Candace handed the maid uniform to Zeiya and said, "This is a uniform that fits your size. From now on, you will be living here."

"Thank you," Zeiya reached out to take it.

Candace glanced at her indifferently and said, "I have things to attend to. I will come find you during dinner time. You are free to do as you please."

"Thank you for your trouble."

"You're welcome."

After Candace left, Zeiya immediately changed into the maid outfit and walked to the mirror, admiring her reflection.

The black long skirt accentuated Zeiya's delicate shoulders. The hem of the skirt reached her ankles, revealing a pair of snow-white and delicate legs, with a slender waist. She wore a lace headband on top of her head, with pointed ears and a ponytail, giving her a playful and lively appearance.

Next, Zeiya picked up a white apron, tied it around her waist, and secured it with a bow, then put on black British-style leather shoes.

After dressing herself, Zeiya was satisfied with her reflection in the mirror, a perfect disguise.

The only thing left to do was to seek an opportunity to meet Yi.

At night, the bright moon hung high in the sky, scattering a silver glow and adding a touch of mystery to the palace buildings.

In a quiet pavilion, surrounded by green trees and lush grass, a tea set was placed on a stone table, with the scent of tea lingering in the air.

A slender figure sat beside the table, holding a teacup and taking a sip of the fragrant tea.

Her skin was pale, her features deep and beautiful, as if meticulously carved, exuding the elegance and temperament of a noble.

This person was Iris.

Baixi held a teapot and poured it slowly, with the hot steam swirling in the air. Baixi's jade fingers picked up the tea cup, brought it close to her lips, and took a small sip. "Delicious."

"Do you need anything, Baixi?" Iris set down the teacup and looked at it, now covered with a layer of silver, then spoke slowly.

"Mother, today I encountered a girl rummaging through the trash cans. Her lifespan is less than two years, and her circumstances are similar to ours. Out of sympathy, I brought her back." Baixi's fingers caressed the porcelain, her eyes fixed on the patterns on the teacup, speaking calmly.

"Mother approves, there's nothing wrong with it. You are the princess of the Shuowang Empire, helping the people is only natural." Iris took a sip of the clear tea and gently smiled in response to Baixi's words.

"Hehe~" Baixi scratched her head with her finger, giggled twice, then threw herself into Iris' arms, acting spoiled, "Mother understands me the most~"

Iris gently touched Baixi's soft face and looked at her tenderly, asking, "What is her name?"

"Her name is Zeiya. She is an orphan from the border city - Lidu." Baixi slipped out from Iris' embrace and answered.

"Lidu, an orphan." Iris muttered softly, her eyes shimmering with complex emotions.

"It's getting late, Baixi. You should go back to sleep."

"Umm." Baixi's face drooped, she pouted and complained, "I want to chat with you here for a while."

Iris pinched her nose with fondness, "Alright, stop throwing a tantrum. Go back to your room and rest."

"Then I will go to sleep~ You should rest early too." Baixi stood up, bowed to Iris, and reluctantly turned to leave.

After Baixi left, Iris' benevolent gaze gradually turned cold, as if the indulgent expression she had just shown to the child was nothing but an illusion.

"Zeiya! Lidu." Iris narrowed her eyes, a shadow of darkness flickering in her gaze, "What do you want to do by infiltrating the palace with Baixi's sympathy?"

"Dugu!"

After a moment, a shadow silently appeared behind Iris. Kneeling on one knee, the shadow said, "Your Majesty, please give your command."

"Go to the welfare institute in Lidu and investigate the registration of the girl named Zeya."

"Yes, Your Majesty."

"Go." Iris waved her hand, and the shadow quickly disappeared.

...

The next day, in the early morning, as the sun rose, golden sunlight shone upon Nightless City, filling every corner of the city with a taste of warmth.

Lanzu held Lilia's hand and strolled along the streets of Nightless City. "Lanzu, where were you the past few days? I couldn't find you or Iris anywhere in the palace when I woke up."

"Well..." Lanzu paused for a moment, then continued walking. "I was inspecting the living conditions of the border residents with Iris, so we weren't in the palace."

"Is that so?" Lilia looked into Lanzu's eyes, as if trying to determine the truth behind her words.

"Of course it's true." Lanzu replied firmly.

"Oh, I don't believe you!" Lilia pouted, not convinced by her explanation.

"In my memory, Lanzu hesitates when lying. You must be lying to me."

Seeing a stall nearby selling candied hawthorns, Lanzu led Lilia to it.

Lanzu bought two sticks of candied hawthorns and handed them to Lilia. "Here, have some."

Lilia took the candied hawthorns and took a bite, savoring the sweet and sour taste that filled her mouth. With satisfied eyes, she enjoyed chewing, seemingly forgetting her previous questions about where Lanzu had been the past few days.

"Lanzu, you should eat too." Suddenly, Lilia tugged on Lanzu's sleeve, urging her to take a bite as well.

Lanzu didn't refuse Lilia's offer. She opened her mouth and took a bite, chewing and swallowing.

Although Lilia had regained her memories about Iris and Lanzu, she still had a childlike nature. Little things that children play with always manage to capture her attention.

Just like at this moment, the two sticks of candied hawthorns successfully attracted Lilia's attention, making her forget her previous doubts and wholeheartedly focus on enjoying the food.

Lanzu didn't want Lilia to know that she and Iris had gone to the border for battle, as she didn't want her to come along. The battlefield was a dangerous place and her sister had no fighting abilities. It would be disastrous if something happened to her. For this reason, Lanzu chose to keep it a secret for now.

The two of them walked leisurely on the streets, with Lilia eating the candied hawthorns and occasionally pointing out interesting things for Lanzu to buy.

Unbeknownst to them, one stick of candied hawthorns had already been finished. Although Lilia still had one unopened stick in her hand, she didn't want to eat it anymore, as it was meant to be given to Iris.

"Lanzu, let's go home. I want to give this stick of candied hawthorn to Iris!" Lilia licked her lips, covered in sugar syrup, and smiled brightly, like a child filled with hope.

"According to sister's intention, we should go back to the palace." Lanzu patted her small head gently and coaxed her in a gentle tone.

At this moment, Rui Ze was sweeping the courtyard with a broom, but her mind was occupied with thoughts about how to meet Yi.

She was unfamiliar with the Imperial Palace of Shuowang Empire, let alone knowing where Yi resided.

Ruize dared not to rashly enter, for this place could be regarded as the devil's headquarters. If he was slightly careless, his life could be lost.

Just as Ruize was troubled, he suddenly heard footsteps approaching. It was followed by the sound of a guard announcing, "Presenting Her Majesty the Queen and the Grand Princess."

Upon hearing this, Ruize immediately placed the broom aside and respectfully bowed to the arrivals.

"Rise," Lanzu said coldly.

Ruize slowly stood up and looked at the person in front of him, it was Yi!

Yi was dressed in a flowing black robe, with exquisite features and a noble and elegant bearing.

"A newcomer?" Lanzu's gaze fell on Ruize and it was obvious that she recognized him as an Archangel.

"Yes," Ruize respectfully nodded, his heart filled with excitement as he finally saw Yi.

Lanzu looked at Ruize indifferently, her expression showing no ripples. She simply said, "Continue with your work."

With those words, Lanzu's lips moved, but no sound came out.

"Lanzu, come over here quickly," Lilia's voice came from afar.

"I'm coming, sister," Lanzu responded, then she lifted her leg and headed towards Lilia.

Ruize picked up the broom and continued working. Yi's lip reading had only four words – "Danger, leave quickly."

Why was Lilia not being imprisoned by Iris? Why didn't Yi leave with her and instead stayed in the palace? Ruize was puzzled, but unfortunately, he couldn't communicate with Yi to understand.

From Lilia's lively appearance, she seemed like a child, lacking the dignity of a Queen, and even a bit childish.

Lilia was not being imprisoned, and Yi also didn't want to leave. What was the reason behind this? Ruize didn't understand, but she faintly felt unsettled.

Yi's lip reading told him to leave, which meant there must be a reason behind it. She decided to follow Yi's words. The palace was heavily guarded, and it wouldn't be easy to sneak out silently. It would be best to seize the opportunity when the patrol team changed shifts at night and make their escape.

"Lanzu, come over quickly," Lilia couldn't help urging as she saw Lanzu slowly approaching.

"I'm coming, sister," Lanzu quickened her pace and reached Lilia's side.

The two stood by Iris's chamber window. "Hold me up. I want to place the candied hawthorn in the most conspicuous place so Iri can see it as soon as she enters the room."

"Okay," Lanzu reached out her hand and supported her sister's waist, easily lifting her up.

Lilia grabbed the window railing, flipped inside, and steadied herself, placing the bag containing the candied hawthorn on the desk.

"This way, Iri can see it as soon as she enters!" Lilia clapped her hands and a radiant smile appeared on her face.

Lilia walked towards the window, gesturing for Lanzu to hand her the bag.

Lanzu was accustomed to her sister's behavior and handed her the bag.

Iris's chamber door was not locked. Lanzu had proposed entering through the front door, but Lilia rejected the idea. She said that Iri disliked her, and entering through the front door would make Iri unhappy, so they always entered through the window.

Lanzu just smiled faintly at this. Whether through the window or the front door, Iris would notice.

After all, every time Lilia comes over, Iris' room always gains some new items.

This time, Lilia placed the dolls she bought on the desk, a large bear doll and a small bear doll.

The big bear embraced the small bear's neck, while the small bear nestled in the big bear's arms, holding a hairpin in its hand.

"Perfect~" Lilia smiled happily as she looked at the desk, revealing a satisfied smile. "Now Iri will surely like them!"

Then, Lilia left with Lanzu through the window.

Due to walking around the streets for half the day, Lilia rested her head on the table.

"Sister, if you're tired, go rest on the bed; you'll catch a cold like this," Lanzu said, sitting nearby and flipping through a book.

"I'm not tired~ I just need a short break."

Gradually, Lilia's breathing became even, clearly indicating that she had fallen asleep.

Lanzu set the book aside, picked up her sister, took off her shoes, and carefully placed her on the bed, covering her with a thin blanket.