“Mainly because… I wasn’t prepared this time, which led to some minor issues during the night. I—I want to prepare more, or perhaps re-plan the route. This place is so huge, and if I have to deal with this every night, my body won’t be able to take it.”
Although Zhu Qiu had a similar experience of surviving alone in the wild for a long time, that had been in Human Territory.
The environment there was different; during the nights there, it wasn’t cold at all, even if one slept directly on the ground.
But it was different here.
As soon as night fell, the biting winds howled, and it was truly freezing.
“Sword Spirit, this isn’t running away at all. It’s a strategic retreat. Since I already have a method, success is only a matter of time. Besides, it’s not like I actually like that big, bad dragon Zhu Xiaxia.”
Zhu Qiu’s tone was very firm. With this experience under her belt, the next attempt would surely be a breeze.
Considering the environmental issues, the Sword Spirit agreed.
“Then you should head back first. After carrying you as you ran all night, I’m tired too and need to rest.”
“De…”
The Sword Spirit let out a “yawn” and vanished, turning into a small golden ball of light.
Zhu Qiu took out the Communication Gem and injected a bit of Magic Power into it.
The stone transformed into a crystal-clear jewel.
“Zhu Xiaxia, where are you right now?”
“Mother is on her way home now! Did my darling daughter miss her mother? Were you a good girl and did you go home last night?”
“De…”
“The wind in the forest must be quite cold. It really isn’t a suitable place for sleeping…”
“?!”
‘Why does Zhu Xiaxia know these things? Is she stalking me?’
Zhu Qiu immediately looked around but found nothing suspicious.
‘I must be being paranoid.’
“Zhu Xiaxia, I—uh, I ran into a bit of a problem. Can you come pick me up?”
“Oh? What kind of problem? Is it that you don’t know the way home?”
Zhu Xiaxia had actually guessed everything; she just wanted to tease Zhu Qiu.
“Yes… yes, so can you come pick me up? Zhu Xiaxia.”
“Darling daughter, what should you be calling me?”
“I’m calling you Zhu Xiaxia. What else could I call you? It’s not like I’m going to call you ‘Mother’.”
Zhu Qiu’s expression darkened as she spoke.
“Sigh, that’s a bit of a pity. If my darling daughter has forgotten even the most basic polite form of address, then I suppose I must punish her by having her spend another night in the Primeval Forest.”
“Zhu Xiaxia, you can’t be so heartless!”
“I don’t think I heard you clearly. What should my darling daughter call me?”
“!”
“Terrible.”
It seemed Zhu Xiaxia was determined to make her use that title today.
“I… I said, Mother…”
Zhu Qiu forced the words out with a distorted face, her inner composure nearly crumbling.
‘Ugh! I have to lower my head when I’m under someone else’s roof!’
‘Just you wait, Zhu Xiaxia. It’s just flying. Since I’m part of the Dragon Race now, I’ll learn it sooner or later.’
“What a good daughter. Mother will come pick you up right away. Just wait where you are!”
The moment the sentence ended, Zhu Qiu immediately cut off the call.
‘Ugh, I’ve been bested by Zhu Xiaxia again.’
She lay on the ground, clearing her mind and refusing to think about anything else.
—
At that moment, at the main gates of the Dragon Race Imperial Palace, a Dragon girl about 1.7 meters tall with dark purple hair and eyes landed alongside Zhu Xiaxia.
She wore an elegant purple dress, purple high heels, and a purple star pinned to her chest.
Carrying several pieces of luggage, her aura was every bit the equal of Zhu Xiaxia beside her.
“Elanka, this is the Dragon Race Imperial Palace. Welcome.”
Zhu Xiaxia gave Elanka a smile.
“Thank you for your trust, Your Majesty. It is a supreme honor for Elanka to be able to enter the Imperial Palace.”
Elanka returned the smile, showing her respect for the Queen.
“Elanka, I’ve already had Xiaguang prepare a room for you. She is a maid of the Imperial Palace. You can ask her if you have any questions. I have some business to attend to, so I must leave for a moment.”
“Understood, Your Majesty.”
After Zhu Xiaxia left, Elanka temporarily set her luggage on the ground and walked into the palace, admiring the internal layout and decorations.
The interior of the Dragon Race Imperial Palace was incredibly luxurious.
They used whatever looked the best and whatever was most expensive.
If two items looked equally good, they chose the costlier one, believing there was always a reason for a higher price.
After doing a circuit of the first floor, Elanka found herself slightly stunned.
Although the decorations on the first floor of her own home were also luxurious, they paled in comparison to the Dragon Race Imperial Palace.
Having finished her tour of the first floor, Elanka walked toward the stairs, intending to see the second floor.
“Miss, that is not the way up.”
Having just come out of a room, Xiaguang noticed the Dragon girl and immediately stopped her.
“Hmm?”
The Dragon girl, who had just lifted her foot, set it back down and turned around, carefully scrutinizing the owner of the voice.
This Dragon in a maid outfit must be the one the Queen mentioned.
Xiaguang was similarly sizing up the Dragon girl dressed in purple.
Since this newcomer had the right to enter the interior of the Imperial Palace, she must be the teacher for the Princess that the Queen had mentioned yesterday morning.
Xiaguang performed a polite bow first.
“Miss, allow me to introduce myself. My name is Xiaguang, a Level 7 Ice Dragon. I am Her Majesty the Queen’s all-purpose maid, responsible for nearly all the daily affairs of the Imperial Palace. It is a pleasure to meet you.”
“Hello, Xiaguang. My name is Elanka Holtz, daughter of Nidhogg Holtz. I am a Dark Dragon, currently Level 7 as well. It is a pleasure to meet you too.”
“Miss Elanka, no one is permitted to go to the second floor of the palace without Her Majesty’s permission. In the past, even I was not allowed. Therefore, please conduct yourself with propriety. I did not intend to speak harshly; I am merely emphasizing the rule. I hope you can understand.”
Xiaguang bowed again.
Elanka understood.
As a maid of the Dragon Race Imperial Palace, one had to be extremely rigorous in all matters, allowing no room for error.
“I understand.”
“Miss Elanka, let me lead you to your room first. I have already prepared it for you. You may ask me if you have any questions.”
“Very well, lead the way.”
‘She truly is Zhu Xiaxia’s maid; they even say the same things. It seems Xiaguang has worked here for many years.’
‘I really envy the Queen for having such a maid.’
“Miss Elanka, this is your room. Here is the key.”
“Thank you.”
Elanka had expected a common layout, but as she stepped into the room, the scene before her was completely unexpected.
It was almost exactly the same as her own room back at her house.
The same style of bed, the same blankets, the same desk—everything was identical.
Elanka couldn’t help but admire the coordination between the Queen and Xiaguang.
To be able to set everything up so perfectly in such a short time was truly enviable.
—
In the Primeval Forest, Zhu Qiu had fallen asleep while lying on the ground.
“Flutter…”
A butterfly landed on her nose.
It was so itchy.
“Mmph…”
“Darling daughter, don’t sleep anymore. Mother has come to take you home!”
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