Book 11: Chapter 11


    We finished repairing Ling Yues home. Ling Yue wasnt willing to continue staying by my side. She chose to stay at home, instead.


    The war wasnt over yet. There was nobody nearby, and the only person to leave the property alive was Ling Yue. The only one who was going to live in the three-storey property with an underground floor was Ling Yue. I looked at her and touched her ear. From the bed, I looked at the curtains above. I asked, Wont you feel lonely?


    Ling Yue curled up next to me and answered in a soft voice, No. Ive always lived here. This is my home. Why would I feel lonely?


    But theres nobody around you now.


    I went to sit in Ling Yues room yesterday in the name of not letting her get scared. For some reason, I ended up sitting on her bed. I then held her hand, but she didnt kick me out. She even revealed her tail, so we tacitly understood each other and, hence, ended up doing it again on the full-moon night.


    I didnt know what Ling Yue was thinking. Normally, she wouldnt give me the chance. Usually, shed kick me away as soon as I went up to the bed. She was particrly obedient that night, though. I didnt know the reason why, but I guessed Ling Yue didnt care anymore. After all, we might never meet again. Perhaps she didnt want to bicker with me when we were about to part ways.


    Ling Yue faced her back to me and softly said, Its fine. I wont be scared or lonely. This is my home. I grew up here. My parents, sisters and the rest of my family lived here. I wont be scared even if Im alone here. Im where I should be. This ce is also where the future of my tribe lies.


    I grabbed her small shoulders. Voice gentle, I said, Come with me, Ling Yue. Dont stay here alone. I will help you rebuild your tribe once I conquer the North, but youre living here alone, eating alone, cleaning alone, sleeping alone on a single bed, doing theundry on your own, reading books alone, everything is done alone That must feel really lonely


    I know that lonely feeling. A girl I loved behind a ck veil once led that sort of life. She lived alone in the elven capital. Nobody stayed by her side, because of her identity and she was unwilling to live the way her fellow tribesmen did. She bit on her nkets on full-moon nights alone and refused to suck blood. She suppressed her own appetite and ate the berries we liked, instead. She slept alone, wrote alone, cut her fruits up alone. Everything she did, she did alone She was always alone. Seeing her house made me want to tear up, but she always showed me a warm smile.


    No answered Ling Yue. Her voice sounded shaky. She gripped her nket tightly and continued in a soft voice. This is ourst time. I must stay here. This is my hometown. This is where my tribe has lived for generations. I cant leave just because I feel lonely. Once things calm down, Ill find maids and managers. This ce will be lively. I might even have my future husband. Ive already troubled you too much. You dont need to worry about these things. Youre better off focusing on trying to calm and stabilise the North so that you can give me a safe and stable environment.


    I shifted my body to face her, Uhm, I know; however, I keep feeling a little jealous hearing you say you want to search for a husband.


    Does it have anything to do with you? angrily questioned Ling Yue.


    I smiled helplessly. I stroked her ear gently and replied, Realising that I wont get to touch these ears and this tail that feels so nice to the touch in the future makes me a little sad.


    You have wives and kids, what else do you want, you bully, pervert, shameless bastard.


    Iughed, and then let go. I said, But seriously, Ling Yue, if you feel lonely, if you feel you cant take it, just call me, and Ill definitelye back for you, I promise.


    Uhm, muttered Ling Yue. She lingered for a moment, and then turned over, allowing me to see her face. As she looked at me, she reached her hand out carefully to touch my hand. Sorry Today I didnt know about your past, so I called you a tyrant. Im sincerely very sorry about that. You mustve really loved Luna. I really sympathise with you after finding out so much about you and Luna.


    I shook my, Its all in the past now. Ive put Luna to rest, so Im not so sad now. What I have to focus on now is how to prevent anyone else around me dying.


    Uhm I thought you liked to kill people But now I know that you dont like to kill people. Its just that youre too upset and sad.


    Ling Yue caressed my face. Then, she looked behind me. She softly said, The sun hase up. Its time for you to head out now, right? Ill forever remember my time with you. Thank you for doing so much for me. Thank you very much.


    I rolled over to see the sun that had just started to reveal itself. The warm orange rays shone through the curtains, lighting up my front view. Behind me, Ling Yue stroked my back and sighed, Dont worry about me. You really dont need to worry about me. I wont leave. Ill only stay here to watch over my tribe. You have your mission, and I have mine.


    I nodded and stood up. I looked outside the window to see the soldiers camped outside in the courtyard wake up to begin their day.


    <em>I need to leave today and head toward the pce of the North. Theres nothing left that can stop me. Nobody but myself can stop my advance now.</em>


    I got dressed. Ling Yue sat up and focused her gaze on my back. When I did up my cloak, somebody knocked on the door.


    I looked at Ling Yue with a smile and bid her goodbye, Im leaving now, then.


    Ling Yue nodded, Uhm.


    She swung her tail to express her farewell. I walked up to her and stroked her head. She pushed my hand away somewhat unhappily. I chuckled. I gently shut the door behind me when I left. I looked at the decorations on the left and right as though I was trying to keep a memento.


    It was my first time there, yet I strangely felt as if I was saying farewell. I didnt know when Id be able toe here again. Maybe Id never be back.


    I didnt know if Ling Yue would be lonely or not, or if she would suffer in pain or not. I didnt know the answer to any of those things. However, she insisted on staying there, so I couldnt forcefully drag her along. My soldiers werent servants, so they couldnt stay there, either. All I could do was leave a few guards with her at the property, but they all had to return at the end.


    How was she going to live here alone? No idea.


    What I had to do was hurry to the pce of the North. I had to bring the North under control as fast as possible and settle things down. I wanted to improve Ling Yues life. If I wanted her to be able to have maids and servants, then I had to settle the North down as soon as possible. I didnt do it just for my wives and children, but also for Ling Yue.