That Elusive and Mysterious Male Lead (07)

So early, and the sky was still dark.

It was a struggle for Si Jiu to get up. The effort to shake off her morning lethargy was barely sufficient, and yet the four maids fussed over her, dressing and adorning her for ages. Her empty stomach ached, constricted by the tight corset. And what was the meaning of this gilded attire? Even the little hat perched on her head glittered gold. At this moment, she was nothing short of a walking ingot, as if her face might as well bear the words: “I’m rich, come rob me.”

With a look of utter resignation, Si Jiu descended the stairs.

“Your Highness, are you feeling unwell?”

Not even the sight of the exceptionally handsome Charles could lift Si Jiu’s spirits. She shook her head, listless, and muttered, “Hungry. Tired.”

Her dejected appearance was reminiscent of the kitten her mother kept at home, which made Charles’s fingers itch with the urge to gently pat her head.

“I’ve prepared some cake and fresh fruit for Your Highness. Please have a little something to eat.”

The girl’s weary expression was instantly replaced by delight; her eyes sparkled anew. “Charles, you’re so wonderful. I like you so much.”

Charles allowed himself a faint smile. “It’s what I ought to do.”

He found himself thinking, quite unconsciously, that her eyes would be even more beautiful in their natural color.

After a simple meal, the party set off once more. This time, however, it was not the arduous journey Si Jiu had anticipated, but rather a passage via the temple’s teleportation array.

Si Jiu could not recall ever having encountered magic before; she found it novel and intriguing. The priest began to chant the incantation, and the hexagram-shaped magic circle slowly lit up. The light was gentle, yet it blurred everything from view. The girl beside Charles appeared somewhat uneasy and edged closer to him. A subtle ripple stirred in Charles’s heart, and before he realized it, he took her hand.

Her palm was small, and though a glove lay between their skin, its softness was unmistakable. It was as if a feather brushed across Charles’s heart; inexplicably, he felt his heart was even softer than her palm in that moment.

The light faded.

Their surroundings had changed entirely.

They stood in a deathly silent, shadowy forest. Underfoot, rotting leaves crunched, and the air was thick with an undefinable scent—part blood, part rain-soaked earth—that set the nerves on edge. A biting chill swept over them.

Here, the air seemed charged with an invisible pressure, making everyone tremble involuntarily, hardly daring to breathe above a whisper. Even Charles’s typically composed face was marked with grave vigilance. The guards scarcely dared draw breath.

“Your Highness, let me carry you,” Charles said softly, kneeling before her.

“That’s not necessary. My foot is already healed.”

“You’ll soil your shoes,” Charles replied.

Was that really the reason?

“Please, Your Highness, hurry—there are strict time limits for passage here. If we don’t comply, the consequences will be severe.”

With the matter spelled out so clearly, Si Jiu relented, climbing onto Charles’s back. This time, Charles dispensed with all formality; his hands held her securely, even a touch firmly.

Si Jiu blinked, and as Charles moved forward, she leaned to whisper in his ear, “Charles, are you feeling sorry for me?”

Charles halted for a moment, then continued on as if he hadn’t heard.

“You needn’t pity me.”

Her voice was light, even tinged with laughter, which only made Charles’s heart ache more.

“You know, I never imagined I’d wear such fine clothes. Just as I never imagined I’d visit the royal palace, live in such a beautiful room, or eat such delicious food.

There’s nothing I lack.

Besides, if my sacrifice alone can ensure everyone else’s safety and happiness, why would I refuse?”

Her words were so soft, yet Charles caught every one.

“If the world greets me with pain, I will answer with song,” she said with a smile. “After all, the best Charles in the world once told me I’m the bravest girl there is.”

In that moment, Charles truly wanted to turn around and throw everything aside.

System: Why tease if you won’t marry? Heartless woman.