"Young master..."

After the magician was knocked flying by what Baiyi threw, the magical chains tightly wrapped around her vanished.

But having just been injured by that violent magic, Xiao Ling couldn’t move.

Her injuries left her completely limp, lying where she fell.

Her fragile, slender limbs sprawled across the ground.

Her once lovely face was now stained with sticky cold sweat, dust, and two clear tear tracks, pale and disheveled.

"Xiao Ling..."

Baiyi tossed the black-clad corpse aside, vaulted over the stage, and rushed to her side, crouching down.

Drip. Drip.

Dark red blood had soaked his cloth robe through.

Drop by drop, it trickled down his clothes, gathering at the hem before falling.

"Young master..."

He was covered in blood.

Was he hurt?

Seeing the crimson stains on Baiyi’s once-clean robe, Xiao Ling’s face twisted with worry.

She cared more for him than herself.

"This isn’t my blood. It’s from those scumbags."

Baiyi gently stroked her cold, haggard face.

His touch was tender, afraid any pressure might hurt her fragile form.

Master’s hand... so warm.

Feeling that warmth, Xiao Ling’s worry eased.

Her gaze at him held a trace of gratitude.

"I’m... fine, Young master."

But exhaustion made her voice weak and halting.

"Tch. Those guys were just annoying."

Damn it. Were they working together?

Baiyi stared at the magician twitching on the stage screen and the corpses behind him, his expression grim.

His grip on the Curved Saber at his waist tightened.

"I’m sorry. As a Maid, I’ve only caused you trouble, Young master."

"No. You’re not at fault. You’re just a Maid. What you did was enough."

Baiyi pulled a strangely colored potion from his belt and held it to her lips.

"Young master, this is..."

"Holy healing water. A trinket the old man from the Church gave me."

Xiao Ling’s face showed shock, but Baiyi ignored it.

He strode over and scooped up Lian Ye, who was still dumbly rummaging through a bag for puppets.

"Dad... Dad!"

"You still know to call me Dad? You little brat, do you realize the trouble you caused?"

He glanced at Xiao Ling, who’d sacrificed herself for Lian Ye’s safety, then at the clueless fool.

Anger burned in Baiyi’s chest, itching to thrash her.

"Dad... Dad?"

Seeing his darkening face, Lian Ye shut her eyes and mouth tight.

Her hands covered her bottom, bracing for a spanking.

"You... Hmph! I’ll deal with you later, fool."

Baiyi wanted to discipline her, but Xiao Ling’s weakness couldn’t wait.

She needed treatment back at the Imperial Palace.

He glared at Lian Ye, grabbed her small hand, and led her to Xiao Ling’s side.

Seeing his anger, Lian Ye followed obediently, standing quietly.

Dad... is angry.

Did I do wrong?

Whimper...

"Young master..."

Watching Baiyi bring the guilt-ridden Lian Ye over, Xiao Ling didn’t understand.

"Let’s go. Time to head back."

Baiyi glanced at the magician writhing with a twisted face but ignored him.

Xiao Ling mattered more than enemies.

The holy water healed wounds fast, but her body would stay weak.

Baiyi worried about permanent damage. He needed her checked at the Imperial Palace now.

"But those people..."

Xiao Ling looked at the struggling magician, a trace of fear in her eyes.

Her hands gripped Baiyi’s arm tightly.

Seeing her fear, Baiyi’s brow furrowed slightly. His disgust for the magician surged.

But he suppressed the urge to tear the guy apart, focusing on Lian Ye and Xiao Ling.

"Ignore them. You matter more."

Me? I matter more?

Hearing words like a confession, Xiao Ling’s face flushed faintly, warmth spreading through her chest.

A flutter stirred there—she didn’t know this feeling.

But with Baiyi near, she felt deeply secure.

An impulse to trust him completely.

"Let’s go. Don’t bother with these troublesome guys."

Baiyi stripped off his blood-soaked robe and scooped Xiao Ling up in a princess carry.

The sudden move flustered her, panic flashing on her face.

"Y-young master?"

"Don’t move. You’re not fully healed yet!"

His voice was stern, but Xiao Ling saw a faint blush on his face, his eyes avoiding hers.

Baiyi was shy.

Gently, she shifted closer, leaning against his chest.

Like a little white cat seeking warmth, she lay quietly in his arms.

"Yes, Young master..."