Evening light shimmered in the city’s horizon as Zhen Xue walked back to the palace with his pockets full of gifts. He hummed a small tune to himself, recalling his encounter with Li Wei. They didn’t agree on a time or place for their date, but the prospect that Li Wei would appear on his own terms made Zhen Xue’s lips curve into a smile.

“I would,” Zhen Xue admitted with a slightly unapologetic smile. “But I’m in a hurry.”

“Your Highness...”

“Give my regards to my father.” He perked up, waving goodbye to them and listening to them groan as he headed inside.

He traveled up the jointed staircase, reaching the second floor to the west wing with bedrooms. He stopped by his room to quickly changed his clothes. Ming Yi might throw a fit if he saw how they got ripped. He stuffed the gifts back into his pockets and made his way to the library. Ming Yi was standing outside the door like an ever dutiful guard. His bright green eyes widened at Zhen Xue’s approach, walking down the hallway to greet him first. “Dianxia,” he said with bated breath. “You’ve returned.” 

Putting aside the familiarity of those words, Zhen Xue was stunned Ming Yi had listened, but even more so by his tone like he wasn’t expecting him to return. “Ming Yi,” Zhen Xue sighed, bringing his hand up to hold his own head. “What am I supposed to do with you? You make me sound like a father who went to go buy milk.”

“A what?”

Realizing his mistake, how Ming Yi wouldn’t understand the modern concept, Zhen Xue took back his words. “Don’t worry about it,” he answered dryly. “Just tell me how my brother is doing.”

Before Ming Yi could reply, Xu Yang popped his head out of the library door as if their words had summoned him. Upon finally seeing them, he said with a smile, “Ah, I thought I heard you two talking.” He stepped outside to join them, reaching their side with an air of elegance. 

Zhen Xue breathed a sigh of relief that he was okay. Apparently, he’d been more worried than he thought. 

Xu Yang raised an eyebrow at that, but didn’t comment. “You won’t believe the day I had,” he said with a dramatic flare. “I thought I was hallucinating and had become you when I saw Ming Yi following me around. This guy... He didn’t speak the whole time, but I could guess what was going on.”

“If you really had become me, I think your mother would celebrate by now,” Zhen Xue commented dryly. “She would have the entire kingdom dressed in black. She’d throw a damn funeral in my honor. I can already imagine the fake tears.”

“You’re right,” Xu Yang coughed back his laughter. “Why didn’t I think of that...” He stepped forward, wrapping an arm around Zhen Xue’s shoulders. “Little brother... What’s going through that mind of yours?” 

Zhen Xue would never get used to being called ‘little’ when Xu Yang and he were only a few months apart. On the sidelines, Ming Yi was staring too, clearly wanting to know just as badly but holding himself back until now. 

Well, he supposed it wouldn’t hurt to tell them. Having their help would make his plans easier. This matter concerned their future, after all. He steps away from Xu Yang to look out the window to clear his mind and figure out how to explain himself. 

From this height, he could see the city. A flock of birds flew over the bell tower in the distance, their bright blue wings flapping free of restraint. That freedom might cost them their lives someday. With a calm breath, he said, “Remember when I told you about that person I was betting on who went against my expectations?”

“Yeah...” Xu Yang confirmed, wondering where this was going to lead.

“This might be hard to believe, but the person I spoke about is the key to stopping the rebellion. Calisaya has a deep influence on the people, destined to lead them on a harmonious path... If she doesn’t take action now, much worse things will happen in the future.” 

Cassanova was already falling apart at the seams with discourse falling like dominoes. Even if Cassanova survived rebellion, what would happen when they faced the wrath of one of the oldest gods? Without Calisaya to take on her arch nemesis, Caelestis, the damage would be irreparable. They only have two weeks to turn her into a savior before the Spring festival… During which, Caelestis would arrive.

The problem was explaining all of this to Ming Yi and Xu Yang. How could he explain the powerful aura of a main character? Certain rules applied in a novel that didn’t have an explanation. Calisaya’s actions were the law within the universe of storytelling, so only she can stop significant events. Just look at how the banquet with the royals went south without her there. A perfect example of what might happen again without her intervention.

Poor Ming Yi won’t wrap his head around the whole novel concept when accepting he was the male lead would be an even greater shock to him. And Xu Yang? He might accept the truth, but he’d surely have his doubts.

“Well,” Xu Yang suddenly said, pulling him from his depressing thoughts. “You always had that look on your face, like you knew more than we did.”

From all things he could’ve said, Zhen Xue wasn’t expecting his immediate acceptance. More over, Xu Yang sounded like he knew what Zhen Xue was trying to say. 

No, that was unlikely. He must think Zhen Xue could see the future. As he had this thought, his brother said, “Judging by your reaction, I’m assuming theirs more to the story, but nevertheless... If you really are one of the gods’ gifted children, whatever you’re seeing must hold some truth.”

Since Xu Yang interpreted his circumstances that way, Zhen Xue didn’t bother correcting him. 

Ming Yi choose this moment to speak up, “I won’t deny that explains your reckless behavior. You’ve always acted like you were certain you wouldn’t die.”

“Well, that’s because I know what will happen,” he shrugged, as though the explanation was simple enough. Although, that wasn’t entirely the truth. His unfinished story didn’t explain what would ultimately happen to him, but everyone must go out at some point. He grew not afraid of death a long time ago.

“Dianxia...” Ming Yi said with reverence. “You should know better than anyone. I’ll always follow your lead. Use me when you don’t know what to do. I am your tool, Your Highness.” His head lowered, and for the first time, Zhen Xue felt like they might survive.