The next day.
The day was just like any other, with the sun shining brightly and its golden rays streaming through the window, casting a glow in the room and enveloping the sleeping girl.
Lilia was sleeping by Iris's bedside, her long eyelashes trembled slightly as if she were in a deep slumber.
Her hand gently held Iris's smooth little hand, as if afraid that the owner of those hands would slip away if she wasn't careful.
Suddenly, a tear rolled down Lilia's cheek, dropping into her palm and dissipating instantly, leaving no trace.
Clearly, Lilia had dreamt of something tragic, causing tears to flow from the corners of her eyes.
Lilia slowly opened her hazy eyes, reaching up to wipe away the tear marks on her face, then lowered her head to carefully observe her daughter lying on the bed.
Iris was still in a deep sleep, but her pale little face looked much rosier, unlike yesterday when she seemed devoid of any color.
As Lilia gazed upon her precious daughter's peaceful countenance, her eyes grew even more tender.
She extended her index finger to gently touch Iris's soft face, her eyes filled with deep affection.
Only when Iris was severely injured and unconscious could Lilia observe her beloved daughter up close like this. Otherwise, Iris would definitely chase her away, not allowing her to get near.
At that moment, Baixi entered the room with breakfast in hand. She approached the bed with light steps, respectfully arranging the breakfast and softly called out, "Madam Grandmother, please have breakfast. I will take care of Lady Mother from now on."
"Mm." Lilia raised her head, nodding slightly in acknowledgment to Baixi.
"Madam Grandmother, please try the taste of this porridge first." Baixi handed over the bowl of porridge in front of Lilia.
Lilia accepted the bowl, scooped up a spoonful, blew on it, and brought it to her lips.
The porridge was cooked to perfection, with plump and sticky grains, deliciously sweet and soft. It mixed various vegetables and meats, stimulating the appetite.
Unconsciously, the small bowl of porridge quickly emptied.
Lilia set down the empty bowl, picked up a handkerchief, and gently wiped the corner of her mouth, displaying an elegant gesture embodying the nobility of her character.
"Madam Grandmother, would you like to go back and rest now?" Baixi asked with concern after seeing Lilia finish her porridge.
Lilia shook her head. "I want to stay here with Iris. If Iris wakes up, then I'll leave. Also, don't call me Madam Grandmother. Iris..."
Lilia counted on her fingers, "Iris is only nine years old this year, how can I have a daughter? You idiot, don't go claiming false kinship!"
"Cough, cough!" Baixi covered her chest, clearly choked, but she didn't argue with Lilia's words. Instead, she obediently changed her wording to comply with Lilia's wishes. "Big Sister Lilia, like this instead?"
"Yes, that's better." Lilia finally showed a satisfied expression.
There were two reasons why Baixi didn't explain. First, Lilia had amnesia; she had no memory of Baixi being her granddaughter. Second, by becoming sisters with her grandmother, Baixi would be Iris's aunt, and she could take advantage of this opportunity to benefit. Such opportunities were rare.
If Iris found out that Baixi had entertained so many wicked thoughts while she was unconscious, she would probably go berserk. In the vampire world, such things were considered an invitation to be beaten up, and Iris would definitely make someone deeply feel her wrath.
Although Iris severed ties with Lilia, blood ties are something that cannot be severed. No matter how bad their relationship is, Iris will always be Lilia's daughter, because she carries the blood of the Cecilia royal family.
Seeing Lilia's persistence, Baixi spoke up, "In that case, sister, I shall take my leave first."
"Alright, go ahead and busy yourself. I will stay here to take care of Iri," Lilia waved her hand.
"Then I bid you farewell, Your Excellency Grandmother," Baixi bowed and left the room.
In this world, only Baixi dares to dance back and forth on Iris's high-voltage line. What a brave warrior!
After Baixi left, Lilia approached the bedside and stared at the sleeping girl's face, her gaze full of tenderness and kindness.
She stared for a whole day until the evening, when Lilia changed her position and continued to watch her daughter.
...
Baiying and Ling were still diligently practicing swordsmanship, unaware of Iris's injury, or even the news of Iris's return. After all, they were young, and once they found out about Iris's injury, they would surely be worried and unable to concentrate on their practice.
Baiying was defeated by Ling every time. She rubbed her sore arms and muttered unwillingly, "Aunt, I lost again."
Firefly chuckled lightly, "Just lucky to win."
Hearing this, Baiying stopped complaining and practiced sword moves seriously. After an unknown amount of time, Baiying finally stopped. She collapsed on the lawn, gazing at the sunset in the sky, murmuring to herself, "Aunt, Mother hasn't come back for a year, she hasn't even sent a letter. Do you think something dangerous has happened to her?"
Ling's movements paused, silent for a moment before sighing softly, "It shouldn't be. Lady Sister is powerful and has many skilled people by her side. She shouldn't encounter trouble."
Listening to Ling's comforting words, Baiying became even more discouraged, "Ah~ I really hope Mother comes back soon. It's been a year since I last saw her. I miss her so much."
Ling patted Baiying's shoulder and said, "Perhaps Lady Sister's war over there has reached its final stage, she will be back soon."
"Yes, I believe in Aunt," Baiying's spirit lifted, her eyes sparkling like stars, dazzlingly bright.
"Let's go, I'll take you to bathe," Ling pulled Baiying and headed towards the bathroom.
...
Yar sat in a chair, approving various documents that required her signature and consent.
As the Empress, while the Demon Emperor was out on military campaigns, she, as his capable assistant, took care of all the affairs of the Shuowang Empire.
Once everything was in order, she would run to the Demon Emperor's bedroom to bathe, then lie on his soft bed covered with his favorite silk quilt, and imagine herself being embraced in his arms.
Yar smiled lightly, her eyes shimmering with happiness, as if she was fantasizing about her and the Demon Emperor's beautiful life together.
Accompanied by her fantasy, she gradually fell asleep.
...
On the Ruined Land continent, Sui Liangfeng looked at the letter left by Qizhou. The content of the letter was: Your Majesty has been cursed, so Shizhi, Jinghe, Beezelbub, Baixi, and I will take Your Majesty back to the Shuowang Empire for treatment.
"May Your Majesty be safe and sound," Sui Liangfeng muttered to himself, then composed himself and resumed handling the affairs of the Wing Kingdom.
Recently, some fanatical followers of the White Dragon have been clamoring to erect a statue of the White Dragon Lord in the central city square, and there are even those who want to rename the Wing Kingdom as the White Dragon Kingdom.
What's most outrageous is that these proposals were unanimously passed in the representative assembly. Of course, Sui Liangfeng did not participate in it; he was only responsible for tallying the votes.
Sui Liangfeng could already foresee a future where the people of the Wing Kingdom would all become fervent followers of little Baixi, and even the stray dogs by the roadside probably would too.