Since Princess Moyin had given birth to a son for Prince Rong Yuan, with the arrival of the new heir, his attention was completely consumed.
At the same time, Ji Woo's attacks on the kingdoms grew more frequent and more brutal. No one knew whose land would fall next. Fear ruled the courts, and survival became the only concern.
Amid all these troubles, Yue Rong's matter slowly faded into silence __forgotten by the world beyond the Ha household.
Yet within those walls, she was never neglected.
Mr. Ha and his wife kept their word. They cared for Yue Rong and the children with unwavering devotion, giving them warmth, protection, and love. Not once did she feel unwanted, or alone.
Three years passed quietly. Making it almost four year since she had left home, Yue Rong finally made the decision to visit her parents in Xiyue.
She had just returned from that visit.
Where she spent two full weeks with her family.
The moment she stepped back into the Ha residence, two small figures came running toward her.
"Mama!"
"Mama!"
Little Mimi and Lili threw themselves into her arms, their laughter bright and pure. Ha Rin followed closely behind, embracing her as well ___ taller now and more mature, time having shaped her over the years.
After settling in and setting aside the things she had brought back from Xiyue, Hana finally asked,
"How did your parents react… seeing you after three years?"
A faint frown settled on Yue Rong's face.
"Mother was very happy," she said softly. "But she looks older… thinner than before."
Her gaze dropped to her hands. "I never knew my choices would affect her this deeply."
She paused before adding, "As for my father… we spoke, but it wasn't the same. He was still cold toward me."
"Don't worry," Ha Rin said gently. "Time will soften him."
She hesitated, then asked, "Did you tell them anything about the children?"
Yue Rong lifted her head slowly.
"No," she said firmly. "I don't want anyone to know yet. Not even my parents."
At that moment, little Lili, who had been playing nearby, suddenly looked up.
"What don't you want anyone to know, Mama?"
Before Yue Rong could respond, Mimi walked out from the inner room and answered calmly,
"That she has us."
The room froze.
Hana and Yue Rong stared at each other, mouths slightly open, shock written plainly across their faces.
After a long silence, Hana whispered,
"Don't you think… there's something strange about Mimi?"
Yue Rong nodded slowly.
"Yes. She hears things… knows things… even when she isn't around."
Her gaze followed Mimi, a quiet unease settling in her chest.
Some children were simply born different.
And some truths, no matter how hidden, had a way of revealing themselves.
------
It was already late when Mr. Ha returned with jun from the capital.
After bathing and eating, he lay down beside his wife, the oil lamp beside the bed casting a soft glow over the room. Silence lingered for a moment before he spoke.
"I heard Yue Rong came back today," he said, turning to look at her.
"Yes," his wife replied quietly. "She returned earlier in the day."
Mr. Ha nodded, then asked, "Has she considered Mr. Liang?"
He paused. "The man who has been showing interest in her."
His wife shook her head.
"No," Hana murmured. "She didn't say anything about marriage. She only said she needs a job ___something stable, to take care of her children."
Mr. Ha fell silent, thinking.
After a while, he said, "I will speak to my friend at the palace. He oversees the maids there."
He turned to his wife again. "If Yue Rong is willing to work as a maid, I will ask him to arrange it."
Hana sighed softly, understanding the weight behind his words.
"At least," she said, "it will give her a place to stand on her own."
-------
In a different part of the world. Ji Woo flew across the ruined skies, seating proudly on the back of her dragon. Beneath her, the kingdom she had just burned lay in ashes. Towers had crumbled into dust, rivers were stained dark, and not a single cry remained.
Seeing the destruction only deepened her smile. Satisfaction gleamed in her eyes as the dragon roared and soared higher.
From afar, she spotted a land untouched by war__green, wide, and alive. It's beauty stood in sharp contrast to the ruin she had left behind. With a flick of her hand, she commanded the dragon to descend.
The beast landed gently. Ji Woo stepped down, her boots sinking into soft grass. She breathed in slowly, admiring the place as if it already belonged to her.
Then....
A chill ran down her spine.
The air shifted.
Ji Woo turned sharply. Behind her stood the man-beast__the ancient creature who had guided her to the dragon egg, the one who had whispered forbidden knowledge into her ears.
"I see you are enjoying yourself," he said mockingly. "You should be grateful for what I have done for you."
Ji Woo lifted her chin, refusing to show fear.
"We both made a vow," she replied coldly.
"You fulfilled yours. I fulfilled mine."
The beast laughed, a sound that scraped against the air.
"Have you really?"
Ji Woo's brows knitted together. "What do you want?" she snapped, irritation leaking into her voice.
Without answering, the beast bent and placed his clawed hand on the ground. Instantly, the lush green grass beneath it withered, turning dry and lifeless.
"There is a little girl," he said calmly, "who will ruin everything you have built."
Ji Woo stiffened. Her eyes flashed dangerously.
"Who dares?" she demanded. "Tell me."
"In the kingdom of Yunhai," the beast continued, unfazed, "a royal child of barely three years walks the earth. She can speak to dragons. Command them. Hear the voices of animals and spirits alike."
Ji Woo's breath caught.
"When she comes of age," he went on, his voice dripping with amusement, "she will be able to bend the will of any human alive__" he paused, eyes glinting, "__including you."
Ji woo felt her body terrible as fear cracked through her composure. Her fingers trembled before she clenched them into fists.
"I must kill her," she hissed making the beast laughed again.
"No. She is still young. Killing her would be a waste."
Ji Woo looked at him sharply.
"Turn her," he whispered. "Imagine a child like that… raised under your control. A vessel shaped by your hand."
The image took root in Ji Woo's mind. Her fear slowly twisted into something darker__desire.
The beast straightened, his form already fading.
"You owe me again," he said, laughter echoing as he vanished into the air.
Ji Woo stood alone in the dying field, her eyes burning with intent.