Esmeria

Two figures strolled down a bustling street filled with beastmen and humans. As they passed, the townspeople greeted them warmly—not because they recognized her as the royal princess, but because she had saved them from the control of the merchant lord. To the townspeople, the duo appeared to be skilled martial artists who had easily defeated twenty men before.

“This place seems a lot livelier than before, don’t you think?” Wu Zhao remarked to Jian Yi, her eyes taking in the vibrant surroundings.

"My lady, we should stop doing this and return back to the—" Jian Yi caught himself mid-sentence, quickly correcting, "our home."

"It's fine, I have mine strong bodyguard here who could defeat a group of thugs with ease!" Wu Zhao grinned.

Jian Yi sighed but continued following behind Wu Zhao.

A young beastmen boy came running toward Wu Zhao after spotting her from a distance.

"Big sister, you're back!" Ru’ya exclaimed with joy upon seeing Wu Zhao.

"How are you, Ru’ya?" Wu Zhao asked warmly.

"I'm good! Nobody bullies me anymore, all thanks to big sister!" Ru’ya beamed, showing a wide smile.

"That's great," Wu Zhao smiled, gently patting his head. "Remember, if anyone tries to bully you, tell big sister. I'll make sure to get back at them!"

"Mhm!" Ru’ya nodded enthusiastically. "What brings you here, big sister?"

"I'm visiting the merchant lord," she replied with a confident smile.

"Oh! I'm heading there too!" Ru’ya said, his eyes lighting up.

"Perfect timing! Let's go together," Wu Zhao said, taking his small hand in hers. They began walking toward the merchant lord's mansion, with Jian Yi following closely behind, ever watchful and ready. The bustling streets seemed to part for them, as both beastmen and humans paused to watch the little group pass by, filled with warmth and respect for their savior and her strong protector.

After a short walk, they arrived at the merchant lord's mansion. As they pushed open the gate, a voice echoed from the courtyard.

"Geez, you're late!" A boy stood there, his face a mix of slight annoyance and impatience.

However, the moment he noticed Wu Zhao and Jian Yi, he jumped in surprise, his expression shifting to one of fear, as if expecting another beating. It was Liang Bao, the son of the merchant lord, once known for his cruelty.

"W-w-w-why are you two here?!" he stammered, his legs shaking so much he nearly wet himself.

"Oh, I met them on the way here, and since we were all heading this way, they came along," Ru’ya explained casually, completely at ease.

"Oh~, you two are friends now?" Wu Zhao teased, raising an eyebrow.

"Mhm," Ru’ya nodded. "We’re heading to school now. His father apologized to me and even got me enrolled, paying for my tuition!"

"Oh~? Is that so?" Wu Zhao replied with a smile, though her expression seemed to make Liang Bao even more uncomfortable.

"We should go, or we’ll be late!" Ru’ya grabbed Liang Bao's hand and hurried off, waving back at Wu Zhao and Jian Yi. "Goodbye, big sister! Goodbye, uncle!"

Wu Zhao chuckled and waved back. Jian Yi sighed, visibly cringing at being called "uncle."

After watching the children disappear down the street, Wu Zhao composed herself, her expression shifting to a more serious demeanor. She made her way into the reception hall, where Liang Sheng, the merchant lord, awaited her.

The air was filled with the faint scent of incense, and the room was elegantly decorated with intricate tapestries and lacquered wooden furniture. Liang Sheng stood to greet her, his demeanor respectful and attentive.

"Lady Wu Zhao, welcome," he said, bowing slightly.

"Thank you for receiving me," Wu Zhao replied, inclining her head in return.

They took their seats at a low table, the warm afternoon light filtering through the paper windows. Servants quietly brought in tea, setting the delicate porcelain cups before them.

The conversation flowed from pleasantries to more pressing matters. Wu Zhao and Liang Sheng delved into discussions on how to improve the district. They talked about infrastructure projects, educational initiatives to support the local children, and healthcare services to ensure the well-being of all citizens. Liang Sheng listened intently, occasionally nodding in agreement or offering his own suggestions.

Wu Zhao emphasized the importance of transparency and fair trade practices, ensuring that the merchants were accountable to the people they served. Liang Sheng, visibly eager to mend the reputation tarnished by his and his son's past actions, readily agreed to implement reforms.

As the discussion progressed, the atmosphere grew more collaborative, with both parties contributing ideas and strategies. The meeting concluded on a hopeful note, with plans set in motion to create a more prosperous and equitable district. Wu Zhao stood up, a sense of satisfaction evident in her eyes.

“My lady, it’s the time of the Rooster; we should head back,” Jian Yi suggested.

“Oh, it’s getting late indeed,” Wu Zhao said, glancing out the window. “Let’s head back then.”

After exchanging pleasantries with Liang Sheng, Wu Zhao and Jian Yi left the mansion and headed back to the palace.

As they made their way, they encountered Liang Bao and Ru’ya walking down the busy streets, engrossed in conversation. Liang Bao froze when he spotted Wu Zhao, while Ru’ya looked up, saw them, and immediately ran over.

“Big sister! Are you two heading back already?” Ru’ya asked cheerfully.

“Yes, we are,” Wu Zhao said, giving him a gentle pat on the head.

“Bye-bye!” Ru’ya waved enthusiastically before running back to Liang Bao, who had just resumed walking.

“Why are you so afraid of big sister?” Ru’ya asked, his brow furrowed with concern.

Liang Bao shifted uncomfortably, his eyes darting around nervously. “They’re dangerous... especially her bodyguard,” he said, his voice trembling slightly.

Ru’ya’s face brightened with a hint of frustration. “They’re kind people!” he insisted, shaking his head.

Liang Bao sighed deeply, a look of unease crossing his face. “I asked my father who they were, but he just told me they were important and warned me not to get involved,” he explained. “That hag must be the daughter of some high-ranking official or the leader of a secret society.”

He glanced around furtively before adding, “Nobody can afford such a skilled bodyguard unless they’re incredibly wealthy or have powerful connections.”

Ru’ya stared at Liang Bao with a blend of confusion and disbelief, unable to comprehend why his friend was so wary of the people he saw as kind. Sensing that continuing the argument would be futile, he decided to drop the subject.

After reaching Liang Bao’s mansion, they parted ways. Ru’ya continued on his way home, as they always walked to and from school together since Liang Bao’s mansion was conveniently located between the school and Ru’ya’s home.

An attendant hurried through the lacquered hallway, making his way to the guest room where Peng Xian was staying. "Grand Court Wizard! King Wu... King Wu is... please come quickly!" The urgency in his voice was palpable as he beckoned Peng Xian to follow.

Peng Xian arrived to find the King lying on his bed, his hand turned completely black. King Wu's frail eyes opened slightly at the sound of the door. "Ah... Peng Xian... you have come..." he murmured, his voice barely audible.

"My King, how are you feeling?" Peng Xian asked, quickly moving to check the king's pulse. His face grew grave as he assessed the situation.

"Not good," he thought, noting the faint and erratic pulse. The beats were slow, irregular, and spaced apart, each one a feeble attempt to sustain life. Peng Xian realized the king might not last much longer.

"Summon the princess, quickly!" he commanded the attendants, his tone urgent.

"Peng Xian... my dear friend... please take care of Wu Zhao for me..." the king said, his voice weak and raspy.

"My King, please hang on! The princess is on her way here!" Peng Xian urged, his tone filled with concern and desperation.

The king gave a small, knowing nod. "I know I don't have long," he wheezed, a painful cough interrupting his words. He struggled to catch his breath, the effort visible on his pale face. "I regret neglecting Wu Zhao... only focusing on matters of state..." His eyes glazed over with a mixture of sorrow and regret, the weight of unspoken words hanging in the air.

"I'm sure the princess wouldn't blame you for this," Peng Xian replied, trying to comfort the ailing king. As he spoke, he cast [Minor Recovery], a small spell that he knew wouldn't heal the king but might provide a bit of comfort and possibly prolong his life just long enough for Wu Zhao to arrive.

King Wu sighed, his voice barely a whisper. "Ah... despite my illness, I no longer feel any pain, but I feel so tired..." His eyes fluttered, and his breathing grew more labored. He seemed to drift in and out of consciousness, the weight of exhaustion pressing down on him. The room was filled with an overwhelming sense of sadness, as Peng Xian desperately tried to hold back his tears while doing everything he could to ease the king's final moments.

"Queen Yang passed away while giving birth to her... she grew up without a complete family," King Wu continued, his voice weakened by a fit of coughing.

Peng Xian quickly interjected, "My King, please conserve your energy."

Noticing King Wu's feeble attempt to raise his hand, Peng Xian immediately reached out and gently clasped it, feeling the coldness and frailty of the monarch's grasp.

The king's eyes, filled with a mix of regret and sorrow, met Peng Xian's, silently conveying the weight of unspoken words and the deep bond they shared. The atmosphere was heavy with unexpressed emotions, the gravity of the moment sinking in as the king's life waned.

King Wu closed his eyes, exhaustion overcoming him, and he drifted into a fitful sleep. The room was thick with silence, broken only by the sound of labored breathing.

Moments later, Jian Yi burst into the room, carrying Wu Zhao in his arms. He was panting heavily, evidence of the incredible effort he had exerted to bring her here as quickly as possible. His usually composed demeanor was replaced with an urgency that mirrored the gravity of the situation. Wu Zhao's face was pale, her expression a mix of fear and concern as she looked upon her ailing father. The air was tense, filled with a sense of impending loss.

As Jian Yi gently set Wu Zhao down, she immediately rushed to her father's side. Her eyes filled with tears as she took in his frail form, his breathing shallow and labored. The once powerful and commanding presence of King Wu was now reduced to a fragile shell, struggling to hold on to life.

Wu Zhao reached out and took her father's hand in hers, her voice trembling. "Father, I'm here. Please, hang on a little longer."

King Wu's eyes fluttered open at the sound of her voice. He managed a weak smile, his gaze softening as he looked at his daughter. "Wu Zhao... mine precious daughter..." he whispered, his voice barely audible.

Tears streamed down Wu Zhao's cheeks as she held her father's hand tightly. "I'm sorry, Father. I should have been here sooner."

King Wu shook his head slowly, mustering the strength to speak. "No... it's not your fault. You have done... so much... for our people..." His words were punctuated by deep breaths, each one seeming to take all his remaining energy.

Peng Xian, standing nearby, watched the exchange with a heavy heart. He knew that there was nothing more he could do to ease the king's pain or prolong his life. The inevitability of the moment weighed heavily on him.

King Wu's grip on Wu Zhao's hand tightened slightly, a final burst of strength. "You must... continue to be strong... for the people... and for yourself," he said, his voice growing weaker. "Promise me... you will carry on... and make the kingdom... a better place..."

Wu Zhao nodded, tears blurring her vision. "I promise, Father. I will do everything in mine power to honor your legacy and protect our people."

A faint smile crossed King Wu's lips, his eyes closing once more. His breathing became even more shallow, his chest barely rising and falling. The room was filled with a profound silence as the king took his final breaths, his spirit slipping away.

Wu Zhao clung to his hand, her tears flowing freely. "Father... I love you," she whispered, her voice breaking.

Jian Yi and Peng Xian bowed their heads in respect, their expressions somber. The room felt heavy with grief, the loss of a beloved king and father leaving a deep void.

As the reality of the situation settled in, Wu Zhao remained by her father's side, her heart aching with sorrow. She knew that her life would never be the same, but she also understood that she had a duty to uphold. The weight of the crown now rested on her shoulders, and she would need to find the strength to lead their people in the days ahead.