Absolutely Inhuman

"I don't know exactly, but I've tried it before. I didn't feel any poison, and it actually smells pretty nice—"

"Still lying!" Evan Xiao interrupted her. "You put that incense burner right there, which means you know exactly what it is!"

Grace: "..."

Damn, can he not be this sharp?

She swallowed nervously and confessed, "Actually, I just suspected... Last time you threw me into the water, my clothes picked up that scent, and you seemed to react to it. So... General, I—"

Evan Xiao looked at her without saying a word.

"General! Just take me!" Grace suddenly blurted out, grabbing his hand. "I don't want to be your concubine, and you don't have to take responsibility. I just genuinely admire you, and I'm willing to do anything for you. You... don't need to feel burdened at all!"

She’d put it all out there now, so she might as well just say it outright.

Her dignity? She’d tossed that aside.

Totally tossed aside!

She was throwing caution to the wind!

But Evan Xiao shook her off: "I already told you, it’s impossible!"

Why not?" Grace asked. "I may not be a Spirit Practitioner, but I think I look okay. And I don’t want you to take responsibility! General, won’t you at least consider it?"

From today onward, you’re leaving the Frostmoon Quarters. Go to the stables.

Damn!

Grace’s eyes reddened with anxiety. "General! I really like you, please, just once! I just want your favor once—even if you kick me out of the manor right after, I’d be willing!"

But Evan Xiao was merciless. He turned his back to her and said, "Leave. Now."

Grace looked sadly at his back, feeling truly defeated.

She was a top-tier beauty throwing herself at him—no strings attached, no reward expected—and he was sending her to the stables?

He’s not even human!

...

Grace headed to the stables, bundle in hand, feeling a wave of bleakness—like fate had flipped on her.

Just days ago, she’d sent Ruby to the stables, and now it was her turn.

And she might be even more unlucky than Ruby.

She hadn’t even reached the stables before Cecilia Chen blocked her way.

"Sophie," she greeted smoothly.

Cecilia Chen stared at her, all kindness gone. "You wouldn’t be my sister, but you’re willing to stay by the General’s side as a maid—just for this, right?"

Grace thought for a moment and replied, "Sophie, I do admire the General."

Might as well admit it!

She’d already seen everything—no point in denying it now!

Cecilia Chen’s gaze turned icy. "I told you before, I can give you anything you want—but not him!"

"Sorry, Sophie. There’s nothing I want except the General," Grace replied calmly.

"Ha!" Cecilia Chen suddenly laughed. "You’re just a useless girl with no spiritual roots, but your heart sure is big!"

Grace stayed silent.

"Lily Bai, yesterday I went to see a spiritual pharmacist about my face. He said I don’t need any more medicine! And guess who I ran into there?" Cecilia Chen said.

No idea.

"Ruby! I ran into Ruby at the doctor’s!" Cecilia Chen scrutinized her as she spoke.

Grace’s brows twitched.

Ruby said you made a bet with her—that if you left the manor, the General would bring you back within three days. Is that true?