Chapter 230
Morning arrived with brilliant, golden sunlight reflecting dazzlingly off the high, snow-draped rooftops of the Supreme Citadel.
For the very first time in many agonizing days, Lin Wan woke completely on her own, well before Sister Yun had a chance to knock on her bedroom door.
She slowly opened her dark eyes, blinking at the soft golden rays filtering through the clear crystal windows. A soothing warmth bathed the room, casting gentle shadows across the dark wooden floorboards.
Before she could even take a full breath, a tender, unmistakable kick landed softly against the palm of her hand resting over her stomach.
A sleepy, affectionate smile instantly spread across her lips. "So you three are awake already?" she whispered into the quiet room.
Another energetic, gentle kick answered her thoughts almost instantly.
Lin Wan let out a soft, melodic laugh. "I will take that as a enthusiastic yes."
Moments later, a gentle, polite knock echoed against the heavy wooden door.
"My Lady?" a timid voice called out. "It is Mira."
"You may come in, Mira," Lin Wan replied warmly, sitting up slowly against her pillows.
The young maid entered the room carrying a steaming ceramic basin filled with warm water, while Sister Yun followed close behind, her arms cradling a fresh, beautifully folded set of winter clothes.
"Good morning, My Lady," Mira greeted, dropping into a polite bow.
"Good morning to you both," Lin Wan said softly.
Sister Yun set the clothes aside and carefully examined Lin Wan’s face, searching every feature for any lingering signs of pale exhaustion before a bright smile broke across her face.
"You slept remarkably well last night, My Lady."
"I truly did," Lin Wan agreed.
"Any lingering dizziness from yesterday?" Sister Yun asked, her eyes narrowing with motherly concern.
Lin Wan shook her head gently. "None at all."
"Any sharp pains in your body?"
"No, Sister Yun."
"Any morning nausea?"
Lin Wan let out a dramatic, exaggerated sigh, shaking her head.
"Sister Yun... I have only just opened my eyes a few moments ago."
The kindly older woman chuckled warmly, totally unbothered by the dramatic reaction.
"I am required to ask these questions, My Lady. Physician Alaric would thoroughly scold me if I neglected even one detail of your morning checkup."
Lin Wan could not help but smile back at her genuine care. "I know he would."
After helping her wash her face and carefully change into a comfortable, light blue winter dress that flowed loosely around her swollen stomach, Sister Yun gently draped a thick, fur-lined white cloak over her shoulders
"You will finally be walking in the inner gardens today, My Lady," Sister Yun reminded her gently, carefully fastening the cloak’s silver clasp.
"Please remember not to walk too quickly on the paths."
"And do not stay out in the cold air for too long," she added sternly.
Lin Wan nodded with absolute obedience. "I will listen to everything you say."
Mira offered a shy, sweet smile. "I will be right beside you to gently remind you if you happen to forget, My Lady."
Lin Wan laughed softly. "So both of you are officially working together against me now?"
"Of course we are," Sister Yun answered with proud confidence. "
Our absolute most important duty in this entire Citadel is taking care of you."
Before Lin Wan could offer a witty reply, another firm knock sounded at the door.
Captain Ronan stepped quietly into the room, bowing with immaculate military posture. "My Lady."
"The inner gardens have been completely secured by our patrols," he reported clearly.
"You may go out whenever you feel ready."
Lin Wan smiled gratefully at the sharp officer. "Thank you very much, Captain."
Ronan gave a respectful nod before stepping aside to clear the doorway.
Outside in the wide corridor, eight elite Shadow Guards quietly stood at attention, instantly taking their positions in a loose, protective perimeter around her.
Sister Yun noticed Lin Wan glancing curiously at the tall, dark-armored guards. "You have gotten quite used to their presence, haven’t you?"
Lin Wan looked toward the imposing guards, watching the soft mist of their breath rise in the cool air. "I suppose I have," she murmured thoughtfully.
"When I first arrived at this fortress... I absolutely hated seeing them stand outside my door."
"And how do you feel about them now?" Sister Yun asked softly.
Lin Wan offered a faint, gentle smile. "They are simply people doing their jobs to protect the palace."
Stepping through the grand archway leading outside, fresh, powdery snow covered the vast expanse of the palace gardens like a shimmering blanket.
Ancient, towering pine trees stretched their heavy, snow-draped branches toward the brilliant blue winter sky.
Beneath protective, shimmering spiritual formations, colorful winter blossoms bloomed in vibrant shades of deep crimson, plum, and gold.
Farther down the manicured stone pathway, a grand frozen pond sparkled like polished glass under the brilliant morning sunlight.
Lin Wan took a deep, slow breath of the crisp winter air, feeling her lungs fill with pure freshness. "The air out here feels absolutely wonderful."
Mira looked around the pristine gardens with excited, sparkling eyes. "The palace gardeners worked all morning clearing the ice off the walkways for you, My Lady. I truly hope you like how it looks."
Lin Wan nodded warmly. "It is remarkably beautiful."
Nearby, an elderly man in simple wool clothes looked up from trimming a thick flowering shrub with heavy iron shears.
Upon noticing Lin Wan walking toward him surrounded by guards, he quickly set his tools down and bowed deeply. "My Lady."
Lin Wan immediately smiled, her voice genuine and kind.
"Good morning to you."
The old gardener looked up, a expression of genuine surprise washing over his weathered, wrinkled face.
"You... you actually greeted a simple servant like me."
Lin Wan blinked her dark eyes, confused by his reaction. "Should I not greet someone who works so hard?"
The old man’s eyes crinkled into a warm, heartfelt smile. "My name is Edwin, My Lady. I have personally cared for these imperial gardens for over forty long years."
Lin Wan looked around at the breathtaking scenery with deep, genuine admiration. "Then these gardens are only this beautiful because of your incredible care and dedication, Master Edwin."
Edwin let out a hearty, booming laugh that warmed the cold air. "I will be sure to tell the winter flowers that you said such lovely things about them!"
Even the stern Shadow Guards standing nearby could not hide the small, amused smiles appearing on their faces.
As Lin Wan slowly continued her quiet stroll down the snow-dusted path, she brought her steps to a halt beside a small, delicate tree whose slender branches were completely covered in tiny, star-shaped white blossoms.
"Do these delicate trees actually bloom in the middle of winter?" she asked, marveling at the fragile petals surviving the freezing air.
Edwin stepped over, nodding gently. "Yes, My Lady. They only bloom after the very first heavy snow of the year has fallen."
His voice softened, a distant, fond look entering his old eyes. "My late wife loved these white flowers more than anything else in this world. I planted this entire grove specifically for her many years ago."
Lin Wan reached out her hand, gently touching one velvety, delicate white blossom with the tip of her finger. "They are breathtakingly beautiful."
"They truly are," Edwin smiled gently. "But flowers do not bloom forever, My Lady."
He looked into her dark, thoughtful eyes. "What truly matters... is that someone remembers they bloomed at all."
His quiet, profound words lingered deeply within Lin Wan’s heart.
Suddenly, without warning, she found herself thinking of her old home. She thought of her simple, peaceful days back in the Lower Realm, and of all the beloved friends she had left behind across the distant realms.
Her soft, happy smile slowly faded, replaced by a lingering, quiet sorrow.
Sister Yun noticed the sudden shift in her aura immediately. "My Lady? Is something wrong?"
Lin Wan quickly shook her head, forcing a soft smile back onto her face. "I am completely alright, Sister Yun. I was simply remembering someone from my past."
Meanwhile...
Deep inside the grand Council Hall of the Supreme Citadel...
The surrounding atmosphere was vastly less peaceful.
General Rowan stood directly before a massive war map laid out across a heavy oak table, pointing toward the strategic mountain passes. "The Silver Leopard Clan army has not advanced a single mile toward our gates," he reported gravely. "They are firmly holding their current defensive positions across the river."
One senior clan elder frowned deeply, shaking his head. "They are simply buying time to gather more reinforcements from their home territory."
Another elder shook his head in disagreement. "Or perhaps their Patriarch is genuinely respecting the temporary agreement he made with His Majesty yesterday."
The heated debate immediately grew louder as the council divided.
"They are our sworn, ancient enemies!"
"Yet they are currently honoring the ceasefire to the letter!"
"We cannot afford to lower our military guard for even a single moment!"
"No one is suggesting we lower our guard!"
"By waiting around, we are merely delaying the inevitable clash!"
Cassian remained silently seated at the very head of the grand table, his face completely unreadable. He quietly listened as every general, elder, and strategist offered their opinion on the situation.
Finally...
The chaotic hall fell into an absolute, expectant silence.
Every single man in the room turned his gaze toward their Sovereign.
General Darius stepped forward, bowing low. "Your Majesty. What are your absolute orders regarding the front lines?"
Cassian stood up slowly, his tall, imposing figure casting a long shadow across the map table. He walked over calmly, his pale finger coming to rest precisely on the location of the Frozen Lake.
"Our current defensive positions will remain entirely unchanged," Cassian commanded, his voice cold and absolute. "No army unit advances."
"No scouting patrol is to cross the agreed boundary line under any circumstances."
General Rowan bowed his head firmly. "Understood, Your Majesty."
Cassian looked around the table, his golden eyes sweeping across every military commander. "If any soldier under your command foolishly provokes the Silver Leopard Clan into battle..."
"They will answer directly to me for treason."
Several commanders looked thoroughly surprised by the severe warning.