“Your Highness, where are you headed?”
“Priest Hero purified the Forest of Nature and saved my friend Trineph twice. As the First Princess, I must personally thank her.”
“Shall I have a carriage prepared?”
“No need. I’ll walk—it’ll make me seem more approachable to the people.”
“But the safety concerns…”
“Send a few guards to follow me discreetly.”
“Yes, Your Highness!”
Huilian, dressed in an elegant silver-and-black gown, left the Royal Palace with light steps. Her refined yet gentle aura stood out in the crowd, drawing countless gazes.
“Is that… the First Princess?”
“Your Highness, thank you for all you’ve done for the kingdom!”
“Your Highness, this street’s too dirty—please step on me to cross!”
“Honored First Princess, may I shake your hand? Thank you! I’ll never wash this hand again!”
“Your Highness! Your Highness!”
As Huilian passed through the bustling streets, everyone greeted her warmly, showing immense enthusiasm and respect.
She responded to each with a friendly wave, maintaining a kind smile whether addressing merchants, children, or curious Otherworld Travelers.
This unique approachability was one reason Huilian was so beloved.
Meanwhile, the plainclothes guards watching from the crowd couldn’t help but think, Interacting with the people is good, but it feels like Her Highness is getting a bit too deliberate.
Of course, they only dared think it.
Looking at the lively Royal Capital streets, Huilian sighed softly, “Thanks to Little White. If she hadn’t purified the Forest of Nature, the pollution might’ve spread to the capital by now, and the people would’ve suffered greatly.”
Little White had become a true “hero” in many eyes.
If Huilian could ally with her, she’d gain a powerful ally, boosting her support and securing her claim to the throne.
But her mother…
Huilian sighed lightly. The kingdom’s queen had been bedridden for a long time. Despite seeking renowned healers worldwide, none could help.
Maybe… Little White could try?
Since she purified the Forest of Nature’s pollution, perhaps she could cure her mother’s illness too?
Maintaining her perfect smile, Huilian pondered as she unknowingly arrived at the Forest Church.
She approached a little nun and asked kindly, “Which room is Priest Hero in?”
“Lady Little White is in the innermost room on the left, third floor. She hasn’t come out for an hour,” the nun paused, smiling. “Miss Trineph is resting in that room too.”
“Trineph?” Huilian’s heart stirred with doubt. “Just the two of them, no one else?”
“Yes.”
Two girls alone in a room for an hour…
Huilian froze, shaking her head. What am I thinking? Little White’s probably just looking after Trineph.
Trineph was Huilian’s childhood friend, like a sister. They’d shared many joyful times in the palace.
Though they drifted apart as adults—Huilian taking on her duties as First Princess and heir, while Trineph joined the Church of Nature as a divine official—their bond never changed.
Whenever Huilian faced difficulties, she confided in Trineph, seeking her advice and support. Trineph, in turn, shared her insights, helping Huilian through tough times.
Their friendship was a celebrated tale in the kingdom, a topic for maids’ gossip.
Despite their vastly different statuses, their bond transcended worldly constraints, becoming each other’s most precious treasure.
But Huilian didn’t yet know that her friendship with Trineph was about to face an unprecedented test.
She walked gracefully through the corridor, her shapely legs swaying slightly, prompting sighs about the royal family’s future prosperity.
Huilian worried about Trineph’s condition while planning how to use her to build a closer relationship with Little White, pulling this boundless-potential Otherworld Traveler into her faction.
At the door, Huilian took a deep breath, signaling the trailing guards to leave.
This was a private conversation; the guards couldn’t overhear.
As she pondered what to say first to seem approachable, she heard noises from inside the room.
Her curiosity surged. She cautiously leaned down, pressing her ear gently against the door, listening intently.
“Trineph… It hurts so much, too much…”
“Little White, don’t be afraid. Big sister’s here to protect you…”
“Wu… But… Arghhh!!!”
“It’s okay, don’t be scared. Let big sister cast Healing Spell on you…”
Hearing the voices, Huilian held her breath, her heart racing.
From the conversation, it seemed Little White was enduring something painful, with Trineph comforting her by her side.
What was going on?
Why were two girls in a room making these sounds… Wait, could it be?!
At 24, Huilian wasn’t some naive child. Hearing Trineph’s slightly excited panting and Bai Yue Ling’s weak, pleading cries, she immediately imagined something terrifying happening inside.
It was as if Bai Yue Ling was undergoing cruel torment, occasionally crying out in pain, while Trineph not only didn’t stop but grew even more enthusiastic.
Trineph… My best friend, what are you doing to my future ally?!
Huilian’s mind was in chaos. She stepped back, took a deep breath, faint magic swirling around her. Raising her high-heeled shoe, she kicked the door open!
“What are you two doing?!” Huilian shouted, then froze.
Bai Yue Ling was curled up on the bed, her delicate body trembling as if enduring cruel torment. Her cute face was deathly pale, drenched in sweat.
Trineph gently held her, patting her back, her face glowing with a warm, maternal smile, every action radiating motherly care.
Seeing Huilian at the door, Trineph’s smile stiffened.
“Your… Your Highness?” She paused, then said urgently, “Quick, call the divine officials downstairs! Something’s wrong with Little White’s body!”
But Huilian seemed not to hear, standing frozen, her shocked gaze fixed on Trineph holding Bai Yue Ling.
This radiant, motherly girl… was this really Trineph?
What are these two… doing in bed?!