A warm winter breeze wafted in from the balcony, unexpectedly knocking the die off course. Under that sideways force, it didn’t land on the expected “6” but came to rest on a “5”.
The True Ancestor had slipped up!
In that instant, as they witnessed the scene, Sang, Aisha Hodhua, and Lusana were all stunned. Though the True Ancestor often tossed the die carelessly for the fun of it—ramping up the game’s difficulty—she always got serious at crucial moments. It wasn’t pride driving her; she simply loved teasing everyone, reveling in their frustrated longing, that exquisite mix of desperation and desire.
But this time, it was a genuine mistake.
Regardless, that tiny slip handed the True Ancestor her first defeat. Sang had won—even if only by a single space, a win was a win. It meant he could venture out into the outside world for a full day. He let out an ecstatic “Yeah!” on the spot, pumping his fist and stomping his feet.
“Oh yeah! I did it!”
Half a year!
An entire half-year cooped up, and now young master here could finally get out!
Feeling his outburst wasn’t enough to capture his joy, the next second he leaped up like a madman and grabbed the nearest person in a bear hug.
At first, Sang was grinning ear to ear, looking every bit the goofy fool.
But gradually, as his laughter faded, he glanced around. He spotted Aisha Hodhua first, then Lusana. Both were staring at him in wide-eyed terror. Suddenly, it hit the boy: something was off. Uh… this isn’t right. They’re both right here—so who the hell did I just grab!?
With that realization, he sneaked a sidelong glance. Sure enough, inches from his face was a flawless, perfect visage.
“Uh…”
He’d bear-hugged the True Ancestor.
The sudden sight left Aisha and Lusana’s eyes bulging. They never imagined Sang would go this far—actually hugging the True Ancestor.
There was a move for you!
The True Ancestor, suddenly pulled into the boy’s arms, wasn’t faring much better. A flicker of shock crossed her usually wild, arrogant features. Her phoenix-like dark eyes went wide and round. She always carried herself like a mastermind pulling strings from her throne of power, aloof and untouchable. In this moment, she seemed utterly caught off guard, staring blankly at the boy.
There was even a hint of unexpected cuteness in the contrast.
It had been an innocent mistake on Sang’s part—he was just too thrilled and grabbed the closest body. His face twisted into a weird expression as he quietly released the True Ancestor.
She might have been a tad more approachable lately, but being around her was like accompanying a tiger. No room for carelessness.
Sang quickly struck a pose of picture-perfect obedience, kneeling properly on the ground. He gazed up at the True Ancestor with timid eyes, blinking innocently now and then, pretending nothing had happened. Truth be told, he was still a little scared. This capricious woman might punish him on a whim—not kill him, maybe, but some torment would be hard to endure.
Aisha and Lusana stayed silent too, their faces screaming “you’re done for” as they watched Sang, waiting for what would happen next.
But to their surprise…
The True Ancestor merely let out a faint hum, turning her gaze to the bright moon outside.
After a long moment, she glossed over the incident. Though she wasn’t thrilled, she wasn’t a sore loser. She glanced at the obedient Sang, then at Aisha and Lusana, smacked her lips, and said, “A ruler never goes back on her word. I lost, so you won. You’re permitted one day out. Pick a date you like.”
Just a moment ago, Sang had been terrified she’d renege. Now, the weight lifted from his heart entirely.
He exclaimed in delight, “Any time works?”
“Mm…” The True Ancestor replied offhandedly.
No time like the present—Sang decided on the morning after tomorrow. He’d savor the anticipation tomorrow, then head back now to prepare. And so it was settled, all in good spirits.
Before leaving, the boy glanced at Aisha and Lusana. Seemingly struck by an idea, he mustered his courage and boldly asked, “True Ancestor, could I bring them along too?”
Aisha and Lusana froze at his request, then looked up with shining eyes. They were deeply touched—he hadn’t forgotten about them.
The True Ancestor didn’t refuse outright. She simply asked, “Give me a reason.”
In that moment, Sang considered all sorts of flimsy excuses—like needing a guide or bodyguards. But he didn’t want to lie to her, not about this. To repay her generosity in allowing him out, he chose honesty. “Because… I want to bring them!”
At his words, the True Ancestor peered into the boy’s eyes. Soon enough, she couldn’t help but laugh—a sultry, bewitching sound. She continued, “Very well. But your time out will be divided by three—from twenty-four hours to eight. Deal?”
When the True Ancestor said this, Aisha and Lusana both showed disappointment in unison. They figured Sang wouldn’t agree.
But the very next second, without a second thought, the boy agreed cheerfully, “Yep! Deal!”
Even the True Ancestor was taken aback by his eager expression. She hadn’t expected this human to so readily share his time with two maids.
In a rare playful mood, Sang pressed further. “True Ancestor, why not come with me? We could hang out for a few days—win-win!”
Of course, it was just a joke.
As expected, the True Ancestor scoffed coldly and turned him down.
Rejected by the True Ancestor—predictable as it was—still left a vague sense of melancholy.
“Little Bug.”
Sang turned to her, puzzled. “What’s up, True Ancestor?”
No sooner had he spoken than the True Ancestor fished something from her cleavage and tossed it straight at him. He caught it on reflex. To his surprise, it was his harmonica. She said, “With Aisha and Lusana watching your back, you should be safe… but just in case, take this harmonica. If danger strikes, blow it right away…”
Sang eyed it suspiciously. “What happens if I blow it?”
The True Ancestor didn’t answer.
After the incident with Samuel Cape, Sang had come to understand one thing: even as the True Ancestor’s possession, he wasn’t entirely safe. If the Four Great Families went berserk, killing him wouldn’t be an unforgivable crime.
That said…
Staring at the harmonica in his hand and hearing her words, a complex mix of emotions stirred in Sang. He didn’t quite want to accept her favor, yet it brought a subtle sense of reassurance.
“Got it, True Ancestor,” Sang replied.
“Little Bug, never forget my words: in this world, no one but me can kill you.”
“Uh…”
Once Sang and the two Blood Clan maids had left, the vast Heavenly Pavilion fell silent again, save for the occasional whisper of wind, which only heightened the desolation.
The True Ancestor walked to the center of the pavilion room, bent down, and picked up the die, clenching it tightly in her palm. Step by step, she made her way to the balcony and sat down as usual, gazing idly at the view below. She let out a long, lazy yawn.
“Hah~”
As she surveyed the scene below, she toyed with the die between her fingers and murmured offhandedly, “Winter wind’s prank, huh?”
As if. Every toss of hers accounted for environmental variables…
