Book 15: Chapter 4


    Ling Yue was a woman Ying and Xia met for the first time. Actually, perhaps a mother fox would be more urate? Xia had just acquired a pair of eyes, so she liked to check everything out. She scanned the scenery she had never seen before and the world she learnt of through word of mouth from her sister. Being able to see her sister was a great blessing to her. After learning Troy was the one who gave her the eyes, her belief that Mr. Troy was a genuinely nice man was reinforced.


    Troy protected Xia and her sister without any reason and unconditionally. She was very eager to meet him, but she didnt meet him after regaining her vision. Instead, she met his mistress. She was puzzled as to why the dignified, confident and polite woman was willing to live there as his mistress. However, when she took Troys kindness and gentleness into consideration, it wasnt too hard to figure out.


    Ling Yue never met the sisters, Ying and Xia, before nor had she ever met Sylvanas before. They came to her abode out of the blue without any prior notice, but because of Vyvyan, Ling Yue allowed them passage. Ling Yue was more interested in Ying and Xia, as judging from Vyvyans rtionship with Sylvanas, she surmised the two were equal in terms of seniority, and therefore were a rtively small threat to her marriage and love. Ying and Xia, on the other hand, were most definitely women around her husband, so she determined that she needed to pay more attention to them.


    The three of us should bath together tonight, thought Ling Yue.


    Ying was more mindful of Ling Yue than Liu Yue, since Liu Yue was but a child, while Ling Yue was a grown fox, thereby potentially being able to put His Majesty at risk Of course, that was merely her excuse for peeking on Ling Yue.


    For the reason the groups visit was abrupt, they needed longer to prepare dinner. As such, Ling Yue sat down in her soft armchair by the fire to wait. She had her tail hanging down as she sat there jotting something down on a document with her pen. Ying eyed Ling Yues every movement from behind. She was very curious. On one hand, Ling Yue was a species she had never seen before. On the other hand, she was His Majestys mistress, who lived outside the pce.


    Why does she not reside in the Imperial Pce? wondered Ying.


    You looking for me for something? asked Ling Yue.


    There was no way Ling Yue couldnt detect somebody watching her the entire time. She sighed and ced her pen down. The document she wrote on was a record of the recently exported Brilliant Moon Stones. She turned to face Ying. Ying jolted, and then shook her head: Sorry, nothing.


    Ling Yue turned to point at the armchair next to her: Not exactly, right? Else, you wouldnt have stared at me from behind for so long. Come sit. Theres still some time before dinner. If you have something on your mind, lets talk about it now. Theres no need to keep it inside. Im not the violent maniac type Nier is. I can patiently listen to all you have to say.


    Ling Yues house wasntrge, but it was very quiet. Vyvyan and Sylvanas were in the baby room with Liu Yue. Xia was most likely in the kitchen watching dishes be prepared. The maids went back and forth in the residence, but they never disturbed their mistresss work. Ling Yues room was very noisy, but the only sound was the crackling me. Ying walked inside then gently shut the door.


    Ying sat next to Ling Yue; Ling Yue coiled her tail behind her. Ling Yue said, This is our first time meeting, isnt it? Ive already introduced myself, but I shall now reintroduce myself in private. I am Troys wife. Im fine with you considering me his mistress, however. What about you? You were the girl my husband brought back after going out to the ocean. Did something happen between you and my husband while I was not present? There are always women by that mans side. I can understand. He looks decent and is sometimes far too gentle; not to mention that he wont ever let go of a girls hand hes caught. I wouldnt be surprised if you fell for such a man. Frankly, Im in the same boat as you.


    After lingering for a short while, Ying shook her head: Miss Ling Yue, you have misunderstood. I have not fallen for Mr. Troy, so you need not worry.


    That was the phrase Ying was most fluent with among everything she learnt. She said it to Nier and Lucia previously. In fact, it was starting to get on her nerves.


    Ling Yue nodded: I see. So, what do you do at my husbands side? Judging from your appearance, you arent a maid and definitely not my husbands personal servant. Youre not carrying a weapon, either, so that proves that youre not a guard. What exactly do you do, then?


    Ying answered, I am his bodyguard, albeit a bodyguard in training.


    Ying only needed Xia, so she didnt need to carry a weapon. In other words, Ying was actually armed except Ling Yue couldnt tell.


    Ling Yue nodded: Since youvee here, can I safely assume that my husband has recovered? My husband set out alone, yet you came here all of a sudden, so I would presume you are on your way back after finding him, right? Based on Queen Vyvyans temperament today, it would seem you have already found him.


    Yes. His Majesty has recovered.


    Although it was very joyous news, Yings tone didnt change. It was as though His Majesty just caught a negligible cold. Ling Yue nodded. Ying heard a strange sound from Ling Yue. It sounded akin to skin rubbing against the back of the chair, which was made from pure leather.


    I knew he wouldnt disappoint me. He looks frail and weak, but he is highly capable. Hes always able to pull off what I consider to be impossible. I think thats precisely why I have absolute confidence in him and like him so much. After all, were wild beasts; we like strong males.


    Ling Yueughed, albeit to mock herself. The topic of wild beasts was a somewhat sensitive one for Ying, since she fought them until then. The very sound of a wild beasts voice could stimte her. However, she didnt harbour any hostile feelings toward Ling Yue. Further, she was the wife of the man she devoted her loyalty to, so she couldnt have a desire to kill Ling Yue.


    As long as he is alive, then all is well. Im d hes alive. Liu Yue wont have to suffer a life without her father, then. Hell be back; hell be back.


    Ling Yue looked at the firece in front of her. A blissful smile surfaced on her face. The me illuminated her face, making her smile appear gentler and warmer. Ying scanned Ling Yue. Ling Yue looked the same as Lucia and Nier. Perhaps it would be best to say that the three of them all sincerely loved her master. Ying didnt know what the story between Ling Yue and her master was. But nevertheless, judging from her expression, Ling Yue wasnt with him for money or power, but solely because she loved him.


    Miss Ling Yue, may I ask you a question?


    Go ahead.


    Ying proceeded to ask, Why do you not live in the Imperial Pce as Lucia and Nier do? Seeing as you love His Majesty so much, is it not lonely to live here? And, since you like him, should you not be by his side?


    Ying didnt give the impression that she was the type to ask that sort of question.


    Ying doesnt seem to be somebody withplex emotions dwelling within her, so why did she ask that question? pondered Ling Yue.


    Nevertheless, judging from Yings sincere eyes, she apparently wasnt trying to find a topic out of desperation.


    For the reason that I also have my own business to attend to. While I love him, that wont stop me from giving up what I want to do. He has his business, and I have my obligations. This doesnt sh with our love. Love is impervious to time and distance. He will not forget me or Liu Yue for as long as we are in love even if I stay here, while he lives in the North, answered Ling Yue.


    Ling Yue then pursed her lips before continuing with her exnation: Moreover, Im not willing topete with Nier and Lucia for anything. I have no ce to speak out in their presence. They know my husband much better than I do. I wouldnt be able to spend more time with him even if I did live in the Imperial Pce. Additionally, I have the initiative, since hees to see me. This is my home, after all. Ying, you have never been in love before, have you? In love, you must seize the initiative, because that is power.


    Frankly speaking, Ying didnt listen to what Ling Yue said toward the end. Ying didnt care about the fighting between the women around Troy. She was upied with trying to make what Ling Yue said at the start, specifically the part about feelings and obligations not shing with each other, cohesive for herself.


    Ying analysed, Ling Yue loves Troy but doesnt stay by his side. So, should I focus on being a bodyguard, then? I promised Troy Id be his bodyguard, but if Xia is always by my side, Ill be distracted with taking care of her. Im aware the that distractions makes me a failure as a bodyguard, but I was the one who offered to be his bodyguard. Troy has also given my sister a pair of eyes. Plus, hes looked after me a lot as his bodyguard. If I dont treat my duty as a bodyguard properly and dedicate myself to my duties, Ill have let Troy down.


    Do feelings really not hinder obligations? Ying murmured while spacing out.


    Ling Yue looked at Ying feeling curious. Somebody gently knocked on the door. Leah was there to inform Ling Yue that dinner was ready. Ling Yue gracefully sat up from her chair and swung her tail. She looked at Ying and, with a smile, replied, Of course, although I said that, I must admit I asionally feel lonely, since Im not by his side. Obligations and feelings do not sh. However, you will suffer some torment due to your feelings.