Chapter 229
Lin Wan blinked in sheer confusion. "...Four people?"
The older woman nodded her head with absolute, unshakeable confidence. "Yes, four. You... and the three little ones growing inside you."
Standing near the window, Cassian quietly turned his head away, clearing his throat silently to hide his reaction.
Lin Wan quickly covered her burning face with both of her hands. "Sister Yun... you really do not have to remind me of that exact count at every single meal."
The older woman chuckled warmly, totally unbothered by her embarrassment. "I most certainly do! It is my sacred duty to ensure you stay healthy."
The young maid stepped forward timidly, carefully lifting the heavy ceramic bowls off the wooden tray and placing them neatly on the bedside table. Sister Yun noticed Lin Wan staring with mild curiosity at the unfamiliar, nervous young face.
Sister Yun smiled warmly, gesturing toward the girl. "My Lady, this is Mira. She will be assisting me with your daily care from today onward."
The young maid quickly dropped into another polite bow. "This servant greets Lady Lin."
Lin Wan offered a gentle, reassuring smile to put the nervous girl at ease. "It is very nice to meet you, Mira."
Mira’s tense, frightened expression instantly eased at the soft warmth in Lin Wan’s voice. "It is an absolute honor to serve you, My Lady.
Sister Yun folded her hands neatly together in front of her apron. "Mira recently completed her formal training under the chief palace attendants. She is incredibly hardworking, meticulous with her duties, and best of all... she talks far less than I do."
Lin Wan smiled, her dark eyes twinkling. "I have already noticed that quality."
Sister Yun broke into a jolly laugh without a shred of embarrassment. "I shall take that observation as high praise, My Lady!"
Even Cassian, standing by the window, let out a quiet, low chuckle. The heavy, tense aura that usually hung over the imperial chambers seemed to completely melt away into the warm afternoon air.
A short while later...
Cassian had already departed from the residential quarters to attend the delayed military council meeting in the main hall.
With the Sovereign gone, the grand bedroom became much quieter, filled only with the pleasant, comforting scents of rich herbs and warm broth.
Sister Yun carefully poured a steaming bowl of dark herbal soup, tested its temperature, and then placed the smooth ceramic dish directly into Lin Wan’s waiting hands. "Drink every single drop while it is still warm, My Lady."
Lin Wan obediently blew on the dark liquid and took a small sip. Her eyes lit up slightly. "It actually tastes much better today than it did yesterday."
Sister Yun smiled proudly, smoothing down her clean apron. "Physician Alaric adjusted the herb combination this morning. He explicitly mentioned that these specific roots will help strengthen your blood and boost your physical stamina before the heavy labor of childbirth begins."
Lin Wan nodded thoughtfully, taking another slow sip. "I will make sure to finish the entire bowl then."
"Good girl," Sister Yun approved warmly.
A short distance away, young Mira stood quietly near the large, carved wooden cabinet.
She worked with incredible care, neatly folding freshly washed, miniature baby clothes made of ultra-soft white cotton and arranging them in neat stacks inside the drawers
Lin Wan held her soup bowl with both hands, quietly watching the young maid work for a quiet moment. "Have you worked here inside the Citadel for very long, Mira?"
Mira paused her folding, turning her head and shaking it softly. "Only three years, My Lady."
"Were you born here within the Citadel city walls?" Lin Wan asked, genuinely interested.
"Yes, My Lady," Mira replied politely. "My father works in the outer armory."
Lin Wan offered a soft, gentle smile. "I have never really had the chance to speak directly with anyone who actually grew up inside this fortress."
Mira hesitated, shifting her weight nervously from foot to foot as she held a tiny cotton tunic in her hands. "May... may I ask a question and answer honestly, My Lady?"
"Of course you may," Lin Wan said encouragingly.
"When I was first assigned to this courtyard..." Mira admitted in a low whisper, looking down at her shoes, "...I was afraid of meeting you.
Lin Wan blinked her dark eyes in total surprise. "...Afraid of me?"
Mira nodded her head awkwardly, her cheeks turning slightly pink. "The wild rumors among the lower servants... they said that you were a very fierce, terrifying warrior woman from the foreign lands. They also claimed that you deeply hated everyone who lived inside this Citadel."
Lin Wan stared at the timid young maid for three full seconds before bursting into a sweet, ringing laugh that echoed through the room. "Do I truly look fierce to you, Mira?"
Mira quickly waved both of her hands back and forth in a frantic panic. "No! Oh, no, My Lady! I mean... certainly not anymore!"
Beside the bed, Sister Yun quickly raised her cloth to her mouth to hide her quiet snickers.
Lin Wan let out a dramatic, playful sigh, shaking her head. "So it turns out I had a completely terrible reputation among the palace staff behind my back."
Mira offered a shy, sweet smile. "Only at first, My Lady. But everyone who serves inside this courtyard now openly says that you are remarkably kind."
Lin Wan looked genuinely taken aback by the statement. "They really say that about me?"
Sister Yun took it upon herself to answer the question, her motherly voice full of deep warmth. "You always make a conscious effort to thank the lower servants whenever they bring you food or water, Lady Lin. You have never once raised your voice in anger at a maid for a minor mistake. You even apologize to us when something goes wrong that was completely out of your control."
The older woman stepped closer and sat down gently on the edge of the bed. "Do you have any idea how extraordinarily rare and unusual that kind of genuine humility is among highborn nobles?"
Lin Wan shook her head slowly, looking down at her dark soup. "I was not trying to be noble or extraordinary. I was simply raised to be polite to people."
Sister Yun smiled gently, patting Lin Wan’s knee through the blanket. "True kindness often looks completely ordinary to those who possess it, My Lady. But rest assured, everyone else notices it clearly."
Lin Wan fell into a quiet, thoughtful silence. She had truly never viewed her simple daily actions in such a light before.
Just as she was finishing the last sip of her herbal broth...
A firm, familiar male voice echoed from the corridor outside the open door frame. "Lady Lin."
Lin Wan looked toward the entrance, recognizing the voice instantly. "You may enter, Captain Ronan."
The dark-armored captain walked into the room, bringing his boots to a clean halt before bowing with complete respect. "My Lady. I sincerely apologize for disturbing your afternoon rest."
"There is no need for apologies, Captain," she said gently. "What brings you here?"
Ronan looked slightly uncomfortable under her clear gaze, shifting his posture slightly.
"His Majesty has instructed me to deliver a personal message directly to you."
Lin Wan waited patiently, setting her empty soup bowl down on the side table.
Ronan cleared his throat and spoke with precise clarity. "Beginning tomorrow morning... you will be officially permitted to walk freely within the inner palace gardens for an hour each morning.
Lin Wan’s dark eyes widened in absolute shock and delight. "...Really? He truly granted that permission?"
Captain Ronan nodded his head firmly. "Yes. The strict room confinement restriction has been officially eased by His Majesty’s order.
As long as Sister Yun, Mira, and your designated Shadow Guards remain nearby to ensure your safety, you may enjoy the gardens whenever you feel well enough.
Lin Wan could not hide the bright, beautiful smile that swept across her pale face, her heart soaring at the thought of fresh air and sunlight. "Thank you, Captain Ronan! Please convey my deep gratitude to him."
Captain Ronan offered a faint, respectful smile of his own. "I will inform His Majesty of your words immediately, My Lady."
As the captain turned his body to depart, Lin Wan suddenly called out to him. "Captain Ronan!"
Ronan immediately paused his steps, turning back. "Yes, Lady Lin?"
She hesitated for a brief second, her fingers lightly curling into the blanket as she asked in a low, careful tone, "...Did anyone get hurt out on the ice today?"
Captain Ronan understood the true depth of her quiet question instantly. His expression softened remarkably. "No, My Lady. The meeting between both leaders ended completely peacefully."
A visible, overwhelming wave of relief washed over Lin Wan’s entire posture, her shoulders dropping as a soft sigh left her lips. "That is so wonderful to hear."
Ronan bowed deeply one final time before turning and quietly exiting the room, closing the heavy doors behind him.
The grand bedchamber became peaceful and still once again.
Lin Wan slowly swung her legs over the edge of the bed, supported gently by Sister Yun as she stood up. She walked slowly across the warm wooden floor until she stood directly before the tall crystal window.
Far in the distance... far beyond the towering walls of the Supreme Citadel and the endless snow-covered mountain peaks...
Two massive, powerful armies still stood facing each other in the freezing white valley
Yet for one more precious day...
Not a single drops of blood had been spilled. Not a single sword had been drawn in anger.
Lin Wan gently rested both of her hands over her swollen stomach, feeling the tiny, energetic kicks of her unborn babies. A sweet, hopeful smile touched her lips as she whispered softly into the quiet room, "You three..."
"It seems everyone in this world is quietly waiting for you to arrive before deciding the future."