41...

A flash of light struck the air, and then... silence.Sua immediately caught Rai’s body as he stumbled out of the seal's circle, nearly collapsing to the ground."Your Highness!" she cried out, supporting the man's weight in her arms.Rai took a deep breath, his eyes slowly coming into focus. "I actually could have handled that myself. But you... are truly stubborn."Sua shook her head, her face still pale. "I just did not want to... live with regret."She opened her palm, which was still gripping the Xiangyu tree bark. Although slightly scorched by the heat of the seal, the bark remained intact, glowing softly as if acknowledging the sacrifice that had just taken place.However, before she could put it into her cloth pouch, a warm sensation crept up Sua's arm.She looked at her hand, and there, slowly, a faint mark appeared, forming a pattern like tree roots coiling around her wrist. The symbol pulsed gently, as if alive, glowing with a yellowish-green light."A wound from the spirit

42...

Bae Ya held her breath, her heart hammering erratically in her chest. The second knock came, slightly firmer, yet maintaining a calculated rhythm.There was no more time to wait. With trembling hands, she pulled the black cloth covering her hair tighter, ensuring the veil she wore concealed the majority of her face. Then, swiftly, she wrapped an additional thin piece of fabric around the lower half of her face, mimicking Sua, who was still recovering from her facial treatments.She turned around for a second, took a deep breath, and walked to the door with measured steps.Calm down, Bae Ya! You can do this, she told herself.The door hinges creaked softly as it opened. Standing at the threshold was Han Feng.The man's gaze immediately locked onto the figure before him. For a fleeting second, a look of disappointment crossed his cold features.Han Feng narrowed his eyes, though his expression remained perfectly controlled. "You are awake earlier than usual," he noted. "I thought it wou

43...

Sua’s brow furrowed. "Perhaps... I feel that Mother knows something about Father. You could dig into her for information, Your Highness."With a subtle movement, Rai shifted his body slightly so his back faced the roof where they were being watched. He lowered his gaze and whispered, "Stay calm! I will escort you straight to your room."Sua nodded weakly.They stepped into the back corridor with measured steps—unhurried and unsuspicious. Rai created a distraction by throwing a stone hard enough onto the roof to divert the guard's attention. The spy took the bait.The moment they reached Sua’s door, Rai slipped inside swiftly. From within, the door opened a crack. Chunying peeked out, then hurriedly opened it wider upon seeing Rai carrying Sua.As Rai stepped in, Bae Ya immediately emerged from the inner room. Seeing Sua in Rai’s arms, the maid’s face went pale."My Lady!" she gasped, stifling a cry.Sua raised a hand slowly, gesturing that she was alright.Rai placed Sua on the bed wi

44...

Chunying approached cautiously. He raised a hand and, with feather-light fingers, touched Bae Ya's cheek right where the small scratch lay. His touch was incredibly gentle, almost like a breath of wind."You are injured because of me," he murmured, his eyes staring deeply into the girl's face. "I am sorry, I was careless."Bae Ya froze. Her eyes were locked onto Chunying's, which were now dangerously close. She could feel the heat radiating from the young man's body, the rapid beating of his heart—or perhaps, it was her own?"I am fine," Bae Ya finally whispered. "I... I was just startled."Chunying still stood close, his fingertips not entirely leaving Bae Ya's cheek. Suddenly, a quiet but sharp voice cut through the air from behind the bed curtains."Very well done," Sua said flatly. "You dare injure my maid's face?"Chunying instantly snatched his hand back. Bae Ya reflexively jumped away, her face flushing as red as if she had just been caught stealing banquet pastries."My Lady!"

45...

Sua immediately spun around, trying to break free, though her face was already flushed. "I... I wasn't talking about anyone!""But I felt like you were talking about me," Rai said with a highly confident tone. He finally released his embrace and stepped aside, casually leaning against the edge of the table.Sua cleared her throat, looked down, and awkwardly busied herself with opening the window and preparing the stove for her concoction."I didn't come here just to tease," Rai said, his tone turning serious. His gaze sharpened, and the atmosphere slowly shifted."I asked your mother directly. About Han Feng and the Hei Clan."Sua snapped her head up, now fully focused.Rai continued, "The answer is clear. Han Feng does have direct ties to the Hei Clan. Not just as a sympathizer, but as part of their political infiltration strategy. For a long time."The smil

46...

"My Lady, forgive my delay," Bae Ya said quickly, bowing deeply. "I... I didn't mean to take so long."Sua didn't reply right away. Her eyes scanned Bae Ya from head to toe, ensuring the girl was truly unharmed. Then, she gave a curt nod."Come in. The designated hour is approaching."Bae Ya handed over the pouch of herbs, and Sua immediately took it to her apothecary table. She rolled up her sleeves and began carefully measuring the ingredients.Sua stirred the mixture into the heating liquid, its steam releasing a sharp, sweet aroma. "This is the last one," she murmured. "After this, Mother's body will enter the full recovery stage. But... this is also the most dangerous time. The parasite will definitely fight to survive."Rai, who had been standing near the window with vigilant eyes, approached slowly."The security around your room is tightening," he stated flatly. "Even