Chapter 252: Can we meet?

Phil galloped through the winding streets of the city, her horse’s hooves clicking against the ancient stone slabs in a rhythmic beat.

She gripped the reins tightly, her palms soaked with sweat, her heart a mix of tension and anticipation.

She knew the weight of this journey; it concerned not only the future of the Flame Society but also her longing for Su Ling.

After several days of dusty travel, Phil finally arrived at her destination — Duke Lorian’s Castle.

Although the Flame Society had already obtained intelligence that the Duke was secretly protecting Princess Sista, they did not act rashly.

After all, no one could see through what that old, calculating Duke was truly plotting.

Before taking action, the Flame Society had spread three versions of “Uprising Rumors” within the Duke’s territory to test his true attitude.

The radical version advocated for uniting all parties to overthrow the Queen.
The moderate version suggested cooperating with the Duke to negotiate for rights.
The loyalist version claimed that the Flame Society had been deceived by rebel forces and was actually loyal to the Queen.

These rumors were widely spread through wandering poets, merchant caravans, and taverns, while the Flame Society secretly observed the reactions of the nobles and the garrison.

Ultimately, Fesca reached a conclusion.

‘He is still watching.’

The Duke had increased patrols, but he had not launched a large-scale suppression of those spreading radical speech. This indicated that while he was dissatisfied with the Queen’s rule, he had not yet fully defected to the resistance.

Because of this, Phil was chosen as the executor of this mission.

She took a deep breath, pushing down her fatigue and nerves, and flipped down from her horse. She gently patted the restless animal before walking steadily toward the castle gates.

The guards at the gate stopped her, eyeing the travel-worn cat-eared girl with suspicion.

“Who are you? What is your business here?”

Phil looked up slightly, her voice steady.

“My name is Phil. I am a traveling Doctor who provides healing arts to nobles and scholars. I have an important matter and must meet with the Lord Duke.”

She was not a real Doctor, of course, but she had to use this disguise to cover her identity.

The guard frowned. “The Lord Duke does not see outside guests. Please leave.”

Phil did not back down. She took a letter from her robe and handed it over.

“Please ensure this letter reaches the Duke. It is of great importance.”

The letter vaguely mentioned Sista and an intention to cooperate.

A short while later, the guard returned with a slightly changed expression.

” …Follow me.”

***

Phil was led into a magnificent drawing room.

Duke Lorian was already seated there, his expression solemn.

“Phil, is it?”

“Yes, Lord Duke.”

She bowed and presented the letter.

The Duke scanned the letter, his expression shifting slightly.

He had long known of the Flame Society’s existence and had been observing them in secret. Although this Organization used radical methods, they represented the dissatisfaction of the common people.

And he himself was not entirely on the Queen’s side.

However, when “Sista” was mentioned in the letter, his heart suddenly tightened.

That was a crucial bargaining chip he was hiding. If it were exposed, the consequences would be unimaginable.

He looked up, his gaze sharp. “Are you here to inquire about the Princess’s whereabouts?”

Phil nodded.

The Duke let out a cold snort. “Absurd. I know nothing of any Princess; this is merely nonsense.”

“Leave this place, or face the consequences.”

Phil did not argue further. She simply bowed and took her leave.

***

After walking out of the castle, she soon noticed someone signaling to her from behind a Stone Pillar.

It was Shesha.

The two quickly left the area and entered a secluded alleyway.

“How did it go?” Shesha asked in a low voice.

“He denied it, but he was very concerned,” Phil replied.

Shesha let out a small smile. “I’ve gathered some information.”

“Three people have recently left the Duke’s Mansion — a Red Hair maid, a Silver Hair maid, and an unidentified Noble Lady.”

“That Noble Lady is very likely Sista.”

Phil fell into thought for a moment.

“The Duke is testing us. He neither admitted it nor completely rejected us. It shows he is still watching.”

Shesha nodded. “So, what do we do?”

Phil’s gaze turned firm. “We can’t rely solely on him. We need to make direct contact with Sista.”

Shesha frowned slightly. “That won’t be easy.” Then, she suddenly asked, “Why not go through the Holy White River Alliance?”

Phil sighed softly. “Because the risk is greater. If we are exposed, it will implicate the entire Alliance. But making direct contact with Sista, while dangerous, gives us more initiative.”

Shesha nodded in realization. The two decided to split up.

***

Night fell.

Inside a high-end inn in the city, the lights were soft.

A messenger arrived on horseback and knocked on a room door.

The door opened, and a blonde, blue-eyed girl poked her head out.

The messenger displayed the House Lorian Crest.

The girl’s expression changed, and she welcomed him inside.

In the room, a Silver-haired Girl was standing to the side.

The blonde girl removed her wig, revealing black hair and crimson eyes. It was indeed Sista.

The messenger handed over a secret letter. “Your Highness, the news of your hiding place may have been leaked.”

Sista opened the letter, her brow furrowing. A portrait was attached to the message.

She felt it looked vaguely familiar.

Su Ling, standing beside her, couldn’t help but speak up. ” …Phil?”

She was utterly shocked.

Sista pondered. ‘The Flame Society… why are they looking for me? Is it for cooperation, or just a test?’

“You may leave now.”

After the messenger departed, Su Ling asked worriedly, “Your Highness, what should we do?”

Sista sighed softly. “Rest first. We will discuss it later.”

***

In the bath, the air was thick with steam.

The warmth of the spring water mixed with the scent of flowers, creating a serene atmosphere.

As the two reached the door, Sista suddenly grabbed Su Ling’s hand.

She said softly, “That Phil, I remember her. She was once a maid at the Castle. You were very concerned about her departure back then.”

Su Ling nodded. “She is my friend.”

Sista smiled, though it carried a faint chill. “You don’t need that many friends.”

Su Ling was stunned. “Your Highness?”

“Those people cannot give you anything,” she whispered.

Before the words had even faded, Sista suddenly drew close.

Before Su Ling could react, she felt a chill against her chest —

The bow on her bodice had been gently untied.

The Silver-haired Girl trembled slightly as her fair skin was revealed under the light.