Tyrant of the Ruined Sun-Chapter 186: Ziyi, Purposeful Entrance and a Test

"That’s just sounds really... uhh..." Cyrus sheepishly muttered in response, to which both me and Eve chuckled at, knowing what he meant to say without him needing to continue it.

"Arbitrary." So I uttered the word he did not, smiling at him in understanding.

"...Yes." He nodded a second later with an awkward smile. 𝒇𝒓𝒆𝒆𝙬𝒆𝒃𝓷𝒐𝓿𝙚𝙡.𝒄𝓸𝒎

"It does indeed sound like that to us, but to the Gods, there is a vast crevasse of difference clearly marking the two, same with our power." I said afterwards, as I calmly took the seat opposite Eve, lightly smiling at her as I did.

And then, before anyone could speak anything else, the door, which stood to my back, and thus facing Eve, loudly opened, revealing the returned figures of a smiling Nizam, Horus, Isaac, their accompanying guards, and finally the eastern princess, dressed regally in her evening silver gown, that she had worn with almost no deviation to it for the past eight days, and that also seemed to make her glow, not in the figurative sense of the words but the literal, as it’s threads that were laced with intricately woven silver threads throughout the cloth that was so long it dragged on the ground behind her, gently caught the mingling light of the setting sun and that of the surrounding candles and chandeliers, to create an truly enchanting scene.

But though her dress seemed no different than before, there was indeed a deviation to it now when taking a closer look, for an additional characteristic was now sewn upon it in black thread, standing in both great juxtaposition against the rest of her almost glinting outfit, while also simultaneously complementing her raven hair.

The image of an eclipsing sun, drawn in obsidian black upon her long sleeves.

"We greet the princess." Darius, Abraham and the rest of the gathered retainers saluted as she entered, offering her proper respect, as they all bowed when she entered arm in arm with Nizam.

An arm she seemed to bashfully release a moment later, as she returned a proper curtsey back to the men and women before her, while wearing a gentle smile, though one that was slightly strained with the edge of clear unease, while a light blush coloured her fair cheeks as well, giving her a captivatingly innocent air about her, one that held not a shred of falsehood or theatrical intent within it that was meant to deceive or obfuscate her true self, it was simply an expression of pure honesty, one that was deliberately done; a thing that instantly earned her quite a bit of favour from the old Grand Vizier, who felt it a breathe of fresh air to be in the presence of one who was not trying to desperately hide her true self before her future subjects, and more importantly, family.

Something I was certain Nizam cleverly counselled her to do.

But then her expression hardened ever so slightly a moment later, as though she was hesitant about her coming actions, as she slowly, almost gingerly rounded the chair where I still sat, and as per proper etiquette, she bowed as far as she could bend to me in greeting, before saying "I humbly greet... the Ruinous Dragon, Master of the Scorching Desert, Lord of the Southern Realms, Holder of the Black Throne, and emperor of the Eclipse Empire."

There was an odd pause in the middle of her address, one clearly born of hesitation and fear, as clearly indicated to me by Nizam who slightly smiled to me, as he came to stand beside her, an awkward stretch of his lips that shed light on all that I needed to know.

It was obvious that he had spoken some words of comfort and confidence to the anxious girl before they arrived, assuring her of the simplicity of the coming moment, and the certainty of the final outcome, even urging her to call me brother as per tradition, much like Eve just did a few minutes ago to them. And they were words she clearly considered in that silent break she stumbled into; yet a whole host of cautionary tales of terror and the advice of one too many whispered councils of prudent vigilance had eroded away that fragile confidence built by his words, and at the last minute, she fell back to safer waters, fearing the price of offending a man such as myself.

Chuckling at this realization, while also looking at my brother’s pleading eyes, I smile lightly to her as I slowly rose from my seat, casting my shadow over her, before I then placidly yet firmly placed my hand on her shoulder, nearly making her flinch as I calmly said "You may rise princess, and call me the same as Nizam does from now on. You’re family after all."

An audible sigh of relief was heard from her at that moment, though I don’t know if she herself had even realized it, as she then straightened her back, replying with a far more alleviated smile "Understood elder brother."

Her words still carried weight of deference, yet I did not mind it as I nodded in reply, knowing it would take a while for her to grow accustomed to my presence, much to Nizam’s appreciation, as evident by his slight nod to me afterwards, once again reaffirming to me that my dear little brother was, for the first time in either of my lifetimes, left stranded in the throws of his first love.

I then wanted to turn and introduce her to Eve, but before I could, I felt the fluctuation of divinity upon my own shadow, as if though it was being tugged away, and I realized her silent intention, as I said nothing more and retook my seat, with a small smirk upon my lips and a light chuckle in my throat.

Ziyi then continued with greeting everyone present, starting with the famous Darius and eventually to the happy Cyrus, who warmly greeted her as well, since they were already familiar with one another; yet the entire time, she kept taking subtle glances at the unknown woman who was seated opposite me, now playing a game of chess with me that we highjacked from my brothers.

She was especially confused since she’d had the name and image of every important member of the Eclipse Empire’s delegation drilled into her ever since it was decided that she would wed into the Southern Obsidian Court, not to mention that the woman had kept her eyes closed this entire time, yet was still able to manoeuvre the pieces on the board with little effort, making her think that she was a certified genius and expert in the game for being able to so accurately remember the position of every piece, and then move them with such precision.

So great was Ziyi’s curiosity, that the only one she could think of matching this woman’s mystery was the unknown brown haired woman who danced with the Eclipse emperor last night. The same one that the whole international community was desperate to discover who it was.

But either way she determined that the woman was of some great importance, as she was able to so casually play a game of chess with me, while everyone around her treated her with great respect and reverence, not to mention the fact that she seemed utterly unbothered by her presence, something very few people in this world could do.

So moving under that impression she once again approached us, and said with a simple bow "My lady."

Nizam and Cyrus wanted to rush to explain to her Eve’s true identity, already confused why none had not done it already, but then they saw Eve’s right hand rise from her seat’s armrest, before extending her index finger in front of her lips in a shushing motion, prompting them both to halt in their steps, as she replied to Ziyi saying "A pleasure to meet you princess."

Then, and without allowing anyone else to speak another word, she turned to me and asked "At what time do we have to leave?"

"Right now." I immediately answered, standing up to offer her my hand, which she gladly took.

We were then followed by the rest of our retainers, some of whom being confused at what was happening, since we were not pressed for time to leave right this instant, while others simply followed without bothering about it much, while only a few that could be counted on one hand had managed to piece together our odd actions, primarily of whom obviously being Darius, who silently nodded in appreciation for our harmless little ploy.

We arrived before the gates of the hall, a few minutes earlier than expected, but the one we awaited was already there, being in the form of general Menghu with the addition of ten members of the Polished Pearl Guard, their iconic black swords and pearl white armour glistening in the candle light.

"Your majesties." Menghu bowed as soon as he saw us, followed shortly by the men behind him, who all saluted us in full ceremonial honours, a privilege usually only afforded to members of the Yue Dynasty’s direct royal lineage; meaning not even the mighty ministers of the left and right, or even Tianlan’s own nephew would ever gain this tribute from these staunchly loyal men. Even now, when we were on the verge of merging the two bloodlines, by virtue of Nizam marriage to Ziyi, these men would never repeat this spectacle to any of us.

The only reason they did so now, was two fold; firstly, it was because Ziyi was with us, and she was awarded this privilege from the moment she was born. Secondly, but undoubtedly more importantly, it is because Tianlan ordered them to.

"He truly is desperate." I muttered to myself in a voice that only Eve could’ve heard, echoing the thoughts that passed through us all, who knew of the desperate situation in the eastern emperor’s Silver Court.

"General. Is everything prepared?" I stepped forward and asked.

"Yes, my lord." And he answered.

Hearing this, I turn to my brother and nod, prompting to step forward, as he took a deep breathe to calm his nerves, for tonight, and as per our intentions to publicly advertise our alliance, they would enter the hall together, with a small degree of pomp and fair, to fully cement the fact in everyone’s minds.

"Leonid." I then called out, and my champion simply nodded in reply, stepping forward to stand guard on Nizam’s left flank, followed shortly by a squadron of ten Palace Guard; while Menghu and the Polished Pearl Guard did the same on Ziyi’s right.

"Stand tall brother." I reminded, as the doors opened and they advanced into the hall, arms linking each other.

Once they were inside and out of earshot, I turned to the woman by my side and asked a question that caught everyone’s attention "So, will you tell us now why you wanted your identity hidden from her?"

"You haven’t guessed yet?" She lightly asked, as a small teasing smile, stretched across her lips.

"You mean to test her." I stated in response, much to the surprise of a few, as she responded with a firm nod, saying in a humorous tone that sent unnatural goosebumps across the the skin of a few of the present Palace Guard.

"As her new older sister, should I not make sure she is up to par?"