Chapter: Two Birds... and Ancient Shadows
[Note: The true Lord of the Palace, Shuang's father, passed away ten years ago. Special chapters covering this character will be released soon.]
The next morning, the couple stood on a balcony overlooking the palace grounds. Jin embraced his wife from behind, their hands intertwined at her waist. For the first time in a long while, the young man felt truly happy.
Jin: "Dear, do you know something?"
Shuang: "What is it?"
Jin: "I've encountered many absurd and illogical events on this planet—things that wouldn't even make sense in the most childish of stories. But they were always strange or painful. However... this is the first time I've actually liked the absurdity of this world."
Shuang laughed softly: "Dear, don't reveal our secret yet. Only my mother and my uncle know."
He kissed her cheek gently before speaking: "Do you think I'm a fool? What would people's reaction be if they found out the Princess of the North Sea married an Elder of the Heavenly Demon Cult? A private family wedding, no less. Hmph. To hell with them all, I don't care."
Despite their happiness, Shuang's expression turned somber: "But... this will hurt Aileen deeply."
Shuang's reminder wasn't due to Jin's lack of care or neglect for Aileen; rather, the whirlwind of events hadn't left them a single moment to even think.
Jin: "She will certainly be sad because it happened without her knowing. She'll feel neglected. But... we are still close enough that you and I can make her forgive us."
Shuang fell silent for a moment: "You knows we feel jealous of each other because of you. Why do you act like you don't notice?"
Jin laughed slightly, then kissed her hand: "Honestly, I believe both of you would do anything for me. It's hard to imagine two close friends rejecting each other when they're both willing to go to such lengths for my sake, haha."
Shuang: "Jin, you're a rogue. But... you loved her from the beginning, long before me. I always noticed a strange look in your eyes toward her. It wasn't just romance or ordinary love. Can you tell me why?"
Jin looked up at the sky, decorated by a glowing sun and clear drifting clouds.
Jin: "Because... she resembles someone very dear to me."
Shuang was surprised. She could feel the weight of that emotion on Jin's chest immediately. She smiled and leaned against him.
Shuang: "Don't worry. I won't let her stay sad because of this, no matter what happens."
After a while, they wandered through the palace. The boy wore the clan's attire so as not to draw unwanted attention. They sat in the family wing with Lily and Yu Ah.
Lily: "Papa, why were you sad yesterday?"
Jin: "Hmm... I wasn't sad. I was just exhausted."
It was a blatant lie, but he wouldn't tell the child the truth, no matter what.
They began to eat, and the young man was feeding his wife with his own hand.
Shuang whispered shyly: "What are you doing? Aren't you worried the servants will see us and rumors will spread?"
Jin smiled: "I told your mother to prevent them from coming to this wing today. Don't worry about it."
Yu Ah narrowed her eyes slightly: "Hmm, sister, what are you two doing?"
They looked at her for a moment, but Lily interrupted the tension.
Lily: "They are just friends, don't mind them."
Lily closed her eyes, flashed a triumphant smile, and gave a 'thumbs up' gesture.
The two laughed as they looked at her. Where did this adorable wit come from?
Jin: "Who taught you these moves?"
Lily: "It seems Papa and Mama need some privacy. Lily will take Yu Ah and leave."
The two children left, leaving the couple in a state of wonder.
Jin asked, bewildered: "Who taught her to speak like that?"
Shuang laughed: "Aileen."
Soon, the Lady of the Palace arrived and sat with them.
Yu Hua: "Look at these two lovely birds."
Shuang cried out: "Mother, stop it!" while Jin stared at the sky and whistled as if he saw nothing.
The Lady continued teasing them for a bit until... her expression shifted to something more serious.
Yu Hua: "What will happen in the future?"
Shuang was puzzled by the question: "Wait, what do you mean?"
Jin realized it wasn't the time for Shuang to be involved in the heavy details, so he used his wits. He leaned in close to Shuang's face.
Jin: "Does that really matter right now?"
Shuang felt flustered by the sudden move: "Wait, what are you doing now?"
He didn't answer and leaned in further, closing his eyes.
Shuang shouted in embarrassment: "Stop it! My mother is right here!"
After a bit of teasing, the girl fled the room out of sheer embarrassment. Jin's expression immediately shifted to one of cold seriousness.
Jin: "...I don't know what 'that person' is thinking."
Yu Hua: "And what about you? Will you leave the Cult until this farce is over?"
Jin remained silent for a moment before asking: "Do you know anything about the secrets of this world, My Lady?"
Sorrow appeared on her face as she replied: "To be honest... I truly know nothing. My husband knew the truth, but... when he died, they told me nothing. Instead, the International Oversight Office gave me many 'red lines' that I cannot discuss, and they explained nothing else."
Jin went quiet. He wanted to press further, but he decided to postpone his questions for now: "I'm sorry. I shouldn't have asked."
Yu Hua: "It's alright. You are my son now. You can ask whatever you want, at any time. It's just that I want to know your next steps."
Jin smiled. To him, this was a level of warmth and affection he never expected.
Jin: "Thank you. Anyway... I will stay with the Cult for a while longer. I have many questions that still need answers."
End of Chapter.