tugged at the corner of her lips.
“So that’s how it is…”
She turned slowly, her back to Su Ling, and walked out of the room with heavy steps, quietly closing the door behind her. The moment the door shut, Tii’s figure swayed.
She leaned against the back of the door and slowly slid to the floor. She hugged herself tightly and buried her head between her knees, trying to suppress the rising tide of emotion.
Even after hearing the word “like,” she didn’t feel the joy she had imagined; instead, she felt an indescribable bitterness.
‘How… can I win against that Blood Princess?’
She closed her eyes, and memories of her time with Su Ling flashed through her mind. She couldn’t bring herself to resent Su Ling. That affection had already seeped into her very bones; even if she was hurt, she still wanted to stay by her side.
“Since you said those words to me… you have to take responsibility for these feelings, Little Su Ling.”
Tii took a deep breath, forcing herself to calm down. She stood up, straightened her dress, and walked toward the end of the corridor. The moonlight spilled through the window and onto her, casting a long shadow. Her figure appeared somewhat lonely, yet it carried a persistent determination.
***
A few days later, Sista took an Earth Dragon Cart to visit the nobles on her list. The vehicle slowly rolled out of Lorian Castle, its wheels making a low rumbling sound against the cobblestones.
Outside the window, Escon City gradually receded, replaced by open fields and rolling hills. The sky was clear blue, and sunlight bathed the land. In the distance, Latam City was faintly visible, its walls glimmering under the sun.
Inside the carriage, Sista sat on a soft seat, holding a parchment scroll that detailed the nobles she intended to visit. Before departing, she had used the intelligence networks of Duke Lorian and Tii to analyze the spheres of influence and interests of these aristocrats. Her gaze swept over the text, and her brow furrowed slightly as she calculated her strategy.
Su Ling, sitting opposite her, was busy organizing books and notes. Her long silver hair fell over her shoulders, and her expression was quiet and focused. She was no longer just a personal maid responsible for daily chores; she had begun to take on the duties of a secretary.
“Your Highness,” Su Ling said, looking up to break the silence, “are you worried about the meeting with Count Wayne?”
“It’s not exactly worry, but the situation is complicated,” Sista said calmly. “Latam City is one of the wealthiest regions in the kingdom, rich in mineral veins and fertile farmland. Count Carlos Wayne has controlled this area for generations and possesses an elite private army.”
Su Ling nodded. “But what you’re really worried about is their attitude, right?” She pulled out a paper and looked at the portrait of the Count. “A noble’s loyalty is often built on profit; if the conditions aren’t right, they might turn their backs on us.”
Sista set down the scroll, her gaze landing on her. “Indeed. The Wayne family controls the southern mineral veins, and their support is vital. Ever since Moria took office and implemented the Tax Law reforms and forced labor for miners, they have suffered heavy losses. I’m afraid they will propose terms that are difficult to accept.”
Su Ling thought for a moment before saying, “Your Highness, I’ve reviewed some historical records of the South Realm. What the Wayne family cares about most is the control over the mineral veins. If we grant them a certain level of autonomy in the mining industry, perhaps we can trade that for their military support.”
A flash of approval showed in Sista’s eyes. “Go on.”
“We can take a middle-ground approach. For example, temporarily granting them mining rights while retaining the Royal Family’s right of supervision.”
Sista frowned slightly. “What if they insist on total control?”
Su Ling pondered for a while before slowly speaking. “Then we should focus on ‘time.’ If we can’t compromise on the horizontal distribution of power, then we use vertical restrictions — set a time limit.”
Sista smiled faintly. “Not bad. When the meeting begins later, take notes by my side.”
“I understand, Your Highness.”
Sista looked out the window again; Latam City was growing closer.
***
The Earth Dragon Cart passed through the city gates. The walls were high, and the guards were numerous. The streets inside were wide and clean, lined with stone buildings. The cries of vendors and the bustle of pedestrians intertwined, creating a scene of prosperity and excitement.
Soon, the cart stopped in front of Count Wayne’s estate. The large gates slowly opened, and several servants greeted them respectfully. Sista stepped down from the carriage, her posture upright and her aura cold. Su Ling followed closely behind.
Count Wayne greeted them personally. He was tall, with a stern face and sharp, intelligent eyes. He bowed and said, “Your Highness, your presence brings great honor to Latam City.”
Sista nodded slightly. “Lord Count, I hope we can have an honest conversation.”
“Of course. Please, come in.”
***
Inside the drawing room, the two parties sat opposite each other. Su Ling stood behind Sista, notebook in hand, ready to record.
As expected, Count Wayne didn’t spend much time on pleasantries and spoke directly. “Your Highness, my family has been loyal to the Royal Family for generations. But now, the Queen’s policies have caused us heavy losses. The New Tax Law and the policy of conscripting miners have not only diminished our profits but have also trampled on our family’s dignity.”
He then proposed his core demand — complete control over the mining rights in the South Realm.
Sista remained calm. “Lord Count, I understand your request. However, the mineral veins are the lifeblood of the kingdom; I cannot hand them over completely. I can, however, grant the nobility mining rights for a period of ten years. During these ten years, 70% of the profits will belong to the nobles, and 30% will go to the Royal Family. After ten years, the rights will return to the crown.”
Count Wayne was clearly taken aback. He fell silent for a moment before saying, “A 70% profit share is indeed considerable, but a ten-year term is too short. We need more time to recover our strength.”
Sista did not answer immediately. She knew very well that this was a gamble of interests. Every concession made was a seed for future trouble. But if she didn’t compromise, she wouldn’t be able to gather enough power to oppose Moria.
She instinctively glanced at Su Ling behind her. Su Ling was focused on her notes, her expression serious. Sista was momentarily dazed, then she cleared her throat and pulled her thoughts back to the negotiations.