Stealing the Alluring Heroine from the Battlefield [Quick Transmigration] - Chapter 5

Awu hurried forward, taking three steps at once.

A circular archway stood in the middle of the courtyard wall, creating two distinct garden scenes on either side of the wall. A person stood in each scene, conversing across the archway.

“Where are you going?”

“Horseback riding in the countryside.”

“So late? You’re still going riding?”

“Mm, to stretch my legs. I’ll stay there tonight and return tomorrow morning.”

“I want to go too.” Awu tilted her head and looked up at Rong Yu, her hair ornaments swaying gently with the movement. The petals danced in the breeze, creating a dazzling spectacle.

Rong Yu noticed that Awu’s playful act was to tilt her face upward, her expression innocent and naive. This contrasted sharply with her naturally alluring features, and the hint of mischief at the corner of her lips made it impossible to look away.

Rong Yu reached out and plucked a petal from the breeze.

“But the Emperor doesn’t allow you to leave.”

“But…” Awu drew out the word, “this is the Princess Manor.”

A smile bloomed on Rong Yu’s cheek. She raised an eyebrow, intrigued to hear more.

“Your Highness, I want to go. Take me with you.” Awu stepped forward, her face lighting up in a radiant smile.

“Alright.” Rong Yu extended her hand toward her.

Awu placed her hand on the carriage.

The servants at the Princess Manor were well-trained. Before Awu could even prepare, Fanghua had already guided her into the carriage and settled her comfortably. Everything had been arranged.

“Aren’t we going horseback riding?” she asked, glancing at Rong Yu, who sat beside her, holding a book.

“We’ll ride outside the city. There isn’t enough open space within the walls,” Rong Yu replied, her gaze gentle.

Awu pouted. She knew the real reason was to avoid drawing attention, but she was willing to endure it for the outing.

Awu studied Rong Yu openly. The System had told her that those in power kept their emotions hidden, and Rong Yu clearly mastered this art. Yet Awu could easily tell that she was in an exceptionally good mood.

“What are you looking at?”

“Some leisure reading,” Rong Yu said, holding up the book for Awu to see the cover.

Awu had loaded the System’s language pack upon entering this world, so she read it without difficulty. It was a travelogue.

“I thought you’d be reading military texts,” she said directly.

“I do sometimes,” Rong Yu replied.

Suddenly, Awu leaned close, so close that Rong Yu could see the fine details of her skin and count every eyelash. She caught that familiar, warm fragrance again, almost imagining how soft the person before her must be.

For a fleeting moment, Rong Yu’s body stiffened almost imperceptibly. The hand holding her book tightened, but her face remained as calm as ever.

“What’s wrong?” Rong Yu asked softly.

“Why are you so different from the women I’ve met?” Awu asked, genuine curiosity in her voice.

Rong Yu followed Awu’s gaze, as if she could see straight into her heart.

She smiled faintly, her dark eyes sparkling with a dazzling light that left one dazed.

“You’re very different from the women I’ve met too.”

Of course she was different—after all, she was a great demon born from the essence of heaven and earth, the essence of the sun and moon.

Awu felt a surge of pride and settled back into her seat, hugging her knees.

The journey to the outskirts was long, and the carriage was soft and comfortable. Awu chatted idly with Rong Yu, then leaned her head against Rong Yu’s shoulder and fell asleep.

Rong Yu’s reading paused. Warm breath tickled her neck, and a tingling sensation spread through half her body.

She turned her head, her gaze lingering on Awu’s face, tracing every detail of her features.

She subtly adjusted her posture. Seeing Awu’s slightly furrowed brow smooth out, she allowed a fleeting, secret smile to bloom on her lips before it vanished.

In the Phoenix Palace, Rong Teng dismissed the attending palace staff, his expression somewhat displeased.

Lu Yuanzhi approached with a radiant smile, naturally taking his arm as if they were young lovers. She instructed the palace maids behind her.

“Lanyu, bring the tea.”

“The Emperor has been working day and night on state affairs, and you’ve grown thin,” Lu Yuanzhi said, her eyes filled with tender concern as she looked at Rong Teng. Her voice was soft and coaxing. “Baiyue sent us the finest sea cucumber and dried scallops. I had the kitchen prepare Buddha’s Delight. Please don’t harm your health for the sake of the nation.”

Seeing her devoted expression, Rong Teng’s anger from his journey back to the palace dissipated by more than half.

Though the Empress and the Prime Minister’s faction were insatiably greedy, their hearts still lay with him. Fine.

He clasped Lu Yuanzhi’s hand in return, smiling warmly. “You are most thoughtful, Empress.”

“I have been rather busy lately. Once this period passes, I will try my best to make time for you.”

Lu Yuanzhi smiled gently. “It’s enough that the Emperor keeps me in his heart.”

“Phoenix Palace will always await your return, no matter the time.”

Rong Teng’s heart warmed at her words. He drew Lu Yuanzhi closer and planted a kiss on her forehead.

Lu Yuanzhi lowered her head in a daze, her gaze drifting downward until it landed on Rong Teng’s empty waist. Her eyes sharpened momentarily before she casually looked away.

Awu didn’t know how long she had been in a dazed sleep. When she opened her eyes, she saw pale curtains and the shadow of someone gently fanning themselves outside.

Didn’t I go horseback riding with Rong Yu?

The carriage arrived while you were asleep. Rong Yu carried you inside.

Where is she?

Outside.

Awu sensed something was wrong. Why did I fall asleep so easily?

She was usually full of energy, yet she had dozed off twice today.

The System had been waiting for this question. It replied with concern, Host, we are here to complete a mission. Without sufficient progress in the strategy, the World Consciousness will suppress your activities.

Awu remained calm. Didn’t the Emperor visit this afternoon?

Visiting you and showing you favor are two different things.

Awu: Oh.

She stared blankly at the ceiling for two minutes. By then, Fanghua had already noticed she was awake.

“Miss, are you awake?” Fanghua lifted the curtain.

“Mm.” Awu sat up. “Where’s Rong Yu?”

Fanghua remained unfazed by Awu’s casual use of the Eldest Princess’s given name. “Your Highness is practicing martial arts outside.”

“Help me up. I want to go out.”

“Yes.”

Fanghua helped Awu dress. By the time they stepped outside, the sky had darkened. Awu only then realized the area was vast. Walking straight from her room, she reached a wide, open space with a square platform in the center. Torches tied to tall pillars around the perimeter cast flickering light on a figure.

Before Awu could approach, she heard the swish of air as something cut through the sky.

Fanghua explained, “Your Highness is practicing her swordplay.” Her voice carried a hint of pride.

Swordplay?

Awu’s interest piqued, and she hurried forward.

The figure on the platform moved like a dancing dragon, her long hair standing on end. Dressed in a sharp riding outfit, her profile occasionally caught the light, revealing a piercing gaze and thin lips pressed into a line that hinted at unfathomable power. Those delicate, bone-defined hands, so graceful when holding books and brushes, now wielded a massive saber with effortless ease, cleaving through any obstacle before her as if it were mere air.

Awu was utterly captivated.

“Everyone says our mistress is refined and should be practicing with a sword,” Yun Qi said, crossing her arms as she appeared beside Awu. “They have no taste. I dare say they’ve never seen her with a saber, reaping enemy heads like cutting melons and vegetables.”

“A true hero among heroes, a true woman among women.”

Awu did notice her. “Has Rong Yu ever been to war?”

“Of course. The title ‘Princess Anguo’ was earned through real battles, with real steel!” Yun Qi whistled sharply, her voice brimming with excitement.

No sooner had she spoken than she felt a familiar gaze fix upon her.

“Mistress.” Yun Qi automatically straightened.

Rong Yu glanced at her indifferently, then handed her the saber. Yun Qi immediately scurried off, cradling the weapon as she went to polish it.

Hehe, I was caught whispering but didn’t get punished. I was even prepared to forfeit my entire month’s salary this year, hahaha.

“How long have you been awake?” Rong Yu asked, stepping down from the platform.

“Your swordsmanship is truly impressive,” Awu said, looking at Rong Yu’s arms in disbelief. She couldn’t understand how such slender arms could wield such a large blade with such power and flair.

Rong Yu noticed her scrutiny, a hint of helplessness in her eyes.

She extended her arm toward Awu.

Awu reacted instantly, grabbing her arm and squeezing it left and right without hesitation.

They’re indeed quite firm.

Awu: o.o

Rong Yu found her reaction endearing. “Be careful not to hurt your hand,” she said softly.

Awu’s gaze was like an X-ray, as if she wanted to scan Rong Yu’s entire body and understand her anatomy.

Even through her clothes, Rong Yu could feel the heat of Awu’s gaze.

Awu hadn’t forgotten to bring up the matter of the horse ride.

“Weren’t you supposed to take me horseback riding?”

How could you leave me to sleep while you went off to practice your swordplay?

Her lively face clearly conveyed these thoughts.

Rong Yu looked somewhat apologetic. “It’s too late. Riding at night isn’t scenic or safe. How about tomorrow?”

Awu reluctantly agreed. “Alright then.”

“Thank you, Awu,” Rong Yu said with genuine gratitude.

Awu, usually so willful, turned her head slightly, looking bashful. “You’re welcome.”

At night, the System, which diligently reviewed data every day, was examining its internal records.

The System felt like a nanny, constantly worrying about Awu.

Suddenly, it noticed a pink progress bar had appeared beneath the red one in the system space, and it was filling up slightly faster.

The System’s CPU nearly overheated as it frantically pulled up the data source.

After a moment, the System: …

It flipped through the system’s manual at lightning speed, searching for any explanation or regulation regarding this unusual situation. After two thorough searches, it found nothing.

The System: ????

Its intuition told it that this matter was best kept from the Host for now.

With a heavy heart, it closed the system space.

In another part of the same time-space continuum:

Lu Yuanzhi of Fengxin Nianhua was brushing her hair in front of a mirror. The woman in the reflection was beautiful, but her eyes betrayed deep sorrow.

“So it’s true.”

Lanyu worriedly draped a robe over her shoulders. “Your Majesty.”

“I’m not angry that he’s hiding someone outside. He could have simply brought her back. Instead, he goes to all this trouble to hide her in the Princess Manor, treating me like what?”

“Does Lu Yuanzhi seem like a jealous woman who can’t tolerate others in his eyes?”

Over the years, his harem had grown with new additions every year.

Her hand tightened on the comb, snapping several hairs.

“Your Majesty”

A soft sigh escaped her lips.

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