User:Beltramee/sandbox

'''Hi, this is about the preview of a to be published story. If you would like to, you can check it out:''' Prologue: A long time ago, a group of assassins known to the people as the “Demon Flowers” appeared in the martial world. Over a couple of years, everyone knew about them and was afraid of them. Many murders were caused, creating ruckus throughout the Empire of Lyn. The leader of the clan was a girl who was known as “Sugar Flower”. It was said that nobody had seen her face since it was masked and if they looked her in the eyes, it would be the last thing they did. One day, a badly dressed beggar walked through the entrance of the royal palace and asked to see the emperor. There were two guards standing guard that day when the one on the right stopped the beggar. ¨What is the meaning of this?¨ he asked. ¨A handsome young man who was richly clothed said that he was a citizen and asked me to hand this note to the emperor. He said it was important¨ replied the beggar as he pointed to the piece of parchment in his right hand. ¨Hahaha!¨, laughed the guard on the left, ¨Why would a rich man who´s a powerful citizen need a poor beggar like you to deliver a message to the emperor, especially an important one. Who do you think you are? This must be a plot to get into the palace.¨ The guard hardly pushed the beggar down onto the ground. At that moment, the empress walked out of the palace doors. Now, the empress was a kind woman and she had a hard time being the mother of her empire because of the emperor's frequent affairs with other women. She was dressed in golden silk with a couple of patterned designs down her side. As she was walking out with her servants, she accidentally stepped on the beggar, tripped, and fell. ¨How dare you, filthy beggar. You just tripped Empress Li.¨ said one of the servants on the empress´s immediate right as she carefully helped the empress stand up. ¨We´re sorry, your majesty. We´ll get this beggar out of your way quickly in case his filthiness hurts your eyes.¨ said one of the guards and hurried toward the beggar as the beggar groaned on the ground. He was hurt. ¨Wait!¨ said the empress, ¨Can´t you see that he is hurt? This beggar is still part of our empire even if he isn't one of the powerful citizens. If we treat the lower class like this, how will our kingdom keep our title of being kind? What I'm wondering though, isn't your fault for being so cruel to this poor beggar. Isn’t that why he is on the ground?¨ ¨I´m sorry. I didn't realize you were friends with him. This man came here and said that he had an important message that was given to him by an important citizen. The only problem was that if the message was really important, then why would that citizen not give it to the emperor himself instead of entrusting it to a begg… um… lower-class man. This may be a plot to get into the palace. My friend here...um… pushed him onto the ground,¨ replied the guard on the right. ¨He is not a friend of mine and I have never met him but treating someone like that is just not right. Also, who says this is a plot to get into the palace. That is something big to accuse of someone. You will need proof. If you haven´t forgotten, General Mitzing had to go out of the main city to show respect to his ancestors today. If he didn't do it today, he would be considered unfilial.¨ The empress turned to the beggar. ¨You can come with me into the palace and I will accompany you so you can give the message to my husband. But first, you should wash and put on some clean clothes. I don't mean any disrespect but my husband is picky with physical appearance. I don't want you to be teased.¨ As she said that, she shot a dirty look at the guards. ¨Your Majesty, you wanted so much to visit the lake today,¨ spoke up the same servant on the right. Empress Li put a hand up to stop the servant. ¨I believe this to be more important, Jin. General Mitzing has always been a good citizen. If this note is really from him, I believe that he wouldn't bother my husband for no reason. My visit to the lake can wait today.¨ ¨It was rumored that our empress has a heavenly soul and a beautiful heart. Today, I can verify that,¨ said the beggar. ¨That would be an overstatement. I am utterly flattered. Thank you, though! You can enter the palace with me. However, the rules are still to be obeyed. Not everyone treats me as the rightful empress right now and I believe you already know why. I have no power to protect you within the palace´s boundaries. I forgot to ask your name before. Once we get to a room, I will ask Yin to help you out,¨ and she waved to the servant on her left-hand side while Yin bowed to show respect. ¨Thank you dearly, your majesty. My name is Aster,¨ replied the beggar. ¨That is a nice name. Aster… Aster, is it the same as the flower?¨ asked Empress Li. ¨Yes, but that isn't the reason I was named that,¨ said Aster suddenly quicker. ¨That's quite alright. Come on, let´s do less talking and get that note to my husband,¨ replied the empress. She turned back to the palace, walking in, while all six servants and Aster followed her. Aster was led to a beautiful room with gold hangings. Yin was filling up a tub with warm bath water and roses while Aster pretended to admire the room. Once the tub was full, Yin bowed to him and motioned to leave the room. ¨Wait,¨ said Aster, ¨I do not know the way to reach the emperor. Can you inform me what I am to do after I bathe and change my clothes?¨ ¨Her majesty will be waiting outside your room. When you are ready, you can come out and she will lead you to the emperor,¨ replied Yin. ¨Okay, thanks,¨ said Aster. Once Yin had left the room, Aster stopped pretending that he had never seen anything like the room. He started preparing and after about ten minutes, he was ready and looked like he had never been a beggar. When he stepped out of the room, he saw Empress Li and Yin waiting for him. ¨Your Majesty, where are the other servants,¨ asked Aster. ¨Well, it isn't good to bring too many people with me into the main hall of the palace so I only bring one of my personal maids,¨ she replied, ¨we can go now.¨ They went through a couple of halls until they came up to a pair of high, polished golden doors covered with jewels. ¨Are you ready?¨ asked the empress,¨ remember, I will go first and you and Yin will follow. Also, once you get inside, you must speak with respect and be very careful what you say or do.¨ ¨I understand, Your Majesty. Thank you for the reminder,¨ replied Aster. They entered the main hall and there were many eyes on them as they walked past the group of high positioned citizens and generals. The war citizens wore blue robes while those who had an official in literature wore red robes. When they reached the front, Aster lifted his head and saw the emperor sitting on the throne, dressed in golden robes much like the empress´s. ¨Kneel after I bow,¨ whispered the empress. Aster nodded. ¨Your majesty,¨ said the queen as she bowed. ¨Your majesty,¨ said Aster and Yin together as they kneeled to show their respect to the emperor. ¨My empress, my citizens, you may rise,¨ said the emperor raising his hand. ¨Thank you, your majesty,¨ said all three of them in unison as they rose. ¨I hear that you have an important message for me. Where is it? ¨ said the emperor. ¨Your Majesty, it is here,¨ replied Aster. The emperor waved to the eunuch to take the message from Aster and pass it to him. Your Majesty, As I was passing by a forest outside of the capital city, I came by a weird-looking rock. When I got closer, I realized some words were carved onto it. The Demon Flowers is getting too far. The rock said that they were planning another murder but this time, it´s on Your Majesty. The rock says that it is planned for the Grand Harvest Festival. Your Majesty, please take action to try and stop them. I will try to but I cannot without the Grand Army Seal. We all know that The Demon FLowers are extremely dangerous, especially since Sugar Flower plans to do it herself this time. You know that she doesn´t wield her sleeve unless it is very important. I am afraid that this attack may not be the only thing that The Demon Flowers want. Wishing You Your Best, General Mitzing

Fury contorted the emperor's face as it reddened. ¨Spread my command: The Grand Army Seal has the power to give the possessor the command of half of the kingdom´s army under all circumstances. I now pass it to General Mitzing. Also, anyone who can cause the death of Sugar Flower before the Grand Harvest Festival will be rewarded 10 million golden sycees,¨ said the emperor. The powerful citizens looked around at each other, confused until one of the men in blue robes came forward with his white stick. ¨Your majesty, the Grand Army Seal is very crucial. Though I also believe that General Mitzing... Um… is a responsible citizen, I still want your majesty to think this over. After all, usually, only the royal class people can possess this seal,¨ he said. ¨Are you suggesting that I am an emperor that makes my command without reasoning and thinking it over?¨ growled the emperor furiously,¨I do not need to inform YOU what I'm thinking, do I? However, why not? I´ll tell you guys everything since I can tell that you´re all thinking the same thing. General Gen, I´m not mad at you because after all, I admire your daring. You were the only one who dared to step out and ask me this question. I´m angrier at all of the rest of you.¨ Suddenly, a big noise enveloped the hall as all of the citizens kneeled and said ¨We know our wrong, your majesty. Please punish us.¨ ¨I do not wish to punish you but I do want all of you to understand why I am doing what I am. The note said that The Demon Flowers plans to assassinate me on the day of the Grand Harvest Festival. Sugar Flower is also determined to participate. To stop them, I have to have an army against them. To protect me and everyone else in the castle, General Mitzing has offered to put up with the fight as an act of bravery. I have decided that he is worthy to lead half of my army,¨ the emperor continued, ¨You may all leave now. I am tired of all of these discussions.¨ ¨But your majesty, you haven't made all the important decisions. You can't leave us now!¨ said General Gen. ¨General Gen, I have already forgiven you once. Don´t make me angry. You can all go down,¨ replied the emperor,¨Eunuch Xi.¨ The eunuch nodded and called the court off. ¨Also, can you help me call Falen here? I know that her massage skills are good...¨ The emperor stopped after seeing the disappointed look on the empress´s face. ¨Is there anything else, my wife? If not, please excuse me.¨ With that, he left the main hall. By the time Aster turned around to speak to the empress, she had already left. However, Yin was standing there. ¨Her Majesty has left. As you have delivered the message, the empress wanted me to tell you that you may take your leave,¨ she said and started to walk out of the hall. ¨Wait. The emperor is getting way too out of hand. He can't even take care of his wife. All he knows is to call off the important business of the palace and have fun with - ¨ Yin had covered his mouth with her right hand. ¨Don’t say that here. You should leave. Please! I don't want you to get my mistress in trouble,¨ she said. ¨Why are you calling her majesty your mistress?¨ asked Aster. ¨I know that I´m not supposed to but she wants me to call her that. Just me and JIn. However, we must call her your majesty in front of others. She is kind and saved my life before I became her maid,¨ replied Yin, sniffling a couple of tears. Aster sighed and left without another word. Yin turned around and waved him goodbye, tear tracks on her face. When Aster got far away from the palace, he peeled a layer of fake skin off of his face and revealed his actual physical features. He was actually a handsome, young man. He then traveled through a forest until he reached a cave with no entrance. At least, that was what it looked like on the outside. Aster used his qing gong and flew to the top of the cave. He entered through a hole there. When he got in, the machines became alive and spurted arrows everywhere. However, Aster knew how to pass it and pressed a couple of buttons around him. Next, there was a canyon-like place with a bridge to cross it. Aster moved across it carefully, skipping the sixth, twelfth, eighteenth, and twenty-fourth steps. Then, he jumped as the final steps weren't to be touched. Furthermore, there was a door in front of him with the twelve zodiac signs and a couple of elements that were to be matched. He completed the puzzle. The door opened and Aster walked in. Finally, he had reached the last room where there was another door and on both sides of it was a flower-shaped candle lamp. Aster walked up to the left one and took a hairpin out of his pocket which was actually a key. He poked it into a small hole that was on the candle lamp. The door sprang to life revealing a palace made of white marble that read the Immortal Flower Palace. Aster slowly entered a beautiful hall. In front of him were a whole group of people and a girl sitting on the throne. All of her physical features were covered except for her eyes. They were a pair of the most beautiful, big, round eyes with the power to change the colors of light reflected in the pupils once in a certain amount of time. ¨Sect Leader, I am back with news on what you told me to do,¨ he started. ¨You are back, Co-Chief Aster. Or should I call you General Mitzing,¨ said Sugar Flower. ¨My lady, there are only two Co-Chiefs. As one of them, I am like the right pillar of our Sect. Therefore, I am the Co-Chief of our sect and nothing else as I will always be,¨ he replied. ¨Very good. You may tell me the news that you bring me. But note that if you have come back without completing the mission I had entrusted you in, you will be punished,¨ she said. ¨Yes, your ladyship. I pretended to be a beggar and changed my looks. I gave the message to the emperor and he is furious right now. He has decided to give me the Grand Army Seal and made the fact clear that whoever can cause your death will receive 10 million golden sycees. This, you have already predicted, of course. I know that you never go back on your word and that you will actually go to assassinate the emperor but I would like to ask you for a favor. Please spare the life of the empress and her personal maid named Yin. I ask you this because they are not like the others, selfish and evil. They are both very kind,¨ said Aster. ¨You should know that I only harm those who have done wrong. The emperor has never been any good for our kingdom. All of these days, he doesn't care about the important affairs of the empire. We cannot have this type of ruler. Of course, right now, the crown prince is still little and there may be people who will try to steal the throne. A little kid would always be the center of everyone's attention. However, the younger someone is, they will be kinder, more innocent. Also, you have watched the crown prince grow up. He will trust you and you can help him become a good emperor. I believe that this will help the empire of Lyn finally have some peace. As for the empress and the maid, I will note to not harm them but if you want to save them, you can take them out of the palace and to somewhere safe yourself. They won't be royal anymore but if the empress is kind and smart, I believe it will not matter to her,¨ said Sugar Flower,¨You have done a great job and don't have any more business for today. However, you should know that the time for my rebirth as a normal mortal has come and it shall take place soon. When I am reborn, please don't interfere with my fate and take care of my sect. You know that this rebirth will be hard and that I may leave. However, if I do, you can take the water lily of a thousand years and swallow its power. That will allow you to live for a thousand years more and you can continue what I have started so the time I spent will not be wasted. As for the drawing that refers to my fate - ¨ she stopped as she didn't know what to say. ¨Don’t say that, my lady. I am sure that you will make it through. I shall wait for your return when your rebirth starts. As for the water lily of a thousand years, I cannot swallow it´s power until I'm sure of… um… never mind. I will protect the drawing well but none of us know what it means yet since we haven’t seen it,¨ said Aster. ¨Thank You, Aster. It is a big responsibility but I have said everything I needed to say. There is no more need for anything else to be said as I have your promise. You can stay in the palace for tonight since I know you haven't spoken to your friends for a month already. Tomorrow morning, you will go back to the royal palace and acquire the Grand Army Seal. Please forgive me. I must leave and have my afternoon chi restoration,¨ and so she left the hall. As she left, everyone in the hall bowed and said ¨Yes, your ladyship.¨ Everyone including Aster left the great hall. Aster had just walked down the steps of the hall when he felt a tap on his back. One of his friends named Ryu had pushed his way through the crowd to greet him. ¨Hey, congratulations! Did you get what the sect leader said? She is cold and has her way of talking but if she can praise you...¨ and his friend continued on while showing Aster the room that was left for him. That night was a happy one. Aster and his friends had conversations and went under the peach blossom trees. Just as they were finishing a game of stone picking on the decorations of the trees, Sugar Flower strolled out in black robes. ¨Aster, do you have a moment? I would like to talk to you alone,¨ she said. ¨Of course, your ladyship,¨ he replied. Together, they walked past the peach blossoms and into a beautiful garden of water lilies. Sugar Flower suddenly stopped and turned around, looking Aster in the eyes. ¨Do you remember when you first came here? That time you were still a child who was twelve years old. Do you still remember why you came here and what you vowed to do?¨ she asked. ¨I will never forget. The emperor was still a young man at that time when he wiped out everyone in our kingdom. He was cruel and didn´t allow one single person alive. I left my family when they died to protect me. I felt so guilty, I still do but there was nothing I could do but I vowed that I would get revenge for every single life he took. I was in such despair that I saw death as a way out. I was going to commit suicide when you saved me, your ladyship,¨ replied Aster. ¨I believe that every single person here has had a similar experience. Every single one of us didn't have another option, including me. Since we are alone, you do not have to call me your lady right now. You can just call me by my name, Sugar Flower. I always put on a brave face because if I don´t, everyone here won't have as much hope but sometimes I feel too weak. I use the braveness and coldness on my face to cover my doubts and reassure myself. Do you know why I wear black? It isn´t because I'm a cruel person. I know that the color represents darkness but it doesn't to me,¨ she said. ¨No, I don´t, Sugar Flower,¨ Aster replied. ¨I don't blame you. It is very hard to try and understand what someone else is thinking. To me, the color represents strength and courage. It represents that I won't do something just for myself but for a group of people and no one can hurt my emotions even if they can hurt me physically. This was my fate ever since birth. However, there is another reason. If one day someone can hurt me, there would be blood but black can hide that. From when I was young to grownup, I experienced many hardships. Some hardships I experienced when I was small were because of my face which is why I always keep it masked but I want to show it to you so if you meet me somehow after my rebirth, you will know me. I hope that we can meet there. After all, one of the most important reasons why I trust you the most is because I know we´re alike,¨ said Sugar Flower. With that she took her mask off, revealing her face. She was beautiful and Aster wasn't expecting that as Sugar Flower had said she experienced hardships from that face. He stood there dazzled, staring at her. She smiled. It was a gentle smile that most people wouldn't expect a girl who had caused many murders to be able to have within herself. Her eyes were still as beautiful as they always had been except they were shining because of the tears that stung her eyes. ¨I chose this place because I want you to look at these water lilies. I want you to pick one of these lilies and tell me which one you think is the water lily of a thousand years,¨ she said as Aster started to look around the room. Around him were many normal lilies. However, on his right was a bright golden lily while on his left was a blue lily that looked like it was made out of normal plastic that didn't shine the very least. He walked to the one on his left and picked it up. ¨I choose this one,¨ he said,¨It may look simple but actually it isn´t. The only reason it isn't shining right now is that it hasn't opened up yet. Just like people, you don't know they are special until they open up. It is only supposed to sprout once a thousand years. That is why it's special, more than all of the rest.¨ Sugar Flower walked over. ¨You are right,¨ she said and then sighed as her attitude suddenly changed and her tone hardened,¨You will go tomorrow to the royal palace and get the Grand Army Seal. Three days later, we will help you accomplish your wish. I just hope you remember your promise to keep the sect safe and make it better.¨ After she finished, she walked away, leaving Aster in the garden by himself. He followed her actions and decided to go to bed. That night, he had a hard time trying to sleep. The words that Sugar Flower had said impacted him and he wondered why her attitude had changed all of a sudden. The next morning, he rose really early before the sun rose and left to eat breakfast and then claim the Grand Army Seal. He decided not to wait for breakfast in the Immortality Flower Palace. Before he left, he went outside of Sugar Flower´s room. He decided not to go inside. He couldn't explain why and finally concluded that it was because it was really early. He left a note outside of her room that said that he wouldn't let down her expectations. ¨Sugar Flower, I understand the hardships you had and I know how hard it is for you to join a fight yourself. Since this rebirth is going to be complicated and you want to complete this right before it, I finally understand something about you. I will help you complete your wish, my wish, the wish of our sect,¨ he said and then left. Inside the room, Sugar Flower sat there continuing to cultivate her Pure Jade Flower Skill. She suddenly stopped. Her emotion was unexplainable. She was both happy and sad. There was a smile on her face but also tears. She stood up and took the drawing that had her fate on it. She used her communication method and sent it to Aster with a note and a spell to stop aging for twenty years. Back in the palace, it was already noon. When Aster was ready to enter the great hall, the empress stopped him. She didn't recognize him as the beggar as he had changed his face. ¨General Mitzing, I believe you are here for the Great Army Seal. Thank you for offering to defend us but you really don't need to give your own life for this. We all know that Sugar Flower is too strong. Even if there are 1 million people in the army there to stop her, it won't make any difference. Even if it was only her, it would already be hard enough to stop her, let alone everyone in her sect. You should think it through,¨ she said. ¨Thank You for your offer, your majesty but I´m ready. I should serve his majesty and return what he did for me,¨ he said defiantly,¨Please allow me to take my leave now, your majesty.¨ He entered the great hall in his blue robes and went up to the front of the hall to stand where he belonged in the formation of powerful citizens, right next to General Gen. General Gen stared at him and then looked away quickly when he realized that Aster was looking right back at him. ¨Here comes the emperor,¨ called Eunuch Xi, and so the emperor came in and took his place on the throne. ¨Greetings, Your Majesty,¨ rang through the whole hall as all of the citizens kneeled. ¨You may all rise,¨ said the emperor and he turned to address Aster,¨You have shown great bravery, General Mitzing, especially at a young age of only twenty-two years old. I present you with the Great Army Seal in the hope that you can lead my people wisely and defeat The Demon Flowers.¨ He passed the golden seal to the eunuch who went down the steps and in turn handed it to Aster. ¨Thank you for entrusting me with such an important task, your majesty. I will not let you become disappointed,¨ he said. The emperor nodded and then said,¨You may all leave now and let me be.¨ ¨But we need an answer for how the Bin Luo Tribe requests a lower tax immediately. You have left it behind for a couple of days now along with a couple of other important business affairs. Please, your majesty, if we don't find the answers now, the items will pile up,¨ said General Gen. ¨Do I have to make all the decisions? Such small things, you can handle them by yourself. If you still can´t handle them, then ask the crown prince. If you don´t allow me to rest, how can I take care of our empire?¨ replied the emperor. ¨But the crown prince is only seven years old. Also, these affairs have to be handled by the owner of the empire of Lyn,¨ said General Gen,¨I may not be royalty but I still understand this much, your majesty.¨ ¨That is enough. I don't want to have an argument with you, General Gen, but if you continue with all of this nonsense, I will have you executed. Now, where´s Ana? Eunuch!¨ said the emperor. ¨Yes, your majesty. The conference has ended. You may all go now.¨ he called. Everyone left the great hall. General Gen caught up with Aster. ¨General Mitzing, why didn't you just back me up. Do you like watching the emperor going the wrong way?¨ General Gen said angrily. ¨How dare you suggest that? Even if I backed you up, I doubt it would've been any use. You saw how the emperor reacted. We need to come up with another plan,¨ Aster replied. ¨Well, I can´t see any plan that you´re coming up with,¨ said General Gen under his breath. ¨You don't have to worry about what my plan is. I´m going back to my mansion now. I´ll see you later,¨ said Aster. ¨Wait, General Mitzing. Hey!¨ yelled General Gen but Aster had already walked far away. When Aster got to his mansion and entered his room, he saw the painting that Sugar Flower had sent to him. He read the note first. The clan had a way of passing notes outside of the Immortal Flower Palace. When you get the note, it would seem like a plain piece of cloth unless you let it experience the heat of burning fire by moving it above the fire and then press it down to the bottom of a bowl of water. After you do that, the note will be viewable. Aster did just that and then started reading the note:

Dear Aster, Remember, I trust you and will support you until the very end. My rebirth will arrive in just two days. Attached is the painting that tells my fate. I cannot look at it as it determines my fate but you can. But note that you can´t tell me or you may be struck by lightning. As you know, it will also happen if you try to interfere with my fate. The other item is a charm to pause aging for twenty years. You know that rebirth is very painful. Also, you know that you have the alternative of swallowing the Water Lily of Thousand Years. From, Sugar Flower💮

The sign at the end was proof that the note was really from the sect leader. Aster put away the note and took out the charm to stop aging. He decided to take it after Sugar Flower went through her rebirth. Finally, he got to the painting. He slowly opened the scroll up and saw what was on it. Aster was stunned by what he saw. The painting depicted Sugar Flower, dressed in white, standing on top of a mansion looking up at the moon. Below her, there were thousands of army troops surrounding her. That night, when Aster went to sleep, he couldn't help but think about what the painting meant. He thought about everything, but couldn´t understand it. Two Days Later...

It was all planned well. Aster replaced the imperial army troops with people from the Flower Sect while Sugar Flower led the rest of the people in to attack the royal palace. They put up an act and after about twenty minutes, Aster let Sugar Flower through to attack the emperor while Aster went to find the empress and Yin. He found them and Jin outside of the royal palace gates in the back and hurried over to them. ¨We can´t hold up against The Demon Flowers much longer, your majesty. You guys have to leave quickly. I have a carriage arranged outside of the city. You guys need to get out quickly. It will bring you to somewhere safe,¨ he said. ¨Thank you so much, General Mitzing, but I need to wait for my husband. After all, we are a couple and we need to be together at all times,¨ replied the empress. Aster hesitated. ¨Your Majesty, you must leave now. I will go and get the emperor out of the palace but you two cannot travel together or it will gather too much attention. Go quickly!¨ he lied. ¨Ok. Take care, General Mitzing. I wish you the best of luck!¨ she answered. ¨Go!¨ he yelled, waving goodbye. They left while Aster headed into the palace to see how Sugar Flower was doing. Considering her martial arts, she must have already assassinated the emperor by now, he thought as he walked toward the main hall. When he got in, he saw that the emperor was lying on the ground, dead. He turned and saw Sugar Flower standing there, smiling at him, and just when he was about to congratulate her, she fell. He ran to her and saw that there was a blade that had stabbed her heart. How was this possible? Nobody could´ve stabbed her but herself. He suddenly understood why she had said that rebirth was painful at that moment. The word rebirth wasn't fake. To be reborn, you had to die first, a painful experience. Aster was horrified. He didn't expect to have her go on such short notice. There were still so many questions he hadn't asked her yet. There was a commotion as the other co-chief, Alstroemerias, and several other members of the sect ran in. They all kneeled down and paid their respects to Sugar Flower as her body started to disappear into gold sparks and float off to another place, another mother, and another life. Chapter 1: An Extraordinary Birth In the Yin Mansion in the empire of Lyn, there lived a level five literature official named Niself Yin, his wife named Lisi Si, and his mother with many servants/maids. The wife wasn't much liked by her mother-in-law for two reasons. First of all, she had come from a poor village and didn't have any status. Therefore, she wasn't able to help the literature official raise his level. The other reason was that she had already married the official for seven years, and never even had the slightest trace of a child, let alone a boy. At that time, only boys could obtain the family´s heirlooms, become an official, and many other things. Therefore, most families liked boys better than girls. The only way girls could help their own family was by marrying a family that had a higher status. However, the mother-in-law kept all of these dislikes hidden from both the master and lady of the house for she knew that the literature official would never listen to her as he loved his wife very much. One day, Lady Si was having her everyday stroll in the courtyard, when she suddenly felt disgusted and suddenly fainted. Her personal maid ran back into the building and called the literature official. He quickly ran out. “Call a doctor, Amelia! Quick!” he called out to the maid. “Yes, my lord,” she said as she sprinted off. When Lisi woke up, she saw Niself having a deep conversation with the doctor. “Doctor, how is she?” Niself asked. “She ate some bad food but after having some medicine, there won’t be many problems with her health. However,... um… there’s a possibility that she won’t be able to give birth to a child ever again. If you take good care of her, though, there are still many people who faced this difficulty that had children a couple of years later,” answered the doctor. Niself sighed. Though he didn’t have a problem with not having children, he knew about the disapprovements of his mother. “Okay, thank you anyway. Just don’t tell my mother or Lisi,” he said. Niself sent the doctor out of Yin Mansion. “You don’t need to send me anywhere farther. You should go back to look after your wife. She should be very weak right now,” said the doctor. “Okay,” Niself said as he walked back inside the mansion. When he got back to Lisi's room, he saw that she was sitting up, awake. “Why are you sitting up? You should lie down and rest. When did you wake up? Do you need anything?” he said as he noticed that there were tears in her eyes,” What’s wrong?” “You don’t need to pretend. I heard your conversation with the doctor. He said that I might not be able to ever have a child,” she sniffled as tears rolled down her cheeks. “Don’t worry. He said that as long as I take good care of you, you’ll still be able to have a child,” Niself said. “No!” she cried, as her emotion completely lost control,” I never had a child all these years. Now, it will be harder. What should I do?” She was thinking about how her mother-in-law would think of her when she said this. Though she knew that her mother-in-law wanted a child, she never mentioned it to her husband, as she didn’t want it to be hard for him. Therefore, both the husband and the wife didn’t know that the other knew about the mother’s feelings. Lisi hyperventilated as Niself patted her on the back. “I have a plan that can solve all of the problems,” he said and he whispered into her ear, “Since we can’t keep the fact that you fainted from my mother, we can tell her that…..” Drip. Drip. Drip. Seven months had passed. It was a rainy night as a shadow of a well-dressed man walked out and stopped at a building. It was Niself! The sign on the building said the adoption center. An old woman came out of it, carrying a little baby who sat in the blanket very still. “I understand that you wanted a boy, but this girl was left outside of my nursery. It’s very sad and I want her to have a good family. Also, no other child meets your requirements,” she said. Niself looked at the child. Her eyes were still closed. He smiled. As long as my wife has a child, I bet my mother wouldn’t be so picky. Plus, Lisi still has time to give birth to her own child, Niself thought. “I’ll take her,” he said, putting out his hands to take her over. Meanwhile, in Yin Mansion, Lisi was pretending to yell in pain as the obstetrician helped with the act too. Her mother-in-law was walking around the hallway outside Lisi’s room. “How come it’s taking so long?” she muttered to herself. “Aah! Uh….. AAHHHHH!” yelled Lisi. “Come on, Lady Si! You can do it! Breathe in. Breathe out,” said the obstetrician. Lady Si looked out the window while yelling, “How come he hasn’t come back yet?” she whispered. Suddenly, Niself walked back and handed the baby over. “How come the baby’s a girl?” asked the obstetrician. “Never mind that. Just go outside and report it to my mother,” he said. Lisi looked up to him. He nodded. The obstetrician walked out of the room and said, “Congratulations! It’s a new baby girl!” “She’s not a boy, but I guess my daughter-in-law may have a chance to give birth to more children now that she’s had her first one. Okay, at least I have a granddaughter now,” said the girl’s grandmother, smiling. That night, the baby girl was brought back into the couple’s room. “She’s quite cute. What do you think we should name her?” asked Lisi. “I’m not sure. Her eyes are so beautiful! Let’s call her Zinnia, in hope that she will bloom,” answered Niself. “Zinnia, that’s a beautiful name. You’re right! Let’s call her that,” agreed Lisi,” Niself, when can I have another stroll outside of the mansion?” “Well, my mother thinks that you just gave birth to a child so I would say you should stay in the mansion for one month at the very least. Don’t worry, time goes really fast with a small child,” replied Niself. Well, Niself was right. The next two months went by quickly. Lisi stuffed a pillow into her clothes to prevent her mother-in-law from knowing that she hadn’t just given birth to a baby. The couple would play with Zinnia every day and her grandmother showered her many gifts. By now, Zinnia had opened her eyes and when you looked at her, she would always have a smile on her face. Everyone in Yin Mansion recognized how stunningly beautiful eyes Zinnia had. She also had a birthmark that looked like a flower on her back. Lisi had finished two months of ginseng soup and her health was pretty much back to normal. She was also able to remove the pillow. Niself finally convinced his mother to allow Lisi out of the mansion for some fresh air under the supervision of her maid, Amelia, and two guards. “Where do you want to go, my lady?” asked Amelia. “I heard there’s a new tea house that just opened last month on the main street. Let’s go there for a cup of tea and then visit a couple of shops or stands on the same street. I recall that there are many,” replied Lisi. They went to the tea house and continued on through the street. Lisi brought many items including beautiful pieces of silk fabric used to make clothes for Zinnia and many sweets. They walked around the street all afternoon. Amelia became very tired from carrying all of the products that Lisi purchased. “I’ll help you,” said Lisi, holding her hands out. “When did you ever see the lady holding her products and the maid resting? I’m fine, my lady,” panted Amelia. “You’re sweating. At least let me share half of what you’re carrying. After all, it’s me who brought so much. I was just too excited to shop since I haven’t been out for a very long time,” insisted Lisi, stealing the objects without saying another word. “Thank you, my lady,” replied Amelia. “Your welcome, let’s go home now. I’m getting quite tired anyway,” Lisi said. When the four of them were heading home, a royal horse carriage headed toward their way. “Get out of the way! QUICK!” said the henchman controlling the carriage. Lisi heard the voice, pushed Amelia out of the way, and then hurried to the other side. However, she didn’t make it over in time and the carriage knocked her down. She hit her head and started bleeding, knocked out. “My lady! Are you okay?” asked Amelia, rushing over. “Are you deaf? Didn’t you hear me say get out of the way?” yelled the henchman. “Who said my lady’s deaf? I didn’t ask you yet! Why didn’t you stop when you saw that there were people in front of you? Of course, you can gossip. It’s not you who’s bleeding right now,” cried Amelia. “How was I supposed to know that your lady wasn’t going to get out of the way? Plus, horse carriages are really hard to control,” he argued. The woman inside the carriage and her personal maid stepped out. “Thomas, shut up! Is your lady okay?” she asked calmly. “Can’t you see that she’s bleeding? Your carriage hit her head! She just had a child two months ago. What should I do?” replied Amelia loudly. “Calm down. Let’s quickly get her to a hospital, and we can go on from there. Oh, who is your lady? We should inform her family,” said the woman. “My lady is Literature Official Yin’s wife. He is a level five official. Though he isn’t one that has a very high status, he’ll still be able to stand up for his wife,” Amelia replied. “Oh..Okay. Thomas, go to Yin Mansion and inform Official Yin about what happened. Be a bit more polite. I’m so sorry, I spoiled him. Let’s hurry and get your lady to the hospital,” the woman said. Together with Amelia and the guards, the woman carried Lisi to the nearest hospital. The doctor that opened this hospital was the same as the one who had given Lisi medicine when she had eaten bad food, Dr. Lisun. “What happened?” he asked when he saw them enter. “My lady was bumped into by a horse carriage and she bumped her head. Look, she’s bleeding and she got knocked out,” answered Amelia while shooting a dirty look at Thomas. Thomas rolled his eyes. He opened his mouth to argue when the woman shot him a death stare. “I understand now. Bring Lady Si into the room on my right and lay her on the wooden bed. For the bleeding, I can stop that with a bandage. However, Lady Si hurt her head. This may cause minor to major headaches once in a while. I’m sorry, but I cannot help with that,” said Dr. Lisun. There was a sudden, large commotion outside the building as Niself rushed in and sat next to Lisi’s bed. “What happened?’ he asked. Amelia explained everything to Niself. Niself turned around and looked at the woman who was in the royal carriage. “Your highness, if Amelia said anything that offended you, I hope you can forgive her. She was probably ticked off from seeing my wife getting hurt. Also, my official level is low so it’s quite usual that she wouldn’t be able to recognize the Elder Princess,” he said bowing. Amelia gasped and then put her hand to her mouth. “That’s fine. I admire her bravery and loyalty to her lady. I can understand how she felt at that time. Plus, if you look at what happened thoroughly, it’s my fault after all. I will pay the expenses but I know that it can’t make up for what happened today since the damage is permanent. Instead, I hope that you can forgive me,” she replied, “Though everyone knows me as the Elder Princess, we also know that I don’t have royal blood. I am the side consort of the last emperor. The royal family felt quite sorry for me since I didn’t have a child before my husband died and decided to give me the title. Therefore, you don’t have to be so courteous to me.” “Your highness, you are too modest. However, you should know that I treat everyone like this. I am not a person who cannot tell what the truth is. What happened was an accident. Plus, my wife wouldn’t want me to blame someone who just made a mistake by accident,” he explained,” I want to spend some time alone with my wife. If you have time tonight, you are welcome to come to Yin Mansion for dinner.” Thomas started speaking, “Her highness was going to-” “Of course. Thank you for the invite,” interrupted the Elder Princess,” Also, you don’t need to call me your highness, just call me Olivia.” Niself nodded and turned around to look at Lisi, who was still knocked out. Olivia, Amelia, Thomas, the two guards, and Olivia’s maid turned around to exit the room. As Olivia was walking out of the hospital, she suddenly stopped. “Interesting,” she whispered, smiling. “How is what happened today interesting, your highness?” questioned her maid. “Emma, the event wasn’t interesting, the person is,” answered Olivia. Emma looked at Thomas and Thomas shot a blank look back at her. They took their places back on the carriage and went back to the palace to prepare for dinner. Meanwhile, at the hospital, Lisi had woken up. Niself helped her sit up and gave her a cup of water. Lisi slowly drank it and then handed the cup to Niself. He put the cup back on the table and sat back to the side of her bed. Lisi looked up and realized that Niself’s face was abnormally pale. “Are you okay? Don’t be mad at me, it makes me feel guilty,” said Lisi,” I promise that I’ll be more careful next time.” “There won’t be a next time. I’m not mad at you, I’m angry at myself. I shouldn’t have allowed you to come outside alone. Do you know how scared I was when I heard what happened?” Niself said quietly. “Today was just an accident. Plus, I’m fine, am I not?” she asked. Niself was about to tell her about the permanent migraines when he thought better of it. “I suppose so,” he answered,” Just promise me you’ll be extra careful from now on.” “I swear,” she said, smiling,” What happened anyway?” Niself narrated the entire story to Lisi, except for the part about the permanent damage, and she listened with great interest. Meanwhile, in the palace, the Elder Princess sat by her makeup table. “Niself, it’s been so many years,” Olivia said as she thought about what happened eight years ago. Olivia started to slip into her memories. Eight years ago, she had been sold into the palace as a maid for the palace since her family needed the money. However, her family members never told her about what they were planning. Instead, they used a type of perfume that knocked Olivia out for six hours. When she next woke up, she was on a horse carriage with many other girls. ¨You´re awake,¨ said one of the girls next to her. ¨Where am I? Where are we going? Why am I here?¨ said Olivia slowly. ¨You don´t know? Everyone here is going to the palace to become a maid. We were all sold by our families for some money. My name is Adalia and I´m twenty years old. How about you?¨ she asked. Olivia hesitated. She was still thinking about what was happening. Finally, she understood that her family had sold her. ¨They could've told me and discussed it first. I might be more willing to come than I am right now,¨ she whispered. ¨Sorry?¨ said Adalia. ¨Oh. My name is Olivia, and I´m one year older than you,¨ she replied. ¨Well, since you´re older than me, I´ll call you sister from now on. Let's be friends and take care of each other once we get to the palace. I heard that it is very lonely there,¨ said Adalia. ¨Ok,¨ agreed Olivia. Next to them, there was a pair of twins. One of them was crying while the other was calming her down. Olivia turned her attention to them. ¨I don't want to go to the palace. I heard that once you go into the palace, you won't have any contact with the outside world,¨ cried one of them. ¨It's okay, at least we will have a place to live,¨ said the other, patting the first on the back. Olivia turned back to face Adalia. ¨Did you come here willingly?¨ asked Olivia. ¨Of course not, who would?¨ answered Adalia. ¨Do you want to run away from here then?¨ questioned Olivia. ¨Shh...don't say that here! Our families have already taken the money. If we run away, we'll be executed,¨ she answered. ¨Oh, sorry,¨ Olivia exclaimed, covering her mouth. Adalia shook her head and looked away. A couple of hours later, the carriage stopped at a wooden hotel. As Olivia stepped out of the carriage, she grasped Adalia´s hand and looked around. Behind their carriage, many other carriages were also full. Everyone, the guards and girls, walked into the hotel. That night, at dinner, Olivia walked up to the general. ¨General, we want to thank you guys for bringing us to the palace. Therefore, let's drink some wine to celebrate,¨ she said. ¨I would usually be willing to, but we still have to wake up early tomorrow,¨ he replied. ¨Please. Once we reach the palace, I bet it would be very hard to meet you again,¨ plead Olivia. ¨Okay. You talk sweetly! I bet you will be very well-liked once you get into the palace,¨ the general agreed. Olivia and the other girls poured the wine into the cups of the guards who drank the wine. They had many bowls. Finally, the guards got drunk. Olivia signaled to the other girls and they ran out of the hotel together. ¨Olivia, thank you. If we meet again, I´ll thank you again using a gift,¨ said Adalia. ¨Bye,¨ said Olivia as Adalia left. Olivia drifted through the dark alley. Where should I go now, she thought. Olivia walked to a forest. I´ll sleep here, she thought and lay down. She thought about what had happened that they and her thoughts started to make her fall asleep. When she woke up, it was already morning. Olivia continued walking until she came to a high cliff and sat down, allowing her feet to hang. She looked down. ¨No, I can´t! As long as I´m alive, I´ll have hope,¨ she exclaimed, backing up carefully. Niself was near the area and he saw Olivia sitting near the cliff, thinking that she was about to fall down. ¨Don´t!¨ he exclaimed. Olivia looked back, shocked, and fell off the cliff, yelling. Niself quickly ran and pulled her up. ¨Miss, what happened? Why did you jump off the cliff?¨ Niself asked. ¨What is your problem? Who said that I jumped off the cliff?¨ replied Olivia, angrily. Niself opened his eyes wide and pointed at Olivia. ¨Y-You are the maid that ran away!¨ he shouted. ¨No, I´m not. You must have recognized me wrongly,¨ she said, avoiding Niself´s eye contact. ¨No way! I would never recognize wrong. What were you thinking, running away like that? Don´t you know that you would get executed? In fact, I heard that the whole thing was your idea. Come with me,¨ he said, taking her hand. ¨I´m not coming with you to turn myself in. I would rather die by myself,¨ turning around, pulling her hand out of his grasp. ¨Did I say that I was going to turn you in? I just want you to realize what your actions have caused,¨ he said. Niself led her back to the alley that she had walked through the night before. There was a crowd standing there, throwing vegetables at a group of prisoners that were being walked to the execution. Olivia spotted many of the girls who ran away with her, including Adalia. She walked back as her heart dropped. She had been so naive to believe that they could escape. If it hadn't been for her, many of the girls would have been able to survive at the very least. It was the first time she felt like she had caused the death of so many innocent people. Amelia turned around and ran away. ¨Hey, wait! Where are you going?¨ Niself called after her. ¨Stop following me!¨ Olivia yelled back. She didn't want anyone to see her cry. She runs until she can't run anymore. Niself catches up to her, panting. ¨That wasn't how I expected you to react,¨ he says, ¨Are you okay?¨ After a couple of harsh words from Olivia, they had a conversation and Niself calmed her down. ¨Do you have any decisions for what you´ll do?¨ he asks. ¨No. If I did, would you see me standing here in the woods talking to you,¨ she retorted angrily. ¨All right. All right. Keep your head on! Hey, I have an idea. You can come live in my mansion while you find another place to live,¨ Niself said. Olivia looked up and stared at him intently. ¨Really. Won´t your family mind? Won´t you mind?¨ she asked realizing that the only question that mattered would probably be the latter. ¨Of course not. My mansion is quite empty right now, with only me and my mother. Oh, and a couple of servants. It would be nice to have someone new. Just promise to be funny, we can use it,¨ he answered. ¨Alright,¨ she said quickly, afraid that Niself would change his mind, ¨By the way, what's your name?¨ ¨Niself Yin,¨ he answered. ¨Olivia, no last name,¨ she said. ¨I know, it was on a posterboard. You should be extra careful. There's a prize of 100 sycees if someone catches you and turns you in so when you get to my mansion, don´t go out,¨ Niself added. ¨Got it,¨ Olivia replied. From that day on, Olivia lived in Yin Mansion and treated it as her home. Though Niself did not require her to do chores, she decided to do them as a little bit of repayment. As Olivia got to know Niself, she felt herself falling in love. However, six months later, she caught sight of Niself with Lisi as they chatted and felt her heart drop as he kissed Lady Si. Olivia ran from the sight and went back to her room as her head filled with thoughts. Was it all a trick? Didn´t he feel even a little of love towards her as she did to him? From that day on, she would go to the place that she saw the two of them together every day and sure enough, a repeat of the first day would always take place. One day, Olivia decided she couldn't take it anymore and ran out of the mansion. She had always seen a bright future in store for her, one with Niself. That was why she had stayed in his mansion for so long, wasn't it? As she walked on, she took in that it was late at night and that she was lost. She caught sight of a wooden cabin ahead of her and knocked on the door. It opened and out stepped an old man. He looked at her from head to toe. ¨It's late. I´m not taking customers at this time, you should go back,¨ he said. ¨Wait! I don't have anywhere to go,¨ Olivia exclaimed. ¨Well, that´s not my problem, it´s yours. Plus, I´m not a problem solver, I´m a medical prodigy. You can find a way to help yourself,¨ he snapped. ¨You´re a medical prodigy?¨ she said. ¨That's what I just said, young lady. You should get moving,¨ he said, his tone getting hostile as he pointed towards the dark forest surrounding them. ¨Even if I could find my way out, I still don't have anywhere to go,¨ Olivia said frantically, as tears cornered her eyes and she forced them to go back. ¨Interesting. Well, you can tell me your story and then I will see if you are worth helping,¨ he replied, ¨Come inside.¨ Olivia followed his instructions and he made her a cup of tea. She told him everything that happened. He seemed interested and then decided to help her. ¨Okay. I will make an exception for you today. What will it be? A facial surgery, smoother skin, name it,¨ he said. ¨I just want a place to survive,¨ she replied. ¨I thought I made it quite clear that you need to solve that problem. I can only help you by offering medical help. I'm sure you need it. There's no way I will let you live with me. In fact, the only reason that I am helping you is that I am in the debt of the flower goddess,¨ he said. ¨Huh, flower goddess? First of all, I don't believe in mythical creatures. Second of all, even if there is a flower goddess which I´m pretty sure there isn´t, what does that have to do with you helping me?¨ Olivia questioned. ¨I knew it. You normal people are so ignorant. You really think there isn't anyone who helps keep this world stable. You wouldn't understand even if I explained. However, I will just for the sake of it. The flower goddess is one of the most powerful immortals in this world. She saved my life and told me that if I wanted to repay her, I will travel the Empire of Lyn helping those who I find worthy of it using my medical knowledge. Obviously, I would never have declared you worthy but -¨ ¨What do you-¨ ¨Please don't interrupt. As I said, I would never have declared you worthy but it appears that the flower goddess has taken a liking to you since her symbol appeared behind you when I was asking you to leave. Therefore, I am ready to help you in any way you want using medical means,¨ he answered bitterly. This was a lot to take in. Suddenly, Olivia realized what she wanted, or at least what she wanted to try. ¨You said that you know how to do facial surgery. Can you give me a new face, a beautiful one?¨ she asked. ¨Yes, of course, but may I ask why you want a beautiful one?¨ he replied in confusion. ¨You are still trying to see if I´m worthy, aren't you? I have my reasons. I don´t think your goddess would choose to help me if I was going to use it the way that normal people do. I am just trying to find a way to solve my problems by myself just like you said,¨ Olivia answered. The old man seemed annoyed by what she said. At first, Olivia thought he was offended by the fact that she didn't really tell him why she wanted a beautiful face. When he spoke again, however, she understood why he seemed angry. ¨You know she is your goddess too. I would prefer that you are a bit more respectful when you talk about her,¨ he snarls defensively,¨Or do you need more persuasion on the fact that she really does exist and can destroy you without blinking if she wants to. You ought to be thankful that she treats us, mortals, kindly.¨ ¨Sorry,¨ Olivia says, shame crawling onto her face. She hadn't meant to be disrespectful especially if everything the old man had said was true: that this goddess really was the one who helped her and that she could destroy Olivia easily. ¨That's okay,¨ he says, calming down,¨I suppose it's kind of hard to believe if you haven't seen it for yourself. Anyways, if you´re ready you may lie down on the bed over there and we can start.¨ After a long time, and who knows how long, Olivia was ready to leave the cabin. Her new face was beautiful enough, not one that would make her the fairest of the Empire of Lyn but beautiful nevertheless. ¨Thank you so much! Can you tell me your name so I can repay you if we meet again?¨ Olivia asked. The old man gave a hearty laugh. ¨I don't have a name and I assure you that we probably won't meet again just like those who I help only get it one time. Plus, I´m not the one you should be thanking. You understand who I´m talking about. There will be a time when your actions may be able to repay her,¨ he replied. ¨Okay, but how will I know when I am needed?¨ questioned Olivia. ¨This is her symbol. If you come across it, you will understand what to do,¨ he answered, gesturing to a symbol on a piece of cloth he withdrew from his robes,¨You may keep it.¨ ¨Alright. I will forever remember your kindness,¨ she said. ¨Olivia, you don't need to thank anyone. Remember, the only person who can actually decide your fate is yourself. You are worthy of her notice and I hope you will always be. Continue to be kind and you will be rewarded. However, if you choose the wrong path, there will be consequences,¨ he said. With that, Olivia was swept out of the cabin. Just then, she realized that she didn´t know which way to go in order to exit the forest but when she turned back, she found that the cabin had disappeared and the old man along with it. She walked around as she thought about what she wanted to do if she could find a way out of the forest. When Olivia had asked for a beautiful face, she had already decided to enter the palace as a maid. She was heartbroken and decided that the palace would be the best home for her now. Olivia looked up at the stars and saw that there was a purple one. No, it wasn´t a star, it was a symbol. The symbol of the flower goddess. Olivia suddenly understood that she was to follow the direction of the symbol, which she did. The opening of the door behind Olivia startled her. Amelia had come to tell her that it was time to get prepared for the dinner at Yin Mansion. Olivia nodded and told Amelia that she could go prepare as well. Amelia exited the room with a curtsy. Thirty minutes later, they - Olivia, Amelia, and Thomas - arrived at Yin Mansion. That night, the dinner went well. After a couple of months, the Elder Princess became best friends with Niself and Lisi. That is, until one day after dinner. Lisi had left to change her robes because she accidentally knocked over her bowl and the servants were dismissed as they always were, leaving Olivia and Niself alone. ¨Help yourself to the food, Olivia,¨ Niself said, noticing that she wasn't eating much. ¨Niself, I have a question I want to ask you,¨ Olivia stated,¨Does my name seem familiar to you? Does it replay some happy memories you have?¨ ¨Why are you asking? Well, yes. I knew a great friend who had the same name as you but she… I´m sorry, the rest of the story is depressing but I do miss her,¨ he answered. ¨You believe she died,¨ she stated. It's not a question, it's a statement. Niself stood up abruptly. ¨Please don't say anymore. I´m going to check on my wife,¨ he said, sorrowfully. When he turned to leave, Olivia wrapped her arms around his waist, tears sliding down her cheek. ¨Please don´t go. She misses you too. She has for the last eight years,¨ she whispered. Niself turned around and his eyes widened in surprise. ¨You, you´re here. Why didn't you -¨ he exclaimed, unable to finish his question as Olivia pulled him in and kissed him full on the lips. Behind them, there was a clank, signifying a pin dropping to the ground. They turned around and saw Lisi, a horrified look on her face, as she ran from the sight. Niself was about to chase her when Olivia stopped him. ¨This is my fault, I was the one who caused it. I will go and explain everything to her. You should stay here, Lisi may not want to see you right now,¨ she said. ¨No, this is a misunderstanding. I think I should go and explain it to her,¨ he replied. ¨Wait, I´ll go too,¨ insisted Olivia. Niself nodded and they left the dining hall together to find Lisi. She was sitting at her favorite seat near the pond in their mansion when they found her. Lisi wasn´t weeping anymore but there were still tear tracks on her face. When she saw them coming her way, she stood up. ¨Lisi, let me -¨ started Niself. ¨Niself, Olivia, I know this isn´t your fault. I´m just being selfish. Which official does not have more than one wife? Why should mine be different? Besides, it was just a kiss. I just want to be left alone for a while. Please,¨ Lisi interrupted. ¨Lisi, don't shut Niself out. That kiss was just one-sided. I kissed him. Don´t blame him, blame me,¨ said Olivia. ¨Olivia, I don't blame anyone. You are my best friend but please, just give me some time by myself so I can think about it. I'm sure I'll come around,¨ insisted Lisi. Olivia looked up at Niself and he nodded. ¨Okay. If you need anything, we'll be here for you,¨ she said. Lisi turned away from them and sat back down, facing the pond. Niself and Olivia took that as their symbol to leave. When they got to the front of the mansion, Olivia opened her mouth to dismiss herself. ¨You should go back and stay with Lisi. I will take my leave now. If you decide to break our contact, I can understand,¨ she said guiltily. ¨It's okay. As Lisi said, I'm sure she will come around. But for a couple of days, just keep away. I´m sorry, I must sound really rude,¨ he answered. ¨No, it is all my fault! I don't know what I was thinking, doing that,¨ Olivia continued. After that, she turned to leave with Emma and Thomas following her, confused looks on their faces. Meanwhile, Lisi was sitting near the pond on her seat. She felt better now that she stared at the calm waters. Her mind was full of thoughts and it caused her to have a migraine. She felt dizzy as a shadow appeared behind her and she was pushed into the pond. Lisi wasn't able to swim in the cold waters and she was also really confused as her migraine continued to drain her focus. When she looked back at the solid ground, there wasn't anyone there. ¨Help!¨ she called in a throatily whisper, ¨Help!¨ Nobody came while Lisi continued to call for help. The water was going above her head and she started to drown into the deep waters. A couple minutes later, Amelia came to the area with a lantern, looking for her lady. When she came close enough to the pond, she saw a piece of clothing floating on the water. Amelia recognized the fabric: it was Lisi´s favorite brand. She dropped the lantern and screamed. Guards rushed to the pond and those that knew how to swim jumped in to reach Lady Si while Amelia kept on yelling. Niself hurried over from the front hall just as the guards managed to lift Lisi out of the water. ¨What happened? How did this happen? Is she okay?¨ he shot at Amelia quickly as he swallowed down the rest of the questions. ¨I don´t know. I just came out and found my lady out like this,¨ she cried, on the edge of losing her mind. When Niself took Lisi from the arms of one of the guards, his heart sunk. She wasn't breathing and her body was so, so cold. ¨Call all of the doctors. Quick!¨ he called to everyone near the pond. They all scattered in different directions, taking the quickest routes to the doctors. Deep down in his heart, Niself knew Lisi was gone but he refused to accept it until it was confirmed. Amelia was the first one back with a doctor while a couple others followed. Lisi was quickly transported into her room while the doctors checked her pulse. One by one, they were thrown out by a very angry Niself. One by one, Niself started to lose his confidence, his demeanor. The final doctor was the one that had helped Lisi when she ate bad food. He rushed in and took the same process as all the other ones did, starting by checking her pulse. Niself looked at the doctor, hope regathering. ¨Hmm…. No pulse. I am sorry, she is deceased. No doctor can bring her back from death. Please restrain your grief, it is fate,¨ he said. ¨I don't care about damn fate. If you are no good like the rest, I will throw you out. In fact, I don't have any idea why you would bother coming here if you are no help,¨ Niself shouted angrily. ¨Just as a reminder, I wasn't the one who asked to come. I was invited to. Also, I haven't finished. I know that I can't reverse fate but I can examine her body. I will be able to tell how she fell into the pond,¨ the doctor answered irritably. ¨Yeah. Well, what use is it if she's already…. Plus, I don't care how. I just care if.¨ ¨You believe she fell into the pond by herself? Don´t you want to make sure?¨ ¨What do you mean? Of course, it was an accident. What are you referring to?¨ ¨I am not sure if you will not let me check. I need permission from the family.¨ ¨All right. All right. Just check.¨ The doctor nodded and checked Lisi´s head. ¨Do you mind telling me when Lady Si fell into the pond?¨ ¨It couldn't have been a long time ago. Probably approximately an hour ago.¨ ¨It seems that Lady Si´s headache symptom was activated along that time.¨ ¨So you think that it was her headache that caused Lisi to fall into the pond? Well, that information isn't of much use.¨ ¨Wait. I am not done.¨ The doctor started to strip Lisi of her wet robes. ¨Do you have to do that?¨ Niself questioned, annoyed. ¨Can you stop interrupting my concentration? It's really hard to examine a body when someone is talking loudly,¨ contorted the doctor. ¨Sorry.¨ ¨No problem. I understand that you are in a mood right now as most people are when their loved ones go. We doctors are used to it. Now, let's see. There was a force against Lady Si´s back. I need to use my silver needles in order to reveal more.¨ That had piqued Niself´s interest and he started to pay more attention instead of trying to tackle his emotions and desire to strangle the doctor for talking so freely. The doctor started to enter the needles into Lisi´s back and red handprints appeared. Niself´s eyes widened. ¨Ahh… You questioned me what I meant. This is what I meant. If you want to ask me why I did this, you should know that this also happens in rich families. You know, fight for status, fight for love, fight for everything. Even though I don´t know who Lady Si has offended, I can tell that this person should be one with lots of status in order to do this without being noticed. I also can tell you that this person probably wouldn't do it by themselves so you probably won't find the mastermind. You should better hope that this person has only been offended by Lady Si and doesn´t have any harsh feelings towards you or your whole family may be next. They might attack the rest of you.¨ Niself stayed silent as he listened to the doctor´s words. He never offended anyone as he was pretty quiet in the social status levels. He also couldn't imagine Lisi offending anyone. Niself was dazed that somebody had caused this. He was also a bit happier because he had someone that he could enact revenge and blame on instead of himself. He didn't care that he had little chance at finding the mastermind, he would. Niself would also get revenge on everyone that was involved in this. The doctor cleared his throat, bringing Niself back from his thoughts. ¨What is your name and How old are you?¨ Niself asked the doctor. The doctor chuckled. ¨Why would it matter? But I guess it does. You probably want to know where I get all of my experience from. This has nothing to do with age of course. It will come to you once you are ready. Of course, some people never understand. Anyways, back to your questions. I am Dr. Lisun and I am turning forty-six years old this year.¨ ¨Okay,¨ Niself said slowly, ¨Actually, I think that my next question matters the most to me. Who do you expect is the mastermind behind this?¨ ¨There are many possible people and since I don´t live with your wife, unlike you, I am not sure who would want her life. However, I have a pretty good idea of what type of person this one is. There are usually only three types of people who would do this: the royalty, the officials, and the assassin sects,¨ Dr. Lisun answered. It was the third choice that caught Niself´s attention. He, like everybody else, had heard of the Demon Flower Sect and it came to his mind in a second. Niself had heard how that sect had killed many officials and their families, but it was like they had disappeared after they murdered the former Emperor of Lyn. Could they possibly be back? But even if they were, they surely wouldn't go after such a low-leveled official, right? Just the thought of it sent shivers through his body. ¨Could it have been the Demon Flower Sect?¨ Niself asked. ¨I understand that that may be the first result people go to but no, I don't think so. First of all, I can't see why they would have a reason to kill your wife now that they've seemed to have retired for some time. Not an ideal first target. Secondly, we all know that when their sect kills, they would usually leave the sign of their sect. I don't know why. Either they're mocking us or they´re owning up to their own murders. Finally, which Demon Flower Sect assassin have you heard kill people by drowning them? All of their assassins are skillfully trained at the martial arts and have weapons. I don't think drowning is a move of a proper assassin which goes for all assassins which is a reason I don't think this is the doing of an assassin sect. Anyways, it's pretty obvious whoever did this isn´t trained at murdering people or even self-defense. Another reason that the person who pushed Lady Si doesn´t have any martial arts training, if it isn't obvious enough, is that the rashes on her back barely show which means there wasn't much force used. All in all, I am ninety-nine point nine percent sure that it wasn´t the Demon Flower Sect,¨ Dr. Lisun answered. ¨Why are you so keen on protecting that sect?¨ Niself asked, suspiciously. ¨I am not! I am just stating this on pure facts,¨ Dr. Lisun snapped, his tone going from serious back to annoyed. ¨I know. I was just joking,¨ explained Niself. ¨Alright,¨ the doctor replied though he still doubted it a little. Truthfully, this doctor did have a story that involved the Demon Flower Sect and had a reason that he believed them to be not too bad. He was going to the palace to help when he ran into Sugar Flower and Aster, or who he knew as General Mitzing. The general had helped Dr. Lisun on many occasions and they were the best of friends, one of the only officials who took the doctor as his true friend. It had taken a while for Dr. Lisun to realize that General Mitzing was part of the Demon Flower Sect, or at least working with them. Sugar Flower was about to use her sword to cut the doctor down when Aster stopped her. ¨Dr. Lisun is innocent. In fact, he has spent his life saving other people,¨ Aster had said. Sugar Flower had stopped and started scanning the doctor's memories. ¨Indeed,¨ she agreed. After that, Sugar Flower had ordered one of her comrades to bring Dr. Lisun to a safe area while she and the rest of the group continued on. The doctor shot Aster a confused glance and Aster´s eyes gave him a warm, reassuring feeling. This experience had changed Dr. Lisun´s perspective towards the Demon Flower Sect. They had spared him. Why? Because he was innocent. It didn't make him particularly like their sect but it made the doctor believe that there was more than cruelty to the sect. ¨Thank You. I really want to hug you right now even though it would probably be really weird. Let's be friends,¨ Niself said softly, holding out his hand. Dr. Lisun took it. ¨I was glad to be a bit of help. I am sorry about what happened to Lady Si. You and your wife are good people. I would love to be friends with you. However, for now, I think I should leave you and Lady Si alone. I think you would want it.¨ Niself nodded and Dr. Lisun retreated with a bow. That night, Niself couldn't sleep as he stared at Lisi and thought about things. About the kiss. It was all his fault. If he had pushed Olivia away, Lisi wouldn't have been mad. Lisi wouldn't spend her time alone even though that might have not helped as the person who pushed Lisi could´ve just killed both of them. Still, Niself might have rathered that. He felt so lonely now. He started weeping again and started drifting off. That night´s nightmare was a replay of what happened. Lisi running away from the sight she saw. Lisi being pushed by a dark shadow. Lisi dead in his arms. Niself woke up with a start and noticed that it was morning and Lisi was still next to him. He had wished everything last night was just a dream but no such luck. The dread Niself had felt last night dawned upon him again and he tried his best to suppress a sob. He failed and the tears burst out of him. A soft knock on the door stopped him from crying and he said ´come in´. Amelia opened the door and came in. She bowed. When Amelia lifted her head, Niself could see that her eyes were red and that there were fresh tear tracks on her face. After all, Amelia had served Lady Lisi for as long as she had been in Yin Mansion. ¨M-My L-Lord,¨ she stuttered, unable to keep her voice steady,¨Y-You sh-should go see my m-miss. Also, m-my l-l-lady is due to enter her t-tomb in the af-after-afternoon. I-it-¨ ¨You don't need to say anymore. I understand. Also, you should take today off. I get that you are shocked. You can go back on duty once I figure back where to place you,¨ Niself interrupted. ¨T-Th-Thank You, My L-Lord,¨ Amelia continued as she bowed. She left the room and closed the doors. Niself planted a light kiss on Lisi´s forehead and then left the room to head toward the West Wing of the mansion which was where Zinnia stayed. When he got there, he immediately realized something was off. The flowers in the West Wing were all withered. There was a continuous, loud sound. He found Zinnia in a crib around a bunch of withered flowers and found out what the horrible sound was. It was crying. His adopted daughter was… crying. She never did that before. The tears rolled down the baby's rosy cheeks when Niself realized another detail. The light that shone in Zinnia´s eyes was a deep blue, the color of the ocean. He'd never seen that either. Zinnia´s eyes always shone of beautiful warm colors no matter what angle she was turned. Now her eyes shone with deep blue and a tinge of purple. It was as if the child knew that her mother had just passed away. That was impossible, though. Lisi wasn't even her real mother. Right. Niself convinced himself that this was just a coincidence. The flowers on the West Wing just withered because the care for them had lessened. As for Zinnia crying, Niself just decided it was because she was old enough to do it. The colors in her eyes just happened to be there because of the fact that Zinnia was crying. It was completely crazy to believe that there was something this close to magic in this world. Right, everything had a logical explanation. Niself asked the servants of the West Wing to all gather in a row to question them. There were three maids and four guards in that section. ¨Why didn't you water the flowers? Now the flowers in the West Wing are hideous and withered,¨ Niself asked. ¨My Lord, we watered the flowers everyday and they grew exceptionally well. Somehow, when we woke up today morning, all the flowers just withered,¨ replied one of the maids. ¨That is impossible,¨ Niself stated, ¨I refuse to believe this.¨ ¨It is true, my lord. We didn't change anything. The flowers grew well for so long, I don´t understand why they would wither all of a sudden,¨ insisted the maid standing on the first one´s left hand side. One of the guards piped up while the others nodded. ¨My Lord, we don't water the plants, we guard the West Wing. However, we can help ensure that the maids did water all of the plants everyday and that they did it well. Just as they said, the plants just withered today. They were fine yesterday.¨ ¨Fine. I will take your word for it. Here is another question: When did my daughter start crying?¨ Niself continued. Once the question was out, the guards and maids all traded looks with each other, each urging the other to answer the question. Finally, the first maid started talking again. ¨We all have to say that it was crazy and probably just a coincidence but our miss started crying last night around the time that Lady Si, well, you know¨ replied the maid as she stopped abruptly. ¨The noise must have gotten to her and made her afraid,¨ Niself concluded. All of the maids and guards bowed as they wouldn't dare defy their owner. Even Niself knew how wrong it sounded. The noise had stopped yesterday but Zinnia was still crying. Plus, Zinnia never cried, even when she had been tossed very high in the air once- thank goodness she was caught. Nevertheless, Niself continued on, ¨Well, that´s settled, then. Anyways, I am going to add Amelia to this place because it's pretty obvious that the West Wing needs some work. I am going to give her a break and transition time of three days. Amelia is a high levelled maid so she will be Zinnia´s personal maid for now and then move on to be an auntie later (which was what they called the highest levelled maids). As for the rest, you don't need to worry about Zinnia anymore, just focus on the chores. Amelia can take care of Zinnia.¨ Or he only trusted Amelia with Zinnia right now. Obviously, he wasn't going to say that though. Niself moved on to his duties and was completely shocked by the huge pile of affairs on his desk. Oh, of course. He had forgotten that Lisi had taken care of the affairs of the mansion while Niself took care of the rest of the affairs. Now, he had to do both. Niself missed Lisi. He cringed. Thinking about her just made him more upset. Niself bit his bottom lip and took a seat at his desk, starting his work. At least there was stuff to distract him from the loss of Lisi. Niself almost kicked himself. Not thinking about it, remember? Afternoon came upon him quickly and it was time for Lisi´s funeral. He switched into white robes with a white band put on his forehead. When he went out of his office, he noticed the white drapings on the walls and pillars. Everyone- the maids, the guards, Zinnia- was dressed in white. All at once, everyone knelt down as the cap of the coffin was closed. Niself took the lead and walked up to the coffin, placing a sign saying Lisi´s name on it as his mother followed with Zinnia in her arms. Once Niself had withdrawn, he whispered, ¨Rest in peace, Lisi. I love you. I always will. I promise to take good care of Zinnia.¨ When he turned away from the coffin, he saw Olivia standing there. As Niself took in the look on her face, he realized that there was guilt. There was sadness. But there was also something else. Something that he couldn't quite define. That one emotion quickly disappeared as Olivia slowly made her way forward, stopping in front of Niself. ¨I'm sorry, Niself. I didn't mean to-. What happened? How can she not have thought it through? She promised!¨ she said, horrified. ¨It wasn't your fault, your highness,¨ he answered, bowing. ¨Since when did you call me your highness?¨ Olivia asked, confused. ¨It's better for us to follow etiquette rules. Please, call me Official Yin.¨ ¨Alright. If you want it to be like that, so be it.¨ With an offended look planted on her face, Olivia made it to Lisi´s coffin and placed a large bouquet of flowers there. ¨Lisi, I´m so sorry. Rest in peace. I will help you take care of your family,¨ she whispered. After saying that, she waved to a eunuch who carried the emperor's imperial order scroll. Seeing the scroll, everyone in the room kneeled down to hear what the announcement was. ¨The emperor's imperial orders: Literature Official Yin has worked hard for the Empire of Lyn. His literature official shall be raised from level five to level eight and will start showing up on the high or also known as royal council everyday. Also, I have heard of the very recent loss of Lady Si. Allow everyone to show grief for the loss of a kind lady. However, the house matters of Yin Mansion still have to be handled. The Elder Princess is fair, beautiful, smart, polite and everything that makes a good wife. Official Yin is handsome, wise, kind, and a great match for her. Therefore, I now assign The Elder Princess as Official Yin´s new main wife. Find the closest auspicious day for the marriage to take place,¨ the eunuch read, loudly. Niself´s eyes widened and he looked around for a clue. Nobody knew what was going on, however, and the main hall was so quiet that you could hear a pin drop. ¨Why aren't you accepting the imperial order, Official Yin?¨ the eunuch asks. ¨Thank You, your majesty. Long live the emperor!¨ Niself said quickly, accepting the scroll from the eunuch. ¨Congratulations, Official Yin. Your Highness,¨ the eunuch addressed both Niself and Olivia before exiting the mansion. After the funeral, Niself pulled Olivia to his office where they could talk without anyone else overhearing. ¨What was that about?¨ Niself asked. ¨I caused Lisi´s death. I caused the death of your wife. I'm repaying you with one,¨ Olivia said, calmly. ¨You think this can help? Olivia, listen, I´m mad about the kiss but this isn't your fault. You´re using half of your life to repay this. Why would you do this to yourself? Maybe you can go to the emperor and ask him to retract the order.¨ ¨Why would I do that? I asked him to put down this order. What will everyone think when the emperor retracts it? These orders have never been retracted before. Even if they have, I wouldn't ask for it. I deserve this.¨ ¨No, you don´t. Listen, I´m a low level official. I can't make you happy. I´m not a good fit for you. Please, don´t do this.¨ ¨You´re not rejecting this for me. You´re doing it for yourself because you don´t think you can accept a new wife.¨ ¨You are right. I´m rejecting to marry you for myself as much as for you. I´m stuck with Lisi, I can't make anyone else happy.¨ ¨Niself, don't you understand? I want this. Even if you don´t think of yourself, you need to think about your family. Your mother. Your daughter. You need someone to take care of the family while you do everything else. You need someone to take care of the house matters.¨ ¨I can handle-¨ ¨No, you can't and you know it. I don't need you to love me like you love Lisi. I don't even need you to like me. I won't forget how you helped me so many years ago. I wouldn't even be alive, talking to you right now if you hadn't given me months of shelter. You never asked for repayment but please, just let me help you.¨ ¨Alright, but don´t get your expectations high. I-I don't think I can love anyone else like I loved Lisi. I promise I´ll treat you kindly, though. Yin Mansion is forever open to you.¨

Chapter 2: A Difficult Childhood Ten Years Later… At the Immortal Flower Palace, Aster was in the main hall looking at the painting depicting the flower immortal´s fate. He was still the same age thanks to the age stalling charm. Next to him stood the other co-chief, Alstroemerias, who was much older and therefore wiser. Or at least he was more experienced. ¨Aster, what is the point of wasting your time on a painting?¨ asks Alstroemerias. ¨It's not any painting. It's the painting depicting our lady´s fate. We must try to help her as much as possible,¨ Aster answered, fiercely. ¨No, we can´t. Don't go messing with fate! She has to go through this rebirth by herself.¨ ¨I found her,¨ whispers Aster. ¨What? Where? Why? You know what, don´t answer me. You found her, fine. But don´t go intercepting all of the dangers that may be in place for her. You should know that doing so will not only harm yourself but harm her as well.¨ ¨I know, but I can't just ignore the painting. What if she dies during the rebirth?¨ Alstroemerias snorts. ¨Everyone dies through rebirth in order to go back to their immortal body. You should know that! Of course she will die during rebirth!¨ ¨You know that's not what I mean!¨ ¨Her lady was clear on what you were to focus on. She told you to take care of the sect and the Empire of Lyn. She never mentioned for you to stare at the painting all the time.¨ ¨I am taking care of our sect.¨ ¨What about the Empire of Lyn? You don't seem to have even set foot into that place for years.¨ ¨I left General Gen in charge. He is good with the affairs, I trust him. If something really happened to the empire, I would take care of it. There isn't much to take care of now.¨ ¨Of course, there isn't anything big going on. If something big was going on, the Empire of Lyn would be in scraps right now. You are doing all of this for your own selfish desires.¨ ¨How is helping the flower goddess a selfish desire? She helps everyone. Without her, the world would have no life.¨ ¨No, you are doing this because you li-¨ ¨I am doing this for the people. For the sect.¨ ¨Young people. Never willing to admit the real reason they do something. Not to others. Not even to themselves,¨Alstroemerias muttered under his breath. ¨Sorry?¨ ¨Nothing.¨ Aster stared at Alstroemerias and he stared back. Reluctantly, Aster turned back to the painting. ¨Do you understand what this painting is signifying?¨ he questions. ¨I thought we agreed that it represented a scene that would happen during her rebirth,¨ Alstroemerias replied, thoroughly annoyed. Aster had questioned him many times. ¨I have a feeling that it means something more,¨ Aster hesitates,¨I want to visit her.¨ ¨You will not!¨ rejects Alstroemerias strictly. ¨I will and nobody can change my mind. I want to at least see how she's doing.¨ ¨Fine, but you must promise me that you will not be seen. You will not be heard. You will not do anything that might change fate in any way.¨ ¨I promise you.¨ ¨Here is a charm that will make you invisible and your qing gong should be able to make your walking silent. In extra precaution, this charm will also mute the sound you make.¨ ¨Seriously, you don´t trust me?¨ ¨This isn't about trust. This is about precaution. Visiting someone you know in rebirth is very dangerous for both you and the person in rebirth. It is really easy to change fate and become trapped in it. If you do something to her lady's fate, you will become entangled into it.¨ ¨Alright.¨ ¨Off you go then, and remember, just a peek.¨ Back at Yin Mansion, a lot had changed during these ten years. Olivia married Niself and was kindly accepted into the family by his mother for her status was not only superior, but she also helped Niself go from a level eight official to a level fourteen official, one level less than Gen (who is at the highest level), and at the front of the royal court. Like Niself promised, he was kind to her and slowly, he started to love her. Not like how he loved Lisi, but how he loved his mother, his family. Two years after marriage, Olivia gave birth to a set of twins- a girl and a boy- who got spoiled by Niself´s mother. As for Zinnia, the mansion was cold to her but she had Amelia who had become an auntie, her personal maid, Xiang, and Niself who kept his promise to Lisi. As for the rest of the family, they were okay, or at least that was what Zinnia told her father. Zinnia was now ten years old. Her eyes were still her most stunning feature and she absolutely loved to wear white robes. For as long as she could remember, Zinnia was told to learn everything from poetry to etiquette. She did as she was told but Zinnia excelled most at swordsmanship plus many other forms of the martial arts and the zither. Her sword moves were well-played, fluent, and fluid. When you looked at her practicing swordplay, it would look beautiful. As for the zither, Zinnia could stop people in their tracks with her instrument. When she played, the area around her would look beautiful and the flowers would bloom more than ever before. Right now was one of those times. Zinnia was playing her zither. The strings were smooth and her hands glided across them. The nature around Zinnia sang in melody with her. Once she was done, Amelia went up to her and bowed. ¨Miss, Official Yin is home. I was told to accompany you to the dining hall,¨ she said. ¨Auntie Amelia, you shouldn't. The maid that comes with me is always sent back after a yelling. You know that mother doesn't like you much,¨ Zinnia answered. By mother, she meant Olivia. ¨As you wish, Miss. Official Yin is home, I bet you have a lot to talk about. Please allow me to take my leave.¨ Zinnia nodded and got up from her spot. She strolled to the dining hall and saw her father. She smiled and ran to hug her father. ¨Zinnia, be careful of your etiquette. You might be a bit excited that your father is home but he comes home everyday and I won't be able to accept etiquette slips everyday,¨ said her grandmother once Zinnia and Niself had broken up. ¨I´m sorry, grandmother,¨ Zinnia said, bowing. ¨Oh, mother. Zinnia only breaks this rule once in a while. She's only ten. Be a bit more lenient,¨ Niself said, ¨Anyways, I brought presents for all of my children. Who wants presents?¨ ¨Me! Me!¨ said the twins together. They were both eight. The girl was named Nikita while the boy was named Duke. ¨Alright, for Nikita, I brought you a beautiful jade bracelet. Look, it's really shiny and it has a couple gems placed on it. For Duke, I got you a bow and arrow made of the best supplies. You are getting older and should start hunting once you reach your teens. You can start practicing now. Zinnia, you can come to my office after dinner and I´ll give you yours there,¨ he said, passing out the presents. ¨Why not give Zinnia her present here like the others?¨ questioned Olivia. ¨Oh, it's not much. Just something that was Lisi´s. I want to give it to Zinnia,¨ Niself answered. Olivia didn't seem very happy with the answer but she was smart enough to not say anything. After all, Niself became really serious when things came to Lisi. His mother started pushing it, though. ¨Niself, you should spend more time with Nikita and Duke. You spend time in your office alone with Zinnia all the time, you have to make sure to balance your relationship with your offspring,¨ she said slowly, making sure that every word registered. ¨Mother, I spend equal time with all of my children. I just save some time for Zinnia during the night. Plus, Zinnia´s mother died early. The extra time I'm spending with her is trying to make up for her not being able to spend time with her mother.¨ ¨But-¨ ¨That's enough. It's all I want to say on the topic. Let's start dining.¨ He could tell his mother still wanted to continue the conversation but he just ignored what was written all over her face. Olivia, who was sitting right next to her mother-in-law, put her hand on her mother's arm and shook her head. Everyone took their seats and began eating. The dinner was eaten without disaster. That night, Zinnia made her way to Niself´s office by herself. ¨Father,¨ she said, bowing. Niself was sitting at his desk, reading. When he heard Zinnia, he lifted his head and smiled. ¨Hey, Zinnia. Come here,¨ he waved to her. Zinnia made her way to Niself and sat on his lap. ¨My favorite baby girl, how's life?¨ he asks. Her answer is just one word. ¨Good.¨ ¨Hmm… Let me change that question. How is everyone treating you?¨ ¨Dad, you ask that every time and I give the same answer every time. My answer has not changed. Everyone treats me okay.¨ ¨Your father has a stubborn daughter. I may not know everything that goes on here but it is my mansion. I´m not clueless. If everyone treated you okay, why wouldn't you be playing with the other high-classed children? Why wouldn't you be happy all the time?¨ ¨I am happy.¨ ¨No, you´re not. I see you smiling all the time when you see me but you're much more beautiful than the rest of the children your age. Know what that means? It means you haven't smiled enough for your face to lose its smoothness. Nevermind. If you don´t want to talk about this, we won´t. Aren't you wondering what your father got you?¨ ¨I´m not sure but anything that father gives me, I will love with all my heart. You know me. You understand me. Sometimes, I think you´re the only one who does.¨ ¨Well, you´re right. I guarantee you'll love this. It was your mother´s and you are so much like her. That is why I understand you. Partially, because I spend time with you. Partially, because you are so similar to Lisi, sometimes I feel like she's alive inside of you.¨ After saying that, Niself went to his cupboard and pulled out a golden sword. The case was black highlighted with gold. The sword itself had a gold handle while the blade was silver imprinted with spirally patterns. At the tip were the words ´golden heart´. ¨I always knew you loved swordplay ever since you were small, just like Lisi. She gave up swordplay for me but I will never make you do the same. This is a one of a kind sword. Keep it well!¨ ¨Thank you, father. I love it so much! This is the best present I have ever received.¨ Zinnia pulled Niself in for a hug and her smile was impossibly wide. ¨I´m glad you like it. Now, you should go back to your room for sleep and I will do the same. Otherwise, Olivia will become suspicious when she really doesn´t need to.¨ ¨Thank you! See you tomorrow, father.¨ ¨Oh, yes. Tomorrow. Zinnia, you won't see me tomorrow. If you don´t know, tomorrow is a day where everyone goes out and takes a shopping spree. I will be taking everyone. However, your grandmother isn't going and she has requested that you stay with her. I´m so sorry, sweetheart.¨ ¨That's okay. Even though I wanted to go, I guess it is more important for someone in the family to stay with grandmother.¨ ¨You are so understanding. Sometimes I wish I could know what's going on in your mind. If there's anything that happens, remember to tell me, okay?¨ ¨Alright, daddy. Good Night! Love you.¨ ¨You too.¨ That night, when Zinnia went back to her own room with the sword, she examined it carefully. It was beautiful and seemed of much better quality than the normal wooden sword she used to practice with. Zinnia tucked the sword away carefully and sat down. She couldn't sleep. Was the sword actually her mother´s? Who was her mother? Zinnia had always wondered what life would be like if her mother was alive. Yet the closest thing she had to a mother was a sword. Morning came by quickly and Zinnia´s grandmother sent a maid to bring Zinnia to her. When Zinnia made it to her grandmother´s room, she stationed herself. ¨Good morning, grandmother,¨ Zinnia greeted, bowing. ¨Zinnia, I sent the maid fifteen minutes ago. Why would it take you so long to make it here? You don't seem to understand respect. Or am I not worthy of your respect?¨ scolds Grandmother Yin. ¨I´m sorry, grandmother.¨ ¨That's what you say every time you do something wrong but you always do something wrong. Really, you are worthless just like your mother. Anyways, what did you do with your father yesterday? What did he give you?¨ ¨My father gave me something that used to be my mother´s. We just talked about today´s shopping spree.¨ ¨What did I say about who you are allowed to address as mother? Your father´s current wife, which is Olivia, is your one and only mother. You are only allowed to address her as your mother. As for Lisi, I see no reason for you to be mentioning her. Is that how you are hypnotizing your father to spend time with you? By mentioning his old wife and trying to make him feel guilty? Plus, you didn't answer my question. I don't need to know that it was Lisi´s. He already told me that. Now, let's try again: What did your father give you?¨ ¨He gave me a sword.¨ ¨A sword? That's all I need. You may go, that's all I want to say to you. You took too long to come here and you spoke without respect. Therefore, your punishment will be for you to copy the high-class rulebook ten times and spend an hour kneeling on the studio in front of our ancestors to show respect. Dismissed.¨ Grandmother Yin left the room. Zinnia followed her grandmother out of the room. Then, they separated in two different ways. Zinnia did as she was told. In fact, she had been told to do these things many times that it didn't seem to matter anymore. Her room was stacked with copies of the high-class rulebook. Zinnia actually enjoyed showing her ancestors respect, especially since her mother was there, a black sign with Lisi´s name carved on it. When she was done with everything, it was noon. Without her father at home, Zinnia´s time passed slower than ever. Most children would play with the other kids of similar status. However, though Zinnia is the daughter of a high-leveled official, the levels were given to Niself by Olivia. Nikita and Duke didn´t like to play with Zinnia and because of that, they never allowed Zinnia to play with their friends. The kids listened to the twins as most of their families were afraid of Olivia. Zinnia spent the rest of the day reading, playing the zither, and practicing her martial arts with her new sword. The next morning, she woke up extra early in order to see her father at his office before he went to work. On her way there, she passed her grandmother´s room and heard voices talking. Curious, she went up to the closed door and pressed her ear against the door. ¨That bitch! She's just like her mother, a hypnotic demon. Somehow, she got Niself to give her a precious sword when he didn't even give Duke one. I mean, who is she kidding, why would a girl need a sword? That should´ve been Duke's present, not hers,¨ said Grandmother Yin. ¨Mother, I agree with you but what can we do about it? I mean, Niself is completely on her side,¨ replied Olivia, ¨Plus, I have other matters on my mind.¨ ¨What can possibly be more important than making sure that Niself is back to himself, not under a spell? You need to make sure that you are the woman with the most status at this mansion.¨ ¨Mother, I think he knows. Not that I did it, but someone did. He knows that what happened to her so many years ago wasn't an accident. Niself never told me about it but I can tell that he´s researching. He didn't go to sleep yesterday and I heard from one of the maids that Zinnia left pretty early. What could he be doing?¨ ¨He can't possibly know. This was just between us. There's no way.¨ ¨I thought so too. I heard that Dr. Lisun was the doctor that stayed the longest with Niself when he tried to save Lisi. That doctor is a really good one and it wouldn't take long for him to diagnose whether someone had died. What if Dr. Lisun knows? He can't know everything but he must know something.¨ ¨Even if Niself knows that what happened wasn´t an accident, so what? I don´t think he ever suspected that it was you. Let's focus on getting rid of the little bitch first.¨ It was enough for Zinnia. She was flabbergasted by what she had heard. She didn't understand what most of it meant but one part of it was for sure. Oliva and her grandmother were working together to get rid of someone. And that someone was ninety-nine point nine percent her. Zinnia quickly left where she was quietly and ran to her father's office. For one moment, she thought about telling her father but if what her grandmother said about Niself never suspecting Olivia was true, he probably wouldn't believe her. Zinnia now reached her father's office and she had a decision to make. Tell him. Don´t tell him. Tell him. Don´t tell him. Zinnia took a deep breath and spoke. ¨Father,¨ she said, bowing. In front of her, Niself jumped. ¨Oh, Zinnia. You scared me. What are you doing up so early?¨ he asked. Zinnia bit her bottom lip. ¨I just wanted to see you since I didn't yesterday.¨ ¨Of course. Is there anything you want to say?¨ She hesitated. ¨Not anything really important. Just wanted to say hi. But, there is something you might be able to help me with. Do you know Dr. Lisun?¨ ¨Yes, why? How would you know him?¨ ¨I just heard that he´s a really good doctor and his medical skills are superior. I wanted to learn how to use medicine and poison. I want to help others like he is. I just thought, if you were friends with him, could you ask him to tutor me?¨ ¨Sure, I'm sure he'll be happy to help. My little girl has such a kind heart. She wants to help other people. In fact, I really think that it's a good idea. Learning medicine and poison is really useful.¨ ¨So you´ll ask him for me?¨ ¨Of course I will. Anything for my daughter. I´ll give you news tonight.¨ ¨Umm… tell me the news but don´t tell me in front of everyone at dinner. Tell me when we're alone, okay?¨ ¨Sure.¨ ¨I don't want to delay your work so I'll just get going. Bye! See you tonight!¨ Zinnia practically ran from the office and Niself looked up, surprised. ¨What has gotten into my little girl?¨ he says, shaking his head. Zinnia was thinking the same thing. However, she knew why she had asked Niself to be tutored by Dr. Lisun. It was like meeting two purposes with one action. First of all, she could find a chance to know the something that Dr. Lisun knew. Secondly, she could have more time away from Yin Mansion which would give her grandmother and Olivia less chances to get rid of her. Zinnia went back to her room for breakfast. Breakfast and lunch were eaten apart from the family as Niself wasn´t home those times. Well, at least nobody could poison her without her father noticing. After hearing the conversation between her grandmother and Olivia, Zinnia became much more careful and suspicious of things. After breakfast, Zinnia went out to start her usual schedule. The first item on her schedule was the zither. She went out to the yard with her white zither and started her two-hour period. After she was done, she went back to her room to retrieve her sword and start practicing. When she reached for it under her pillow, it was gone. Zinnia immediately became stressed and started searching her room for it. She searched everywhere: the floor, the closet, the table though she was sure that she had left it in her bed. Zinnia received comfort with her mother´s sword in bed with her. To her, the sword was her mother. She even called for Amelia and Xiang to ask if they had touched it. They both said that they didn´t see it. Zinnia collapsed on the floor. Someone must have stolen it and she knew who did it. However, there was no way she could get it back. Zinnia had had enough. How could they steal something that was from her mother? Didn't they know how much it meant to her? Maybe that was their purpose. Zinnia ran out of her room and sat on the steps of the back door. Nobody came here as it was now lunch time so she could weep without anyone seeing. The sword was the only thing that was left to her by her mother. The mother who she never remembered. The mother who if still alive, would give Zinnia what was a perfect life. Now she had lost the only thing that gave her a bit of comfort from her mother. Zinnia put her head into her arms and weeped her eyes out. She was strong but not strong enough. Zinnia had learned to control her emotions through the years but it wasn't enough. It was never enough. A sudden voice startled her. ¨Are you okay?¨ asked a boy. The boy was dressed in silk robes and he looked around the same age as Zinnia. He was probably one of Duke´s friends. What was he doing here? In the boy's hands was a handkerchief. Zinnia accepted it and wiped the tears out of her eyes. Once she was done, she asked, ¨What do you want?¨ ¨That's not a very nice way to greet people, is it? I saw you weeping so I thought I would ask you if you´re okay.¨ the boy answered. ¨I wasn't weeping. I´m sorry, I didn't mean to be so rude. I meant who are you? Why are you here? Shouldn´t you be eating lunch with Duke?¨ The boy sits down next to Zinnia and starts answering her questions. ¨You weren't weeping? Fine. You had your head in your arms, you were making a weird noise, and water was leaking out of your eyes.¨ Zinnia lets out a small smile. ¨See, I always know what it takes to make a fair girl like you to smile. Now I´ll answer your questions. I´m the one and only son of General Gen, Zayne Gen. You can just call me Zayne. I turn your second question back to you: Why are you here? My answer is most likely the same as yours. Finally, the answer to your third question is yes, but I´m not eating lunch with them.¨ ¨I think that I should call you Honorific Gen. After all, we´re basically strangers. I don't think that it's good for us to call each other by our names. You said I was here to weep. Is that why you´re here too? Is it? By the way, you haven't asked me for my name yet.¨ ¨I don't have to,¨ Zayne smirks, ¨Unlike most people, my dad made me learn the names of all of the honorifics and misses above level 5 official plus all of the royalty. I know exactly who you are. First Miss Yin, Zinnia. And no, I´m not here to weep. Also, I never said you were here to weep. You said it. I only stated that you were weeping.¨ ¨Then how are you here for the same reason as me?¨ ¨Because like you, I´m here to let out the real me. I don't like to pretend anything even though my family makes me. I want to be able to be myself sometimes. Pretending to be something you aren't is really tiring.¨ Zinnia nods and then shakes her head, ¨You think that the real me is a weak, weeping girl?¨ ¨No, I know that there's probably something that really upset you. You are just here because you can't be seen crying by others. I promise to keep it a secret if you tell me why you´re crying.¨ ¨You think I´ll tell you, someone I've only known for a couple minutes, something that I can't tell anyone else.¨ ¨I know who you are and how the people around you are. You don't have anyone else to talk to which is why you chose to sit here and cry.¨ ¨You´re wrong. My father would be more than happy to listen to what I´ve got to say.¨ ¨Then why are you sitting here, talking to me? Weeping? If you have someone to talk to, why aren't you talking to them now?¨ ¨You´re right, I can't even tell my own father who loves me more than anyone else has ever loved me. What makes you think that I can tell you?¨ ¨You don't have to tell me. Just give me an overview.¨ ¨Why do you care?¨ ¨Because I care.¨ ¨That's not an answer.¨ ¨It´s the only one you´re getting.¨ Zinnia gives Zayne a dirty look. ¨Then you´re not getting an answer either.¨ ¨Oh, Come on. It's just an overview. That's all I'm asking. It can't hurt!¨ ¨Fine. I overheard two people that I never thought would want to hurt me planning to get rid of me. Everyone around me is hiding the truth. Then, just today, they took the only thing that my mom left me.¨ ¨That's pretty… I mean that's really bad. Why aren't you storming over to those people and demanding that they give it back?¨ ¨You think I don't want to? I just can´t. That's the reason.¨ ¨Wait, your mother is Lady Yin, right. She's alive, why would you want something that she left you? I mean, you could ask for another one.¨ ¨She's not my mother.¨ ¨Wait, but-¨ ¨Don't ask who my mother is. Just know that she isn't alive anymore and Lady Yin isn't my biological mother.¨ ¨I wasn't going to ask that. Your father is a high-leveled official so his wives should be listed on the scroll my dad made me read.¨ ¨It isn´t,¨ Zinnia stated. ¨How do you know?¨ ¨You weren't the only one who was told to learn the high-classed people.¨ ¨So, you read a bunch of scrolls on the topic too? Then why didn't you know me? Don´t tell me I’m not on them because I know I am.¨ ¨You probably are but I quit reading them once I noticed that my mother wasn't on them.¨ ¨Oh! Well, it doesn't matter since you know me now. I wanted to answer your question because you answered me. I care about what happened to you because I feel like we´re alike. You´re the only person that I felt like I could show my real self safely to without being judged.¨ ¨I think that-¨ ¨Zayne, where are you? Zayne!¨ yelled Duke. ¨I´m here!¨ replied Zayne,¨I´ll see you later. Remember, if something´s wrong, you should tell someone you trust. It's not good to keep it inside yourself.¨ After telling Zinnia that, Zayne ran to meet up with Duke. ¨Hey, who were you talking to?¨ Duke asked, examining Zayne's smile. ¨No one,¨ he answered. ¨Okay.¨ Zinnia looked after Zayne and thought about the conversation they just had. Zayne was the only child who had ever talked to her. Though she didn't know it, Aster stood by her. He had examined Zinnia for the whole day and knew everything. Aster had found Zinnia but he didn't know what she was facing. He wished that he could be there for her. When she was crying, Aster wished he could help her. He still could but it would mess up fate. Who cared? As long as it made it easier for Zinnia, Aster would do anything even if he got struck by lightning. He made up his mind to help her steal the sword back. Zinnia stood up and made her way down the steps and went back to her room, where she called for Xiang. ¨Miss, how can I help you?¨ Xiang asked, bowing. ¨Can you get me a wooden sword? I can't find mine and until I find it, I will go back to using the wooden ones,¨ answered Zinnia. ¨Of course,¨ said Xiang, bowing as she left. Zinnia went through the day as she had planned: swordsplay, poetry, sewing, and dancing. By the time she was finished, it was dinner time which meant Niself was home. That day´s dinner was about the same as every dinner. Zinnia went to Niself´s office like she did every night. ¨He said yes, he'll do it,¨ Niself said. ¨Huh?¨ Zinnia asked. She had other things on mind. ¨You know, Dr. Lisun. He said that he would be more than happy to teach you how to use medicine and poison. Dr. Lisun also said that he wants you to report everyday at ten and you will be released at two starting tomorrow. If you want to stay for longer, though, feel free to.¨ ¨Oh, yeah. Thanks, daddy. ¨ ¨So, how was your day?¨ Zinnia paused. She considered taking Zayne´s advice and telling her father about the sword. ¨It was okay.¨ ¨Only okay? That's worse than usual. What happened?¨ ¨Nothing, I was just moody today. Guess what? I actually made a new friend.¨ ¨Oh yeah. Who´s son and daughter is this? I really need to thank them. They've got guts.¨ Zinnia frowned. She kissed her father on the cheek and ran out of his office. Though Niself enjoyed the kiss, he started getting worried. Zinnia was telling him less and the conversations started ending at cliffs. He worried that there were things she wasn't telling him. When Zinnia got back to her room, she got washed and into bed. When she slid into her bed, she realized that there was something hard next to her. When Zinnia took it out of the blankets, she saw that it was her sword. Her mother´s sword. Back to where it belonged without even a slight damage. How was this possible? Maybe Amelia or Xiang had found it and put it back into her bed. Maybe Zinnia was mistaken and she had really just misplaced the sword. Zinnia didn't think more of it. She was just relieved that it was back. Just in case, Zinnia spent the night creating a secret box under her bed and hid her sword there. At the same time, Zayne was talking to his father, General Gen. He thought about the conversation with Zinnia and what she had told him. He wondered about the girl. ¨Father, did Official Yin have another wife?¨ he asked. ¨What? How did you know?¨ replied General Gen, looking up from his scroll. ¨So, it's true. Who was she? Why isn't she on the scrolls you told me to read?¨ ¨Is there a particular reason that you´re asking this?¨ ¨Dad, stop asking questions. Answer mine first.¨ ¨Yes, Official Yin had another wife who came before Lady Yin. She was called Lady Si. As for why she wasn't on the scrolls, it was because she died when Official Yin was only a level five. As you know, the scrolls I have you read are those listing people above level five status.¨ ¨But according to the rules, all of the wives of the generals or officials above level five status are listed on the scroll no matter when they were married.¨ ¨That's enough. It's all I want to say on the matter. Don't let anyone hear you mentioning Lady Si. Now you have to answer my question. Why are you asking this? Did you meet First Miss Yin? Was she the one who told you all of this?¨ ¨Yes, I met her. She seemed really kind and I really liked her.¨ ¨I have told you many times that you shouldn't talk to her. Why can't you listen? Knowing her won’t do you any good. You can talk to Duke and Nikita but don´t talk to her. You are not allowed to talk to her anymore, understood?¨ ¨Why? She seemed really lonely. I want to help her.¨ ¨First Miss Yin is not yours to help. She is a really unlucky person. Befriending her will ruin you and your family.¨ ¨I will keep on talking to her! I don´t care what you think. She understands me. I understand her. When I talk to her, I feel really good. When everybody else talks to me, they are so fake. She is real. I will befriend her and you will not tell me to do otherwise,¨ yelled Zayne. After saying so, he stormed out of his father's office. Zinnia got to Dr. Lisun´s pharmacy extra early. When she got there, she was greeted by him. ¨You´re Niself´s daughter, First Miss Yin?¨ the doctor asked. ¨Yes, I am. You can just call me Zinnia. It will be quite awkward for you to keep calling me First Miss Yin since you are my mentor,¨ replied Zinnia. ¨As you wish, Zinnia. Now, is there anything you want to say or ask before we start?¨ ¨Yes, I want to ask if you know Lady Yin, my mother.¨ ¨Ahh, but she is not your mother, is she?¨ ¨How do you know?¨ ¨Because I know your mother. Or rather, I knew her. She was a kind lady. Now, you ask if I know Lady Yin. I have met her a couple of times but we can´t consider each other as friends. I know her only through Niself, your father.¨ ¨Do you know something about her that nobody else knows? A secret?¨ ¨Zinnia, I told you that I don´t know her well. What secret can I possibly know about Lady Yin? Now, if you don´t mind, let's get started.¨ ¨Alright.¨ Dr. Lisun started by teaching her the principles of medicine and showing Zinnia the types of medicine. Once it was two, Zinnia asked to stay back for one more hour so she could practice her skills. When it was time to go home, Dr. Lisun gave her a book on medicines and poisons that she could read. According to him, Zinnia was a fast learner and did really well. She liked the doctor. When Zinnia got back to Yin Mansion, she saw someone standing in front of her room. When she got closer, she realized that it was Zayne and in his hands was a box. He turned, saw Zinnia, and waved. ¨Hey, Zinnia,¨ he greeted. ¨Hi, Zayne,¨ Zinnia said. ¨You didn't call me Honorific Gen,¨ Zayne stated, surprised. ¨Would you like me to call you that?¨ she teased. ¨Actually, I wouldn´t.¨ ¨What's in your hand?¨ Zinnia asked, pointing to the box. Zayne smiled. ¨I want to give this to you. Consider it a present for my new friend.¨ ¨I´m not a good friend. I can't give you status and being friends with me is... just not a good idea.¨ ¨I don't care about those things, they´re all fake. I want to be friends with you. I´m not afraid of the people who don't let me be friends with you.¨ ¨Really?¨ ¨Maybe I´m a little bit but I think it's worth it if it means that I can be friends with you. Of course, if you don't want to be friends with me, I won't make you.¨ ¨I really want to be your friend. You don't know how much I wanted a friend who was the same age as me. It was just a warning. I don't want to bring my only friend into a fire pit without them knowing that it might happen.¨ ¨If that was supposed to scare me, it didn´t. Open your present!¨ Zayne held the box out and Zinnia opened it. He seemed even more excited than she was. Inside was a beautiful necklace that was made of transparent diamonds. The diamonds were small but they grew larger the closer they were to the middle. In the middle, there was a pattern of diamond-made flowers and large bead-shaped diamonds. Zinnia gasped. ¨It's beautiful! Telling the truth, this is the only piece of jewelry I´ve ever received as a present.¨ ¨It can´t be. All misses are showered with jewelry when they are young. Didn't your father ever get you some.¨ ¨Well, no. My father got me other things like weapons, books, and instruments.¨ ¨So you don't like the necklace?¨ ¨Are you kidding? This is a first! Of course I love it. Plus, it's from you. I never judge gifts from how much they're worth. Instead, I judge them by who gave them to me and how much they put into preparing it.¨ Zayne tried and failed to hide how her words made him feel. He scratched the back of his hand. ¨Hey, do you know swordplay? I want to see if you do.¨ ¨Yeah. I bet you're really good at it. I heard General Gen is really good at martial arts.¨ ¨My father is kind of strict on that. Come on, let's practice together.¨ ¨Sure!¨ Zayne started by showing Zinnia one of his combinations using her sword. After he was done, Zinnia took her turn. She turned and twisted the sword as her robes flew to the breeze. When she was done, Zinnia turned to look at Zayne and saw him staring at her awestruck. He broke out of it and said, ¨That was awesome! You are so… beautiful when you practice your sword. You´re a natural!¨ ¨You're really good too! Can you teach me?¨ Zinnia asked. ¨Of course.¨ Zayne took Zinnia´s hands and started teaching her hand to hand. Next, he taught her a two person combination and they practiced it. Zinnia hadn't been this happy for a long time. Her smile was wide and her eyes shone of a rare bright pink. She felt something that she couldn't quite describe. Quickly, it was time for dinner and they had to stop. ¨I´m dining with you and your family today,¨ Zayne said. ¨Oh, really? Is it just you or your whole family?¨ Zinnia questioned. ¨Just me. I asked to,¨ replied Zayne. ¨What was your reason?¨ ¨Why?¨ Zinnia looked away. ¨It wasn´t so you could stay with me, was it?¨ ¨I didn't give a reason. Lady Yin just said yes.¨ ¨I don't think we should go to dinner together. I don't think we should talk to each other today. Today was a great day. I haven't been this happy for as long as I remembered. But… I still don´t think you should keep on talking to me.¨ ¨Listen, I´m going to keep on being your friend no matter what. I´m not that type of person who helps someone and then leaves them halfway. If you wish, I won't go to dinner with you or talk to you today. I know you want me as a friend.¨ The truth was, Zinnia did want Zayne as a friend. She really did but she liked Zayne. Zinnia didn't want to bring him down with her. She knew what others said about her. What if it was true that she was a demon and she really brought bad luck? Maybe her mother wouldn't have died if she wasn't there. Without saying another word, Zinnia left Zayne standing there alone. When she made her way to dinner, she kept her head down. She could feel the piercing of Zayne´s eyes on her. Under the table, Zinnia pinched herself and used the pain to distract herself from wanting to look back at him. Luckily, with a guest here, the rest of the family didn't pay much attention to her. However, there was another pair of eyes on her. That was her father´s. Once dinner was over, for the first time, Zinnia didn't go to Niself´s office. Instead, he came to her. She looked up from her table. ¨Father,¨ Zinnia greeted, bowing. ¨Zinnia, I know who the friend you made was now. The one and only son of General Gen, Zayne Gen. Why didn't you talk to him at dinner now?¨ Was she that obvious? ¨Father, how did you know?¨ ¨I didn't realize from dinner even though I'm wondering whether I would’ve if I was given the chance. It was obvious that something was wrong. General Gen cornered me today.¨ ¨What did he say?¨ ¨Obviously, he was against it but don't think much about it, he doesn't like any of the friends his son makes much.¨ ¨General Gen seemed fine with Duke.¨ ¨Listen, sweetheart. It doesn't matter what other people think about the friends you make. Zayne is a good child and he is your first friend. You should cherish him.¨ ¨But what if I bring him bad luck? Sometimes I think that I might´ve caused my mother´s death.¨ ¨Don´t say that! You would never have caused Lisi´s death. You were only a baby then.¨ Zinnia didn't reply. She just looked down. ¨Nevermind. It doesn't matter. How was your day with Dr. Lisun?¨ asked Niself. ¨It was great. Dr. Lisun gave me a book on medicine and poison. He said that I'm doing pretty good,¨ Zinnia answered. ¨That's good to hear. Knowing how to use medicine and poison will greatly benefit you one day.¨ Zinnia nods. ¨Father, did mother know Dr. Lisun well?¨ ¨Who? Olivia or Lisi?¨ ¨The first.¨ ¨No, she didn't know him well. She only knew him through me since we are friends. Why?¨ Zinnia thought about her father´s answer. It was the same as Dr. Lisun´s. Though she didn't trust Dr. Lisun really well yet, she trusted her father fully. If Niself said that Dr. Lisun didn´t know Olivia well, then he didn´t. Why would Olivia say that Dr. Lisun knew a secret though? ¨I don´t know. I just thought I would ask how his relationship is with the rest of our family.¨ ¨You don't have to worry about that, you know?¨ Zinnia nods. ¨I thought I would put you to bed tonight by reading a story. I haven´t for such a long time,¨ Niself says. Zinnia´s face brightens. ¨Really, father, you´ll put me to sleep tonight and read a story?¨ ¨Yes.¨ Knowing that her father would put her to sleep, all other thoughts Zinnia had disappeared. That night, she fell asleep in her father's arms with a smile on her face. She didn't know about tomorrow but today was the perfect day. She had a friend. She had her father. That was all she needed. '''If you would like to read more, you can contact me at elizabethbeltrame@gmail.com Beltramee (talk) 15:30, 4 November 2020 (UTC) '''