Paqi listened to their narrative for a long time, unable to compose herself. It wasn't shock that held her, but sheer disbelief that this could be true!
Finally, she asked again, her tone still laced with incredulity, "You say Robin hit Princess Caroline, and hit her badly?"
"Yes," Douglas replied as calmly as he could manage.
"But as far as I know, Caroline should be a 'High Magister'!" Paqi stated again, implying there was no way Robin could defeat her.
"Reporting to the Palace Mistress, there is something you may not know. In fact, the strength of young Miss Robin has already reached the realm of 'Saint Magister'!" Douglas said unhurriedly.
In his own estimation, Robin’s power was likely far beyond that; it was evident just from how Robin had dispatched those guards with a mere clap of her hands!
His words were placid, but they struck Paqi’s ears like a thunderclap, startling her so much she nearly fell from her seat.
"Saint—Saint Magister?" Paqi’s eyes widened.
"Yes," Douglas immediately added, "Our subordinates witnessed it firsthand. It is absolutely true."
My heavens! My daughter is a Saint Magister?
In that instant, Paqi was first shocked, then overwhelmed by a surge of ecstatic joy, completely overlooking the matter of Robin assaulting someone!
All parents wish for their children to soar, and Paqi was no exception. To hear that Robin, at such a tender age, had already achieved a world-record level of power—'Saint Magister'—how could this not fill her with rapture!
I truly never imagined the daughter I bore would be such a genius!
Paqi began to smile with increasing pride, completely ignoring Douglas and the others!
"Palace Mistress, the 'Nanyu Palace' will certainly not let this matter rest. Should we prepare ourselves?" Douglas asked with concern in his voice.
Hearing this, Paqi’s intoxicated expression finally subsided slightly. After a brief moment of contemplation, she said, "Indeed. Given Brenda’s temperament, she will likely come calling soon. Order everyone to raise their vigilance and be ready for combat at any moment."
Paqi was not naturally inclined to solve problems with force, but if someone dared to push things too far, she wouldn't mind returning the favor in kind!
Within the deep palace, an atmosphere saturated with deceit and machinations thrived. To protect herself, Paqi had changed greatly, especially after the incident when Robin was abducted years ago; she no longer believed that forbearance could resolve everything. Sometimes, the more you yielded, the more brazen the aggressor became!
She wouldn't instigate trouble, but if anyone dared to bully her, she would absolutely not let it go!
Sensing the shift in atmosphere within the 'Dongyue Palace,' Kaini came over with a look of concern to inquire about the reason. Paqi did not conceal anything, briefly recounting the entire affair. She also instructed Kaini and the others not to come out no matter what happened later; she didn't want these innocent people to be implicated!
Seeing Paqi's grave expression, Kaini couldn't help but laugh. After a moment, she spoke mysteriously, "Paqi, let me tell you a secret; it will ease your tension."
"What secret?" Paqi's curiosity was piqued.
"About Robin's true strength." Kaini laughed again, her smile undeniably sly!
The guards and trainees of the 'Dongyue Palace' were highly disciplined. Upon receiving the order, they immediately entered a state of alert. All the experts began to gather.
Although they didn't know what was coming, they presumed it wouldn't be good news. Because of this atmosphere, everyone in the 'Dongyue Palace' was uneasy, feeling as if they were facing a formidable enemy!
Beholdanti, being Diya's teacher, felt it was her undeniable duty to maintain the security of the 'Dongyue Palace.' Just as she was preparing to head to Paqi's chambers to ask what was happening, Diya walked in, skipping along and holding Robin's hand.
"Teacher, where are you going?" Diya asked, curious when she saw Beholdanti heading out.
"Little Princess, you two must go back immediately and don't run around, understand!" Beholdanti cautioned, afraid Diya might get caught in the impending trouble.
"But why?" Diya looked at Beholdanti with her expressive eyes. "Why is everyone acting so strangely?"
"Diya, listen to your teacher, don't wander off. I have something urgent to attend to," Beholdanti said, not wanting to waste time, and hurried away.
Diya stared blankly at Beholdanti's receding figure. Her curiosity grew even stronger. After a moment of silence, she suddenly smiled and said to Robin beside her, "Sister, come on, let's see what they are all doing!"
Without waiting for Robin's reply, she grabbed her hand and ran out!
By this time, Brenda had arrived, claiming she was there for a formal visit, but seeing the host of people trailing behind her, no one would believe such a lie.
In the main hall, Paqi glanced at Kaini, who was standing nearby, as if once again asking if she should withdraw.
Kaini smiled slightly but gave no indication she would leave. Paqi’s attempts to persuade her were fruitless. In truth, Kaini’s main reason for staying was to prevent any mishap befalling Paqi; though their acquaintance was short, they had become like sisters!
Before long, Brenda strode into the hall, exuding an aura of barely contained malice.
"Sister Brenda, why have you brought so many people to my palace?"
The moment she saw Brenda, Paqi’s entire demeanor shifted. Her seemingly casual question was layered with hidden significance.
Brenda let out a cold snort. She didn't look directly at Paqi, instead scanning the guards who stood ready for battle around them.
That wretched woman has made preparations. She must have instigated the attack on my daughter!
The thought instantly ignited a fury in her. She wished she could strike the culprit immediately, tear her limb from limb! Anyone who dared touch her daughter would be made to wish for death!
Thus, Brenda offered a smile devoid of warmth. "Sister Paqi, you certainly carry yourself with great authority!"
Her words were clearly barbed!
Paqi seemed entirely accustomed to such barbs and merely smiled, replying, "It is rare for Sister Brenda to grace us with a visit today. Guards, offer her a seat!"
"No need," Brenda immediately cut Paqi off, her tone growing grim. "I haven't come here for pleasantries!"
"Then what is the purpose?" Paqi played along, feigning ignorance.
"I heard that Sister Paqi found a double for Diya, who looks exactly like her. I am quite curious and wish to behold this sight!" Brenda said coldly. Paqi’s brow visibly tightened; referring to Robin as a "double" and wanting to "behold" her was clearly a provocation!
Seeing Paqi remain silent, Brenda let out a cold chuckle and continued, "Sister Paqi wouldn't be so petty as to deny this simple request to your sister, would you?"
This was the brilliance of Brenda, and a testament to the depth of her cunning; she hadn't mentioned her own daughter once since arriving!
"Sister Brenda jokes. I heard your daughter, Caroline, is clever and astute, a rare genius in this world. I have missed her greatly and haven't seen her in a long time. When might Sister allow me the honor of beholding her?" Paqi countered.
Brenda was furious! You little slut! You know full well my daughter was just severely beaten by your daughter and is currently confined to bed, yet you speak these words, clearly trying to provoke me!
Have I been too lenient with you these past few years, making you think the 'Nanyu Palace' is easy to bully? Let me tell you, I, Brenda, am not someone to be trifled with! I could abduct your daughter once before, and I can do it again! (She never imagined that she was behind Robin's previous abduction, even throwing Robin down a cliff—such ruthless malice. It was fortunate Robin survived!)
Just as Brenda was about to explode, a young, tender voice suddenly pierced the air, standing out starkly against the oppressive atmosphere!
"So many people," Diya said, peering in with her small head.
Robin stood quietly beside her, utterly silent, as if none of this concerned her in the slightest!
Paqi’s heart leaped when she heard Diya’s voice. She hadn't expected Diya to appear at such a critical juncture; she had been so caught up talking with Kaini that she forgot to instruct Diya!
Paqi quickly signaled a guard, urging him to quickly take the little princess away.
The guard understood and was about to move when Brenda’s sharp command stopped him.
"Halt," the icy voice came from Brenda’s lips. She had already seen Diya and could hardly fail to guess Paqi's intention.
The guard was thrown into confusion by the sharp order and looked back towards Paqi.
"Sister has quite the impressive command; you’re even managing my people!" Paqi said verbally, but her eyes signaled the guard to disregard everything else and take the little princess away immediately!
However, she was a step too slow. Brenda moved first, leading her retinue out of the hall and encircling the two eavesdroppers, Diya and Robin!
At this, Paqi could no longer sit calmly on her throne. She sprang forward and followed them out.
"What are you doing? The 'Dongyue Palace' will not tolerate your insolence!" Paqi roared at those surrounding Diya and Robin.
Following her sharp command, the guards beside her all drew their swords; a chaotic battle seemed imminent!
"Which one of you injured my daughter?" Brenda, though surprised by the identical appearance of Diya and Robin, was now more focused on avenging her own child.
Diya was terrified, having never witnessed such a scene. Moreover, her mother's fierce shout frightened her deeply. She had never seen her mother so angry!
Robin glanced at the trembling Diya, gently pulled her behind her, then met Brenda's gaze and coldly replied, "It was me." (To be continued, fastest updates H)