Lily White stormed into the private courtyard where her mother, Madam Deo, was quietly pruning a sky-peach bonsai. Her elegant fingers paused as she sensed her daughter's panicked steps approaching.
"Mother!" Lily called, nearly breathless.
Madam Deo turned, expression serene. "What is it now, Lily?"
Lily bit her lower lip, clutched her silk sleeve, and hesitated a moment before blurting, "Philip-Salt… he—he asked for the Heavenly Sword."
The glass in Madam Deo's hand slipped from her fingers.
"…He dared to ask what?" she asked slowly, voice low and sharp.
"He wants us to hand over the Heavenly Sword," Lily said again, each word heavy like thunder. "He said it's necessary for him to win Manuka Lan's heart and bring back the Sword in Heart Manual."
Madam Deo's eyes narrowed. "That little brat! Since when did he grow such fangs?"
"Until now, we were so sure he was just a pawn… one we could throw away after using. But…" Lily's voice softened. "Mother, he outsmarted us."
