Chapter 138: Miya
Chapter 140: Miya
Within the Rose Garden, interactions among the Scarlet were generally quite reserved and insular. Each bloodline represented a distinct family, and every family possessed its own territory, not to be entered freely even by allies. This was due to the absence of lasting friendships amongst the Scarlet. If the price was right, they could readily betray allies bound by centuries-old pacts, a fact none of them considered shameful. After all, when forming alliances, no one explicitly forbade the tearing of treaties; everyone left ample room for maneuver. If you had a grievance, you could always backstab me! This understanding was established when the Rose Garden was founded: to ascend the Rose Throne, one could resort to any means necessary, relying on their own abilities. The prevailing spirit was one of mutual deception; if you didn’t like it, don’t play!
Consequently, the occasional visiting delegations served as rare channels for internal family exchanges with outsiders. The Shuoyue Family and the Qianhong Family had been allies for a considerable time, with no apparent signs of their relationship souring, maintaining a relatively amicable bond.
“Mm-hmm, I am indeed interested in getting to know the friends from the Shuoyue Family,” Jiali replied with a smile, accepting the invitation. However, her motive wasn’t to make friends, but rather because, as someone who saw herself as the future Dominance of the Rose Garden, she needed to familiarize herself with the various families of the Scarlet. You might wonder why she was so certain. As the chosen one of Destiny by the Primal King, she was destined for such a mission. Even if she hadn’t been chosen, Jiali would have considered the Rose Throne her prize; this merely solidified her conviction.
“I see. Then you’ve come at the perfect time, as among our visiting friends, there is someone of your kind.” Regardless of her inner thoughts about the family’s Bloodline, the host of the gathering maintained outward politeness, warmly inviting the silver and purple-haired girl to sit before the reunion continued as planned.
After Jiali was seated, no one immediately approached her. For the nobles of the Qianhong Family, associating with Jiali could be interpreted by their elders as showing allegiance to a Bloodline, a risk too great to bear. Even those who individually believed the Bloodline might be worth supporting would never reveal it in public. Instead, they would conform to the crowd and join in the silent ostracization of Jiali.
Jiali disdained this “game of bullying.” She casually retrieved a goblet of blood-wine and sipped it slowly. However, having recently tasted Yonglan’s ultimate blood, this usually enjoyable drink had become almost undrinkable. As the silver and purple-haired girl set down the goblet, a maiden with smooth, shoulder-length black hair approached her. Her exquisite black and white dress harmoniously accentuated her slender and elegant figure. With a sweet smile gracing her beautiful face, she nodded at Jiali.
“Miya.”
The black-haired girl then extended her hand. “Like you, I am a Bloodline of the Shuoyue Family.”
This must be the “someone of your kind” they were referring to. Heh, that made sense. Compared to the familial divisions among the Scarlet, those who were “favored ones,” the “Bloodlines,” were more akin to kin. Jiali lightly touched the other girl’s hand, her eyes cast downwards. “A Bloodline of the Shuoyue Family… I’ve never heard of you before.”
“Not all families reveal their foundational strength without reservation. I previously served in the Rose Guard at the Central Courtyard, and only recently stepped into the public eye. That’s why I’ve come to visit our allies in Shuoyue.” The Scarlet named Miya sat down on the sofa beside Jiali, picked up a glass of fine blood-wine, and said, “The current era is quite different, you know. Have you heard the declaration made by that Dragon Princess of the Unified Empire after her conquest of Chang? It was truly… quite something.”
She hadn’t just heard of it; she had personally heard the full story from the concerned parties. Jiali nodded. “Of course. News like that has likely spread across the Boundless Land by now. It’s too significant; the world is about to become unsettled.”
Miya agreed wholeheartedly and spoke eloquently. “It’s secondary that the Unified Empire declared war on the Pillar of the Holy. The Pillar of the Holy doesn’t have the capacity for a full-scale war with the Dragon Species at the moment. What they need to do now is to do everything they can to pacify the unrest within their borders.”
“The Pillar of the Holy’s reaction undoubtedly confirms the legitimacy of the Unified Empire’s concept of Destiny, though this is a widely acknowledged secret among various nations. The Second Succession War is coming, and it will be more brutal and intense than the first. The first Succession War was merely a struggle for the authority of the Xuntian Dynasty, but this time, it’s a fight for the Honor of welcoming the Primal King. Those truly favored will determine the future course of events.”
Jiali found that this Bloodline maiden from the Shuoyue Family was remarkably insightful, offering decisive judgments on the future situation. The silver and purple-haired girl, who had previously been rather uninterested, couldn’t help but look upon her with newfound respect and engage in a formal discussion. Their conversation then attracted members of the Shuoyue Family. The Scarlet from families other than Qianhong had no reason to be reserved, and under Miya’s lead, the two noble Bloodlines were soon surrounded, forming an assembly of appraisal. Yes, appraisal. It must be said that no matter where one was, topics concerning world affairs were always captivating. Everyone pontificated, debated, and offered their views on the global situation, and the gathering finally concluded in the evening, leaving everyone with a sense of lingering engagement.
“You… you’re not bad.” As they parted, Jiali leaned back on the sofa, arms crossed, and said to the black-haired scion, “Among the many fools and commoners in the Rose Garden, it’s rare to find someone as engaging as you.” To receive such an evaluation from the haughty silver and purple-haired girl was a significant endorsement.
Miya did not appear angered by Jiali’s condescending tone. She merely smiled slightly and replied, “I feel the same. The future of the Boundless Land will undoubtedly belong to those of Destiny, and only the favored are qualified to be called destined. Those who can influence the Rose Garden will certainly be Bloodlines… and only Bloodlines.” The black-haired Bloodline maiden then glanced around, ensuring they were unobserved. She stepped closer and whispered to Jiali, “If necessary, I can offer you some assistance… Please rest assured, I swear on my family’s Honor to the Primal King that this assistance will not involve any schemes or transactions. It is purely for the future of the Rose Garden and the Scarlet. If I must ask for something, it would be friendship.”
Facing Miya’s sincere words, Jiali propped up her flawless cheek with one hand and said indifferently, “My friendship is not a frivolous thing to be easily promised. However, I accept your goodwill.” Even without your help, I will regain control of the Qianhong Family and become the new Elder in the near future.
