Chapter 144: The Beginning

"Where are they?" Liffey asked, looking at Ye Tian with indignation.

"They're gone," Ye Tian replied with a smile. "Still angry?"

"Gray, how could our family harbor people like that?" Liffey fumed.

"They do exist. Often, even if you don't want to believe it, it's the truth." Ye Tian began clearing the plates and cups from the table. "I've encountered this many times before, so I'm used to it. Tell me, do you really think the Fepley Academy doesn't have its own secrets?"

"I suppose it must," Liffey said, recalling the upper floors of the library.

"But!"

"There are no 'buts.' Forget about it," Ye Tian said suddenly. "This is your family's secret. If it were leaked, not only you, but Hillary and the others would be wiped out. Do you think you could stand against the future of your own family?"

"Gray, I'm so angry!" Liffey insisted.

"That is the reality." Ye Tian turned around helplessly. "Even the imperial palace has things hidden from the world, and your family is no different. Your father couldn't possibly tell you everything; you couldn't bear the weight of it."

"Forget it. Forget everything that just happened—for your sake, and for the sake of those innocent lives." Ye Tian sighed.

"What will their fate be?" Liffey asked suddenly.

"Deep down, you already know, don't you?"

"But it's still so hard to accept." Liffey turned her head away.

"There's no other way. That is reality." Ye Tian looked down and continued cleaning up the mess.

"By the way, do you plan on going back today or tomorrow?" Ye Tian asked.

"Does it make a difference?" Liffey asked, bewildered.

"Not really. It's just that if you go back today, your father won't send anyone to fetch you. But tomorrow? That's not certain," Ye Tian said, turning his head.

"Then let him come and fetch me!" Liffey huffed.

"That works, too. It fits your personality," Ye Tian laughed. "There’s still plenty of time. How about we go out and get some fresh air?"

"Now?" Liffey looked outside. "Better not. It would be troublesome if we ran into the butler and the others."

"You're not as slow as I thought," Ye Tian joked. "Then you might as well use this time to cultivate. It's not like you have anything else to do."

"You think cultivation is like drinking water?" Liffey complained. "It requires patience, bit by bit."

"Then do it bit by bit." Ye Tian gathered the tableware. "I'll be right next door. Call me if you need anything."

Back in his room, Ye Tian began to ponder the information Hillary had given him. The most critical task now was finding a way to make those powerful dukes and princes, who held actual military command, willingly surrender their authority. Otherwise, his efforts to topple a prince would have been in vain.

*Tap, tap! Tap, tap!*

Suddenly, Ye Tian noticed a small, snow-white bird outside. "Where did a bird come from?" Curious, he pushed open the window. The bird, glowing with a soft white light, dove straight into his arms. As the light faded, the bird transformed into a letter.

"Oh, how marvelous!" Ye Tian examined the wax seal; it bore the crest of Leixina.

"A letter from the Princess!" He smiled and opened it. Inside was a small card. Just as he was wondering what it was, the card began to glow, and a tiny figure was projected into the air.

"Ger, are you alright?"

"Oh, Your Highness, why are you inside the shadow?" Ye Tian watched the projection curiously. It was about three inches tall and slightly blurry, but it was definitely Leixina, and she was waving at him.

"Startled, aren't you?" Leixina teased. Ye Tian watched as she tilted her head to look at him.

"A little," Ye Tian laughed. "I've never seen such a thing before. By the way, does this thing have limitations?"

"Of course it does. It can only maintain a call for fifteen minutes," Leixina sighed.

"That short?" Ye Tian lamented.

"What did you expect? This thing costs a fortune in rare, high-level materials!" Leixina pouted.

"Heh, no matter. You can afford it anyway," Ye Tian chuckled. "How have you been lately? You look a bit thin."

"No, no, I've actually gained weight," Leixina said, waving her hands dismissively.

"Is something the matter?" Ye Tian asked.

Leixina looked at him. "Ger, how are things in the Imperial Capital without you?"

"Very well. Everything is going smoothly," Ye Tian promised. "Don't worry, you'll be welcomed back soon, Your Majesty."

"Ger!" Leixina looked at him earnestly. "I don't want to sit on that throne at all."

"Trust me, it belongs to you. No one can take it away," Ye Tian smiled. "You will be a fine Queen."

"Ger, I don't care about the throne," Leixina said. "And I know things aren't as simple as you make them seem. You've been lying to me from the start, haven't you? You have no certainty in your heart at all."

"Yes," Ye Tian nodded. "I did lie to you. From the beginning, this was a dead game. But it's fine now because I've turned the tide. The victory will still be ours."

"Ger, come back. I don't want the throne anymore, okay?" Leixina pleaded.

"I can't. If you lose the throne now, you'll surely die," Ye Tian said softly. "It's all right. Truly, it's all right. I have a plan."

"But I'm so worried, so very worried." Tears streamed down Leixina's face. "Every time I close my eyes, I'm afraid. I'm afraid you'll be swallowed by that endless vortex. I hate myself for being so incompetent. Why can't I be like my father?"

"You fool, your father didn't have everything running perfectly the moment he started. Everything takes a process." Ye Tian smiled. "You have the future of a Queen and the aptitude for it. If you are willing, you will be a great ruler."

"But..." Leixina urged.

"No 'buts'," Ye Tian said firmly. "If your brother were willing to help you, I wouldn't have to go through all this trouble. But he won't come back, so you must rely on yourself. That is why I must clear away all obstacles. Don't worry, it will be fine. Everything has started moving. It won't be long before you can sit high upon that throne."

*Zzzzt! Zzzzt!* The image of Leixina began to blur.

"Is the magic running out?" Ye Tian asked.

"Yes, it seems the time is up," Leixina said urgently. "Gray, if you don't..."

*Pop.* The image vanished.

"There is no 'impossible,' only 'possible'!" Ye Tian tucked the card into his robe, intending to return it to her when they next met. "What to do next?" He stretched his arms. "Forget it, I'll just get some sleep!" With that, he collapsed onto the bed.

Things never go as smoothly as one hopes. While Ye Tian was drifting into a hazy sleep, someone quietly entered his room and pressed a sharp dagger against his throat.

"Whoa, hello there. Can I help you?" Ye Tian pulled his neck back, avoiding the blade, then rolled over, pinning the assassin beneath him. A familiar, lingering fragrance filled his nostrils.

"Mora? Why are you here?" In the darkness, Ye Tian saw a bright, beautiful face.

"I missed you, so I came," Mora threw the dagger aside and wrapped her supple arms around his neck. "Did you miss me?"

"I did!" As soon as Ye Tian said it, Mora's fragrant lips pressed against his, and they began to kiss passionately, their bodies intertwining.

"Ger, help me with my clothes," Mora whispered in his ear. Ye Tian suddenly snapped to his senses and pushed her away. "Why are you here? Did something happen to Leixina?"

"Hmph, I knew you were thinking about my sister," Mora sat up, looking displeased. Ye Tian chuckled, reached out, and pulled her back into his arms.

"With me here, you are not allowed to think of her!" Mora wriggled out of his grasp and began to reach into his clothes.

"Mora, don't do this. I won't be able to hold back," Ye Tian said with a bitter smile. He was already hard; if she kept teasing him, neither of them would be getting up in the morning.

"What, are you afraid of being caught by your little lover?" Mora slid her hand into his clothes and began to explore.

"Mora, stop. I really won't be able to control myself," Ye Tian grabbed her hand and shook his head gently.

"Hmph, I know," Mora teased. She pulled her hand back, and Ye Tian exhaled in relief. But then, Mora sat directly on top of him, pinning his arms beneath her. "Oh no." Ye Tian had a bad feeling.

Mora smiled bewitchingly, her fingers tracing slowly over his clothes, undoing them to reveal his bare, bronzed chest. "This is mine. I'm not giving it to anyone!" She shifted her weight, finding a comfortable position, and then, with a tongue like a serpent, began to gently lick his skin.

Ye Tian's body tensed instantly. While he was no longer an inexperienced lad, he had never encountered such intense provocation. He knew Mora loved him deeply; everything she did was an expression of that love.

Her nimble tongue traced patterns over his skin, and Ye Tian's body grew rigid as stone, drawing a giggle from Mora.

"Want something even more stimulating?" Mora whispered in his ear.

"No," Ye Tian panted.

"That won't do. I haven't properly served you yet!" Mora giggled.

"This is punishment," Ye Tian groaned.

"Is it? Then let me punish you some more!" She reached into his trousers and grasped him.

"Mora, ugh!" Ye Tian let out a muffled groan as she began to stimulate him.

"Does it feel good?" she asked softly.

"Yes," he gasped.

"Good. There's something even better." She lowered her head.

"Ugh!" Ye Tian groaned in pleasure. Mora glanced up at him, then began to suck with intensity, driving him toward the peak.

"Mora!" Ye Tian growled.

"He's mine!" Mora pulled back, lifted her skirt, and slowly, ever so slowly, lowered herself onto him.

"Ugh!" They both gasped.

"Ger, move!" Mora whispered. Ye Tian felt as if a charge had been sounded; he began to thrust with all his might.

"Ugh!" Mora bit down hard on his shoulder, feeling the rhythm of his love. "Harder, Ger, harder!" Her voice was like a war horn, spurring him on as he plowed into her.

"Ugh!" Mora shuddered, biting his shoulder even harder as her body trembled violently.

"Let's stop here for today," Ye Tian said, gently stroking the girl who had collapsed onto his chest, now completely spent.

"I'm sorry, Ger!" Mora suddenly burst into tears.

"Why are you crying?" Ye Tian asked, startled, quickly wiping the tears from her eyes.

"I'm sorry. I thought I could satisfy you, but I still couldn't," she sobbed. "I'm so useless!"

"That's enough. That's more than enough!" Ye Tian held her tightly. "I won't allow you to make any sacrifices for me. This is enough. Meeting you is already my greatest fortune, and I want you to be happy—truly happy."

"Ger, I love you. I'm willing to give everything for you," Mora sat up, struggling for strength.

"I love you too, and I'm willing to give everything for you. Will you marry me?" Ye Tian asked suddenly.

"Heh... Heh." Mora began to cry again. "Ger..."

"Will you marry me?" Ye Tian repeated.

Mora gently pressed a finger to his lips. "Just as you said, I don't want you to make any sacrifices for me either. This is enough. If one day you grow tired, I will be waiting." She moved gently against him. "Ger, love me!"