Chapter 494

Several days later…

“Mother!” Seeing Tora for the first time after Churu moved to the palace, her face brightened up as soon as she saw Tora’s figure approaching . Tora’s eyes instantly softened as she welcomed Churu in her embrace .

“Mother! I missed you!” Hugging her tightly, Churu exclaimed as the suppressed emotions she had been keeping exploded, crying in relief that Tora had done nothing foolish .

“How is my little Churu?” Feeling the warmth that only Churu could give her, Tora leaned her head to her little shoulders as she rubbed her back . “Have you been well here?” She added softly .

Slowly, Churu drew away from her head as a bright smile formed on the side of her lips . “Hmm! The dishes here are delicious! Every day is a feast and everyone is nice to me!” She showed any signs of displeasure or complaints in her stay in the palace .

However, Churu’s life here wasn’t any better in the Chisaka main residence . Rather, it was worse than that . After all, back in the Chisaka main residence, although none of them tried to touch or directly offend her, she could still feel their disapproval in the title she gained .

But now, in this place where Tora’s jurisdiction couldn’t reach, women who were waiting to be favored by the emperor boldly scoff at her . They never conceal their jealousy towards the little girl that entered the imperial harem as the emperor would often visit her .

Although those encounters with the emperor were merely about keeping an eye of her and brainwashing her, the concubines were utterly jealous . Hence, they used Churu’s original birthright to insult her and even guilt-trip her for being the general’s weakness .

Regardless, Churu was more than willing to lie in front of Tora just so she would not do any foolishness . After all, Tora might be smart and capable but, because of that, people were wary of her and never trusted her .

“That’s a relief then . ” Tora just smiled as she patted her small head . However, despite that she appeared she believed her, Tora knew that she was lying .

Churu was her daughter and her heart knew when she was alright or not: and right now, her maternal instincts tell her Churu was having a tough time .

It wasn’t a surprise, though . After all, it’s the imperial harem she had entered . A place where they destroy each other, whether physically or mentally . And for a child, Churu was brave . Truly, she’s her daughter, Tora proudly thought inwardly .

“That’s why mother should not worry about Churu because Churu is doing well here . ” Relieved that Tora seemed to believe her lies, Churu smiled . “Mother, how was father?” After looking around, Churu whispered as she hasn’t heard anything from Tora’s end and she was wondering how Aki was doing .

After all, he would be suspicious if he doesn’t see her for a long time . Well, Aki had been a good father figure to her . Even though they were not blood-related, Tora and Aki treated her well and unconditionally loved her as if she was the fruit of their love .

Churu never once felt that she was different by being loved by the two . Thus, she only wished for the two of them to have a peaceful life together, even if she wasn’t with them anymore .

“Little Churu,” Upon hearing her query, Tora’s mood slightly turned gloomy than it already was . “Will you do mother a favor?” Stretching her lips a little upward, Tora resumed .

Churu tilted her head to the side as she stared at her pair of melancholic eyes . “Mother?”

“Will you die for me?” Without further ado, Tora said with a bitter smile on her lips . When Churu heard those words, she was slightly taken aback for a moment as she stared at her front . Never once in her life as a human has she ever thought that she would hear those words come out from Tora’s lips .

However, she was not mistaken . Tora indeed asked her to die for her . Why…?

“Will you die for mother…?” Tora repeated as she examined the shocked countenance plastered across Churu’s face . Alas, the next second, Tora was surprised when Churu gently smiled and nodded her head in understanding .

“Yes . ” Without showing a bit of hesitation, Churu agreed .

If Tora wanted her to die, Churu would gladly accept her request . After all, she shouldn’t be in this world in the first place . Moreover, Churu shouldn’t have defied the heaven’s rule by descending to earth . If only she didn’t, Tora wouldn’t be this sad because of her .

“My daughter…” Seeing that Churu didn’t probe and just agreed just like that, Tora’s heart was heartbroken .

What did she do to deserve such a kind child? “Forgive me for being an incompetent mother . I never deserved to be a mother of such an innocent child . Little Churu, forgive mother for putting you in a tight situation . ” Gritting her teeth, Tora pulled Churu back in her embrace . Her shoulders shuddered as she hugged her tightly .

Pain, regret, and nothing but sadness engulfed Tora’s heart . Her heart grieved for the pain that she might cause to her love ones and the whole nation . However, Tora had decided to do what must be done .

She had decided, and she would execute her plans just like what she wanted . And with that, she knew that Churu wouldn’t be safe if she lingered with her . Hence, sacrificing her own happiness, Tora had chosen her own greed . And that was…

“Mother, I am glad that you were my mother . ” A tear fell from Churu’s eyes as she relished the last moments she could ever have with Tora . She didn’t know what will happen later or tomorrow, but what Churu was certain was that this would be the last time she could embrace Tora .

Churu might have regretted that she descended to the earth and caused Tora a series of misfortune . However, she never regretted loving her more than she ever loved herself, and whatever wish Tora wanted, Churu would abide .