Chapter 58: Ziya’s Expectations (Part 1)

Three months later.

Inside the magnificent Dream Demon Palace.

In the vast bedchamber, a petite and slender figure curled up on a giant soft bed large enough for four or five people to lie in.

The space beside her, which remained empty year-round, was covered with a matching set of bedding, yet it never held the warmth of another person.

At a glance, the sight felt rather lonely.

Ziya slept without any defenses.

A streak of glistening saliva hung from the corner of her mouth, and she occasionally smacked her lips.

She was clearly immersed in a beautiful dream that was sweet to the core.

Let us quietly peel back the veil of this dream and look at the tender scenery this little Succubus craves most in her heart.

“Sweetie… it’s time to get up. The sun is already hitting your little horns.”

A voice as gentle as if it were dipped in honey sounded in her ear, carrying a light laugh.

“Mmm…”

Ziya nudged toward the source of the warmth like a spoiled little beast.

She turned over and buried her face in the bedding, her voice soft and lazy with the grogginess of someone who had just woken up.

She spoke coaxingly.

“grunt”

“I don’t want to… I won’t get up… I need Father’s hug before I can wake up…”

“I really can’t do anything with you.”

Bai Li gave a helpless yet doting chuckle.

He leaned down slightly and gently rubbed her soft hair.

In the next second, a gentle kiss fell softly on her forehead.

A soft sound rippled through the quiet dream —

“Chu~”

It was just a light yet extremely tender kiss of comfort, but it made Ziya instantly squint her eyes.

Her whole body relaxed, and she let out a soft moan of comfort.

For a Succubus, the aura and gentle touch of their closest relative nourished the spirit far more than any delicacy in the world.

That warm sweetness spread from her forehead to her entire body, leaving even the tip of her tail filled with satisfaction.

Ziya’s eyes were slightly hazy, and her cheeks flushed with a faint pink glow.

A satisfied smile lingered on her lips as she whispered, her tone full of undisguised dependence.

“Father… I really love you so much… I like you the most.”

“I love our little Ziya the most, too.”

Bai Li’s fingertips gently stroked the small horns on her head.

His movements were so gentle, as if he were afraid of breaking a precious treasure, carrying the warmth unique to family.

Ziya looked up, her face small and her eyes bright like the starlight of the entire sky.

With a bit of caution and anticipation, she spoke in a small voice.

“Father… I, can I call you Mother? I think… the title ‘Mother’ is softer and sweeter. It suits the current atmosphere better…”

“Of course you can,” Bai Li chuckled softly.

“Ziya can call me whatever she wants, as long as it makes you happy. Now, our little lazybones, it’s time to get up and eat breakfast.”

As he spoke, Bai Li leaned in slightly, his voice becoming even lighter and softer, carrying just the right amount of tenderness.

“There are two choices for breakfast today. Do you want to eat the Sweet Dream Pastries just made in the kitchen downstairs, or… the special Sweet Floral Fruit Drink that Mother prepared by hand just for Ziya?”

Ziya didn’t hesitate for even a second.

Her eyes instantly lit up like little lightbulbs.

She immediately reached out to hug Bai Li’s arm, her small head rubbing against his chest as she shouted in a soft, sweet voice.

“I want Mother’s! I only want Mother’s! Pastries aren’t as gentle as Mother!”

She greedily leaned against him, her heart filled with security and joy.

“What a greedy and cute little thing.”

Bai Li gently patted her head and smilingly handed her the prepared drink.

“Drink slowly…”

“Mmm… Mother is the best…”

A satisfied and soft hum echoed in the bedchamber.

Ziya suddenly opened her eyes, her long eyelashes trembling flusteredly several times.

The tenderness and sweetness from the dream still lingered in her pupils.

But in the next second, all she could see was the empty giant bed, the cold and quiet palace, and the vacant spot beside her that held no warmth.

‘What… so it was just a dream.’

Ziya’s energy instantly deflated.

She slumped back onto the bed like a noodle, her mouth drooping.

She was filled with loss and grievance.

She reached out to touch the cold bedding beside her.

Her fingertips only felt the cool silk.

There wasn’t a trace of the dream’s warmth or tenderness.

She had truly spent these lonely and difficult days as if every day were a year.

As a Succubus who naturally depended on emotion and warmth, she had always craved the company of those close to her.

Now, staying alone in this vast palace, her longing grew stronger day by day.

Even her dreams began to replay the gentle scenes of her time with Father over and over again.

The sense of loss after waking up left her heart feeling empty.

She was so upset she was about to pout and cry.

‘Sister Baining… it has already been three and a half months. Why is there still no news?’

Back then, they had clearly agreed that once she settled things and had the chance, she would bring Father to stay with her for a while.

Yet now, she had waited and waited, but there wasn’t even a reply or a single word.

It was as if he had disappeared into the ocean.

Ziya sat on the bed hugging her knees.

Her small brow furrowed tightly, and her horns drooped slightly.

The more she thought about it, the more aggrieved she felt, and she even grew a little angry.

If she kept waiting like this, she really didn’t know how long it would take.

She didn’t want to stay here all alone forever, comforting herself with sweet dreams every day.

Ziya suddenly looked up, a small flame of determination reigniting in her eyes.

She puffed out her cheeks and clenched her fists, making a silent decision.

‘No, I absolutely can’t just wait like this anymore! I need to get up right now and write a long letter to Sister Baining.’

She would ask about the situation properly.

Maybe if Sister Baining’s heart softened, she would send Father over immediately!

Thinking of this, she instantly rallied from her depression.

Even the feeling of loneliness faded a bit.

She scrambled off the bed, stepped onto the soft, fluffy carpet, and ran excitedly toward the desk.

She prepared to pick up her pen and write down a page full of longing and spoiled requests, hoping to soon welcome the warm companionship she yearned for day and night.

—

“Who should Bai Li go to next?”

1. Bai Ning Route (Continue staying together)

“Bai Li… you are now gradually beginning to accept this love…”
Continue to sink into the slow-burning love of Baining.

2. Long Jiu Route (A little bit of suffering for the protagonist)

“Father… my daughter, stay in the Imperial Palace forever as my Canary.”

There will be collars and cages.

3. Zi Ya Route (Daily life)

“Mother… I love you so much…”

Return to the side of the little Succubus who misses him day and night, responding to her overflowing dependence and love.