The uncanny silence stretched on for several long minutes before one of the attendants finally stepped forward, bowing slightly as he reminded his mistress of the purpose of their visit.
Meihua cleared her throat and turned her gaze toward Seo.
They had ventured deep into the Dark Forest in search of a rare fruit known as the Spirit Blossom Fruit. It was said to bloom only under very specific spiritual conditions, and rumors placed its recent appearance somewhere within this region.
Seo listened without interrupting, though her eyes sharpened slightly.
The daughter of a general personally leading such an expedition? That alone was suspicious. For someone of her status to enter the forest instead of sending soldiers… either the matter was extremely important, or it was something that could not be allowed to reach imperial ears.
Seo tilted her head slightly.
"You are looking for a fruit," she said evenly. "What does that have to do with me or my territory?"
The question stunned Meihua's entourage.
The information Meihua had received described Seo as timid, withdrawn — a disgraced noble cast out from the empire. Yet the woman before her was neither timid nor withdrawn. She was composed, bold, and carried herself with quiet authority. There was even the faintest trace of arrogance in her gaze.
Meihua smoothly continued.
They had searched all day without success. Night was approaching, and the forest after dark was not a place one wished to linger without protection. They would resume their search in the morning. For now, they required a place to stay.
Seo regarded them in silence.
A thousand calculations passed behind her eyes before she finally gave a small nod.
Without another word, she stepped beyond the domain's array perimeter and extended her hand. Spiritual energy condensed at her fingertips as she inscribed a glowing sigil onto each of the five visitors.
The marks shimmered faintly before sinking into their skin.
"That is a temporary entry permit into my domain," Seo said calmly as she stepped back within the array's boundary. "It expires in three days. Make sure your outing concludes before then."
A faint smirk curved Meihua's lips as she approached the barrier.
When she crossed the threshold, the mark on her arm glowed briefly — then dimmed.
The shift was immediate.
The air inside the domain felt different.
Calmer.
Denser.
Controlled.
A subtle sense of security wrapped around her senses, as though the very land acknowledged a single sovereign will.
They followed Seo along a winding path until a clearing opened before them. Ornate gates stood at its center, beyond which lay a stunning courtyard — elegant architecture framed by carefully cultivated spiritual flora.
Meihua's steps faltered for half a heartbeat.
According to imperial records, Seo had been banished not long ago. There was no possible way such a courtyard could have been built in so short a time.
Another mystery.
Seo gestured toward the residence. "Choose any empty room."
Without waiting for acknowledgment, she ascended to the top floor.
Inside her chamber, she reviewed the events of the day. The encounter with Meihua's party had revealed something important — her current abilities lacked range. If she were to remain here long term, she needed to create a long-distance attack technique.
That thought lingered in her mind as fatigue slowly claimed her.
Sleep came quicker than usual.
The next morning, Seo awoke to warmth.
A soft weight rested against her arm.
When she opened her eyes, she found Choi nestled against her, using her arm as a pillow. Loose strands of dark hair framed Choi's peaceful face.
Seo's lips curved into a gentle smile.
This was the first time she had woken with someone in her arms.
The sensation was unfamiliar… but far from unpleasant.
In fact, she found herself thinking she would not mind waking up like this every day.
Her fingers brushed lightly through Choi's hair, slow and absentminded.
Choi stirred, lashes fluttering open. When she met Seo's gaze, a faint blush colored her cheeks.
The morning breeze slipped through the half-open window, carrying warmth and golden light into the room.
Yes.
This was not a bad way to begin the day.
A soft knock interrupted the moment.
The sliding doors opened, and Ling entered with a neatly crafted tray — freshly sliced strawberries, a cup of fragrant tea, and three steaming buns.
She halted for the briefest moment upon seeing Choi in Seo's arms.
Surprise flickered across her face — along with something else Seo could not quite identify — before it was carefully suppressed.
Ling placed the tray beside the bed.
"The guests request an audience before they depart for today's expedition," she said politely.
Seo exhaled softly. She would have preferred to remain where she was.
Still, she gently shifted Choi aside and sat up. After finishing the neatly prepared breakfast — tapping her stomach in quiet satisfaction — she dressed and descended the stairs.
In the courtyard, Meihua and her party waited.
They bowed respectfully.
Seo merely nodded before settling into a rocking chair she had personally crafted on the day of their arrival.
The chair swayed lazily.
"So," she said, rocking gently. "What did you wish to discuss?"
At Meihua's signal, an attendant stepped forward and presented a small pouch.
Inside were ten gold ingots and ten spirit stones.
"We hope to request provisions during our stay," Meihua said smoothly. "As well as any items that may ease our journey."
Seo regarded her with calculating eyes.
After a brief pause, she extended her hand.
Three storage rings appeared first.
Then two golden spirit apples.
Followed by neatly wrapped rice balls and several spirit strawberries.
The moment the items materialized from her inventory, the attendants stiffened in shock.
Meihua's composure remained intact — but only barely.
She carefully examined the goods. Their quality was beyond dispute.
These were not items a recently banished noble should possess.
Her earlier caution had been correct.
Provoking Seo would have been a mistake.
Now, a new thought formed in her mind — one far more valuable than a fruit.
A long-term relationship.
Seo ignored their astonishment, took the pouch, and stored it away. She closed her eyes and resumed rocking gently.
After a moment, Meihua released a light, genuine laugh.
She bowed slightly.
"Our gratitude."
She informed Seo of their intention to explore deeper into the forest and estimated the time of their return.
Once preparations were complete, the group turned to leave.
Just before they passed through the gates, Choi's voice called out calmly.
"There is something dangerous near the ponds."
Meihua paused.
"Be careful."
A faint smirk tugged at Meihua's lips, though her eyes sharpened.
Without another word, she continued forward into the forest.