Sacrificing the Small Self for the Sake of the Many

The moment Prince Nolan's shadow guards made their move, the difference was obvious...

Professionals fighting amateurs—there was no contest. In no time, the shadow guards had both sides on the ground.

Go, treat their wounds and send someone who can speak over here. Prince Nolan took charge, issuing orders before Serena could step in.

There was no helping it—Prince Nolan worried Serena would get restless again and rush over to bandage everyone herself.

If Serena had to treat over a hundred people personally, she’d be exhausted. But...

A few were badly hurt, and the shadow guards really couldn’t handle it. They had no choice but to ask Serena for help.

The moment the shadow guard spoke up, he felt a chill sweep over. He shivered, miserable, but didn’t dare hide the truth—if the Empress found out later, she’d blame him.

Serena pretended not to notice Prince Nolan’s cold aura. Under his displeased glare, she walked over to the seriously wounded.

Even as the most honored woman in the land, she hadn’t forgotten her work. She first became a doctor to earn money, but now...

She really just loved her job.

Jamie Zhou was a clever kid; sensing the tense atmosphere, he decisively followed Serena away, determined not to stay alone with Prince Nolan.

Uncles were just too scary. It was much safer sticking with Aunt Serena.

Once Serena and Jamie Zhou left, Prince Nolan was left standing there alone. When the shadow guards brought over the troublemaker leader, Prince Nolan, in a foul mood, shot him a cold glare that made the man’s legs go weak—he collapsed to the ground.

Prince Nolan didn’t say a word, but the man started making all sorts of promises—he swore he’d never cause trouble again, offered compensation in cattle and sheep, surrendered pastureland…

Hearing these terms, the herders nearby were overjoyed—they hugged each other, laughing and jumping. But...

Prince Nolan had no intention of agreeing. He’d stopped the fight only for Serena’s sake; don’t expect him to solve Evan Zhou’s problems.

As for their offer?

Sorry...

Even if Prince Nolan was a genius, there was no way he could pick up the local language so quickly, so...

He had no idea what the other side was saying.

Prince Nolan stood cold and silent, listening as the other side spoke for ages, glancing at him nervously and making concession after concession. At last, he opened his mouth: "Go, fetch someone from the local magistrate."

He had no interest in meddling with the petty squabbles between two grassland tribes. These matters were for his subordinates to handle—if every trivial issue needed the emperor's attention, he'd be worked to death.

The shadow guards naturally didn’t dare defy his order. The people of Evan Zhou’s tribe were confused but no one dared question him. They only stared at Prince Nolan in bewilderment: if they could solve it themselves, why call the officials?

Confused as they were, not a single person dared to approach and disturb Prince Nolan.

When they saw the compensation slip away, many felt regret, but they understood this wasn’t their own achievement. These two honored guests had already done them a huge favor—they didn’t dare ask for more.

It had to be said, these people had been well trained by their own kind. Prince Nolan was quite satisfied with their sensible behavior.

The tribe had been raided—nothing was destroyed, but many were injured. No one was in the mood to talk; everyone quietly tidied up and began bandaging their wounds.

As for the troublemakers, apart from a few ringleaders, the rest were released. Those seriously injured were bandaged up—no one wanted deaths on their hands.

Fighting was one thing, but if someone died, the officials would definitely intervene. The herders knew this well, so even if they were dissatisfied, they kept quiet.

Everyone silently went about their business. Nobody made a fuss. A few wanted to thank Prince Nolan, but his icy aura scared them off before they could get close.

Some thought about thanking Serena, but she was even busier.

For the shadow guards to ignore Prince Nolan’s displeasure and ask Serena for help, the injuries had to be serious. One man’s abdomen was split open, his intestines nearly spilling out, terrifying everyone—they all thought he was doomed, until...

Serena calmly cleaned the wound, stitched it up, applied medicine, and bandaged it. Only then did the crowd snap out of their shock, admiring her: So wounds could be patched up like mending cloth—how miraculous.

Those who had never seen a wound stitched before were amazed, but for those used to it—like the shadow guards—it was nothing new.

The shadow guards had long since gotten used to it. Still, they remembered how shocked they’d been the first time they saw Her Majesty work her magic, so they didn’t mock the others for being surprised—at most, they felt a secret pride.

Only four people were seriously injured, but their wounds weren’t something that could be handled quickly. By the time Serena finished treating them, night was already falling...

Serena was still wondering where she’d eat tonight when Jamie Zhou arrived with the herders. With Jamie translating, Serena quickly understood...

To celebrate today’s victory, they wanted to hold a bonfire party, inviting Prince Nolan and Serena as honored guests—along with the black-clad shadow guards who helped them.

Prince Nolan didn’t want to join in the fun, but Serena did. Since she agreed, he could only grit his teeth and go along.

The shadow guards were secretly delighted. Usually, they lurked in the shadows and rarely had a chance to attend such lively gatherings. Getting to experience a nomad bonfire party was a treat...

Their hopes were high, but in the end, they were deeply disappointed. What they thought would be a lively, song-and-dance bonfire party turned into everyone just sitting around the fire, eating and drinking...

And everyone ate in complete silence—the atmosphere was so stifling it was unbearable.

"Is this really a bonfire party?" the shadow guards muttered to themselves, unable to believe it...

How could this gathering be even quieter than a palace banquet?

Sure, Prince Nolan didn’t like noise, but even the quietest palace banquet had music and dance. And this?

There was nothing at all.

Were they supposed to just stare at the fire?

The shadow guards glanced at each other, growing more bored with every bite. Looking at the local herders, they noticed everyone sat stiff and tense—no matter what they did, they’d sneak a look at Prince Nolan and Serena first. That’s when...

The shadow guards finally understood why the bonfire party was so lifeless. The reason was...

With Prince Nolan present, the herders simply couldn’t relax. Each one sat obediently, terrified of offending him and earning his displeasure.

Sigh... The shadow guards had to admit, when Prince Nolan was silent and unsmiling, he really was scary. But did the herders have to be this cautious?

Wuwuwu... Was the party they’d waited for so long really going to pass in utter silence?

No way!

The shadow guards cast pitiful looks at Serena, hoping she’d show mercy—sacrifice her small self for the good of the many!