Volume 6 Chapter 7

Volume 6 + Chapter 7: Praise Me Already

Xia Yi found Xia Lulu’s room.

Unexpectedly, Xia Lulu was sleeping.

“Huh?”

Xia Yi rubbed her eyes, thinking she was hallucinating.

It was still daytime.

Ever since she could remember, Xia Lulu had always been diligent, constantly handling state affairs. She had never hidden away to sleep during the day.

This was the first time Xia Yi had ever seen such a thing, and it shocked her.

“I’m not dreaming… Xia Lulu is really sleeping. Could it be that she’s slacking off today?”

Xia Yi entered and closed the door behind her.

She approached the bed and crouched beside it, staring at the dragon girl who looked almost identical to herself.

“Xia Lulu, are you slacking off?” she whispered.

“… ”

“Or are you pretending to sleep?!”

Xia Yi quickly stepped back, putting distance between herself and the bed.

She had fallen for tricks like this before.

That cunning silver dragon might be waiting for her to slip up.

“Hmph, Xia Lulu, don’t think I’m that easy to fool. I’ve seen through your scheme. The same trick won’t work on me twice, not on a Sword Saint!”

Xia Yi declared confidently.

Yet Xia Lulu showed no reaction.

Time passed, and Xia Yi grew uneasy.

Could she be sick?

She cautiously leaned closer to observe.

Perhaps sensing her presence, Xia Lulu slowly opened her eyes.

“…Hmm? Xia Yi?”

“Xia Lulu, you’re awake?” Xia Yi jumped back.

“Mm…”

Xia Lulu sat up, her expression dazed, clearly just waking from sleep.

“Why are you sleeping in the daytime? Are you… sick?”

“… ”

Xia Lulu didn’t answer directly.

“Daughter, have you returned from Fox Hill?”

“Yes! I’ve brought the delegation back!”

Xia Yi puffed out her chest proudly.

“I completed the mission you gave me!”

“I’ve read Karami’s report,” Xia Lulu said softly. “The fox clan has allied with us, correct?”

“Yes. The former Nine-Tailed Fox Emperor Yue Yin stepped down and passed his position to ‘Fox Radish.’”

“Fox Radish?”

“I mean Yue Liu.”

“That little fox… she became emperor?” Xia Lulu seemed surprised.

“Strictly speaking, I made it happen,” Xia Yi said proudly.

She explained the internal conflict, how she supported Yue Liu, and secured the alliance.

“I see…”

Xia Lulu felt deeply gratified.

Without guidance, Xia Yi had made such bold and farsighted decisions, qualities befitting a future ruler.

“How is it? Impressed? I accomplished so many amazing things!”

Xia Yi’s silver eyes sparkled with anticipation.

Her expression practically screamed, 

Praise me!

Xia Lulu smiled gently.

“You truly are my daughter. You’re remarkable.”

She reached out and stroked Xia Yi’s head.

“If we compare at the same age, you surpass even me.”

“D-Don’t think that’ll make me happy!” Xia Yi protested, though she leaned closer, her tail swaying happily.

“I’m a resolute Sword Saint! Everything I’ve done is just preparation to challenge you!”

“Is that so?”

“Of course! You must feel threatened now, right?”

“I’ve secured powerful allies. My prestige is unmatched, I can even shake your position!”

“I could replace you as Dragon King anytime!”

Xia Lulu suddenly said, “Then… shall I pass the throne to you now?”

“…Huh?!”

Xia Yi froze.

“…Just joking,” Xia Lulu smiled mischievously.

“Don’t scare me like that!” Xia Yi sighed in relief.

“No more jokes like that!”

“Alright.”

Xia Lulu pulled her into an embrace.

“What are you doing?”

“Let’s take a nap together.”

What a ridiculous request, 

“Okay~”

Xia Yi climbed into bed beside her.

Beside Xia Lulu, she felt safe and content.

Before long, she drifted into sleep.

…

Xia Lulu gazed at her sleeping daughter with tenderness.

She gently touched her soft cheek.

“Cough… cough…”

Suddenly, she coughed, pain flashing across her face.

Her gaze dimmed.

“How much longer can I stay by Xia Yi’s side…?”

[https://ko-fi.com/golden_dragon]