Do You Still Want Your Handkerchief

"What do you guys actually do in the Divine Commanders’ Training Camp?" Mia Quinn asked.

"Mostly studying right now. We're learning military strategy, and then we do live combat drills," Lucia Lu replied. "Actually, this counts as real combat."

"I want to become a Divine General too. Do you think I could?" Her eyes were full of longing.

"Of course you can! Absolutely!" Lucia Lu said. "But you’re just a bit too young. There aren’t any kids as little as you in the Palace Guard Barracks."

"Everyone says I’m too little," Mia Quinn pouted. "But what’s wrong with being young? I don’t think I’m any worse than anyone else!"

Lucia Lu laughed, "Then you could apply directly to His Majesty the Celestial Emperor and try your luck. Who knows—he might actually say yes!"

"Okay!" Mia Quinn broke into a happy grin. "If I really get in, I’ll be your best friend, deal?"

Lucia Lu ruffled her hair and smiled, "Of course!"

Noel Summers smiled, "We need to head back now. Saint Maiden, if you have time, come visit Cangwu."

Lucia Lu nodded, "I’ve never been to Cangwu before, but if I get the chance, I’ll definitely go!"

After seeing the father and daughter off, Lucia Lu turned to High Immortal Clearpool and asked, "So, what are you planning to do about the Heavenly Moon Empire’s throne?"

"I’ve already discussed it with the Elders and ministers. We’ll adopt Sera Si’s cousin’s daughter as the new empress," Clearpool replied. "She’s a natural immortal—bright and clever, just a bit young."

"What about you? Are you going back to Enlightenment Peak?"

Clearpool’s gaze sharpened like a blade. "No. I’m going to avenge Sera."

"Avenge her? You mean..."

"I’ll serve as State Father and regent until the new empress turns eighteen," Clearpool said. "And I’ll use the Silver Clementine Kingdom as leverage—make the Southern Mystic Empire pay!"

In other words, he’s going to protect Silver Clementine.

With that, their mission was basically complete.

Lucia Lu felt complicated and guilty toward him, not knowing what to say.

Clearpool saw her expression and said, "Saint Maiden, you really don’t need to feel guilty. Everything is just fate..."

Lucia Lu said, "Then I’ll leave Silver Clementine Kingdom to you!"

"Don’t worry, you can head back," Clearpool said.

Lucia Lu nodded and sent him a sound transmission: "Since you’re in this position now, I have two things to ask of you."

Clearpool, now a High Immortal, saluted her, "Please instruct me, Saint Maiden."

"First: The Stone Clan, Xuanchen Clan, and Longride Celestial Sect are all tangled up and deeply connected. If you get any evidence of their crimes, keep it safe and give it to me."

"Evidence?" Clearpool’s eyes narrowed.

Lucia Lu nodded, "Second: If you hear anything about Baxa, don’t treat him as an enemy—just let me know right away. If you want the full story, you can ask Emperor Ethan Fang of Silver Clementine Kingdom."

"Understood."

"What I’m asking you—please keep it secret. If you run into trouble, just come to me. I’ll help you. Besides, we get personal lessons from His Majesty the Celestial Emperor every day now. Even if I can’t help, you’ve still got His Majesty!"

Clearpool’s heart settled at last.

...

Lucia Lu handed the freshly washed handkerchief back to Faustin, but Faustin said it wasn’t his—it belonged to Fifth Highness.

So it was his! No wonder it was the kind of fabric you always see in Drake Abyss.

There was even a pretty little red fish embroidered on it.

She went to find Sean Shaw, held the handkerchief out in front of him, and said, "Do you still want your handkerchief? I already washed it clean."

Sean Shaw glanced at it coldly, about to speak, but Lucia Lu suddenly pulled her hand back. "I know you’re a total clean freak! There’s no way you’d ever want something someone else touched—especially a handkerchief, right?"