Chapter 61

Xia You rubbed her eyes again, hastily rising from the carpet, accidentally stepping on the little tiger's furry ear in the process.

The marshal's mansion didn't use to have so many carpets. Their abundance now was due to Xia You's little habit of disliking shoes.

Of course, Xia You used to prefer nestling her feet under the panther's belly rather than on the long-haired carpets.

The panther always indulged Xia You, even warming her feet routinely. But ever since Xia You learned about companion beasts, while she'd cuddle and snuggle them, she would never dare kiss or thoughtlessly use the panther's belly to warm her feet.

As Xia You searched for her shoes, La Tiao, the other cat, yawned lazily, rolling around in its blanket until it woke up the white tiger and playfully swatted at him.

Xia You reached up to adjust her hair, intending to find a fresh pair in the cloakroom. However, the panther gracefully rose and from beneath a neighboring couch, nudged out Xia You's shoes with its paw.

The sunlight drenched the black-furred leopard, painting it with a golden hue, and the usually concealed leopard spots began to shimmer, adding an air of luxurious grandeur.

For a moment, Xia You was captivated by the leopard's resplendent colors.

However, in the few short months since her reincarnation, Xia You transformed from someone unfamiliar with cats to an experienced cat owner. She cast a suspicious glance at the black leopard.

Could it be that her shoes were purposely hidden under the sofa by the leopard?

The black leopard nudged Xia You's shoes toward her with its paw, then sat up straight, awaiting the affection she would surely offer.

Indeed, Xia You moved closer, but she whispered near the leopard's ear, "Yuan Yuan, you found the shoes quite fast, didn't you?"

The black leopard tensed, its tail freezing for a moment before its massive head turned aside, feigning indifference as it walked away.

La Tiao finally got out of bed, meowed loudly a few times near the white tiger, then trotted to sit beside Xia You, tilting its head and gazing up at her.

Xia You glanced at the little tiger, who was equally adept at acting cute and playing innocent, and then at the newcomer white tiger with its distinctive thick fur, and pondered while stroking her chin.

Could Yuan Yuan be... vying for, um, attention?

Xia You shivered at the thought, but upon meeting the gaze of the black leopard, which pretended to be looking outside but was clearly sneaking glances at her through the window, her heart melted.

He soared.

Quickly traversed.

Good shoes. She patted La Tiao's head affectionately, then lunged to hug the massive, fluffy black figure, rubbing her cheeks against it vigorously.

"Roar!"

Although the black leopard seemed a bit disgruntled, it stably supported Xia You, its tail swishing back and forth.

Xia You's wrist holographic computer vibrated again.

Activating it, she saw the civet on the screen. After a while, she sighed.

Normally, visitors to the Marshal's Mansion are greeted by Uncle Zhou first. The civet has already made its way to the outermost gate and stood before the mansion's main entrance. Uncle Zhou must already know and is considerately letting Xia You decide whether to meet with the visitor.

Cookie...

Xia You lay atop the leopard, burying her face in its soft fur.

Ever since his arrival, he had been avoiding investigating the identities of Cookie and Snow Biscuit. Whenever the prince tried to discuss it, Xia You would deliberately change the subject.

Still, the prince would occasionally make a remark.

For instance, when the eldest heir of the Fan family suddenly returned to the Imperial Capital Star and fiercely whipped his younger brother, it shattered Xia Qing's dream of marrying into the Fan family.

Or, for example, Major Cheng, who assisted the prince in mech suit lessons several times, had a combat style and hair color reminiscent of the Alpine Snow Leopard.

Xia You didn't realize it at first, but in hindsight, it all made sense.

Now, whenever she recalls her cheerful act of petting the large cats in her ignorance, she feels an urge of awkwardness so intense she wants to dig her toes into the ground.

Thinking of her moments of unease in front of the prince, as though she wished the earth would swallow her, Xia You gulped and covered her face, letting out a long moan.

Hearing her, the black leopard turned and nuzzled her cheek.

At first, the black leopard instinctively licked Xia You. However, after she seriously declined several times, the leopard understood her aversion to being licked. So when it felt concerned, it would nuzzle her with its fluffy face instead.

Xia You leaned back into the nuzzle, hugging the leopard's head and spacing out for a few seconds.

Ah, she couldn't possibly avoid the guests at the door, could she?!

Moreover, what if Cookie's health had deteriorated again?!

With that thought, Xia You ruffled her hair and checked her holographic computer again.

Outside, the civet, who hadn't waited for the door to be opened, pondered momentarily. Its ear tufts, sprouting long black hairs, twitched as it turned to leave.

Huh?

It left?

Xia You bolted upright.

A few moments later, the civet, now holding a little daisy in its mouth, reappeared on the monitor. Seemingly aware that Xia You was watching, it turned to face the camera. The familiar cat still looked the same, with thick black eyeliner outlining its round eyes, slightly upturned at the corners.

However, instead of its previously cute and adorable demeanor, the civet visiting the Marshal's Mansion now resembled a refined and courteous nobleman.

...Alright then.

Xia You raised her hand to turn the black leopard's head towards her, leaned in close, and, facing its golden eyes, smoothed her tousled short hair. Then, she tugged at the hem of her dress, straightened her sleeves, cleared her throat, and stood upright to open the door for her old feline friend.

*

The moment Xia You opened the door, the civet's eyes instantly lit up, just as a small tiger with black and orange stripes appeared from behind her.

Civet: "..."

Wasn't the prince supposed to be in the hibernation center?

Following that, a white tiger with an impatient gaze and a "stay away" aura walked out.

The civet retracted its outstretched paw.

Lastly, the familiar and intimidating black jaguar strolled out from Xia You's other side, looking down condescendingly at the mischievous civet.

The civet took a cautious step back, pulling out a formal invitation card from the side and stiffly, yet politely, presenting it to Xia You.

The civet's sturdy paws hid beneath its body, silently mourning its abruptly shattered dream of becoming a house cat.

But it's fine; if Plan A fails, there's always Plan B.

The gentlemanly civet waited patiently.

Xia You let out a soft gasp, bending down to pick up and read the invitation. Her facial expression shifted from surprise to confusion, then amazement, even rubbing her eyes in disbelief.

Gazing at the signature "Fan and Xin" on the invitation, along with a noble's private seal, Xia You was silent for quite some time. She then crouched down to look directly at the civet seated at the doorway.

“……”

Uh.

Opening her mouth, Xia You realized she felt awkward addressing the civet.

However, after a brief cough to compose herself, she whispered, "Major Fan, I currently have no plans to establish a personal guard."

"Moreover," Xia You touched the bridge of her nose, "the Marshal's Mansion is very safe, and I don't think there's a need for a specialized guard."

After all, even though she might be a bit renowned now, she's still just a healer. Typically, only nobles with titles establish personal guards—and only if they have loyal followers.

You must understand, joining a noble's personal guard is vastly different from the royal guard. It means that the recruited must relinquish their military rank and promising future. Given just the status of the nobility, very few truly skilled individuals would opt for this.

However, some notorious individuals, seeking a more stable life, might decide to trade the rest of their lives in such a way, using the nobility's influence and power to launder their past.

Xia You spoke with deep emotion, "I am the healer of the First Legion. Treating everyone is my inherent duty. There's really no need to feel indebted or want to express gratitude by..."

Xia You left the words "ruining their prospects" unsaid, but Mu Li understood.

Disagreement flashed in Mu Li's eyes.

Facing the gaze of the panther, he stepped forward, gently touching the back of Xia You's hand. When she reached out, he placed a daisy in her palm.

As Xia You was lost in thought looking at the daisy, a voice sounded. Simultaneously, a pair of military boots came to a stop beside Mu Li.

The First Legion's combat uniform is pitch black, not for intimidation or any other reason, but simply because black is the best color to hide blood stains.

Fan Yu Xin, dressed in his most formal military uniform and donning his rank insignia, first saluted the three companion beasts, then knelt on one knee, gently supporting Xia You by her arm and helping her stand.

In Xia You's past life, apart from the Duke's household, she had most entanglements with the Fan family.

But Fan Yu Xin was quite unlike any Fan family members she knew.

Not in appearance, but in an indescribable... difference in demeanor.

The man before her indeed had the elegant demeanor typical of someone from a noble lineage. Yet, the aristocrat that should have been adorned in lavish clothing didn't seem out of place in this black and gold military uniform.

Suddenly, Xia You believed.

She believed that this man could indeed whip Fan Yu Qiao and decisively break off the engagement between his younger brother and Xia Qing.

Mu Li roared, a sound distinct from other big cats and one Xia You was very familiar with.

Xia You smiled. Fan Yu Xin's considerate approach eased the tension in her heart, making her feel more at ease.

"Colonel Fan, regardless of who convinces whom, we should at least sit down for a tea."

With the door wide open, Xia You said with a smile:

"Please come in."

Fan Yu Xin blinked, synchronizing perfectly with Mu Li, both stepping aside, clearing Xia You's view.

Xia You: "…?"

The next second, a dignified grayish-white big cat emerged from behind a pillar outside the hallway, its fluffy long tail held in its mouth. The cat approached Xia You, tilted its head, and gave her a wink—a snow leopard's wink.

Xia You: "…!!"

Suppressing her urge to pet the cat, Xia You's gaze quickly searched outside the door.

Cheng Zhi Nian emerged from behind another pillar, dressed in a crisp black and gold uniform, his silver hair neatly tied up, and icy blue eyes shimmering with a mix of anxiety and anticipation.

Just as he had done once outside a tent, but this time, Cheng Zhi Nian approached Xia You with the snow leopard by his side.

Unlike Mu Li, the snow leopard was more straightforward. Standing upright, the grayish-white feline gave Xia You a soft, furry embrace and meowed.

Maintaining her composure, Xia You gently shook the snow leopard's sturdy paw, a barely restrained smile on her face.

"It's been a long time, teacher."

Without hesitation, Cheng Zhi Nian embraced Xia You. His typically sharp and cold features softened significantly as he whispered, "As promised, I came to see you."

Xia You's expression shifted suddenly: "Is it a relapse?!"

Cheng Zhi Nian: "No, it isn't."

Relieved, Xia You stepped aside, allowing both the snow leopard and Cheng Zhi Nian to enter. "Then let's go inside and talk."

Cheng Zhi Nian: "Alright."

Fan Yu Xin, standing to the side: "…?"

"Wait a minute—" Young Master Fan couldn't contain himself anymore, "Why 'teacher'? What promise?"

He clearly arrived first, whether in human or feline form. Why was the treatment so different??

The black panther snorted, following Xia You to the living room.

The white tiger didn't pay any mind to the bipedal creature, giving Mu Li a once-over, then lost interest upon deeming him a cat that could be dealt with in one bite, and walked away.

The snack bar (a playful nickname for a character) who understood the situation covered his mouth and chuckled twice; he recognized Fan Yu Xin.

It's well-known that Fan Yu Xin is the son whom that fickle old man from the Senate viewed as his successor. Who would have thought that not only would Fan Yu Xin join the First Legion, but he would also never return? This matter has always been a thorn in the side for the head of the Fan family. He occasionally puts obstacles in the path of the First Legion, though begrudgingly ensuring they don't face too much difficulty.

Fan Yu Xin himself indeed has a knack for handling situations. His instructors were both appreciative and exasperated by him, and no one could truly discern whether he intended to pursue a military or political path; it seemed haphazardly chosen.

The trio settled down in the living room. Instead of sitting next to Fan Yu Xin, Cheng Zhi Nian chose a separate couch. The snow leopard leaped and sprawled across Cheng's lap, embodying the image of a cold beauty with a playful beast—a kind of beauty that disregarded its partner entirely.

The corner of Fan Yu Xin's mouth twitched, his mind racing to piece together any overlooked details before Mr. Zhou served tea.

Holding his tea cup and blowing on the hot beverage, an idea sparked in his mind. He turned to look at the black panther lounging beside Xia You.

Due to the black panther, Xia You occupied a long sofa all to herself, with a tiny tiger contemplating whether it could squeeze onto the same sofa.

"Colonel Fan should know that I'm not exactly the brightest." Xia You looked down with a slightly embarrassed expression, her fingers playing with the panther's ear. She said softly, "I don't understand what charm I might possess that would compel you to voluntarily join my guard."

Fan Yu Xin scanned the room, now significantly populated with felines, his eyes questioning if Xia You was being serious with her inquiry.

Xia You pondered for a moment.

True, by now, the resources and confidence she possessed far exceeded that of the average person, but...

Xia You smiled, "Yet, what can I offer you?"

Fan Yu Xin narrowed his eyes, somewhat taken aback by Xia You's question.

From his understanding of Xia You, she didn't strike him as someone who would voice such a sentiment.

However, this question did evoke a nagging sense of familiarity in him.

Where did he recognize that feeling from...?

A slight twitch appeared on Fan Yu Xin's forehead.

He remembered.

When he had volunteered to join the First Legion, the then Marshal had sat behind a long table, looked straight at him, and in a tone that was soft yet blunt, asked:

"What do you wish to gain?"

Truly, like draws like.

Fan Yu Xin chuckled at the realization, discarding his initial train of thought. Setting his tea cup down, he looked into Xia You's eyes earnestly and declared, "I wish to present the Fan family with an alternative possibility."

Xia You remained silent.

On the contrary, the tiger cub, considerably smaller compared to her mother and uncle, seemed to sense something. It slowly turned its head, fixing its gaze on Fan Yu Xin.

Fan Yu Xin understood that while it appeared he was only conversing with Xia You, in truth, others listening included Cheng Zhi Nian, who already knew; Empress Lu Jiu Zhu with her right to participate in politics; Crown Prince Qin An Hong, the heir to the empire; and Marshal Lu Ying Huai, the military authority.

Even if they might not be awake now, once their consciousness returned, they would be aware of this conversation.

Yet, he spoke.

Because this was the first time in many years that he saw an opportunity so closely resembling what he desired.

The lynx sat poised by Fan Yu Xin's side, its eyes as earnest as Fan's, every strand of its fur lying smoothly in place.

"Sir, precisely because you're the First Legion's healer, serving as your guard does not mean one would lose their military rank. On the contrary, they would find more and rarer opportunities than merely within the legion. Therefore, more and more will pledge allegiance to you in the future."

"Your psychic ability is currently the only hope for curing the disorder of psychic energy disruption. This isn't just a matter of life and death for many; what's more critical is—"

Fan Yu Xin paused, letting out a gentle sigh.

"High-ranking psychic power users are prevalent in the military and among nobility, which also emphasizes psychic power levels. While people might come from different backgrounds, have different political affiliations, varying family and personal interests, there's one aspect in which they are all the same."

"Upon seeing a glimmer of hope for survival, no one wishes to perish."

The higher one stands and the more one possesses, the harder it becomes to face death.

"From the onset of his reign, His Majesty showed little inclination to foster close ties with the Senate's powers, and even less so for vested interests. Over the years, while the military and Senate seemed to be at constant odds, they were essentially keeping each other in check. However, in my opinion, this is not the balance His Majesty aspired to achieve."

"The prince desires the Senate, but he yearns for a Senate with diverse voices, not one dominated by the nobility."

"I wish to ensure that the Fan family retains its esteemed position and glory amidst the inevitable impending transformation."

"I've been waiting."

"Such an opportunity wouldn’t be given by the Senate, nor the military. The royal family would never trust someone of my background."

"The only one who can offer me this chance is you, my lord."

Xia You's fingers, which had been stroking the panther's ear, paused momentarily.

The sound of a sofa being torn by sharp claws emanated from behind. Without looking back, Xia You knew it was the large black and white cat that had leaped onto the sofa, finding a cozy spot to settle down.

Tigers always prefer to nap from elevated positions.

On a four-seater sofa, Xia You chose to sit close to the left armrest. One hand absentmindedly pinched a leopard's ear, while the long fingers of the other hand occasionally tapped on the armrest, exuding an air of casual confidence.

The black panther occupied the remaining space on the sofa, its golden eyes glaring coldly at Fan and Xin sitting opposite.

Atop the sofa's backrest, a massive white tiger rested its head on its crossed paws, eyes half-lidded.

The heir to the empire, still in his young tiger form, sat upright against Xia You's legs, displaying an expression that, on his fluffy face, could almost be interpreted as a smile towards Fan and Xin.

For a moment, the room fell silent, an oppressive aura engulfing Fan and Xin like a tidal wave.

Yet Fan and Xin resisted the pressure, eyes firmly fixed on Xia You.

Xia You raised an eyebrow slightly, chuckling with a hint of youthful naivety in his voice, "Me?"

Facing this version of Xia You, Fan and Xin replied with a deep, resolute voice, "Yes, you."

After a brief pause, Fan and Xin turned to look at Cheng Zhi Nian and remarked, almost with a hint of resignation, "Sir, you might not have realized, but since returning from the reserve, your appearance and features have undergone significant changes, and your demeanor is vastly different from before."

Xia You's gaze shifted subtly.

"Hence, the innocent young master disguise might not suit you much longer."

Those familiar with Fan and Xin know that when silent, Fan comes off as a quintessential aristocratic young master. However, with those close to him, once he speaks, he either talks incessantly or leaves them speechless.

In some respects, the fact that Cheng Zhi Nian and Fan and Xin have been partners for so long hints at some commonalities between them.

Especially in the knack for leaving others speechless.

Cheng Zhi Nian turned to Xia You, his expression serious as he asked, "If I beat him up, can I join the guard?"

"Beat him up thoroughly."

Xia You paused, pinching the bridge of his nose and letting out a soft sigh, "Perhaps... that won't be necessary."