Book Synopsis
Book Tags
Donation Rankings
Comment
0 Comments
You May Also Like
墨書 Inktalez
As the night deepened, a cool evening breeze swept through the corridors of the Imperial Garden. I hurriedly made my way along the flower path.
"System, do you think Lord Commander is... overacting?" I muttered to myself as I walked.
"Host, host," the system replied with a teasing tone, "are you sure that was acting?"
"What else could it be?" I rolled my eyes, but a strange flutter stirred within me. I recalled how he had shielded me from drinks in front of the Crown Prince today, the warmth of his wrist brushing against mine, and the fleeting tenderness in his gaze when he looked at me...
Lost in my thoughts, I suddenly heard whispers coming from a pavilion ahead.
"The Crown Prince is right; that commander really is different towards this girl. Whenever she's around, his eyes follow her."
"Shh, keep it down! Did you see how he protected her today? The plan is for tomorrow; we can't let anything slip."
"Exactly! As long as we capture this girl, we won't have to worry about Xiao Yuan complying!"
My heart tightened instinctively, and I stopped in my tracks. They were... planning to use me to threaten Xiao Yuan? Damn it, I should have seen this coming!
"Be careful, host!" the system suddenly shouted. "Someone's behind you!"
But it was too late. Just as I turned around, a large hand covered my mouth from behind while another hand seized my wrist. I struggled desperately but caught a whiff of a pungent fragrance. My consciousness began to blur.
No... I need to leave a clue... As my awareness faded, I used my last bit of strength to pretend to struggle and tore off the jade pendant from my waist. It was the one Xiao Yuan had given me for protection last time, engraved with a unique lotus pattern. More importantly... it was his keepsake he had carried for years.
The pendant fell with a "clink" and rolled under the Yuegui tree.
"Hopefully... he can understand my hint..." A heavy drowsiness washed over me as I tried to remember the direction I was taken—westward, towards a secluded path leading out of the palace...
"Don't worry," the system's voice gradually faded away. "With the male lead's cleverness, he will definitely find you..."
That was my last thought before plunging into darkness. Damn it, I should have had Xiao Yuan escort me back today... Wait, why am I thinking like this?
I don't know how long it was before I slowly regained consciousness from my stupor. My head still felt heavy, but years of crisis management instincts kept me alert as I discreetly surveyed my surroundings.
The place was small, resembling an abandoned hunter's cabin. Moonlight filtered through the cracks in the door, revealing shadows moving outside; there were at least four or five guards. The air carried a musty smell mixed with a faint hint of pine—wait, was that the scent of locust flowers?
I quietly glanced at the table by the window and indeed spotted a familiar Aroma Pouch. Wasn't that what I found in the Imperial Garden last time? The Crown Prince's people really are... using the same supplier for their spices.
"Ding! Important clue discovered!" the system exclaimed excitedly. "Now we know who did this!"
I mentally noted this information. In my line of work, every detail could become crucial evidence.
Just then, footsteps echoed outside. I immediately closed my eyes and pretended to still be unconscious.
"Are you awake?" a rough voice called out.
"Replying to you, my lord, that aphrodisiac can at least make someone sleep until dawn."
"Hmph, that's perfect. When the sun comes up, let Xiao Yuan see where his precious darling is," the speaker sneered. "I want to see whether he values beauty or his future more!"
It turned out to be guard Zhao. I almost chuckled aloud; this trusted aide of the Crown Prince really lacked vision. In modern corporate settings, such threats against a superior had long been outdated!
But I had to pretend to be a bit weaker. After all, sometimes showing vulnerability in the workplace could yield more information.
"Um..." I deliberately let out a soft moan, pretending to just wake up.
"Awake?" guard Zhao immediately leaned closer. "Little beauty, how are you feeling? Still dizzy?"
Feigning panic, I asked, "What... what do you want from me?"
"Don't be afraid," he said with a sinister smile. "As long as you cooperate, you'll see your Commander Xiao soon."
"Lord Commander?" I looked at him with innocent eyes. "Why are you capturing me?"
"Heh," guard Zhao looked down at me condescendingly. "What do you think? The entire harem knows how much Xiao Yuan cares about you. The Crown Prince said that as long as we capture you, he won't hesitate to comply."
"But..." I whispered, "the Lord Commander and I only have a normal superior-subordinate relationship."
"Normal?" guard Zhao scoffed. "Do you think we're blind?"
"It's almost dawn," guard Zhao stood up. "Just stay here for now. When the sun rises, someone will come to fetch you."
Once they left, I immediately surveyed my surroundings. "System," I quietly flexed my wrists while asking, "do you think Xiao Yuan has already noticed I'm missing?"
"With such obvious clues left behind," the system chuckled ambiguously, "given the male lead's level of focus, he must have noticed by now!"
"What level of focus!" I shot a glare at the system, but inside I felt a strange sense of anticipation.
Speaking of which... what is he doing right now?
Comment 0 Comment Count