《Quick Transmigration: Destroy The System》 Chapter -1 - Afterlife Mission? In the infinite darkness, Ling Mei thoughtlessly walked towards a little bright light that was so far ahead. She walked and walked for a long time without looking back nor at the sides. She didn''t even feel tired or hungry from this walking. After what seemed like forever, the bright light became more visible and was actually a huge door that was emitting those lights. 2 meters away, the door opened itself. Inside is a pure and crystalline water barrier with rainbow streaks on some of its ripples. A flash of hesitation passed through Ling Mei''s eyes in a second but she still passed through the barrier. On the other side of the barrier is an empty area with the exception of the one line of people, animals, and plants where Ling Mei stands, and a huge abstract silhouette of light that stands behind a podium. The area looks endless and the lighting is dim. The walls are like the skies which would sometimes emit hues those of sunset and sunrise, mixed of warm orange and red, and blue which would produce light pink and purple hues. It gives of a nice ambiance. An opening of water barrier the same size as normal doors would occasionally show up from the walls and someone would emerge from it, only to line up behind them. The ceiling is an ocean of stars that slowly moves. Opposite the ceiling is a water floor that produces ripples with every movement they make and it reflects the ceiling and walls producing a nice scene and picture. This is ''Judgment''. "Acacia Tree, 15 years, cut by a chainsaw." The silhouette said in both a woman and man''s voice to the tree in front of Ling Mei. A door with earth colour appeared beside the podium. "Proceed to this door." The door opened and it emitted pure warm light. The acacia tree floated towards it and once the tree entered, the door disappeared. It is finally her turn. The silhouette of light spoke again with its voice. "Ling Mei, 21 years, ¡­." It stopped talking and somehow a sigh could be heard even though it was low. "Proceed to this door." A double door appeared beside the podium, the door have carvings of what look like an angel on the right wing and a devil on the left wing of the door. The door opened and just like those previous doors, it emitted a pure warm light. Ling Mei floated towards it, the tips of her feet touching the water floor. Passing through door, she was engulfed by the light. Ling Mei entered another open area which looks infinite. On her right side is a scene of stilled sunset while on her left side is an endless darkness, night. The floor is the same as from the last place she came from, a water floor that reflects both the sunset and darkness. The only difference is the unlit candles randomly placed all over it (except 5 lit candles beside her) while leaving a clear space for what looked like a walkway. Floating on the clear space, she found something standing in a circular clear space of 4 meter radius. When she stood inside the circle, it faced her. It was a body of an angle and devil just like those carvings on the door she entered; only these two entities are sharing one body. Half of the body is an angel, with a beautiful face and smooth skin. Her eye full of warmth and kindness is grey and a gold streak surrounds her iris. Her lips are plump and deep red with a set of white teeth. Her hair are also golden colour and a little wavy which ends just before her h?ps. On her neck is a gold choker. She is wearing a white dress flowy long-sleeved dress that reaches the water floor and her huge white feathered wing is folded behind her. In his ribs are not organs but blue roses that shine a little. He wears black a pant that ends just below his knee while on his legs are tattoos of snakes. On his hand and ankle are chains. And lastly, his huge bat like wing is spread proudly behind him. Seeing this, Ling Mei didn''t feel nor thought anything. The angel smiled and greeted. "Welcome, dear sister." her voice sounded smooth and sweet that tickles ones ears. "Right now, we are inside one of the void spaces. This... is your space." and looked into Ling Mei. "I am Lucy and this is my twin, Ferr. We... are a Dengel, half-angel half-devil, and...your guardian." her right hand placed on the middle of their ?h?st. Lucy continued. "You are going on a mission. A mission that has been given by the Supreme Being, our creator." The angel and devil started to walk and scrutinize Ling Mei. Right now, Ling Mei is only a ball of dim light with a size of a fist, and she wasn''t aware of it yet. Lucy''s voice sounded again "Your mission is to collect lost souls..." followed by Ferr''s low and eerie voice. "...and destroy their system." "This system... you might not remember now but... it is a being who snatches souls from us and prevents them from reincarnating or being reborn again. Systems are beings of unknown origin, they destroy and topple every worlds'' balance by using souls or what it calls ''host''. Now, some dimensions have been distorted by them and are beyond repair. It has items that are destructible and cheat-like powers." Lucy''s eye sharpened and she stopped beside Ling Mei''s soul. "You will travel through different worlds, find and stop them. and we will accompany you through your missions. Complete your missions and you shall be rewarded." "Ling Mei, do you take this mission?" both Lucy and Ferr asked. Ling Mei''s soul brightened a bit as if to answer their question. A raspy laugh could be heard from Ferr, "HAHAHA. Very well!" his eyes filled with dangerous excitement and he whispered. "There''s no going back now." In the space, the body of the angel and demon disappeared along with Ling Mei''s soul. Chapter -2 - Be Careful It''s a sunny morning. The city is already full of hassle and bustle. People are in a rush to go on to their everyday routine, either going to work, school, or just simply dilly dallying. On a certain part of the city, a girl is standing on the other side of the road along with other citizens of the city, watching cars drive on the road while waiting for the traffic lights turn red. The girl is wearing her uniform, a slightly wrinkled white bu??on-up blouse with green linings on the edge of the sleeves, a green and yellow plaid skirt that''s worn on her high-waist and ends just above her knees, a black sneaker shoes and an earphone in her left ear. She is on her way to university. The girl has a very dark and thick hair that was still slightly wet and looked like it was combed in a rush. Her thick eyebrows are furrowed in a worry that she''s going to be late on her class again, her dark black eyes however looks tired and her sclera are slightly red. Around her eyes are dark heavy bags that look ready to travel around the world. She has a high nose that she''s proud of and big plump lips that is dried and looked pale. Even her caramelized skin shows that it hasn''t been cared for days. Overall, the girl looks fatigue as she hasn''t slept even a single wink in a week to finish her proposed project that was due today. The girl was carrying a big and heavy brown backpack that stores her art materials, such as technical pens, charcoal and colour pencils, triangular rulers, and lots of sketch markers that she spent thousands to buy, and oh a thick book. A blue tube is slinging on her right shoulder where her plates* are placed. Her hand went into the right pocket of her skirt to fish out her phone. The phone opened and showed the time, 7:24 AM. Her brows furrowed more and her lips are pursed in annoyance. She noticed that there are new messages from her mother and slide her lock screen, she was about to open it when the traffic lights turn red. She walked on the pedestrian along with the others and proceeded to open her mom''s messages. [Tue, 1/29/2019, 7:40 PM I went to the groceries and saw fresh cherries and strawberries. It reminded me of you. When you come back home we''ll buy some.] {{Wed, 1/30/2019, Sent at 8:12 PM A Cherries~huhuhu}} Next time my dear we''ll buy and eat some. ] [Tue, 2/5/2019, 4:11PM Mei, why are you not answering? I''ve been calling you.] [Thu, 2/7/2019, 10:59 AM Good news! Your older brother became a regular/permanent. Today is his oath taking.] [Thu, 2/7/2019, 1:33 PM My dear, take care of yourself okay? I''ve been dreaming about you for nights already. How is your health? Are you okay now?] The girl started typing her reply. She was about to type the last word when a loud screeching, continuous honks and panicking voices took her attention to look infront to see a fearful expressions on the people as they move their hands trying to express something. She then diverted it to her left side only to see one truck coming to their way. "!..ei..RUN!!" While running, she turned her head again to the left only to see the world revolve around her. The girl lied on the floor unmoving, her body looked like a broken doll with limbs placed in a grotesque way, her head turned on the right with blood oozing making a pool on the road. The girls eyes are blurry, her ?h?st heaving up and down breathing on her mouth with frantic loud pants that''s slowly dissipating, and she can''t hear anything only a ringing sound of a metal. She can feel it though, it''s painful but it is more of the cold feeling that won. It''s cold. ''Damn¡­my due date''s today¡­.'' Her phone is 3 steps away from her and it is connecting in a call. She must have accidentally pressed the call bu??on when running. The call connected and a voice can be heard¡­ "Hello? Hello? Mei are you there?¡ª" The girls eyes trailed into the direction of the voice and a tear fell from one of her eyes. She wanted to call out and say ''mom'' but the only thing that went out of her mouth was blood. Her heart started wrenching, there was a feeling of helplessness and regret. She just continued listening to her mom''s voice from being merry to being panicked. She doesn''t know why though, she can only hear her mom''s voice and nothing else. She felt bad, felt bad that she made her mom worry, cry and frightened. And about going first. A person came to her side, yelling with shaky frantic voice she couldn''t hear clearly nor understand, fear and panic evident on the person''s face. She tried to talk again but her voice wouldn''t listen. Her tears continued to fall and her mind is really hazy, until the last flicker of life on the girls eyes are gone. It''s a sunny morning. The city is already full of hassle and bustle. The people are in disarray and it is noisier than before. Ambulances and police vehicles came. The police tried to handle the after effects of the accident while the ambulances collected the bodies of the wounded and dead people involved into the accident, including the girl''s body. And this is how the author killed our MC without even stating her name. With death comes a new beginning. Let''s witness how our MC, Ling Mei, starts and live her new life. ~~~~ *Plates ¨C It''s how Architecture, engineering, and arts students call their projects that''s written or drawn on a paper or maybe a 3d model and so on, passed or handed to their professors. For example, floor plans tracing papers or watercolour painting on a hot pressed watercolour paper. Chapter -3 - NOT A CHAPTER This chapter is for those who haven''t read the full synopsis or my warnings.... If you have read it, then skip this chapter. For the others, I''ll repeat.... Hi guys! This is wxyzza and this is my 2nd novel (the 1st novel is still a meh). And I have 3 WARNINGS!!! First, I''m an amateur writter so forgive me if there are plot holes or what nots in the story, I''m still trying to improve. Second, English is my 2nd language so if you find errors in my grammar or sentence construction, use of words, and spelling, I''m sorry in advance and feel free to correct me. Third and the most important!!! This is R18 novel. I repeat, this is R18! If you don''t like violence, ****, smut, Yaoi (boyxboy), Yuri (girlxgirl), etc., then this novel is not for you. (although I''ll try to tone down violence and ****) I hope you''ll enjoy reading QTDTS and will receive support from you! ------ 800+ words per chapter 3 chapters per week (depends if I''m busy with something) Mass release? ¹þ¹þ depends Chapter 1 - Viviana de feur Lostel - Months Old When I opened my eyes it was blurry, no matter how I blink my eyes, my vision can''t get any clearer. I was lying on something soft, I wanted to be in a sitting position but couldn''t. I''m having a hard time just to move my body and can only flail my hands and feet. "uhhh" I wanted to protest but this is the sound I produced. ''Weird.'' This is what I thought before something big¡ªno, someone big appeared in my field of vision. "ahhh. Is the princess awake?" that person asked as her finger brushed my cheek. "hwaah" "here, play with this for a moment while I prepare your milk." She said as she gave me something soft which I''ve thrown few moments after manhandling it. That person saw what I did when she returned and smiled. "Here, princess." She said while guiding the tip of the bottle inside my mouth. A white liquid glided inside my mouth¡­ ''hmmm. Delicious...'' I thought as I subconsciously patted my palm on the hand she''s using supporting the bottle. Pleased, she let out a soft laugh while wiping some liquid that was spilling from my mouth "fufufu, do you like your milk?" ''oh.. so this is milk. I see, I see.'' "yaahwuu" I cheekily smiled as if to answer to her question and continued to drink milk until I fell asleep again. 3 months have passed since that day. I found out that the person who fed me milk is a maid called Tiffany. Beside tiffany, there are three more maids that personally took care of me¡­ I think their names are Jessa, Sana, and Seol. But the most important thing that happened was when I finally knew the ''story'' of this world a month ago. The story tells that in the Kingdom called Mosham, there lived a princess named Euphemia Alabastre whose beauty is beyond all that can be imagined, light brown hair that was so silky and slightly wavy at the ends, pale white skin as soft as an Ivory, and her big eyes that was so mesmerizing, a color of emerald green. She appears to be so kind and saintly to others, and talented in all things she does such as studies, dance, sing, arts¡­thus she was well-liked and respected by everyone, spoiled and doted on by her family. She was almost perfect¡­ almost. Her only flaw is that she loves the emperor, her father, Lelouche Alabastre in romantic way. She realized it at the age of 14, and knew it was forbidden so she kept it to herself. And on her 15th birthday she was engaged to one of the highly sought ''fianc¨¦ to be'' of noble ladies, Reinhart Maxum, the first born and genius son of Duke Maxum. However, a month after her 18th birthday, her father emperor returned from Lostelia Kingdom after being invited for a friendly visit and a feast to celebrate ''Agmahemn'' (a festival held for their patron Saint) , with the Lostelia Princess, Viviana de feur Lostel as his bride. Euphemia was broken hearted, her love for her father didn''t dissipate but it grew more while hidden deep in her heart those past years. She wanted to continue ignoring these feelings but couldn''t bear the pain anymore, so she let it out. She felt threatened by Viviana, a princess whose beauty is comparable to hers. No, it might even exceed hers especially when you look at her deep blue sparkling eyes that were a special trait only for Royals of Lostelia. She tried to get closer again to her father, making advances, and also scheming behind, such as the play she directed as she poisons herself when she was having a tea party with Viviana. Viviana pleaded ''not guilty'' of the crime she was subjected to but all evidences pointed towards her, the emperor was so enraged but he couldn''t bear to hurt Viviana as he was fond of her. He thus decided to divorce her instead and send her back to Lostelia. Euphemia was so delighted by this! A week before Viviana returns to Lostelia, her father, Emperor Vernon de feur Lostel''s personal knight and most trusted person, Thalmeleo Ravien went to offer their sincerest apology. He personally visited Euphemia to pass the message only to be stunned. Euphemia looks familiar, so familiar he can see someone else''s stature and on the dark room with dim lights, her emerald green eyes looked that of deep blue eyes. It was then found out that Euphemia is Emperor Vernon''s long lost daughter and so Euphemia with this advantage, expresses her love freely to Emperor Lelouche until it was reciprocated by him. He was like any other second male lead, always supporting the female leads decisions. The ''you''re happy then I''m also happy'' type. Viviana? Well, she returned to Lostelia Kingdom only she wasn''t allowed to enter the Palace. But when the truth that Euphemia was her sister comes to light, Emperor Vernon stripped her off her title as a princess and was exiled. How can a princess live by herself? In the end, Viviana died from gang bang of bandits she encountered. Now, what is wrong with this? My name is Viviana which I''ve learned from my maid Tiffany when she called me "Princess Viviana". And from what I heard from the gossiping maids, my father''s name is Vernon. And what''s more, the Kingdom I am from is called Lostelia. Oh wow, that''s too much coincidence, huh? Chapter 2 - Viviana de feur Lostel - Toddler I''ve been living here for almost a year and the body I am residing is 1 year and half a month old that means I''m still a baby. On my first birthday my father, Vernon, didn''t even visit or congratulate me. Figures, as what I''ve heard from the gossiping maids that I''m an unfavored daughter or a forgotten princess. Well, the story did slightly mention something about Viviana''s past like how her mother was an entertainer the emperor took a liking and thus she was born, or how her mother died from giving birth to her thus making her father hate her to the point of forgetting her existence, or how she met her father at the age of 10 for the first time only to be looked upon like an ant, and to be asked of her forgotten name, or how Viviana only sought Vernon''s fatherly love as she tries her best to please him but wasn''t enough to get his attention, and how Vernon willingly handed his daughter, Viviana, to Lelouche without looking back. ''It was disappointing, this father called Vernon.'' My tummy grumbled upon remembering those things. I crawled on the carpet even though I can now walk slightly to the couch where Tiffany is knitting something. When I reached her side, I pulled the hem of her dress. "ani, mik. Mik." Asking to be fed milk. She put down what she was knitting as she asked. "Are you hungry Princess Viviana?" I nodded and she went to the kitchen not before handing me a toy called rattle. On the couch is my guardian, the Dengel. Lucy told me they''re invincible and can only be seen by me thus they can linger around like this moment, sometimes they would just disappear but can communicate with me through my mind. "ken ay nab beh ow kelekbel?" I asked when I looked at them. "No, you must maintain the original''s character as it would raise suspicions if you suddenly changed how you act¡­" Lucy started. "But¡­ you are in a baby''s body now, it wouldn''t be a problem." Ferr finished. There was a momentary silence except the rattling sounds of my toy. Tiffany went back with a baby bottle, picked me up and lay me on my crib as I drink my milk. After that, she went back to the couch and continues knitting. I stared at the ceiling while su?k?n? my milk, my thoughts wandering. *chup chup chup gulp* ''I wonder how I''ll finish my mission.'' *chup chup chup gulp* *chup chup chup gulp* ''How can I start when I''m always in this room?'' *chup chup chup gulp* ''haaah, I want to grow up quickly.'' --- 3 years have passed and am now 4 years old. I was able to venture out of my room, although quite disappointed as I saw how dilapidated my palace is; only my room looks presentable. By the way, the name of my palace is Tacita Palace which means silent or mute. This is like an indication or warning¡­ ''Don''t worry Vernon, I''ll be silent. I won''t bother you so let''s live in peace.'' Right now I''m having an afternoon break with milk and chocolate cookies on my small garden. As I''ve mentioned before I have 4 personal maids, there are also a head maid and 5 more who does the minor chores like cleaning, laundry, and cooking meals. I don''t even have a single guard in my palace. Sometimes we don''t even have enough budgets to spend for the month, even the chocolate cookies I''m munching now is a luxury for us. I even thought of digging out the gems and scraping or scratching the gold like things on the walls, or even selling some of the furniture inside my palace, but I voted against it. It would be bad if someone noticed and reports it to Vernon. ''Well, it''s not like I''m complaining or anything. As long as I have a roof on my head, and food to fill my stomach, everything is alright.'' That night, Tiffany tucked me inside the blankets and told me a bedtime story about our Kingdom. Before the story even ended, I''ve already closed my eyes and pretended to sleep. When I felt she left my bed, blow out the candle, and leave the room, I immediately opened my eyes. ''That''s crap!'' I thought remembering the bedtime story about a kind-hearted hero who saved a kingdom, which is the representation of my father emperor. According to the intelligence I''ve collected (from the gossips of my maids), Vernon wasn''t really the crown prince; he was the shadow of his twin brother, Zeus de feur Lostela, the real crown prince. When the previous emperor died from sickness, Zeus rises as the emperor. However, it''s only for a while as he was killed by his own brother, Vernon. After becoming an emperor, Vernon lived to the fullest *sarcasm* with alcohol and women. Not until he met my mother then came me and you know the rest. However, it was said that months after my birth, he ordered everyone inside the palace to be killed, maids, guards and royals alike. No one was spared. So now, inside this huge palace the only Royal is me & Vernon. I sighed. ''I feel distressed living with a murderer.'' Chapter 3 - Viviana de feur Lostel - No Definite Answer Today, Jessa and Sana are the ones attending to me. I just got out of bath, sitting infront of my vanity table as Jessa dries my hair while Sana tries to find a dress for me to wear today. I stared at my reflection and sighed in satisfaction. ''Cute. Very adorable.'' The description of Viviana in the story didn''t even give her justice. Long and wavy platinum blonde hair, big almond shaped eyes of deep blue color that sparkles like that of an ocean, a nicely carved nose, plump pink lips, a very fair skin, and some baby fats on her face. She still looks childish but I know once I grow up, this face of mine would attract both genders. ''Blonde hair and sparkling blue eyes, traits of Lostela''s Royal Blood.'' "Princess Viviana, would you like to try this dress?" Sana called my attention as she held up a sleeveless purple dress with a lace and ribbon on the middle of the waist. It''s simple but presentable. I nodded. "Vivi will wear what Sana picked." Jessa also nodded in approval. "This color is good. It would complement princess Viviana''s eyes." "I thought so too!" Sana beamed. I was dressed and now looking at my reflection in front of a wall mirror where I could see my full body. The dress ends just below my knee, and it did look best to pair with the color of my eyes. They''ve also let me wear a purple choker, a black headband, and a black shoe. "kyaaah~ Princess you look so lovely ah!" both of my maid squealed. ''Beautiful. I''m so beautiful.'' This is the path of me being narcissistic. ''If Viviana is this beautiful, I wonder how Vernon looks like.'' --- That afternoon I was reading one of the few books Tifanny brought for me, History of Lostela Kingdom, under the tree with a bowl of oatmeal cookies beside me when an eerie voice talked. "Do you still remember your mission?" I lifted my eyes away from the book to look at the Dengel and went back to reading as I answered. "I do." "It''s not like I don''t want to, I just don''t know how to." "Why don''t you ask us?" a sweet voice answered. I finally looked back at them and mulled for a moment. "Can you answer my questions?" Lucy says "Sure." "Okay." I said as I closed my book and straitened my sitting posture. "How do I find the lost soul and system?" "You encounter them." Ferr answered with a matter of fact tone. ''ahh?'' my lips twitched. "t-then, how do I know it''s them?" "Well¡­you''ll know it''s them since your soul would be s?ns?t?v? around them.hmmm¡­ How should I describe it?" Lucy had this thinking hard look but the expression suddenly turned mischievous as Ferr answered. "It''s like being watched, n?k?d." ''ahhhh?'' my lips twitched twice. ''is this devil joking or what?'' Lucy wore a worried look as her right arm was placed on her cheek. "Oh my, we haven''t given it to you yet?" I was getting more confused. "Give what?" "That." Lucy and Ferr''s voice vibrated as a necklace materialised around my neck. There are two pendants, and both are glass gourd. "The necklace would be what you use to catch both." ¨C Ferr "but how?" "Try to pull out the gourds from the necklace." Lucy instructed and I complied. The two glass gourd that was only 1 centimeter became lifesize, I got frozen solid shock. Lucy continued. "The bluish gourd is for the lost soul while the reddish one is for the system. These gourds have the power to suck both the souls and systems, separating and filtering them from each other and trapping them inside the bottle." "How do I do it? Do I just point it at them and they will be su?k?d? Is that it?" "No, it''s not that simple. You cannot just point it at them. Host and system alike are powerful; you need to be careful when facing them." ¨C Lucy I shivered. "s-so¡­ to find the soul and system, I have to search them on my own and I''ll find them using my sixth sense? To catch them I need to use this but there''s a chance that I''ll fight and be in a dangerous situation?" Both of them nodded. I felt cold sweats dripping on my back. "But how can I even search for them?!" "ahh? Isn''t there already a clue?" Ferr has this are you dumb look. "Clue?" "well yeah. The story transmited to you. That''s your clue, you dumb or what?" "¡­." ''is this devil trying to start a fight with me?'' "yep. You''re dumb." "Ferr!" Lucy reprimanded as I started to get mad at Ferr. "Tsk." She paused. "Since you know the original story then you would know if there are changes¡­. With that, you can have more clues until you find them¡­ the ones who have been derailed and are distorting the original story are our targets." Chapter 4 - Viviana de feur Lostel - Meeting the Devil I was silent for a moment. "Tell me¡­.this world, is this not made for Euphemia? For everyone to revolve around her?" They were confused for a moment until they got what I wanted to say, Ferr smiled but it looked scary. "This world is made for its residents not for a single mere living thing. The story that was passed to you is just one of the millions or billions of stories from this world''s residents. So, no." At that moment I finally got it. Well not all, but it''s better than knowing nothing. "w-well, do I have powers?" I asked while fidgeting, they just stood there staring at me. "No, you don''t." Lucy said flatly. ''ahh¡­ I do- ahhh?!!! Say what?!'' I looked at them with disbelief. "The original body doesn''t have powers so you don''t as well." ¨C ferr ''I don''t have powers. I don''t have powers. I don''t have powers.'' This thought kept on repeating in my mind. "How do you expect me to fight against someone powerful with this?!!!" I want to flip a table. Give me a table! "That''s your problem now." ¨C ferr. "Well, well. Look at us, intruding you with your leisure time. We''ll be going now! Oh, that''s right. The necklace is also invincible so no one will notice. Bye!" Lucy said in one breath. "h-hey wait!!! Don''t go yet! Come back!" I yelled as I see them disappear. I sat down with a puff feeling so irritated. I gobbled up the oatmeal cookies to soothe my emotions but someone just has to dampen my mood more. A squirrel lands beside the bowl, looking at the last cookie. " squeek squeek" I glared at it, daring to take the last one and in that moment it faced me, like it was mocking me. "squeek" It snatched my last cookie and started running fast. I stood up and run after the squirrel. The squirrel would sometimes stop at a branch of a tree only to wiggle its tail to tease me. "If I catch you I''m going to barbecue and eat you!" I followed and followed until I tire myself and couldn''t even continue anymore. Once I''ve had my rest, that''s when I realized, I don''t know where I am. "Great, now I''m lost." I wiped the sweat that formed on my face and patted the dusts on my dress. ''I''ll just trace back from where I came from.'' I walked again and tried to get back from where I entered only to find myself more lost inside this forest. ''It''s fine. I''m gonna be out here in no time.'' I tried to reassure myself until I remembered¡­ "Right! I have them!" "Lucy! Ferr! Help!" I yelled. *what''s this? You missed us already?* a teasing voice sounded inside my head. *...how did you even get yourself in this situation?* I stayed quiet. Nope. I''m not gonna say I chased a squirrel for being stingy. And with Ferr''s help¡­ well, with some intentional misleads, I finally found the exit. I walked towards it but there was a bush, so I have to crawl over it to not get blisters or wound. So I did. When half of my body was already out, I saw a paved path walk. I was so happy and relieved that I let out a foolish smile and stood up closing my eyes as I bathed under the sun. ''Ahhhh. Finally.'' I haven''t even exhaled the air I breathed when a cold voice rang, a chill run down my spine making my body freeze and I choke. "What is this?" I slowly opened my eyes and stiffly turn my head to my left side. 3 steps away from me, stood three people. One man at the front and two men behind him. I looked up to glance at the man in front oozing with dangerous aura, only to gasp for air and took a step back. I held my gaze with his even though I''m so terrified, my whole body shivered, and legs turning soft. If not for my strong will, I would already be sitting on the ground with tears flowing down my eyes. But one of the reasons I kept on staring at him was because of his eyes¡­.. That eyes similar to mine. So deep. So dark. So cold. So emotionless. Just from that, I knew who he was. ''I''ve met the Devil, Vernon de feur Lostel.'' Chapter 7 - Viviana de feur Lostel - Heir to the Throne After that unfortunate encounter with Vernon, the knight, Thalmeleo Ravien or Leo came to Viviana''s palace with a statement. "His majesty says if the princess wants her book back, she could retrieve it in his palace by going herself." Ling Mei paled. To be honest, she doesn''t care if the book doesn''t return but¡­that book was something Tiffany bought for her, she had to get it back. She hasn''t even finished reading it yet. So she followed Leo to the Emperors palace looking like her life has been su?k?d out of her. In the same garden as before, Vernon sat there gracefully. He lifted his eyes to Ling Mei''s direction. "You''re slow." Ling Mei could only force a smile and had a hard time sitting on her chair. Vernon who noticed her struggle¡­ "Leo, help her get on the chair." Ling Mei felt she like lost face when Leo lifted and placed her on the chair. She sat up straight, faced the devil, and smiled oh so sweet. ''I see no devil, only my father. We are close. Act cute.'' She chanted in her mind repeatedly. "Good morning p-pa¡­pa." Aye. How much she found it hard to say. Vernon just stared at her while Ling Mei maintained her smile. ''I hope my smile doesn''t look weird.'' The rest of their breakfast was quiet to which Ling Mei felt relieved. But it is still nerve wracking as before. ''Since when did he fetch the book?'' She nodded, thinking that it''s normal as she''s five already. With this, the knight looked shock while Vernon casually shut the book and eyed her. "Hmmm¡­ I thought you were just playing with this." ''Playing? I might as well just pick a story or coloring book not a History book if I''ll just play with it!'' "Since when?" Cocking her head to the side¡­.''When?'' Ling Mei felt conflicted¡­ever since she woke up in this world she already knew how to read words. "Vivi learned 1 year...ago p-papa." Ling Mei can''t tell that she can read at the age of one. If she did, Vernon would probably doubt her. "That''s amazing Princess!" Leo exclaimed. "Children normally learn how to read at age 7! To be able to read at 4¡­ wow!" Leo was feeling enthusiastic, feeling proud for their princess. Ling Mei blushed. Feeling embarrassed to get a sincere compliment from none other than the Emperor''s confidant. She froze at that question. ''How is she going to answer this?'' Her mind drifted away until a blur image of someone came, a paper on the wall as that person slowly pronounces the words on the paper. She frowned when she felt her head ache. Ling Mei found that Vernon was still looking at her, waiting for her answer. "V-vivi''s maids taught me." Her answer is the right choice. It is not unfounded as her personal maids came from noble families. Vernon set down the book. "You learned to read early but¡­ you lack proper etiquette and manners." ''huh?'' "Starting next week you''re going to learn those. I can''t let you embarrass me." Ling Mei felt baffled. ''Learn what again?'' Vernon left the garden and instructed a maid to send Ling Mei back to her palace after she finished eating. -- 4 months have passed, since then a messenger would come to Viviana''s Tacita palace to ask her presence in the emperor''s palace. This baffled her maids. ''Since when did their princess earn such favour from the emperor?'' but feel overjoyed. ''Finally!'' Thrice a week, Ling Mei would go to Vernon''s palace, either to eat breakfast, lunch, afternoon break or dinner, whenever he has free time. And every time she goes there, she looked like a soldier ready to go to war only to return as the losing party. Also, because of this, her taste buds improved. Eating and enjoying the most delicious delicacies in the whole Kingdom when she''s in Vernon''s Palace. And true to his words, Vernon got her the best teacher for etiquette and manners. She had been learning since then. Today too, she was asked to meet Vernon and to wear pants. ''This is the first time I''m wearing pants.'' Unlike from before, they weren''t led to the garden but somewhere else, only to be told they are going horse riding. ''is the palace really that huge?'' Ling Mei, the messenger, and her maids, Jessa and Tiffany, finally arrived to a vast field of grass. ''I didn''t know there was such a place here.'' "Greetings papa." As she curtsied in front of him. "Greetings Sir Thalmeleo and Sir Almitheo." She nodded towards Leo and Theo who was beside Vernon. Vernon gave her a side glance then continued talking to a man who she has never seen before. Ling Mei brazenly examined Vernon''s handsome face, his cold temperament that wouldn''t let anyone come near him. A very dangerous man at that. ''So why is he doing this to her?'' "What is it? You kept looking at me." She snapped back. ''what? You do this all the time!'' "uhhh¡­ Vivi''s papa is so charming!hehe" ''smile cutely like it''s sincere!'' Vernon ignored her as he felt she was acting foolish. Soon, two horses were led to them. One looked like a stallion while the other is small, a mane. "Get ready." Confused, Ling Mei asked. "Eh? Isn''t Vivi riding together with Papa?" Vernon got on the horse and looked down at her, Ling Mei had to tilt her head upward. "You ride that one." And pointed to the other horse. Ling Mei received a shock. "P-papa¡­ Vivi doesn''t know how to ride a horsie." Vernon continued staring at her, it''s going to make a hole on her body. "Leo, help her get on the horse." "Yes!" Leo walked to Ling Mei, lifted her up, and place on top of the horse. "Princess, relax or you''ll startle your horse." ''How can you casually say that! I''m terrified, okay?!'' She gulped hard being placed on the horse as she tightly grab the reigns. At first, she hugged the horse once Leo released her body, but Leo corrected her. Vernon majestically ride his horse while her on the other hand stayed still, looking oh so gloomy. ''How does she make the horse move?'' Her question was answered when the man who was talking to Vernon earlier also grabbed her reigns and slowly led the mane to walk. "Why do you have to be so afraid when I''m here with you?" Vernon and Ling Mei ride their horses side by side. It was peaceful and no problem actually occurred, they are just strolling around the area enjoying the beautiful surroundings. Suddenly, the dengel appeared which slightly startled her. They just floated beside her like how a guardian should be. ''Say¡­ do you think Vernon is the lost soul?'' "I don''t think so."- Ferr ''But he''s acting¡­.weird.'' "Don''t worry my dear. He''s normal." ¨CLucy ''Normal? Hahaha. I can''t see that.'' All is doing well, until her horse reacted and suddenly became hysterical. "Kyaaah!!" She yelled. ''What''s it''s problem?!'' The man tried to calm it down but the horse protested, the reign got loose from his hold and the horse started running as if it''s lost its mind. Ling Mei got shocked then terrified for her life. She hugged the horse neck, holding it with all her strength for her dear life. She looked around for help and spotted Vernon not far from her and shouted. "Papa! Help---" She didn''t finish what she''s going to say when she saw how he was looking at her. Indifferent, like he doesn''t care whatever happens to her. She wanted to laugh at herself. ''Maybe this was organized. Maybe he wanted me to die here.'' Tears fell from her eyes that have no life in it, she had lost all hope. She closed her eyes as the horse run faster than before, the wind became harsher on her skin. Her strength was slowly leaving her body until her hold onto the horse got untangled. Her heart beating so hard as she was thrown off the horse. ''Maybe this is the end.'' But Ling Mei doesn''t feel the hard ground nor she felt pain coursing through her body, she only felt something soft and warm holding her in place. She doesn''t dare open her eyes, she''s scared, and continued crying with grieve. Vernon held Ling Mei''s shaking body. People from the far side were running in panic towards them as they saw what has happened. "Your majesty/princess are you alright?" they asked. He looked at Ling Mei and tries to hand her over to Leo, but Ling Mei grabbed and continued crying on his clothes. When Ling Mei calmed down and fell asleep, Tiffany held her in her arms. Vernon took a glance at his daughters dishevelled appearance and spoke to Leo. "Find someone who could teach her how to ride." "Your Majesty, I don''t think this is a good idea. Princess Viviana might get a trauma from today''s incident." "Do as I say." Vernon glared at him. "How can the heir to the throne be like this?" he said as he walked away. The others went paralyzed. ''Heir? Throne?'' their eyes went wide to the realization that the emperor has recognized Princess Viviana as his next in line! Theo who remained calm "What are you all surprised for? Isn''t this given?" Leo, Tiffany and Jessa looked at him, and he frowned at them for being clueless. "From when Princess Viviana has been born, she''s been recognized. Why do you think she has ''de feur'' in her name?" ''de feur'' only those from the Royal blood who would become the ruler of the Kingdom can have it on their name. Vernon himself, added it on her name when she was born and after that left her in Tacita Palace. They looked at each other with shock¡­ ''the emperor¡­'' and became happy for Viviana. Ling Mei who was asleep, didn''t know about this but her guardian does. Chapter 8 - Viviana de feur Lostel - A Sudden Visit Ling Mei caught a fever due to ''shock'' as the physician have stated after the horse incident. She have been staying inside her bedroom for almost a week and a half, and refused Vernon''s summons with the reason that she doesn''t feel well when in fact she has already recovered from her fever 3 days ago. Taiyou Palace (the emperor''s palace) In the dim lighted throne room, Vernon sat casually on his throne wearing a white robe with gold and maroon linings on the edges, a maroon sash attached on his left shoulder and tucked in gold and maroon belt, his elbow on the armrest as his right cheek rests on his knuckle. His cold gaze directed at the knight who was kneeling in front of him. "So you are saying¡­ today too, she won''t come, is that it?" Vernon''s dangerously low voice rang inside the quite room. The knight or Leo felt cold and can''t help but swallow his own saliva with the pressure he''s getting from the emperor and his nervousness. "Y-your Majesty, forgive this s-servant for I have failed you." "What''s her reason to refuse this Emperor''s summons?" "t-that¡­ermmm¡­P-princess Viviana is still f-feeling unwell." "Not feeling well, huh?" Vernon trailed. "I heard from Physician Grim that she''s already recovered." The room temperature dropped lower than before as Vernon said this. What he despises and cannot forgive are liars. Leo flinched and felt like crying. ''Why does he felt like his Majesty is getting mad?'' Both the emperor and the knight looked his way. Vernon urged him to continue while Leo felt relieved the attention of his Majesty isn''t on him. "If I may be presumptuous, I think that Princess Viviana is sulking right now." Vernon''s eyes narrowed. "sulking? What for?" "T-this¡­ His Majesty hasn''t visited the Princess to ask for her health ¡­ that''s why I think Princess Viviana is sulking." "And why should I visit her palace just to ask about her health when I can just send someone to inquire?" Vernon questioned and raised his right eyebrow. Theo wants to knock some sense out of his Emperor for being clueless around children. And she''s his daughter at that! "Your Majesty, showing your care personally is different from sending my brother. Children want the attention and care of their parents, and PRINCESS VIVIANA IS STILL A CHILD." He specifically emphasized the last part of his sentence. Vernon stayed quiet for a while before mumbling "So childish." and started staring outside the floor to ceiling window. Theo sighed and shook his head lightly feeling a little helpless for his emperor. "Let''s go." Vernon suddenly commanded and stood from his throne. The twins were still standing there - confused when Vernon has already started walking towards the door. Vernon looked back "What are you two still doing?" Leo stood up, feeling his legs slightly buckling. "ermm. Your Majesty where to?" "Where else? To visit the sick." The two gaped but immediately walked behind the emperor. They couldn''t believe that he would personally visit their princess all of a sudden. Although Theo did mention, it is not something the emperor would do. It is so out of character. Leo who has his emotion written all over his face looked at Theo, the latter looked back at him with his emotions masked. The two communicated through their eyes. ''What happened to his Majesty?'' - Leo ''Don''t ask me, I also don''t know.'' - Theo ''Is he possessed?'' - Leo ''¡­goodness.'' ''It would be good if it''s a ghost of a loving father¡­.'' Surrounding the path walk leading to Tacita Palace are numerous trees which made the place slightly cool. In addition, Tacita is slightly elevated than the other palaces. On some subshrubs, Linnaea twin flower have started blooming, becoming the belle of the mini forest. Vernon noticed this and couldn''t help but stop to gaze at it, feeling a slight melancholy which he shook off immediately. "She''s becoming more and more brazen¡­." The twins who were walking behind him also stopped and heard this. Leo who has no tact started blabbering. "I think so too your majesty, she''s just like her moth¡ª" Theo elbowed his brother when he noticed where the emperor was looking and for him to stop digging his grave. Leo shot a hurt look at his older twin brother which earned him a glare. The aura surrounding Vernon suddenly became sharp and chilling. "You don''t need to remind me of someone who I''ve already forgotten." After saying this, he redirected his sight back to the path walk and started walking. After ten steps¡­ "Leo¡­ Pick those pale pink flowers. I want them fully bloomed and would be enough for a bouquet. Do it fast." "Eh? Now?" Vernon didn''t respond but Leo felt his aura pressuring him. "Y-yes Your Majesty!" and quickly fled towards the Linnaea flowers. Vernon and Theo walked quietly after Leo went to pick flowers. When they have reached the gates of the palace, Vernon''s brow furrowed. "Why aren''t there any guards?" Theo didn''t if he should respond or not. ''Your majesty, you didn''t ?ssign guards at the princess'' palace.'' Entering the palace, one of the few maids saw them and paid her respect rather dazedly. ''I-it''s the emperor! The emperor is here! I''m not dreaming am I?!'' She guided them while the other maids also saw them which caused shocked and confusion. Upon seeing Viviana''s Palace, Vernon''s brows furrowed again. "Why is this palace so dilapidated?" Everyone didn''t know if they have to respond or not, and felt like crying. ''Your Majesty, it was you who gave this palace to the princess and didn''t favour her highness all this time.'' Although they felt indignant, they kept it into their minds. Ling Mei who doesn''t know she has visitors was sitting on her bed, her mind somewhere else. The guardian who was floating leisurely around her room did notice the visitors. On why they wouldn''t alert Ling Mei, Lucy is asleep as Fer has told her earlier while he on the other hand felt like ''It''s fun.'' "I''m bored." Ling Mei started, her voiced lazed with laziness. "How about you do something about the mission? Or----- you could also fail it. The punishment is something to look forward and enjoy for." Fer smiled maliciously and because Lucy is sleeping, the right half of the body is controlled by him. Lucy''s innocent and kind face turned ugly and it looked so creepy. ''Damn this devil, ruining a beautiful face just like that.'' "Why did you have to transfer me into a baby''s body?" Ling Mei said feeling wronged. "It''s not something we can control." Fer flatly said. "and--- you''re already lucky your soul is inside a HUMAN body." After that, he laughed mischievously. Ling Mei felt there was something wrong at what he said, her eyes opened wide. "You mean¡­.I''ll be transmigrated not only in a human body?" "hehehe." Fer didn''t answer but looked at her teasingly like hinting ''You guess, not gonna tell.'' "You are impossible." She can only sigh. "What to do now? I can''t even meet other characters in the story transmitted to me." "Improving?" "What would you do when you do meet the lost soul and system? You gonna have a staring contest with them? Eating contest? A brawl when you only have that puny weak body of yours without any experience in fighting?" Every word that fer has said shot arrows at Ling Mei. She wants to protest! It''s not her fault, this is her just first world after all. As she is housing a body of a little girl, her eyes become teary. "What I want to say is¡­ become strong¡­." Her eyes lift up when Fer has said that but was immediately put down. "¡­ although, I don''t really have faith on you." But she realized there is something she can do. ''Train! If I know martial arts or the art of fighting at least¡­ at least, I won''t be hopeless!'' She felt giddy when ideas of training immediately entered her mind. She was organizing thoughts, like tempering her body, learning martial arts and wielding weapons¡­but the thing is how? She only have maids, what more they are the only ones she knew. Her mind wandered to her Father Emperor, after that a court battle started in her mind. ''No. no. no. that might not work.'' ¨C A Viviana holding a hand mirror dismissed the idea. ''But he is the only who can help.~'' ¨C A Viviana holding a rabbit said. ''Even b-before we meet the system we m-might get killed by him instead.''- A Viviana with gloomy atmosphere argued. ''I''ll beat him up if he does!''A Viviana with arrogance and confident yelled enthusiastically. The three looked at him, and monotonously said . ''Like you can.'' ''oi! I can---'' ''How about we try it? Ask him to help and if it doesn''t work¡­ attack with cuteness.'' ¨C A Viviana wearing spectacles looked at Viviana rabbit. The others looked also and started contemplating. ''hmmm¡­ that might work.'' ''¡­m-my thoughts are not i-important.'' ''If it doesn''t work I''ll beat him up!'' ''ne~~~¡­. You didn''t ask my opinion!~'' ''that''s settled then.. Goodluck Viviana.'' "What are you spacing out for?" Line Mei snapped out of her thoughts and jumped out of her bed. ''Before that, let''s do what we can do here.'' She started stretching her muscles before running around her room. On her third ??p around her room, a maid knocked on her room but she didn''t notice it as she was in her own little world. The door suddenly opened and it just coincidentally did when she was about to pass it. Ling Mei was caught off guard when she saw the door opened. She couldn''t control her speed and movements right. The next moment she was feeling a painful sensation on her forehead and was already rolling on the ground. The people who were standing outside watched her dumbly. ''err----Who¡­. Is that?'' Chapter 9 - Viviana de Feur Lostel - Who are you? When the maids realized it was their princess who was rolling on the floor in pain, they quickly crowded over to help her. "Oh my gosh! Princess Viviana! Quick! Call the doctor!" Vernon who watched the commotion happen simply looked down at his daughter who was already sitting on the floor. Her forehead has a red bump, and tears at the corner of her eyes. No voice of complaints or wail of pain sounded as she suppressed herself to not cause any more worry to her maids. Ling Mei felt that stare and looked up. When she saw Vernon together with Theo outside her room, her eyes went wide. She blinked and rubbed her eyes causing it to turn red. ''Who is that? Am I dreaming?.... No, my forehead hurts, this must be reality¡­.however---'' Vernon couldn''t look at his daughter acting so dumb anymore so he cut the eye contact. ''How foolish.'' Vernon doesn''t know if he was pertaining to his daughter¡­. Or himself. His brows crunched together and he decided to go back to his palace. Theo who noticed his emperor turning back was about to call Vernon but stopped when his twin brother arrived at the end of the hall. Leo was panting so hard as he run, his clothes looked slightly messy, and he was holding the pale pink flowers in his embrace. "Your Majesty! Here are the flowers!" His run turned into a quick walk as he neared his emperor. Vernon stopped and looked at the pale pink flowers for a while, contemplating as he did so. "Theo, bring Physician Grim here." He ordered. "Yes, Your Majesty!" Theo can''t help but be delighted, his majesty is starting to show care for their princess! Vernon who still stood there staring at the flowers reached out his forefinger and brushed it lightly to one of its bloom. "You really know your timing." A soft mumble that only he can hear left his mouth. His voice that was tinged with sadness which couldn''t be traced unless people are paying attention and perceptive enough. "Yes, I understand." When Leo went to a maid, Vernon was left alone standing there. He sighed slightly and afterwards, a faint smile appeared on his face as if he''s enduring something painful. A blurred silhouette of a woman appeared in his mind. ''I thought I''ve already erased you, but you still haunt me like this¡­. Your daughter¡­is it not enough yet to remind me of you?'' Minutes later, like it was nothing, Vernon walked back and entered Viviana''s room. He saw her lying on her bed, a wet towel on her forehead. Ling Mei saw him walked in, this time she knows he''s real. She was about to sit up to greet him formally when Vernon raised a hand to stop her. He wordlessly walked to one of the 1-seater couch and sat on it. No one talked, not her, not Vernon, nor the maids. It was unbearably awkward, it made the maids uncomfortable. The silence continued on for almost half an hour when Theo walked in together with and old man, Physician Grim. "Princess Viviana has no problem. Just a swell on the forehead, I''ll prescribe a cooling cream." Physician Grim concluded as he started writing the prescription on a paper and gave it to Tiffany. After that, he saluted to Theo and Vernon, and went on his way. The awkward silence went back again. It was Tiffany who broke it. "e-erm¡­ I''m going to get the cooling cream. Please excuse me your majesty, Sir Ravien." She curtsied and dashed out. "¡­.." "o-ohhh... I''m fine. Thanks for your worry Sir Almitheo." "That''s great." "¡­.." ''Sir, how do you expect me to reply to that?! The conversation got cut!!'' "May I ask why you suddenly visited my palace?" she asked Theo but also glancing at that one guy sitting gracefully inside her room like he owned this place. ''ahhh.. but technically it is his.'' "We heard that you are still sick so Your Majesty thought of visiting you." Theo beamed, feeling proud of his emperor. ''See princess? Your majesty also cares for you.hehe'' "Really?" Doubt evident on her voice. Vernon looked at her when he heard her tone which made Ling Mei flinch. "Yes. When his majesty heard you were still sick, he immediately ran here. His Majesty was so worried about you. *sighs*" Vernon directed his gaze on Theo wanting to ask when did he ran? Why was he not informed of being worried about this fool? But his face remained cold and no such words escaped his mouth. A maid knocked on the door and shortly after she entered with a warm egg soup. She curtsied both to Vernon and Leo, and carefully treaded towards Ling Mei''s side. She set the tray on the bedside table and picked up the bowl of warm soup and spoon. She was about to blow a scoop of the soup when¡­. Ling Mei: ''excuse me?! Did I heard it wrong?!'' Vernon casually sat on the side of Ling Mei''s bed, scooped the soup, and raised it infront of her mouth. When Ling Mei''s mouth doesn''t open as she had turned into an ice, Vernon''s eyebrows slightly crunched, well just a little, due to impatience. He put down the bowl and used his free hand to grab her chin, yanked it down, forcefully put the spoon inside her mouth, and closed it again. Ling Mei turned normal when she felt her tongue burn. After realizing what happened, she looked incredulously at Vernon who was already scooping another soup. ''This guy didn''t even cool it down! The soup is hot you know!'' When Vernon was about to feed her¡­ "a-ah! Papa, let Vivi do it! Vivi can eat by helself! Vivi is a gwown up now!" as she tries to grab the spoon from Vernon. Vernon just looked at her. One look and she shut up. "Open your mouth." He said. Ling Mei obeyed and endured another burn on her tongue. On the fifth spoon, Vernon finally noticed his daughter is acting weird again. ''What is that dumb look for?'' "What is wrong?" Ling Mei looked at him, wanting to cry. She looked like a helpless puppy. "Papa¡­. Soup is hot." Theo who heard it, wanted to facepalm. He was about to advise Vernon but Ling Mei beat him to it. "can¡­can papa fuu fuu it?" Ling Mei nervously asked while making a blowing sound. "Ah?" Vernon''s right eyebrow rose. Ling Mei really wants to cry now. She was already resigning to her fate of eating with a burnt tongue. But the next second made all of them shocked. Again. Vernon blew the soup on the spoon! Ling Mei: ''Who are you?! Where is the devil?!! Don''t tell me that this soup is actually poisoned!'' Vernon easily fed her as Ling Mei''s mouth was agape. She almost choked when she swallowed the soup. ''What ghost possessed you?!'' The unbelievable scene continued. Vernon blowing the soup to cool it down was so unusual. On the last spoon, she smiled sweetly to Vernon which earned, of course, a cold look from him. ''Let''s not do it again, okay?! Better yet don''t come here again!'' Unknown to them the feeling of the room changed to slightly warm unlike the stagnant feeling at the beginning. The maid cleaned up and a water basin was placed on the side table for Vernon to clean his hand. ''Shouldn''t you have cleaned your hands before you fed me?'' Soon after, Leo came in with a Jar of flowers. "Princess, look, look. His Majesty brought you flowers!" Leo enthusiastically boasted and set it on her bedside table. ''Really?'' She sneakily looked at Vernon. ''Doubt that.'' But still gave her gratitude. "Thank you." To whoever it is. Ling Mei looked at it, and touched some of the flowers seemingly occupied by its beauty. A slight smile appeared on her face making her look at peace. A name popped in her head¡­ "Ahhhh¡­. It''s Linnaea Twin flowers¡­"she haven''t even completed her sentence when she felt the temperature of the room dropped by degrees. "Your Majesty/Princess!!" She looked straight and saw Vernon in front of her looking so murderous. His aura was so oppressing, and his eyes sharper and colder than that of an ice glacier. Her eyes went wide and she realized she was pinned on her bed headboard, Vernon''s right hand is on her neck grasping it, choking her. ''haah?what--'' "kkuhh! Ahck..ahhck.." She struggled as she looked at Vernon who doesn''t seem to care. And that''s when she got so terrified, ''He''s going to kill me.'' Fear was written on her face as she gasped and tried to pry away Vernon''s hand. She was waiting for help to come but who would stop the emperor? Who dares? She was shaking in fear, her eyes with tears begging Vernon. "¡­ahck.. pa¡­.pahh¡­" "Who.did¡­ What.did.you.just.say?" Vernon asked through gritted teeth, his voice bitingly cold. His grasp got stronger. "ahhck!!" pain¡­ so painful. She''s confused. ''What is wrong? The flower.'' Her tears flowed as she gasp and struggle. Her eyes show fear, confusion, pain, and anger. She slapped and scratched Vernon''s hands just to let her go, even using her legs to kick him but to no avail. ''am I going to die now? Hahaha'' Ling Mei started looking pale, her lips started to lose its color, her blurred eyes turning upwards, and her strength is weakening as she slowly lose her breath. The moment she thought it''s the end, Vernon threw her aside and walked away from her room. Leo and Theo hesitatingly followed Vernon while the maids approached Ling Mei. When Vernon threw her aside it didn''t register in her mind. She just lay on her bed as she gasped for air one hand on her neck and the other grasping hard the bedsheet. The next moment she burst and bawled. Crying and wailing her grievances. "haa..haa¡­ haa¡­haaahhh..huk..hukk.ahhhhhuhuhu.hik.ahhhhh." "p-princess, are you okay?" When the maids tried to touch her, Ling Mei''s body flinched and body curled in a protective position as she cried and breathe at the same time which was hard. The maids wanted to approach and touch Ling Mei but halted when they felt a chill. Unknown to them, a devil is protectively hugging Ling Mei, his eyes shooting daggers at where Vernon left. He looked more terrifying and murderous than Vernon was, if he could he would have killed everyone inside the room the moment Vernon showed his killing intent on Ling Mei before. If Ling Mei was shaking in fear for her life then Ferr is shaking in anger wanting to take Vernon''s life for scarring Ling Mei''s life. When Ling Mei has stopped crying and fell asleep, the maids tried to approach her again but there seem like a barrier between them. The next day, Vernon didn''t invite her to his palace. Chapter 10 - Viviana de feur Lostel - His Majesty was too much. Inside the Taiyou palace, a man emitting extreme cold is sitting on the throne. "Have you investigated the matter?" "Yes, you majesty." "And..?" "Your Majesty, Princess Viviana doesn''t know that woman''s name." "Doesn''t know?" The man spoke with ironic voice, "How do you explain that?" "this¡­ your majesty, this subordinate also doesn''t know. I''ve asked the maids around the princess and they swore they never mentioned that woman''s name ever since your majesty imposed the ban." The man was silent for a moment¡­ "Are you sure?" "Yes, this subordinate isn''t lying." Leo is having cold sweats as he was bowing towards Vernon. He was made to investigate how that name was known by the Princess and in this investigation, he should get the answers thru whatever means he could use. He even threatened the maids using their own families so how could they lie to him? The man waved his hand, "You are dismissed." Leo sighed and thanked his emperor. Vernon, the emperor, went back to his room. He sat on his couch facing the windows which reflects the shadow of the moon and clouds. He sat there motionless with a frown and his thoughts wandering somewhere that he doesn''t really want to explore. Slowly, he fell asleep, dreaming of the memories he buried deep. A blurry image and vague voice appeared in his mind piece by piece. Of all the women, you are the only one that caught my attention. "You, what is your name?" "The name of this one is Linnea from Tueinfleu Family, your Majesty." ...You wouldn''t like wealth nor fame, but those vulgar things instead. "What is that thing you''re trying to find?" "Oh, it''s a flower. Linnaea Borealis. I am named after it." You have an enthusiastic spirit, and your warm smiles dazzles me so. But I guess every person have their own secrets... including you. "Of all people, it should be you who shouldn''t betray me. You are mine!" "¡­ I am my own." The determination and indifference in your eyes makes me mad but at the same time - helpless. What should I do? I think.... you have been deeply engraved in my very soul. "No! I will not allow it!" "VERNON! Promise me! Promise me that you''ll take care of our baby¡­please." ...That I couldn''t do without you when I lost you. Vernon was startled awake with tears on the corner of his eyes. After a moment his eyes regained its former coldness, and went back to his study to do some paper works seeming to look normal when he dreamed of that woman. And that woman is Linnea Tueinfleu, The only woman of the Emperor and the mother of Princess Viviana. -- Ling Mei hasn''t gone out of her room for almost a week. She still has lingering fears from what happened last week and didn''t dare to go out. But she was starting to get bored. All she did was eat occasionally, read her books, and sometimes talk to Ferr and Lucy. However, the books she has have already been read by her this week, and she couldn''t really talk to Ferr and Lucy all the time. Lately, she had been staring at the scenery outside her windows, longing for the outside world. Still, she didn''t dare to go out for fear of encountering that¡­ that¡­ bwastward. Just thinking of him, she would start having a hard time to breath. He really left a trauma on her. With her mind wandering, Viviana wasn''t aware that outside her room, her maids were also having a serious discussion, each with worried expression on their faces. "It has been a week and her highness still doesn''t want to go out." - Jesa "Even her favorite corn porridge, she didn''t eat much." Sana sighed. "Her highness seemed to have lost some weight and her spirits are low." Seol felt sad. "It''s no wonder. His Majesty really left a deep mark on her. His Majesty was¡­ was.. too much." Jesa lowly complained for fear of being heard by others. There was a moment of silence not until Sana remembered something. "Ahh! Tiffany! Aren''t you going to the town at the west today?" Seol and Jesa looked over, their eyes brightened. "That''s right! You can go out with her highness!" But Seol immediately hesitated. "But will it be allowed? What if His Majesty knew?" The others were also downhearted. "Isn''t it okay though? His Majesty doesn''t give much importance to our Princess anyways." Jesa said with a sulking voice and slight mockery. Tiffany on the other hand hesitated for a moment but in the end decided to do it. She thought, ''Her Highness couldn''t continue like this, or else she''ll grew up taciturn.'' "Okay, I''ll go to Dahlie with her highness." And then walked towards the door to knock. -- Inside, Ling Mei who has finished talking with Lucy heard a knock. "Princess." She didn''t respond and continued to curl up on her bed. "Princess¡­ I''ll be going out. Would you like to come with me?" Her closed eyes suddenly opened. Her eyes were hesitant. Her mind pondering whether they were just saying this to make her come out. In the end she got up from her bed and slowly walked to the door. She didn''t open it but with a hoarse voice, "are you really going to take me?" "Yes, this maid has an errand in Dahlie Town and plans to go out with Her Highness." Tiffany thought of explaining. "This maid thought her highness hasn''t seen what a town looks like, and took this chance by the way." Ling Mei was silent¡­ and then quietly asked. "then¡­ then, will we be passing by on that direction?" Tiffany was lost for a moment but soon understood. ''Well, it''s fastest if they passed in the direction of His Majesty''s Palace. But ------ they could just take the longest route if this makes her highness less tense.'' With that thought, Tiffany responded. "Yes." Chapter 11 - He is at the top of Worst Person List An inconspicuous carriage is driving past the dark and hidden alleyways of the Capital City, a potato head took a peek as it was its first time outside the high walls. However, the potato soon retracted its head as it saw the dark, wet, dirty surroundings, and the rough looking lads outside. The carriage soon stopped at one of the Capital City''s gate. A guard knocked on the carriage and begun inspecting the carriage before they were allowed to go out the city. From the dark cold grey walls, the surroundings change into bright gold and light blue colors. Inside the carriage, Ling Mei leaned on the opening, taking in the flashing scenery before her eyes. The gloom from before was replaced with curiosity of the outside world. Although the scenery outside was just the same, she couldn''t help getting excited. She thought that the golden fields and occasional trees they encountered are beautiful, even the cows were cute in her opinion. But when she glanced at its belly, she was a little ashamed. However, the taste of cow milk won her heart and a ridiculous thought popped into her childish mind. ''I wonder if we could steal one into the palace?'' Tiffany and the Dengel saw her changing emotions. ''Too easy to forget.'' Ferr whispered, unbelief on his face. Lucy covered their mouth... ''Shhh. Be quiet.'' Tiffany also saw her curiously looking out. "Does Your Highness like it?" Ling Mei didn''t turn her head but nodded. "En! Vivi likes it." "Then Her Highness, would definitely like the scenery of Delphin Town." "Dolphin?" "It''s Delphin, princess. It''s the town on the East." Tiffany reiterated then continued as she saw that this topic piqued Ling Mei''s interest. "Dahlie is popular to its dairy and grain products, as this is what they mostly produces. What Your Highness just saw on the road was just a gist of its vast grain fields and other agricultural land. While Delphin on the other hand, is popular on their various flower fields and scenic lakes. Most of their flowers bloom in Autumn and Summer, but it''s late summer now." Ling Mei looked down and muttered. "It''s a shame I won''t be able to see it." Tiffany wanted to say ''Of course, you can Your Higness.'' but choked it back her throat remembering His Majesty. A flash of pity appeared in her eyes, her hand patted the child''s head not knowing how to comfort her. Seeing their princess pouting with her eyes wet, she sighed. She couldn''t help but be rude by putting their princess on her ??p and embrace her. ''It''s still a child afterall.'' Soon, the golden fields were replaced with wood and stone buildings as soon as they reached Dahlie Town. "Look Princess, we are now at Dahlie Town." Tiffany pointed as she comforted their princess. Ling Mei slowly looked up. Her eyes glancing at the fruit and food stores, clothe stores, to those who sell trinkets. It''s bustling inside the town, there were people listening to a bard, and some children playing on the side of the road. So far, this is the first time she saw a lot of people and heard this much noise, for a moment she couldn''t adapt. The carriage went to a less populated street and stopped infront of a bakery. The smell inside is wafting on the whole street. The clean, slightly sweet, and warm scent was so enticing that Ling Mei couldn''t help but swallow her saliva. Tiffany went out of the carriage with Ling Mei and a basket on her otherhand, walking towards the bakery. "Princess, this is my brother-in-law''s shop and we''re here to give my sister her medicine." A man welcomed them after they walked in, looking surprised. "Elder Sister!" then wonderingly looked at Ling Mei who was next to Tiffany. "this is?" "Oh. This one is Vivi, a child of a fellow maid." Tiffany lied without even blinking. The man didn''t doubt after another look at Ling Mei''s rustic clothes and handed her a newly cooked bread. Smelling the delicious cinnamony scent from the warm bread, her eyes shined brightly, eager to take a bite. ''This opportunity doesn''t come ever so often!'' "Thanks! It''s weri dewicious." She said as she took another munch, pleased. She has tasted this kind of bread before but couldn''t even enjoy it because that bas...bastward was looking at her. Thinking of that person who was on her ''Worst Person'' List, she grinded her teeth. A poor princess like her, she must savor this bread and by the way.... maybe asked for more? She glanced around the variety of fluffy breads inside the shop. ''or maybe try another bread?'' Looking back at the man, she decided to put him in her ''Good Person'' List if he gave her more. Tiffany handed the basket of medicine and talked with him for awhile. After talking, the man fetch a basket and put in some warm breads in it. How could he not? When the child have been staring at him and the breads on the shelves. He patted the child''s head and handed her the basket. "Here kid, take this." Ling Mei''s eyes twinkled brightly as she quickly grabbed the basket and grinned at the man, already writing his name at the top list. The man laughed at the funny child. ''Her eyes were obviously asking for these breads.'' Tiffany was helpless. ''Your Highness can''t you be so obvious?'' "Your H-- Vivi, it''s heavy. I''ll carry it for you." Tiffany took the basket and said goodbye to her in-law. Ling Mei also waved her hand to the man. ''Til we meet again, mister!'' - Back in the carriage, they decided to go to the center of the town. "Does Your Highness want to walk around the streets?" Tiffany saw Ling Mei sighed and thought she was sad because she wasn''t free to roam and couldn''t get close to those shops and all. But in fact, what Ling Mei thought was... ''Pity... I should have scraped off some of the gold embellishment on the walls. I could have made some money, and buy more food or books.'' Ling Mei turned to Tiffany, a little bit of dismay still visible on her face. Tiffany couldn''t help but get soft, "Then.... should we walk starting from here? Promise that you''ll never let go of my hand and won''t part from me?" Ling Mei promised, nodding her head like a hen pecking on the ground. They went to the shops that caught Ling Mei''s eyes and listened to the bards singing at the fountain. At the center, the crowd became more populated. Ling Mei saw a bookstore and shook Tiffany''s clothes. "Ani! Ani! There! Let''s go there!" Ling Mei turned her head when Tiffany hadn''t responded to her. Shocked, she looked at the unknown woman she was holding. ''Who?'' ---- Just to fill your imagination: The Capital is called ''Astrantia City'', this is where their Palace is. There are 4 towns around or near the Capital City called Rosa (North), Delphin (East), Dahlie (West), and Strose (South). Chapter 12 - Again?! ''Eh?'' ''Ehhhhhhh?!!!'' Ling Mei immediately let go of the woman. How could something like this happen? She was definitely gripping Tiffany''s clothes, so why is it another woman''s clothes she''s gripping in the end? Where is Tiffany? Where am I? Ling Mei thought, panic rising when she was lost in an unfamiliar place. Her eyes darted from one person to another, looking around, remembering where she came from but what she got was headache instead. Her breath and heartbeat quickened, not knowing what to do. In the midst of her thinking, the lady asked her while smiling¡­ "Are you lost child?" When Ling Mei was about to answer ''yes'', Ferr''s voice appeared in her mind. *Don''t say it and walk away.* Ling Mei blanked a little, and was frightened after guessing what Ferr meant. Her eyes darted from side to side and stutteringly answered "huh? I, Ahh¡ªN-no." She went away quickly when the woman was about to touch her hand. In her peripheral view, she saw 2 men approaching the woman and they talked while glancing at her. Ling Mei''s heart almost stopped beating, she was so nervous her hand and foot moved in the same direction. After a few moment, the two men slowly walked in her direction, pretending to be walking casually on the street. Even when she has anticipated it, Ling Mei still haven''t thought of what to do. Run? But if she acted like she knew their purpose and run, they might catch her quickly. She''s just a child, and wasn''t as fast on running as those ?du?ts. With her small steps, how could she? *15 steps from here, there''s a man with a funny looking hat. Pretend to know him so you could shake away those people. * While walking she also tried hard to find a man with a funny hat. After almost taking 15 steps, she saw a tall man that was wearing the hat and didn''t hesitate to run towards him. When the two men saw her suddenly running, their steps also became brisk, trying not to lose her. Ling Mei hurriedly grabbed the funny hat man''s arm, like finding her life line. She wished this man is a good person. "Uncle! You''y hewre! I''ve been looking for you ebriwherle!" Ling Mei shouted, her voice slightly trembling. The man was shocked and confused. When did he have a cute niece? He doesn''t even have a sibling or cousin. "Huh? I''m not¡­a-aww" He couldn''t finish his sentence when his arm was pinched hard. He looked down at the nervous girl. Then he noticed from the way there was panic in her eyes and cold sweaty hands gripping his arm, that something was wrong. His eyes discreetly scanned the crowd and spotted two men looking at them. At this moment, he finally understood the situation. His expression immediately changed, a warm comforting smile sported his face as he carefully patted the girl''s head. "Sorry, Uncle¡­lost you for a while." Ling Mei was startled, not thinking that this man would play along with her. Still, she couldn''t put her guard down. The man grabbed her hand and walked in the direction where most people were passing. ''Is this guy trustworthy?'' asked Ferr. *Well~ I don''t know about that~* Ferr lazily replied and a yawn sound came to her mind. *ahhh¡­ I''m going to sleep. You are on your own now.* ''Hey wait! Ferr! FeEeRrRrrr!'' Ling Mei paled as she shouted in her mind. The man walking with her noticed her pace slowing, he gently shook her hand to remind her. Ling Mei looked at him after shouting so much in her mind. Her eyes glanced up and down, thinking she missed a lot of details before because of her nervousness. Ferr was wrong, it''s not his hat that looked funny but his fashion sense. His clothes and hat were designed in polka dots or different polylines and colored in bright blue, red, yellow, green, and many more, making it so eye-catching and glaring at the same time. But the most prominent was probably his face. A black and white mask was covering half of his white porcelain face, he got a tall nose, and plump bright red lips¡­ with just these features you could guess he looked handsome if he took off his mask. ''he probably took a lip dye.'' They walked for a long time, took turns here and there, and then finally shook away the two men following them. "Okay, they''re gone." The man said as he confirmed the surroundings. Ling Mei heaved a sigh, and then realizing she had been having a cold sweat. "Little girl, where is your guardian? Did you lose them?" The man asked, snapping Ling Mei out of her reverie. She nodded. Thinking about Tiffany, she wonders if she was looking for her too. "Okay. Where was the place you separated?" Ling Mei was embarrassed. She also didn''t know and wasn''t aware that she got lost. "*cough* uhm¡­ the f-fountwain at the xenter?" The man frowned "The fountain at the center? That was too far away. How could you get here?" Ling Mei''s face changed from red then green then white. Tears started forming at the corner of her eyes. This slightly caused the man to panic. "o-okay. Don''t worry, I''ll get you back to the center." He handed a handkerchief to Ling Mei to wipe her face. "ohhh¡­ don''t cry anymore, okay?" "ah- I''m not.. huhh *hic*" It''s just that she has poor control on the emotions of this body. "Do you want me to take you to the center? My carriage is parked near here." Ling Mei hesitated. She still doesn''t trust this man fully. But thinking she got no other choice, she bit the bullet and nodded her head. The man smiled and lead her the direction where his carriage was parked. When his carriage was in sight, a loud sound was approaching them. They both looked over and saw the crowd running towards them in panic and disorder. "RUN! SOMEONE IS KILLING PEOPLE! RUUUUN!" A bad feeling rose from Ling Mei''s heart. "Uncle¡ª" the loose grasp between Ling Mei and the man suddenly broke after another wave of people took her away. The fright and nervousness that Ling Mei just put down, went back again as she was trying to grasp the man''s hand and shouting at him. "UNCLE!" "LITTLE GIRL!" The man was also panicked, trying to get Ling Mei as she was drowned into the sea of people¡­ helplessly seeking her in the chaos. ¡­Until they lost each other. Ling Mei who was swept away, was standing listlessly in another unfamiliar place. But this time¡­ it''s an alleyway not a street, which looked more dangerous and scarier than the situation before. Ling Mei started to dread her situation. WHY IS THIS HAPPENING TO HER AGAIN?!