Chapter 39: Loli’s Little Scheme
Three days later, Xi Wei finally led his soldiers back to Winter City. Looking at the familiar city and streets, even the scent of horse manure in the air seemed refreshing. “It’s indeed more comfortable on one’s own turf,” Xi Wei couldn’t help but sigh in his heart. He glanced at the soldiers behind him and noticed their eyes were filled with comfort and ease, likely sharing his sentiment.
The group slowly made their way back to Winter Fort. From a distance, Xi Wei spotted a figure sitting on a small stool. She stood in stark contrast to the tall soldiers guarding the castle, appearing even more petite and adorable. The figure was none other than his little maid, Loli. Behind Loli stood a kind-looking middle-aged woman—Mrs. Chris.
“What are these two doing at the gate?” Xi Wei wondered, urging his horse to the front of the line. Loli rested her chin on her hand, her ears drooping, lost in a gloomy reverie. Suddenly, her eyes caught sight of a group of figures riding warhorses, crossing the moat and arriving at the castle’s drawbridge.
The knight at the forefront wore a magnificent Dragon Crystal Armor stained with dried, blackened blood. He rode a tall Dragon Blood Horse, his golden hair shimmering in the afternoon sun. “Ma…Master?” Loli rubbed her eyes in disbelief. At first, she murmured softly, but as the figure drew closer, her eyes grew brighter.
Her furry ears perked up, and Loli could barely contain her longing and excitement, shouting out, “Master!” With that, she bounced and ran up to Xi Wei, who had already dismounted. Her large eyes slightly narrowed, a happy smile on her lips. She wanted to hug the man before her, but mindful of her status and the soldiers watching, she retracted one hand, only gripping the corner of Xi Wei’s cloak.
Loli stared intently at Xi Wei, examining him for any signs of injury. Mrs. Chris also approached, casting a loving glance at Loli and cheerfully said to Xi Wei, “Young Master Xi Wei, little Loli waits here for you every day after her lessons, not leaving until the castle bell rings in the evening, no matter how much I try to persuade her.”
Mrs. Chris’s words turned Loli’s cheeks crimson, but she still looked up at Xi Wei, stubbornly clutching his cloak as if fearing he might vanish the next second. “Really? I didn’t expect my little maid to miss me while I was away at war,” Xi Wei warmed at heart, gently placing his large hand on her head and tenderly stroking it.
Loli stood on her tiptoes, her eyes closed, clearly enjoying the affection, her lips curling into a cute smile. Around them, some knights counted bricks on the castle walls, while others chatted with their horses, appearing peaceful yet inwardly tormented.
Xi Wei quickly sensed the resentful atmosphere around, pinched Loli’s cheek, then turned to the knights, saying, “Alright, everyone, don’t just stand here; it’s getting hot. Take the day off; there’s no need to guard the castle tonight.”
After giving instructions, Xi Wei took a bag of gold coins from the carriage and handed it to Clemon, solemnly ordering, “Distribute these coins to the families of the fallen soldiers. Have them collect their pensions from the administrative office every month.” He added, “By the way, make sure to investigate their family information thoroughly to prevent any fraudulent claims.”
Xi Wei then called Gudbad and instructed him to lead the castle’s servants in organizing the supplies brought from Black River Territory, categorizing them for storage in the castle’s warehouse.
After handling all matters, Xi Wei finally took his little maid back to his room. He hadn’t bathed for days; although cultivation kept his body cleaner than an ordinary person’s, he still sweated. Feeling sticky all over, he was eager to soak in a bath.
But just as he removed his armor, leaving only his undershirt, the previously obedient little maid suddenly flung herself into his arms like a returning swallow.
Loli had waited a long, long time. She wrapped her soft arms tightly around Xi Wei’s waist, her tender face nuzzling against his chest, murmuring incoherently, “Mm… Master… I missed you so much…”
Smelling Xi Wei’s familiar scent, Loli felt her entire body soften, a blush creeping from her neck to her face. She had deliberately waited until Xi Wei removed his armor to throw herself into his embrace, as only then could she fully feel her master’s warmth and the breadth of his chest.
