Wang Xinyi smiled instantly.
Bright.
Pleasant.
Completely composed.
"Third Princess is too kind," she replied smoothly, inclining her head just enough to remain proper.
"It is natural that Your Highness would only notice what is… most important first."
A faint pause, her smile did not fade.
"I would not dare take offense at being overlooked."
For a brief moment—the air shifted.
Shiyi's smile held. But her eyes sharpened just slightly.
"I see," she said gently.
"Lady Xinyi truly understands propriety."
A small pause
"…Though it is rare to see someone so… comfortable within another's residence."
Xinyi's fingers tightened slightly with her sleeve.
Just for a moment—
Her smile, however—
Remained flawless.
"…Her Highness is generous," she replied lightly.
"A place becomes comfortable when one is welcomed properly."
A faint tilt of her head.
"…Some visits, however, seem to rely more on timing than invitation."
Shiyi's lashes lowered slightly.
The words had landed.
Shayue stood between them, watching.
Silent.
Calm.
Xinyi's gaze flicked towards Yu Shayue for a brief second—
And in that moment—
A conversation passed without words.
Should I kill her?
It would be god chance to remove a snake from your family, wouldn't it?
Shayue's expression did not change.
Not even slightly.
But her eyes shifted once—
Cool
Unmoved.
If you wish to be imprisoned for the rest of your life,
You may proceed.
A faint pause
Otherwise… leave it to me.
Xinyi's lips pressed together just slightly—holding back a smile.
She stepped back half a pace, as if conceding the stage.
Shayue stood still, her expression unchanged.
She did not respond immediately.
Did not react.
Her gaze rested calmly on Shiyi, neither cold nor warm—
Simply steady.
Then Shayue finally spoke—
"You came early."
Her voice was even.
Unhurried.
Shiyi blinked—just slightly.
Shayue's gaze shifted once, briefly—taking in the elaborate attire, the ornaments, the deliberate care.
Then returned to her face.
"For something that concerns me so greatly," Shayue continued calmly,
"…you seemed to have had enough time to prepare."
A faint stillness entered the air.
Xinyi lowered her head slightly, hiding the smile now clearly forming.
Shiyi's expression held—
But something beneath it flickered.
"You need not trouble yourself over my guests," Shayue added, her tone still composed.
"Those who are welcomed… need no introduction."
A slight pause.
Her gaze remained steady.
"As for those who arrive unannounced—."
A faint breath.
"…it is only natural they must first announce themselves."
The words were light.
But precise.
Xinyi's shoulders relaxed slightly, clearly satisfied.
Shayue did not stop there.
"You need not worry," she added, her tone unchanged, composed and clear.
"This matter was not decided in haste."
A slight pause.
"I accepted it."
The words fell simply.
But heavily.
Not was sent.
Not was arranged.
Accepted.
Shiyi's fingers tightened within her sleeve, though her smile remained.
Shayue's gaze remained steady.
"So your concern," she finished quietly,
"…is unnecessary."
Silence followed
Not loud.
Not tense.
But undeniable.
Xinyi finally let out a soft breath, she glanced at Shayue—
And for a brief moment, her expression softened.
Not teasing.
Not playful.
But something else.
Almost… proud.
As if watching someone who needed no defense—
Because she had already won.
She spoke, her voice light again—
"…Third Princess truly came all this way just toworry?"
A small pause.
"…How thoughtful."
The sweetness in her tone—
Did not quiet reach her eyes.
After Xinyi's remarks, Yu Shiyi fell quiet for a brief moment.
Her smile did not falter.
Her posture remained perfect.
But something beneath it shifted—subtly, almost imperceptibly.
And yet—
Yu Shayue noticed.
To be continued...