The sun had already dipped behind the distant ridges of Tianxia Guo when I stepped out, the stone path cool beneath my feet. Evening mist curled through the lantern-lit streets like soft breath, and yet—
I froze.
Yilin.
She stood near the garden gate, her hands clasped in front of her, eyes darting nervously—until she spotted me.
She rushed forward with a rehearsed warmth.
> "Miss Liu! You're here!"
> "Why are you here?" I asked, cold.
Her smile faltered, just for a second.
> "Miss Qing Xia dismissed me… she said my behavior was erratic. But I heard you're starting a new shop. You might be hiring, right?"
> "And why would you think I'd hire you?"
> "Because you're kind… please, Miss Liu. I need this."
> "Kindness isn't blindness, Yilin. If Qing Xia let you go, then you're not suited for this work."
Her lip quivered. But I didn't stay to watch her tears.
The heavy front doors of the house closed behind me like a seal.
The warm scent of soy and herbs drew me toward the kitchen. Liyu stood barefoot by the stove, hair tied in a messy bun, humming lightly to herself. A patch of flour dusted her cheek. She looked peaceful—more than I had seen in weeks.
I crept closer and slammed the counter playfully.
She didn't flinch.
> "Master, you look happy," she said, grinning over her shoulder.
> "You stole my line." I raised a brow. "Why are you cooking?"
> "We have no servants now. So I'm taking care of everything." She gave the wok a proud shake.
> "Then I'm looking forward to tasting your effort."
She smiled again—wider this time—and returned to stirring.
After a while, she glanced toward me.
> "I've prepared your bath, Master. Before dinner."
I gave a small nod and headed off.
The bath was still steaming when I entered. Jasmine and cedarwood curled up from the surface like a welcome. I lowered myself into the warmth, eyes half-closing.
> "Gods… I love this," I murmured. "Smells like peace."
A sudden noise.
My body tensed. I was up in an instant, half-wet, sword drawn and clothes half-fastened. The steps outside the washroom were light—but not hesitant.
I stepped into the hall.
A shadow darted across the entrance.
My grip tightened.
> "Master?" Liyu's voice came, calm and soft.
I lowered my blade, heart pounding harder than I wanted to admit.
> "Liyu… were you here long?"
> "Just now. Is something wrong?"
> "No. Let's eat."
At the table, she served the meal with quiet precision. But I wasn't tasting anything. My mind was still stuck on that shadow.
She noticed.
> "Master, if it's not good, you can tell me. I'll improve."
> "It's not the food. You've improved, truly. I'm just… distracted."
She looked down, then slowly set her chopsticks aside.
> "Master… I need to confess something."
Before I could speak, she slid from her seat and knelt on the floor, shoulders tight with guilt.
> "I made a mistake."
> "Liyu, get up. Tell me what happened."
She lifted her eyes, and they shimmered.
> "I saw Han Rui today."
That name. It cracked the quiet in the room like a stone through glass.
> "Where?"
> "Near the old courtyard… I was just buying vegetables. He looked drunk. I tried to walk away but—he recognized me. He said I was the type who chased after wealthy men."
My jaw tightened.
> "What did you say?"
> "I asked how many girls he'd been with… He laughed. Said I was interested in him."
Her voice dropped.
> "He grabbed my hand. I tried to pull away. Then… he kissed me."
Silence hung thick.
I didn't speak, just clenched my fist under the table.
> "I bit him." Her voice cracked. "But he didn't stop. He laughed, kissed me again, and then… fell. I ran. I didn't look back."
I exhaled, slowly.
> "You did what you had to. I'm glad you're safe."
She looked up, fragile.
> "Please punish me, Master. I know I'm not supposed to get involved—"
I raised a hand to silence her.
> "Do you remember what I told you… two years ago?"
Her voice softened.
> "You said… if I betrayed you, you'd kill me without hesitation. And that If I get close to any man you'll punish me."
> "And you accepted that willingly."
> "Yes, Master."
I leaned back.
> "This wasn't your fault. You didn't betray me. But tell me—why didn't you use your martial arts?"
She hesitated.
> "Because… I didn't want him to know I could fight."
I looked at her for a long moment. Then nodded.
> "Understandable. But next time—don't hesitate."
She wiped her eyes, trying to compose herself. Then suddenly glanced around.
> "Wait… the special soup. I made it—it was right here."
> "Maybe you ate it while cooking?" I teased.
But she didn't smile. She was watching the doorway.
> "No… I think someone's been inside."
I slowly turned toward the shadows creeping along the far corridor.
> "You felt it too."
> "Yes. There's someone around. A thief, maybe."
> "I'll look into it. First thing tomorrow."
She nodded silently.
Dinner finished in uneasy quiet. The warmth of her food did little to soften the cold settling over my thoughts.
That night, I lay in bed, sword beneath the pillow.
The silence was too perfect.
And somewhere in the walls of Tianxia Guo... something was listening.