Her Cutie Pie Is Missing

"I'm going to buy some fabric and make a few sachets and such—for the palace," Grace said.

"Huh? The palace? But didn't you say we're not going?" Claire asked, puzzled.

"That's just the official story!"

"So what's the real reason?"

"Ahem... I need to make a trip to the General's Mansion. You guys cover for me," Grace said, flashing a charming smile at the three of them.

"You're going to the General's Mansion again? What for?" The three of them instantly became alert, as if facing a great enemy.

"It's something really important," Grace replied.

She needed to go talk to Evan Xiao and see if she could change his mind.

It might not work, but she had to at least try...

...

Evan Xiao, Grace's newly acquired spirit pet, glanced up at her.

To the General's Mansion?

She wants to see him?

He had no desire to see her!

Besides, if she had to go, she really shouldn't go tomorrow.

He had an appointment tomorrow, and if she ran into that person...

But Grace had already made arrangements with Tenner and the others: "...It's settled, then! Claire, lend me your clothes for a bit. I promise, I'll be out in half an hour—tops..."

That night, when she went to bed, Grace made a little nest for the Antler Serpent and placed it beside her pillow.

She put him in the nest and said, "I made this just for you. Try it out—is it soft? Comfy?"

Evan Xiao glanced at the flowery fabric in the nest and shot her a look.

So dumb...

"Let's get some sleep!" Grace reached out and turned off the lamp. "Goodnight, Antler Serpent—hey, I should give you a name! Calling you 'Antler Serpent' all the time is just weird..."

Grace lay in bed, thinking for ages.

Evan Xiao was curious what name she'd come up with, so he kept listening.

"How about... Little Cutie?"

Evan Xiao: Pfft!

"Little Cutie, goodnight! Sweet dreams!"

Evan Xiao: Just shut up!

...

Later that night, after Grace fell asleep, Evan Xiao climbed onto the bed and looked at the silver thread around her neck.

Take back the Heartscale?

Of course!

Wasn't that exactly why he came here—to get the Heartscale back?

He moved closer and opened his mouth to bite at the silver thread.

"Evan Xiao..." Grace murmured in her sleep.

Evan Xiao glanced at her—she was fast asleep, talking in her dreams again...

If she was going to talk in her sleep, why did she have to call his name?

And she seemed so down...

What was she dreaming about?

He lingered by her neck for a long while, then quietly left.

Forget it, let it stay here for now!

After all, taking it back wouldn't do him any good!

At the door, he glanced back at her, then turned into a streak of dark light and vanished.

The next morning, Grace woke up and realized her Little Cutie was missing.

She searched everywhere but couldn't find him. Even with all the servants calling out, he never came back.

Grace was upset for quite a while—she really liked that Antler Serpent!

...

After lunch, assuming Evan Xiao had returned home from court, Grace sent word to Grace Wan, then took Hope and Claire with her. Tenner drove the carriage as they set out.

But just as she left, a plain, unremarkable carriage followed behind, blending into the busy street, trailing her from afar...

In the carriage, Grace changed into Claire's clothes. When they reached a secluded alley near the General's Mansion, she looked around and, seeing no one suspicious, got out.

"Wait here for me. If all goes well, I'll be back in about fifteen minutes—half an hour, tops!" Grace told them.

"Yes," they all replied in unison.

Grace left the alley and headed straight for the General's Mansion.