Her Lifespan Is Too Short

Evan Xiao frowned.

Such a fragile human, yet she took his Heartscale—he truly couldn't accept it.

Setting everything else aside, the main issue was her short lifespan.

He didn't want to spend his long life all alone...

Feeling irritated, he got up, intending to return to his desk.

He took two steps, then turned back, removing the green outer robe he'd deliberately made her fetch, and draped it over her.

The weather was starting to get a little chilly.

Humans without a Spirit Root were especially delicate, falling ill at the slightest thing.

If she died of sickness before they'd even kissed, wouldn't that be even more frustrating?

He decided not to torment her anymore. He would take good care of her, feed her plenty of spiritual medicines and supplements, and do whatever it took to help her live a longer life...

Sigh!

If only she were a Spirit Practitioner! With cultivation, she could greatly extend her lifespan...

...

Grace slept deeply, not knowing how long she'd been out.

When she woke up, the first thing she saw was Evan Xiao.

He stood at the door of the cozy little chamber, dressed in impressive armor.

"General?" Grace sat up, looking dazed, like a sleepy kitten.

Evan Xiao shot her a sidelong glance, then left for court.

Grace rubbed her head, then her eyes, finally recalling that yesterday afternoon... she must've dozed off in the study.

How did she end up sleeping in the cozy chamber now?

And... was that Evan Xiao's outer robe draped over her?

She blinked her big eyes, clutching the robe in her hands, her feelings a tangled mess.

...

Grace returned to the maid's quarters, where Lühé and Alan had already prepared breakfast.

On the table was thick white rice porridge and fragrant steamed buns.

The moment Alan saw her, a flash of jealousy flickered in her eyes.

The General actually wanted only her to stand night watch!

She's really getting more and more favored by the General!

But Alan quickly hid her jealousy, standing up and cheerfully calling, "Xiaoyu, come eat! Lühé just brought it back from the main kitchen—it's piping hot!"

"Mm. Thank you both for your hard work!" Grace replied.

"Hard work? What are you talking about?" Alan said. "You're the one working hard! The General can't go a day or night without you. The two of us have nothing to do, and it's you who gets worn out!"

Grace could hear the suppressed bitterness in her words. She just smiled and said nothing.

"By the way, Xiaoyu, why did the General suddenly order only you to stand night watch?" Alan grabbed a bowl, scooping up some porridge as she asked, pretending it was casual.

"No idea," Grace said. "The General's thoughts are always hard to guess."

"Xiaoyu, you're not being honest!" Lühé sat down across from her, giving her a teasing look.

"How am I not being honest?" Grace retorted, a little annoyed.

"Oh, stop pretending! I saw it all!"

"Saw what?"

"Last night, of course!"

"What about last night?" Grace asked, puzzled.

"Yeah, what happened last night?" Alan asked too.

"Don't tell me you really don't know?" Lühé teased Grace.

"I honestly have no idea!"

"Then how did you get from the study to the cozy chamber?"

Grace: "...No idea. I wasn't feeling well yesterday and just passed out."

Lühé raised an eyebrow. "Really no idea?"

Grace shook her head.

"It was the General who carried you over!" Lühé whispered. "I saw him, and you had his robe over you!"

Grace: "..."

She guessed that might've been the case. Turns out, she was right...