You Really Are Silly

Sean Hayes's gaze suddenly dimmed. He knew exactly what Mrs. Penny was talking about—the incident with the female shadow guard. That was about four years ago. A mid-level female operative in the Hayes Family Shadow Guard fell in love with a scholar while on a mission. She became pregnant with his child and tried to leave the organization, plotting her escape.

The price of betrayal, of course, was being hunted down. Both the female shadow guard and the scholar were captured and brought back. During interrogation, it was discovered that the scholar was actually a spy sent by the enemy. He seduced the female operative, extracting vital information from her, leading to the deaths of several Hayes Family Shadow Guard brothers during missions.

And so, the traitorous female shadow guard and the scholar were executed. Their bodies were thrown into the wild to feed the wolves.

After that, the Hayes Family Shadow Guard tightened its rules and discipline even more. The regulations became extremely strict.

"Do you want to be thrown out to feed the wolves, you dummy?" Mrs. Penny teased, gently touching Sean Hayes's face.

Sean Hayes shook his head, then looked up seriously at Mrs. Penny. "I can't let you get rid of this child without knowing the truth. Our situation is different from four years ago. Besides, Prince Alexander now has Princess Consort Lily by his side; he's not as ruthless as he used to be. Maybe, if I plead with Prince Alexander and Princess Consort Lily, they'll let us keep the child! Even if Prince Alexander wants to punish us, I'll take it all myself. If he wants to beat or kill me, I'll accept it! We haven't betrayed Prince Alexander—perhaps he'll remember our loyalty. If anyone has to be thrown to the wolves, let it be me, not you and the child."

Mrs. Penny snorted. "You really are silly! Do you think Prince Alexander and Princess Consort Lily are so easily swayed by your tears? Do you know how many people have pleaded for mercy in front of them, only to end up feeding the wolves?"

Sean Hayes fell silent, his eyes downcast, clearly shaken by her words.

Mrs. Penny watched him for a moment, then her lips curled into a sly smile. "But you know what? If you truly want to protect me and this child, you have to be smart. Use your head, not just your heart."

Sean Hayes blinked, confused. "What do you mean?"

Mrs. Penny leaned closer, her voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper. "Let them think I'm not pregnant. If Prince Alexander and Princess Consort Lily believe there's no child, they won't bother with us. We lay low, keep quiet, and wait for the right moment to leave."

Sean Hayes frowned, hesitant. "But... isn't that deceiving Prince Alexander and Princess Consort Lily?"

Mrs. Penny rolled her eyes. "If you keep being honest and upright, you'll end up dead! Sometimes, survival means bending the rules. Besides, it's not like we're plotting treason—we're just trying to live!"

Sean Hayes still looked worried, but Mrs. Penny poked his forehead. "Don't overthink it. Trust me, I've been around longer than you. I know how to survive in the Hayes Family."

Sean Hayes hesitated, then finally nodded. "Alright. I'll do as you say."

Mrs. Penny grinned, her eyes sparkling with mischief. "That's more like it! Now, let's get out of here before anyone notices."

The two of them quietly slipped away, their fates intertwined, hoping for a future free from the shadow of wolves.