Under the shade of the pavilion, there Lillie and Ethan sat down, sipping on digestive tea as they enjoy the grandeur of the garden after the fulfilling breakfast.

"I'm glad we came here." Ethan said, an arm wrapped around Lillie's waist while the other held onto his tea. "Excluding the tiring task I have to do, the Academy offers great things I can enjoy with you." ​​

Nestling onto his shoulder, Lillie's eyes were closed in contentment. "I could say the same thing. Days off like this has long been overdue."

The compound was now emptied, the assistants left to relocate to the main building and start their lessons.

"Remember that girl we helped in the forest?" Lillie shifted to place her tea on the table.

"Grandmaster Yang's granddaughter?"

Lillie nodded. "We happen to cross paths earlier when I went to collect the books Master requires. She wasn't anything like the old fool and Yang Hui."

"Good thing, then. If she was anything like them, our efforts would've been wasted." Ethan stroked Lillie's hair—wig. He sighed, slightly disappointed that her beautiful silver locks were concealed.

"When we saw her in the forest, something drew me towards her. Something about her enticed me, something intriguing." Lillie describes. "Then, the two of us chatted for a bit, and she told me everything that happened to her in the final exam."

Ethan listens fervently, his ears not letting a single word his wife spoke go ignored. She told him everything she and Yang Nina talked about, their similarities, and what she thought of her.

"She sounds like a great kid." He commented in all honestly.

"I saw myself in her. But I hope she wouldn't end up like me." She softly said. "She has potential, her passion runs deep, and her will to survive is astonishing."

Ethan's expression turned solemn, brows furrowing in puzzlement. He surprised Lillie when he suddenly separated himself from their position so that he could twist his body to face her and cup her cheeks.

"Like you? Pray tell, dear wife, what do you mean by that?"

Lillie wasn't sure what made him upset. She opened her mouth to answer but Ethan didn't allow her the chance.

"If you mean powerful, amazing, strong-willed, determined, gorgeous, cunning, clever, sweet, cute, breathtaking," Ethan passionately listed in one breath. "Then wouldn't she just love to be anything like you?"

Soft, amused laughter reverberated through the air and questions marks popped up above Ethan's head. "Is there something funny about what I said?"

"No, no," She said between breathy chuckles. "Nothing of the sort. I was just...I should've known better that you would rebuke."

"D*mn right you should've." Ethan said with no ounce of modesty. He pressed his forehead with hers and closed his eyes. "Don't ever downgrade yourself again, please. It upsets me."

"I won't, I'm sorry." Lillie shifted to bury her face on the crook of his neck, arms encircled, gripping gently on the back of his shirt.

"I didn't get the chance to ask you last night but, are you feeling better now?"

"Very much."

Ethan propped his chin on top of her head. The two stayed in that position for awhile as they waited out for their breakfast to digest before they continue their day strolling around the Academy.

"You know, I'm planning to ask the master to let us stay in one bedroom." He divulged, wanting hear what she would have to say about his risky intention.

Lillie straightened up from their cuddle and look at him with a blank look.

He continued, "My mind can't be at ease knowing that you might have those nightmares again."

"I want you to live." Lillie deadpanned.

"The concern is greatly appreciated." Wife, I was hoping for a reassurance, and that wasn't very reassuring at all. Way to make a man lose confidence, ah.

Lillie shook her head in amusement. She cupped his face and gave him a chaste kiss as an apology.

But Ethan only pouted, unsatisfied of the peck. "That wouldn't be enough to mend my ego, you know."

"I would kiss you more, but there's danger up ahead."

Right after Lillie said that, a loud "ehem!" resounded behind him.

Ethan felt all of his hair rise at the eerie tone and the indication that he should remove himself from Lillie.

"I hope I was interrupting something." Shameless as ever, Grandmaster Wei intervened in the couple's sweet moments without a trace of remorse.

"Nice timing, isn't it?" Lillie's elbow nudged his side, encouraging him. "The master's here, husband. Wasn't there something you wish to discuss with him?"

Ethan turned his head to Lillie, so fast that he almost had a whiplash, a mixture of disbelief, horror, and betrayal carved his face.

He mouthed, "I didn't mean now!"

"Hoh? What is it you want to tell me, boy?"

Wuwuwu, wife, how could you! I thought you want me to live?!