Wu Yu and Wu Yun

I had been following the same schedule for as long as I could remember. But now, things were different—I could talk and even walk. By the standards of this world, I was four years old.

However, life wasn't as peaceful as it seemed. I had this ridiculous thing called a System, and it seemed to exist solely to disturb me. It was always active, always present, and always annoying.

It even had the audacity to wake me up in the middle of the night on my birthday, all under the guise of giving me rewards.

"Stupid system! Can't you just leave me alone when I'm sleeping?" I had scolded it countless times, but my efforts were fruitless.

[Miss, I am your humble servant. I can do anything, but I cannot change system rules.]

Rules, rules, rules. If only I could throw the rules—and the system—out the window. Unfortunately, it was stuck to me like glue.

The worst part? It kept giving me rewards whenever it deemed fit, including when the maids passed by and smiled at me.

"Here's your reward for being noticed," it would chime in my head, as if disrupting my peace was some sort of achievement.

I wanted to protest, but I couldn't deny that the system was sometimes useful. It wasn't all bad… just mostly annoying.

Today, however, my irritation with the system had to take a backseat. Mother and I were heading to the Royal Palace for a banquet. Apparently, she had been invited to join the palace three years ago, and now that she had settled into her role, she often took me along for formal events.

This particular banquet was to celebrate the Crown Prince's martial spirit awakening.

To be honest, I wasn't interested in the banquet or the prince. I was only going for the sweets. Mother rarely allowed me to indulge in desserts at home, so this was my golden opportunity to slip away and enjoy as many treats as I could.

I was lost in thoughts of cakes and pastries when I heard a knock at the door.

"Come in," I called, knowing it was time to get ready.

The door opened, revealing two identical girls. Both were dressed in black-and-white maid uniforms, their faces obscured by masks that left only their cold, crimson eyes visible. Their icy-blue hair fell neatly over their shoulders, an oddly mesmerizing contrast to their stern demeanor.

The twin sisters, Wu Yu and Wu Yun, had been with us for a year now. Mother had brought them into the household when they were only fifteen. Now sixteen, they were as cold and silent as ever, but I liked their company.

"Miss, Madam has instructed us to prepare you for the banquet," Wu Yu said in a calm, almost mechanical tone.

Wu Yun, as usual, remained silent, standing a step behind her sister like a shadow.

I sighed theatrically, waving them in. "Well, come on then. But really, you two don't have to be so stiff around me. I promise I won't complain to Mother, even if you make a mistake."

The twins exchanged a glance, but their expressions remained impassive.

Wu Yu stepped forward, her tone neutral. "Understood, Miss."

With precise movements, they began their work. Wu Yu removed my clothes while Wu Yun silently gathered towels and prepared the bath.

As I stepped into the warm water, I couldn't resist teasing them a little. "You know, you could smile once in a while. It wouldn't hurt."

Wu Yun, standing by with a fresh set of clothes, finally spoke, her tone as cool as the winter air. "Young Miss, it's improper for us to behave casually in front of you."

I pouted. "What's improper about being happy? You two are no fun."

Wu Yu carefully poured warm water over my head. "We are here to serve you miss. If it's your order we will try to smile."

"Whatever," I muttered, leaning back in the tub. "But it wouldn't kill you to loosen up a little."

The twins ignored my comment, continuing their work with their usual efficiency.

Once I was clean and dressed in a lovely light-blue gown embroidered with silver patterns, Wu Yun brushed my hair while Wu Yu arranged the accessories.

"There," Wu Yu said, stepping back to assess their work. "You're ready."

I glanced at the mirror. The twins had outdone themselves. My hair was styled into soft waves, and the gown shimmered in the light. I looked like a proper little noble, though I couldn't care less about appearances.

"Good job," I said cheerfully. "Now let's get going. There are sweets waiting for me."

Wu Yu inclined her head slightly. "We will escort you, Miss."

Wu Yun nodded in agreement, her silence as steadfast as ever.

As we left the room, I couldn't help but smile.

As I stepped into the grand hall, the twins silently following behind me, I saw my mother waiting by the entrance. She was more breathtaking than ever. Dressed in a form-fitting black gown, the dark fabric seemed to perfectly complement her cold, stoic expression, giving her an air of mysterious elegance.

"My darling, you're ready?"

Her voice was soft, but there was an undeniable edge to it. Before I could answer, she swiftly moved toward me and enveloped me in a warm embrace. I rested my hand gently on her neck, feeling the warmth of her touch, a comfort that contrasted her usual cold demeanor.

But before I could savor the moment, the system's irritating chime shattered the stillness.

[You have received 100 points for lightening the mood of your mother and maids.]

'Seriously?!'

I couldn't help but roll my eyes at the system's timing. But my mother didn't seem to notice, as she kissed me on the forehead with a tender smile and then took my hand, leading me out.

"Xue'er, even though I'm letting you follow me today, remember to eat less sweets," she warned in a voice that sounded deceptively gentle, yet there was an undertone of something far colder. "Wu Yun and Wu Yu will be keeping an eye on you, understand? And if you don't obey my orders… well, your maids will be punished. And you don't want to punish your poor maids, do you?"

Her smile remained, but it didn't reach her eyes. I shuddered involuntarily. That expression—so sweet yet so terrifying—always made me uneasy. It reminded me of times when I had seen her kill without a flicker of remorse, still smiling the whole time.

I froze for a moment, my heart pounding in my chest. My mother's gaze softened ever so slightly, as if sensing my fear. She pulled me close, her hands tenderly cupping my face.

"You don't have to fear me, my dear. I'm only doing this for your own good," she whispered, her voice now smooth and soothing, almost hypnotic. "I could call upon a healing soul master, but why bother if we can avoid it? Do you understand, Xue'er?"

I nodded quickly, not daring to defy her.

She gave a satisfied smile, but it still didn't fully reach her eyes. "Good girl. Eat less sweets, Xue'er. You wouldn't want to make me upset, would you?"

I hugged her tightly, feeling a strange mix of warmth and unease. I could never disobey her—her gaze alone made it impossible.

Though I adored sweets, I knew better than to challenge her commands. Still, there was one last resort… the system. But purchasing from it was expensive, and I rarely had the time alone to indulge. Even though I had a room of my own, I didn't spend much time there. My mother always kept me close, often taking me with her wherever she went. Even during her cultivation sessions, I remained by her side, quietly reading books and studying.

If I wanted those sweets, I would have to find another way. But for now, I would follow her rules.