As the sun rises across the sky, you try to say goodbye to Fourteen only for him to head you off.
14th Prince: Do you still remember you promised me a wish?
Xiu Ying: A wish? It was a favor, as I recall.
You asked for his help while looking into Consort Zhuang's murder of Shu Xian, thus owing him a favor. He never forgot, evidently.
14th Prince: I'm glad you still remember because I don't feel like explaining it.
Xiu Ying: Why are you mentioning it now? Need my help with something?
14th Prince: Nah, just want you to fulfill a wish. It's a nice day today. Would you take a long walk with me?
You can't bear rejecting him, given how expectant he is, and nod.
Xiu Ying: What kind of wish is this? Sure, I'll take a stroll with you.
14th Prince: It doesn't count? You mean I still got a wish? All right, I'll quit teasing. Let's go!
You step into a picturesque maple grove amid the autumn breeze and falling leaves. You walk with 14th Prince over red leaves that rustles with each easy gait.
Xiu Ying: It's so beautiful... I haven't seen such an enchanting scene in a long time.
14th Prince: I knew you'd like it. From the very first time I chanced upon this place, I wanted to bring you here.
Xiu Ying: Is everything well in the capital these two years?
14th Prince: [Shakes head] We're not going to talk about that today.
Xiu Ying: Okay, we should keep the good feeling going.
14th Prince: I did miss you very much, though. Did you ever think of me?
He stops and stares at you in silence with nothing but anticipation in his eyes. Before you can speak, a breeze blows a maple leaf square on top of his head.
14th Prince: [Smiles] I guess someone followed us here.
He's referring to Shadow, who has surreptitiously followed you this whole way, rather risking discovery than swallowing his pride.
Xiu Ying: [Awkwardly] What? No, there's no one around at all. Come on, I think it's even better over there.
Another gale blows the leaves down all over both of your heads.
14th Prince: Huh, so many maple trees here and leaves only fall from the ones we're under. Interesting, isn't it?
Xiu Ying: Cough, cough... We shouldn't try to speak in this wind.
The 14th Prince obeys and the wind stops. After several steps, he stops again.
14th Prince: [Reaching out] Don't move, got a leaf on your head.
Xiu Ying: (Oh, this isn't good...)
Your hunch is right on the money, as Shadow steps in and blocks the 14th Prince's hand.
Shadow: [Emotionless] Pardon me, 14th Prince, but this is far enough.
14th Prince: I knew it's you. I've been waiting. I don't put the 4th Prince past sending a bodyguard to be a hound when he's away from the city.
Shadow: You should head home now, my lady.
14th Prince: It's not your place to make decisions for her.
After that, both he and Shadow turn to you. What do you do?
Xiu Ying: Let's do this some other time, Fourteen.
14th Prince: Then let me walk you home... You wouldn't deny me the satisfaction, would you?
Xiu Ying: I just don't want to trouble you...
14th Prince: No trouble at all. Besides, that's what big brothers are for!
Xiu Ying: You're younger than me!
You bid farewell to the 14th Prince after arriving back at home.
14th Prince: I'll see you later.
Shadow gets in front of you before you can reply.
Xiu Ying: [Resigned] I'm just going to say goodbye to Fourteen!
YOU ARE READING
LoT Phoenix 1
RandomThis is not my story. Post it here from a game for offline reading. PS: I wish they will make a drama out of this.
