Even though Prince Duan had learned from Crown Prince Titus about Serena and Evan's true identities, that didn't mean he trusted Serena—or saw her as his son's savior.
Honestly, he still couldn't be sure Serena was the one who rescued his son. And even if she did, who knew if this wasn't all just a play she staged herself, aiming to split Lyndaria.
Prince Duan understood Crown Prince Titus's plans and was happy to tear off the mask with the Princess Royal—but that was as far as he'd go. He wouldn't help Titus, and he certainly wasn't about to cozy up to an Eastlyn outsider.
But... his son couldn't leave Serena's care. Prince Duan had no choice; for the sake of his child, he had to go along with Titus's wishes and bring Serena and Evan straight to Prince Duan's Manor.
"Serena, you'd better not be lying to me. Otherwise, even if I have to chase you all the way back to Eastlyn, I'll tear you to pieces." With that threat, Prince Duan ordered the carriages prepared and had Serena's group taken away.
Spring and Mira had been ready for ages, their things packed well in advance. As soon as Prince Duan's men arrived, they grabbed their bundles and were set to leave.
Little Dumpling would only let Serena hold him. Evan refused anyone else's arms, insisting the Snow Wolf act as his horse and carry him out.
The Snow Wolf looked utterly miserable, casting pitiful glances at Serena, hoping she'd speak up for him: could she please let him keep a shred of wolfly dignity in front of outsiders?
Unfortunately, Serena—ever the doting sister—didn't even notice the Snow Wolf's plea. Instead, she just reminded him to go slow and not jostle Evan off his back.
"Awooo..." Unable to speak, and with no wolfly rights, he just accepted his fate!
The Snow Wolf glanced enviously at the Little Dumpling in Serena’s arms, then lay down with resignation, waiting for Evan to climb onto its back.
They were both unable to speak, yet the difference in treatment was worlds apart. Was it because the wolf was too big for Serena to carry, or was it just too capable?
Definitely the latter, the Snow Wolf insisted to itself.
Because of Little Dumpling’s fear, Prince Duan dared not approach, only watching quietly from the side. From Serena’s every move, he could tell she truly cared for his son—there was no calculation or flattery, only sincerity.
And really, as Nolan Dongling’s woman, Serena didn’t need to win his favor—she only needed to use his position.
While Princess Royal Helena was dragging the emperor up from his consort’s bed to cry in the palace, Prince Duan had already taken Serena and her group away, leaving the Princess Royal Residence deserted.
Prince Duan’s Manor was only two streets from the Princess Royal Residence. Half an hour later, Serena and Evan were settled in at Prince Duan’s place.
Little Dumpling’s mother had died young, and Prince Duan had only concubines of low status, so he had the steward assist Serena instead. Once Serena was settled, Prince Duan invited her to the flower hall.
"It’s late. The young heir needs rest. Whatever you want to discuss, let’s talk tomorrow." Serena refused without hesitation.
Even without Little Dumpling as an excuse, Serena wouldn’t have met with Prince Duan tonight. Everything could wait until he investigated the ambush in the woods.
Prince Duan was clearly displeased, but remembering Serena was thinking of his son, he forced himself to hold back: "Tomorrow morning, make sure to prepare the young heir’s favorite snacks and clothes—everything he likes."
"Right, the imperial physicians... Send someone to the palace now and have the emperor dispatch every doctor from the Imperial Medical Directorate!" Prince Duan was usually calm, but when it came to Little Dumpling, he couldn’t keep his composure.
"Besides the physicians, bring that old fortune-teller too! He once said my murderous karma was too heavy and I’d never have an heir, or if I did, I couldn’t keep him. I refuse to believe that nonsense!" Prince Duan smashed the table to splinters. "My son—no one will take him! Not even the King of Hell!"
The steward dared not utter a word, silently carrying out Prince Duan’s orders and consulting advisors on how to handle the aftermath.
Princess Royal Helena had lost all face and leverage—she definitely wouldn’t let this humiliation rest.
"After all that chaos, we’re finally out of the Princess Royal Residence. Tonight, we can finally get a peaceful night’s sleep." Once outside, Serena’s nerves finally eased, and Spring and Mira let out a sigh of relief.
No matter how tightly they guarded themselves in the Princess Royal Residence, there was always a risk. Rather than living in constant fear that Helena might target Evan again, it was better to get far away from her.
Now that Serena knew Little Dumpling’s true identity, she set a chain of plans in motion. Just as she predicted, they escaped Helena’s residence. Though they were still watched and not free in Prince Duan’s Manor, at least Evan and Little Dumpling were safe.
After Spring and Mira left, Aaron Zuo appeared out of nowhere: "Prince Duan seized eight people from Helena’s residence, including one extremely ugly person with a strong medicinal scent."
The Princess Royal Residence was always heavily guarded—even Aaron’s master couldn’t sneak in. But Prince Duan’s raid exposed everything, making it much easier for Aaron to investigate.
"Extremely ugly? A Ghost Hall agent?" Serena was now certain—Helena was colluding with Ghost Hall.
"Ghost Hall?" Aaron looked confused, clearly unaware of its existence.
Serena gave a brief explanation and recapped Prince Damien of Southlyn and Helena’s dealings: "The people we met in the forest were Ghost Hall agents. I was puzzled why they’d show up in Lyndaria—they have no grudge here. Now it’s obvious: Helena’s behind it all. The assassins at the city gate were her people too. If we’d stayed, we’d all be dead by now."
"That woman’s gone mad," Aaron said coldly. His gaze softened at Little Dumpling, who was nearly asleep but stubbornly refused to close his eyes, clinging to Serena’s side.
"It’s late—Little Dumpling needs to sleep. I’ll head out. Prince Duan’s Manor is safe, you don’t need to worry about Evan or Little Dumpling." With that, Aaron vanished.
Only then did Serena pick up Little Dumpling and carry him to the bedside.
She laid Little Dumpling next to Evan, blew out the candle, and lay down fully clothed. But she didn’t close her eyes—she was waiting.
About half an incense stick later, a sudden breeze stirred in the room. Aaron’s master spoke softly from the shadows: "Miss, the person has left."
"Follow them—find out whose agent it is." Only then did Serena finally close her eyes and sink into overdue sleep.
She was exhausted after these past few days!