Chapter 143: The First Signs

“Gray.” Lifi’er stared blankly at Ye Tian. “It’s alright, parents are like that,” Ye Tian comforted her. “But…” Lifi’er said pitifully. “Just endure it; after all, he is your father,” Ye Tian said helplessly.

“By the way, have you eaten?” Ye Tian asked Hillary, who was still getting dressed, after finishing with the acupuncture needles. “I’ll go wash up first.” Hillary wiped the black blood from the corner of her mouth, glanced at Ye Tian, who smiled but said nothing.

“Miss Lifi’er, what would you like to eat?” Ye Tian asked, bowing slightly. “Gray,” Lifi’er said plaintively, “no matter what, you have to fill your stomach first, then you have the strength to do other things. The same goes for resisting.” Ye Tian smiled, “I’ll go down and make something for you.”

Ye Tian went to the inn’s kitchen. Lifi’er and Hillary stared at each other. “I haven’t seen you before,” Lifi’er said. “I know you, miss,” Hillary said coolly.

“Who are you?” Lifi’er asked. “If you don’t tell me, I’ll ask my father!” Hillary smiled but didn’t answer. “What is a death soldier?” Lifi’er persisted.

“Miss, we are a group of people who have already died,” Hillary suddenly said. “Don’t ask anymore, unless you want to never step outside the family again. It’s best to forget all this.”

“How could I forget!” Lifi’er shouted. “Someone I know appears before me, yet I don’t know them. I never knew you existed!” “Not existing doesn’t mean not being there. We’ve actually been here for a very long time, perhaps since the family was founded,” Hillary said calmly.

“What are you trying to say?” Lifi’er’s eyes darkened as she asked coldly. “Nothing, just telling you that darkness exists everywhere. It’s just whether you believe it or not.” After speaking, Hillary stood up. “May I borrow the restroom?”

When Ye Tian returned carrying a pile of sumptuous food, Lifi’er was already curled up under the blanket asleep—of course, that was impossible. “Dear miss, it’s time to eat,” Ye Tian called out cheerfully.

“Don’t bother me!” Lifi’er’s muffled voice came from under the blanket. “Okay, as you say,” Ye Tian said with a smile. “Then we’ll eat.” “No!” Lifi’er immediately got angry and threw off the blanket. “I want to eat!”

“It’s all yours,” Ye Tian smiled and shrugged. Lifi’er saw the table full of dishes. “Enjoy, we’ll eat next door,” Ye Tian said, lifting the still unconscious boy and turning to Hillary. “Let’s go.”

“Where are you going?” Lifi’er, who had just reached out for food, complained. “Next door. I rented another room. You wouldn’t want to see someone you dislike while eating, right?” Ye Tian smiled. “Hmph!” Lifi’er tacitly agreed.

“Let’s go, Miss Hillary. Oh, don’t worry about him. You know,” Ye Tian patted the boy on his back. Hillary said quietly, “Thank you.” “I’m a doctor; healing and saving lives is my duty,” Ye Tian said with a smile as he turned toward the adjacent room.

“Please, help yourselves.” Ye Tian placed the boy on the bed, then looked at the still silent Hillary. “The food tastes good,” Ye Tian said, pursing his lips. Hillary saw the table filled with fragrant dishes.

“What happened to my brother?” Hillary asked quietly. “He’s fine. I just let him rest a bit,” Ye Tian said, then sat down. “Please eat. I consider my cooking decent. I won’t disappoint you.”

Hillary sat down as instructed, picked up a fork, and began eating. “It tastes good,” the girl praised before taking big bites. “Don’t you want to ask me anything?” Ye Tian asked. “No,” she said. Ye Tian took a bite of food.

“You’re really strange,” Hillary said, spearing a piece of chicken. “Many people say that,” Ye Tian said casually. “Actually, I’m just like you—all the same, one nose, two eyes, no extra parts.”

“You’re funny!” Hillary said lightly. “I really wonder, girls usually look beautiful when they smile, so why won’t you smile?” Ye Tian mumbled, chewing chicken.

“Because we can’t,” Hillary said calmly. “We’ve forgotten how to smile.” “If you’ve forgotten, you can learn again,” Ye Tian said lightly.

Hillary paused but quickly shoved the food from her fork into her mouth. “Actually, I have a favor to ask,” Ye Tian said. Hillary put down her fork. “Go ahead.”

“If His Highness the Prince asks, just say that the lady was attracted by my cooking. That’s enough,” Ye Tian said with a smile. “That’s all?” Hillary asked incredulously. “That’s enough, and I’m not lying. You saw it yourself earlier.”

“Who exactly are you?” Hillary suddenly asked. “My name’s Gray. I’m currently the lady’s steward. Also, could you please not pick up the steak knife? It scares me.” Ye Tian glanced at her. Hillary relaxed her grip on the knife. “You’re smart.”

“And also timid,” Ye Tian added. “Not necessarily,” Hillary said suddenly. “If it weren’t for us, would you have helped them?”

“I only realized later that you aren’t ordinary people,” Ye Tian said, stuffing a piece of clear beef soup into his mouth. It was delicious—the key was good ingredients.

“I’ve always wondered, where did it all go wrong?” Hillary said calmly. “Your acting is flawless, but your bodies… look at your wrist. A girl wouldn’t have so many wounds even if she suffered greatly.” Ye Tian pointed with his fork. “I’m a doctor and have seen all kinds of injuries.”

“I see,” Hillary sighed. “The problem lies within ourselves.” She glanced at Ye Tian. “Why did you save us?” Hillary touched her chest, where the pain no longer lingered.

“Just happened to,” Ye Tian continued eating beef. Seeing Hillary staring at him, he sighed helplessly, “I just can’t stand it. I hate it when people use drugs to control their subordinates. Are you satisfied now?”

Hillary quietly looked at Ye Tian, then suddenly smiled. Spitting out a mouthful of beef, Ye Tian accidentally hit Hillary’s eye. “You did it on purpose!” Hillary immediately got angry.

“No, the kid really did that,” Ye Tian hurriedly took out a handkerchief. “Let me wipe it for you.” “No need,” Hillary waved his arm away and wiped her face with her sleeve. “Better use the handkerchief,” Ye Tian insisted, handing it over.

“Is he really your brother?” Ye Tian asked, pointing to the sleeping boy. “We are orphans,” the girl said calmly. “He’s my training partner.” Ye Tian looked at Hillary and smiled. “Is that so?”

“Yes,” Hillary said coolly. “But you really look alike, especially your eyes,” Ye Tian smiled. “If I’d known, I wouldn’t have saved you. You haven’t told many truths so far.” “You’re the same,” Hillary retorted.

“I’m telling the truth. If not, tell me what’s false,” Ye Tian smiled. “You’re not called Gray.” “That’s true, just like you’re not called Hillary. Names are just labels,” Ye Tian scratched his head awkwardly.

“You lied from the start but demand I tell the truth. Isn’t that unfair?” Hillary said calmly. “A little,” Ye Tian sighed. “I apologize.”

“So can you tell the truth now?” Hillary smiled. “Who are you?” “Can I not?” Ye Tian scratched his head awkwardly. “Actually, my name is useless to you.”

“Whether it’s useful isn’t for you to decide. What matters is whether you’re honest,” Hillary put down her fork and smiled at Ye Tian. “Well…” Ye Tian scratched his head. “I’ll be honest if you promise not to tell anyone.” He put down his knife and fork.

“I promise,” Hillary smiled. “I hope so,” Ye Tian smiled. “I hope you keep it secret; otherwise, I’ll be in big trouble.” He reached up and took off a pair of crystal glasses. Hillary gasped, covering her mouth.

“Satisfied now?” Ye Tian put the glasses back on. “She doesn’t even know about this.” “You’re a demon?” Hillary said quietly. “I’m human!” Ye Tian said in frustration. “Actually, you are the monsters in my eyes!”

“Monsters… Humans and monsters are the same sometimes—humans can be worse,” Hillary said calmly, calming her mood. “What are you doing here?”

“How much do you know about me? Or how much do you understand?” Ye Tian asked. “Nothing. That’s why we were sent to get close to you and try to understand you,” Hillary said calmly.

“Alright then, I’ll tell you. My other name is Ger,” Ye Tian said. Hillary dropped her fork and knife. “What did you say?”

“That’s right. I’m the man from half a year ago,” Ye Tian shrugged. “Changed, haven’t I?”

“Incredible!” Hillary’s gaze changed. “I thought it was…” She looked at Ye Tian again. “Turns out you’re not so big.”

“Disappointed?” Ye Tian smiled. “A little,” Hillary returned to her composed smile, though inside she was turbulent.

“Why tell me all this?” Hillary suddenly asked. “You said to be honest, right?” Ye Tian asked. “Aren’t you afraid I’ll betray you?” “I’m worthless. Who would betray me?” Ye Tian shrugged and kept eating.

“Not necessarily. If I sell your information, it’d be worth at least a hundred thousand gold,” Hillary smiled. “That valuable?” Ye Tian was startled. “If I ever run out of money, selling myself might not be a bad choice.”

“Don’t you know the Church of Light has set their sights on you?” Hillary said suddenly. “What’s that? I don’t owe them money. Why should I fear them?” Ye Tian looked up. “First, they’re despicable,” Hillary smiled.

“Second, if you owed them money, they wouldn’t see you as an enemy. Tsk, I never expected this. You’re getting more interesting,” Hillary looked at Ye Tian.

“What do you mean?” Ye Tian was puzzled. “By the way, have you heard of Gerald?” “Priest Gerald, the White Bishop?” Hillary asked curiously. “How do you know that name?”

“Is he famous?” Ye Tian asked. “I met him by chance at the prince’s banquet. But he seems to want to keep his existence a secret.” Hillary smiled at Ye Tian and suddenly said, “If I were you, I’d kill him by any means.”

“Why?” Ye Tian asked. “Gerald’s nickname is ‘The Clown,’ the Dark Clown Gerald.” Hillary put down her utensils. “Those he targets meet terrible ends.”

“That doesn’t mean he’s after me,” Ye Tian shrugged. “It’s none of my business.” “Not necessarily,” Hillary smiled. “As far as I know, the Church has long wanted to control the Leighton Duchy.”

“What did you say?” Ye Tian suddenly froze. “Repeat what you just said!” he said urgently.

“The Church has long wanted to control Leighton Duchy. You know, the Church’s power isn’t what it used to be. Many duchies and empires have broken free from its control. Now they’re desperate to regain dominance, and Leighton Duchy is one of them.”

“So that’s it!” Ye Tian finally caught the hint. “No wonder Prince Gistark is so bold—it’s because he’s backed by a powerful patron. Although the Church’s power isn’t what it was, that country still can’t openly defy it—they have armed forces.”

“It seems that to stir this game, I must start with this Gerald,” Ye Tian thought. He had always been uneasy, despite boasting he had nothing to fear. Deep down, he knew well.

Defeating a known enemy is simple—just identify who they are. But defeating an unknown enemy is troublesome because you never know who’s friend or foe, making you hesitant and vulnerable.

Now that things were clear, Ye Tian was no longer worried. Tripping up a prince was too easy for him. Even if there was a towering Church behind him, it made no difference.

“Thank you!” he said.

“Thank me for what?” Hillary asked. “You helped me find direction,” Ye Tian said with a smile.

“Really want to thank me?” Hillary suddenly said. “Then save us.”

“Alright,” Ye Tian nodded.

“What did you say?” Hillary suddenly looked up. “I said I can help you. Once this is over, you can live openly and freely. How about that?” Ye Tian smiled.

“Really?” Hillary said joyfully.

“Really, I promise,” Ye Tian said sincerely. “My return this time is to clear obstacles for Her Highness the Princess. I promised her freedom, and that’s why she sits on the throne as Queen. Now her position is shaky, and I’m here just to fix that.”

“I believe you!” Hillary said excitedly, looking at Ye Tian. This man who once stirred the imperial capital’s political storms had made a promise—she felt she had a way out.

“After this is done, you can flee far away or stay openly as the Queen’s guards. If not, you can remain in the capital. As for Prince Field, I have my ways,” Ye Tian shared his thoughts.

“We will leave here,” Hillary glanced at the still sleeping boy, “and never come back.”

“That’s fine. I don’t like it here either,” Ye Tian shrugged. “Actually, I recommend you leave.”

“What do you need me to do?” Hillary asked.

“Many things,” Ye Tian smiled. “For now, just calmly finish what’s on your plate before it gets cold.”