23: Protect the princess

Sui stretched her out as she walked behind Princess Yunjin.

'It is more peaceful than I expected. Princess Yunjin has not asked me to do anything unreasonable…yet.'

Sui was happy to be outside the Imperial Castle, and her eyes greedily took in the sight before her.

It was common for servants to head to the city frequently for various works. 

However, that was considered a privilege, and only some people were selected for this role.

Sui had never gotten selected for this either, so it was in her best interest to fake her excitement and pretend to see the outside world for the first time.

'Ah, if only this were my first time out here. Unfortunately, my life is not as simple as this.'

Many of Sui's…missions needed her to come to the town and buy its materials.

'I should answer the princess before she gets impatient.'

Sui was about to answer the princess, but the older girl decided she did not want to wait for Sui's answer.

Instead, the princess looked Sui right in the eyes as she leaned closer to her."

"So, this is not your first time in the town. How disappointing. But don't worry! There are still many firsts we can experience together."

Sui could not move. Only an inch of difference between their lips and even the smallest moment could make them touch.

A hand snuck its way up Sui's arm, and she tensed. Goosebumps formed on her arm as the warm hand continued up her palm to her wrist.

"Don't lose yourself now. We have a lot of things to do."

The princess took off, now dragging Sui behind her.

Sui had no choice but to keep up with the princess. Otherwise, she would be dragged along and get injured.

Finally, the pair arrives at a large house, and the princess lets Sui's wrist go.

"Princess, you should be more careful about your actions."

Sui was winded, but she was still able to advise the princess.

She wanted to say, 'Be careful, or you will hurt me,' but Sui's standing was too low for her to say these words.

She had to compromise with the princess and keep herself in check.

"It's fine! I am fine! I am stronger than I look, so there is nothing to worry about. Unless your concern is not about me? Sui, are you thinking about someone else while you are with me?"

The princess asked, but Sui could not tell if the princess was teasing or getting angry.

'Of course, I am not concerned about your wellbeing, you brute. The one in danger here is me!'

Sui's thoughts were completely different when she opened her mouth.

"Ah, how can that be? The one I am most concerned about is our beloved princess! I will not dare disrespect her. I'm always thinking of her first and foremost."

Sui babbled these words out unconsciously.

*chuckle*

"Is that so? Then, I will keep your world in mind."

The princess vowed, causing Sui to relax instantly.

She wanted to say she was out of trouble, but the fates had other ideas.

"Oi! What are you two doing loitering in front of Minister Xiao's mansion? Do you have a death wish? If you are here to cause trouble, then don't even try."

The guard noticed the princess but mistook her and Sui as commoners who were here to cause trouble.

Sui did try to hint to the guard that it was not a good idea.

But the princess's massive aura and attention-grabbing presence acted as a shield, making Sui's attempts useless.

"Troublemaker? It has been ages since I was last called a troublemaker." 

The princess whispered these words before continuing louder.

"So, what will you do if I continue to loiter around and not head back? You don't tell like someone who can do much."

The princess insulted the guard, and there was nothing the guard could do about it.

Also, the guard was turning redder by the second, unable to take the slander.

"This is enough! I will not sit here and watch you slander my master's honor anymore."

The guard yelled before he took out his sword.

Sui looked around at the small crowd gathered around the gate and watched this happen.

'Don't do this if you know what is good for you. Do you want to die?'

Sui tried to convey her thoughts to the guard telepathically, but he could not understand what she wanted to convey.

Moreover, he continued to try to test the princess even more.

"Last warning! You can either leave now or get punished by me."

The guard warned, not noticing how amused the princess looked.

"I see! If that's the case, then I would like to see how tough your punishment is."

The guard rushed toward the princess with his sword out.

'Does he intend to kill the princess? I cannot allow that to happen.'

Sui's body moved faster than her brain worked.

"Sui, what are you doing? Get out of the way!"

The princess ordered, but Sui was already done dealing with the guard.

Sui had knocked her fist hard into the opponent's unprotected gut (the guard was not wearing proper armor), and the wind had been knocked out of the guard.

"Oi! What do you think you were doing? I could have taken care of myself just fine! Look at your hand. It's all red because you punched that fool. Even your wrist is injured."

The princess sounded more annoyed than worried as she grabbed Sui's arm to look at her situation.

"It's OK, princess. Hurting my hand is not a big deal if it is for your protection."

'Also, isn't the wrist your fault? You grabbed me too tightly before and now it's all swollen.'

Sui did not have a death wish so she did not end that line.

But that did not stop the princess from looking angry beyond belief.

The princess let go of Sui's arm and stepped toward the guard.

There was a crunching sound and Sui looked away when the princess broke the guard's arm before she grabbed the man's hair and pulled his head up.

"You challenged me to a fight, right? Then let's do it! I will enjoy watching your blood bleed out of your body slowly and painfully. Or maybe I should throw you to the animals and let them tear you apart. Hmmm, which one will you prefer?"