It was quite a relief for Sizhi to hear what Jyu had to say. There was no malice; everything was based on sincerity. Their friendship was indeed built on sincerity, with no hidden motives behind it.
"Are you sure you don't want to go back there? It's not comfortable to sleep here," said Sizhi as he saw Jyu was already very sleepy, yawning as wide as possible until he rubbed his eyes like a little kid.
Jyu actually lay down on the floor now. This prison was indeed dark; very few lights were installed. But the conditions were well-maintained; even the floor was relatively clean.
"For me, this place is already comfortable. You know, I usually sleep under a bridge; I've nearly been swept away so many times when the river floods."
"Being an outcast is truly uncomfortable, you know! I often eat carrion, and even catch cats or dogs for my evening meal."
Hearing this, Sizhi's eyes widened in shock; she hadn't expected an outcast like Jyu to suffer so much. It was a far cry from his own life as a member of the nobility, where the food served was always delicious.
"It's up to you, just sleep there!" said Sizhi, bowing his head in shame. He felt as though he didn't deserve to be in front of Jyu. It was too shameful—while others were starving, he often wasted food.
It didn't take long for Jyu to fall asleep; the sound of his snoring began to drift through the air. He looked so sound asleep!
Not even five minutes had passed when Jyu suddenly woke up at the sound of approaching footsteps. Sizhi heard them too; out of the corner of her eye, she kept watching to see who would appear.
Just one person! From the sound of the footsteps, it was clear that only one person was coming.
"Is it an enemy?" Sizhi asked very softly, almost in a whisper.
"I don't know! Who would dare sneak in here?" Jyu replied, also in a whisper.
Slowly, the figure came into view, though their face was hidden in the shadow of the wall. They stopped right in front of Jyu. Jyu immediately sat up, on high alert about who had appeared.
"Fufufufu! You're actually sleeping here?"
Master Jenna! It was her. She immediately bowed and greeted Jyu and Sizhi with her friendly smile.
Jyu's heart nearly leapt out of his chest; he'd been holding his breath the whole time, waiting for that figure. Now he felt relieved, yet also confused as to why his master had come to the prison.
"Hi, Sizhi! How are you?"
Sizhi kept his head down; he seemed too shy to look at the master. "I'm sorry!"
Then Master Jenna tossed two keys to Jyu. "Let him go! He's free now."
Jyu was bewildered, staring at the keys while blinking repeatedly. "Free! Sizhi is free!" he said, as if he couldn't believe it.
Only then did a smile spread across his lips; he was so happy and eager to open Sizhi's cell door right away.
"No! Let me stay here; let me bear the consequences of my mistake," said Sizhi, still looking down. Meanwhile, Jyu had already managed to open the cell door, leaving only the large chain shackling his friend's leg.
Jyu froze for a moment. "Why? You're not guilty; your own grandfather just tricked you."
Sizhi glared at Jyu. "That's exactly why I can't be free. My stupidity has left Taffie permanently disabled. How can I be free while he suffers for the rest of his life?"
Instantly, the atmosphere fell silent; there was no denying that Taffie had suffered serious injuries because of Sizhi. Like it or not, Taffie's physical condition was no longer perfect.
"If I am to be free, then cut off my hands and feet as well. I don't want to bear this sin for the rest of my life."
These words truly left Jyu speechless; his tongue was tied, unable to speak further. Now his body was limp; there was no hope left for Sizhi's freedom. Sizhi's strong desire to remain in prison left Jyu with no hope.
"Get out! You're free now; I guarantee your freedom," said Master Jenna, who had now joined the conversation.
"Let me stay here!" Sizhi said firmly. His resolve was truly strong; it was very difficult to shake him.
Master Jenna approached, entering Sizhi's cell with heavy footsteps. Rage had indeed taken hold of her mind; Master Jenna grabbed Sizhi's collar roughly.
"Don't be so spoiled, you fool! A soldier must never regret anything. If you truly wish to atone for your mistakes, don't let your friends get hurt or die again," she said harshly, then shoved Sizhi's body so hard he flew backwards.
"Do you think Taffie would appreciate your pity? Who do you think you are?"
These words pierced Sizhi's heart to its very core, leaving such a deep mark that he didn't realize he had started crying. Tears fell slowly from his eyes, and his sobs grew louder.
"Now you're free! Atone for your mistakes by defeating your own grandfather. Don't just cry—this isn't a palace that can pamper you."
Master Jenna chose to leave, abandoning Jyu and Sizhi. "Jyu! You must take him to headquarters; otherwise, I'll kill you."
"Yes, Madam!"
Freeing Sizhi from prison was not without opposition. Master Jenna proposed this idea, but the DV Army's high command rejected it immediately. None of them agreed because Sizhi had been proven a traitor. The appropriate punishment was death.
However, Master Jenna had a different perspective; to her, Sizhi was a valuable asset that must be protected. Moreover, his status as Alber's grandson would certainly be of great help to the DV Army. More information could be uncovered if Sizhi were free and relieved of his mental pressure. Master Jenna didn't want Sizhi to become so depressed that it ultimately hindered the investigation into Alber.
Now, Alber had issued a terrifying threat; his presence was that of a tyrant. Master Jenna was certain he would attack the human realm in the near future.
All preparations to face him must be made immediately, including gathering as much information as possible about Alber.
"I will kill you a second time!" said Master Jenna as she exited the DV Army prison.
***
The next day, Jyu had successfully brought Sizhi out of prison. It was quite a struggle; Jyu had to persuade his friend all night long. He tried various methods, including swearing to kill Alber to avenge what he had done to the human realm.
Sizhi finally agreed to leave the prison. He immediately rested in his room to recover. Jyu stayed by his side, ensuring his safety.
When noon rolled around, Jyu and Sizhi went to Master Jenna's room. Both wanted to thank her for her kindness in providing the guarantee that allowed Sizhi to be free.
"Fufufufu! Are you free now, Sizhi?" she said with her usual cheerful expression. Now, Master Jenna wasn't angry anymore like she had been yesterday.
"Yes! Thank you, Master."
Sizhi smiled sweetly at Master Jenna. He was even ready to accept another mission, even if it meant risking his life.
"I'm healthy now. Whatever mission you give me, I'll carry it out with full responsibility."
Master Jenna smiled, "There isn't one right now. What you need to do now is make peace with your past."
"I know you loved your grandfather very much; his death even left you depressed. But now I want you to forget that; you have to be able to accept everything that has happened."
"Because I was the one who killed your grandfather," said Master Jenna, which instantly startled Sizhi.