Morning sunlight crept through the windows of the lavish bedroom. The room was still steeped in the lingering warmth of dreams. The curtains swayed gently with the breeze, interweaving the bustle and quiet of the outside world. Shafts of sunlight slipped through the gaps, falling softly onto the floor beside the bed.
Sista sat quietly at her vanity, idly flipping through an ancient book, her fingers tracing its pages with a sort of absent-minded elegance.
Beside her, Su Ling slowly stepped behind Sista and began brushing her long, night-dark hair. Each strand shimmered with the luster of midnight.
Such beautiful hair…
Su Ling silently admired it, her eyes unintentionally drifting toward the mirror.
In the mirror, the woman reflected appeared dignified and graceful, dressed in a black nightgown with her head slightly lowered.
Suddenly, their eyes met — Sista’s deep red gaze locking with Su Ling’s. In that instant, Su Ling’s heart skipped a beat, as if lightly brushed by something unseen. She quickly lowered her eyes.
Was… Sista looking at me too?
Flustered, Su Ling focused even more intently on her task, careful not to disturb her mistress.
What kind of hairstyle should I do? she wondered, her fingers beginning to nimbly move through the strands.
She remembered — it was Tii who had taught her most of the skills required of a personal maid, including these braiding techniques.
As she worked, Su Ling recalled those moments with Tii: their conversations about hair, the shared lessons, the laughter.
If Tii were here, she’d definitely do this better than me, Su Ling thought.
Her fingers wove smoothly, and the braid took shape, trailing from Sista’s crown down to her waist — like a flowing ribbon of black silk, shining with a gentle luster. Su Ling carefully adjusted the tension, ensuring the braid was snug yet natural.
Done! Maybe I’m not so useless after all!
She looked proudly at the result in the mirror — Sista’s black hair, red eyes, now adorned with an elegant braid that elevated her noble aura even more.
“It’s passable,” Sista said flatly.
“As long as it pleases you, Princess,” Su Ling replied sheepishly, scratching her head.
“I wasn’t complimenting you,” Sista said. Her long lashes trembled slightly as she opened her eyes and looked at Su Ling. “Go brew me a pot of Fragrant Tea.”
Su Ling froze for a moment, puzzled. Fragrant Tea was a rare delicacy offered by the faraway Gray Hat merchant caravans, famous for its distinct sweet aftertaste. But she knew for a fact that Princess Sista typically didn’t like it.
Why now, all of a sudden?
Though confused, Su Ling quickly replied, “Yes, Your Highness. I’ll prepare it right away.”
She turned and headed to the kitchen, expertly boiling water, selecting the tea leaves, and brewing the tea. Before long, a pot of richly fragrant tea was ready.
Su Ling carefully carried the tray back to the bedroom, gently setting the cup in front of Sista. Just as she was about to withdraw, Sista said softly:
“Drink it.”
“Eh?”
“I said, drink the tea.”
Su Ling blinked, even more confused. She hurriedly protested, “Your Highness, this tea was prepared for you. I couldn’t possibly—”
Sista frowned slightly. “Weren’t you unwell the other day? You look better now, but you’re clearly not fully recovered. I’ve heard this Fragrant Tea works wonders for minor human ailments. I want you to try it.”
Su Ling felt her heart stir. She hadn’t imagined that her small illness would be remembered — let alone cared about — by someone like Sista. She lowered her head and said, “But, Your Highness… this tea is so precious…”
“Are you questioning my orders?” Sista interrupted her. “I still need you to do work for me. If you’re sick again, you’ll just cause me more trouble. Drink it.”
Su Ling didn’t argue further. Gratefully, she picked up the cup and took a sip. Instantly, the rich sweetness filled her mouth and warmed her chest, as if even her heart was being gently comforted.
This really is top-tier stuff… Way better than the servants’ usual brew!
She marveled at it, then looked up at Sista.
“Your Highness… I’ll recover soon and keep serving you well.”
As she finished the tea, a comforting warmth seemed to rise from deep within. Her body felt lighter, the fatigue and discomfort of the past few days lifting away.
She quietly set the cup down, relishing the surprising peace and ease it brought her. Just as she was about to express her gratitude again, she noticed Sista was gazing at her with an unreadable look.
That look — it wasn’t as cold as usual.
“How do you feel now?” Sista asked softly.
Su Ling immediately placed the cup aside and responded, “Much better, Your Highness. This tea really works — I feel full of energy again.”
A flicker of satisfaction passed through Sista’s eyes. She spoke in a low voice, “That’s good. Go change out of those clothes and put on your uniform. Go find Seban — he should have a task for you.”
Su Ling nodded and respectfully withdrew.
—
“The Eclipse Festival is coming up. You — push this cart out and follow the list. Buy everything on it. I’ve sent Phil to wait for you at the side gate. Get moving.”
Seban recited the instructions mechanically, tossing a pouch of money into Su Ling’s hands.
“Food supplies? So… you mean… I have to go out?”
Su Ling stared at him in disbelief.
“Mm.”
Go out…
Her thoughts drifted far beyond the castle walls. Her gaze seemed to pierce through the windowpanes and stone barriers, reaching the world beyond — a world she had never truly stepped into, but had wandered in countless times in her dreams.
What is the outside world really like?
Along with the coin pouch came a small slip of paper. Written in clear, firm handwriting was a checklist:
“First: buy small round cakes, budget 50 gold coins. Then tiramisu, scones…”
“Total budget must not exceed 400 gold. Be back before nightfall. You’ll need to buy enough for several days, so inform the shopkeepers as well.”
Su Ling bowed respectfully. “Yes, sir. I will carry out your instructions precisely.”
With that, she turned and set off.
Premium Chapter
Login to buy access to this Chapter.