Summon From The Palace

“ What do you mean, the one I saw was someone that looked like you? “ Sharon was as confused as ever by Zhu Ming Yue’s sudden revelation.

Requesting an explanation from her friend, Zhu Ming Yue uttered as follows, “ The one you saw at that time couldn’t have been me and that is because I was still in a coma at that time, so how could I have taken up a raid, no less, level A monsters in my condition? “

Analyzing everything Zhu Ming Yue revealed, Sharon admitted, “ What you said makes sense, but who did I see that day? “

Staring at Sharon deeply, she uttered suddenly, “ I’m sorry, Sharon, but I cannot tell you that person’s true identity. I’m so sorry. “

—

Thinking that Sharon would take it wrongly that she was keeping secrets from her, she was mistaken, however, when she said, “ I understand, don’t worry. That enigmatic person's identity isn’t that important to me. What truly matters to me is our friendship, and I’m glad you confided in me about things. I truly appreciate it, Ming Yue. “

After that discussion, the two separated and Sharon departed from the Zhu household. Several days later, Shun had fully recuperated from the blood loss he incurred and was back to his duties.

Zhu Ming Yue kept training to fully immerse in her newfound powers. Her training was interrupted, however, when Thomas suddenly brought a courier destined to her attention.

“ This courier came for you, my lady, and it’s deemed urgent. “ Thomas reported to Zhu Ming Yue as he handed the courier to her.

Noticing the imperial seal on the envelope, Zhu Ming Yue frowned and returned the envelope to Thomas without deigning to open it.

“ My lady, what are you—-----------? “

“ I have no intention of unsealing this envelope, Thomas. “ She retorted sternly to Thomas who affirmed, “ You know fairly well, my lady, that you can’t deny an imperial summon from the emperor. Whether you want to or not, you’ll have to go to the palace. “

—

Retaking the envelope from Thomas, the butler turned away and left the training ground. Staring at the seal, she didn’t unseal it until she returned to her chambers later on.

Meanwhile, Shun noticed Thomas’s uneasiness and decided to ask him, “ Is everything alright, Sir Clover? “

“ Sir Song, nothing’s fine. “ He admitted before Shun, who asked once more, “ Why? What seemed to be the matter? “

“ It’s about my lady. “

Narrating the full situation to Shun, Thomas added, “ Lady Ming Yue is being summoned to the palace and I know that it can’t be anything good. “

“ Where is she right now? “

“ She must have returned to her chambers right about now. “ Thomas retorted.

Leaving everything aside, Shun left from there while assuring Thomas things would go well. At the same time, Zhu Ming Yue who had unsealed the envelope was pensive when she suddenly heard a knock on her door.

“ Lady Ming Yue, it’s me, Shun. May I come in? “ Shun announced himself at the door.

Hesitating, Zhu Ming Yue granted him access to her chambers. Entering her chambers and shutting the door, Zhu Ming Yue immediately asked, “ What brings you here, Shun? “

Approaching Zhu Ming Yue by a few steps, Shun retorted to her question. “ Lady Ming Yue, did you receive an imperial summon from the palace? “

“ How did you know? “ She asked, perplexed.

“ Sir Clover told me all about it. “ He admitted before her, and she said, “ It’s exactly as you heard. The emperor summoned me, and I have no option but to go. I can’t deny his invitation even if I wanted to. “ She said, exasperated.

Hesitating slightly, he forwarded, “ Would you like me to accompany you to the palace? “

!

Realizing what just came out of his mouth, he rectified his words and said, “ I was just thinking if someone was to be by your side, then you would be less tense and more relaxed. It doesn’t have to be me; Sir Clover could very well be the one accompanying you. I was just making a suggestion. “ He said in a concluding statement.

Looking on, She said out of the blue, “ Get ready! We’ll be departing to the palace as early as tomorrow. “

Stunned, he asked, “ Lady Ming Yue, do you mean that I’ll be accompanying you to the palace tomorrow? “

Retorting hypothetically, she said, “ Why? Don’t you want to tag along? “

“ No, that’s not it. “ He nodded. “ I'll be more than happy to accompany you, Lady Ming Yue. “

Later that night, as everyone was fast asleep, Zhu Ming Yue was wondering about the summon and what it could be about.

As morning rose, Zhu Ming Yue and Shun got themselves ready to leave for the palace. Moments later, Shun joined her in the main hall, and they soon departed for the palace without wasting a second more.

Momentarily later, Zhu Ming Yue was standing before the emperor of the Lanpheale empire, while Shun was waiting for her outside.

“ Zhu Ming Yue greets the sun of the empire. “ She paid her respects before the king, who ordered her to stand.

“ I heard that you haven't been well as of late. “ The king spoke about her health.

Not feeling touched in the slightest by his caring words, she uttered, “ Thanks for your concern, Your Majesty! I’m fine now. Thanks for Your Majesty’s concern for me. “

After a slight moment of silence, the king forwarded to Zhu Ming Yue, “ How fine are you? “

“Excuse me! “

“ Are you fine enough to take on a raid, Zhu Ming Yue? “

Remaining silent for the longest time, Zhu Ming Yue spoke once more and said, “ I’m afraid I can’t, Your Majesty! I’ve only just recovered, and I need more rest. “

Retracting against her, the king forwarded yet again, “ That’s strange coming from you. “ He spoke sarcastically, and before Zhu Ming Yue could forward anything to him, he said, “ I’ve heard from sources that you've carried out raids a couple of months back. Is that not right? “

!

Busted, Zhu Ming Yue didn’t know what to say against the king’s claims. As she looked on, he forwarded sternly, “ You’ll be taking on the regions of Sienna and Shnx and that’s an imperial order. “

Feeling obligated to accept the king’s decree, Zhu Ming Yue said, “ As you wish, Your Majesty! “

Adding further, he said, “ I’m not so heartless that I’d let you carry this dangerous raid all by yourself. “

Feeling something ominous was coming, he concluded and said, “ On this raid, you’ll be aided by Zhu Zhi Rong and Lidian Hyster. “

Hearing the names of those tagging along, Zhu Ming Yue was shocked to the core. Feeling the need to protest, the king asked, “ Is there something you’d like to say, Zhu Ming Yue? “

“ No, Your Majesty! “ She nodded faintly.

“ Good! “ He beamed. “ I’m counting on you three to carry on this raid successfully. “

A little over a while later, Zhu Ming Yue came out of the audience hall and spotted Shun right away as he was standing across the hall.

Noticing her, Shun strode toward her and impatiently asked, “ How was it? How was the audience with the emperor? “

“ Let’s leave this place! “ She uttered hypothetically.

Following behind her, they walked out of the palace. Inside the carriage, Zhu Ming Yue uttered at last, “ I’ll be going on a mission in a couple of days. “

Not daring to ask for anything more, he sunk the information inside his brain and the ride to the Zhu household continued.

To prepare for the raid ahead, Zhu Ming Yue continued to train to be ready when the time came, but there was a problem. To train effectively, she needed an opponent that would challenge her to surpass her limits.

“ Lady Ming Yue, do you need a drink? “

Shun brought a drink for Ming Yue. Accepting the drink, she suddenly had an idea flashed through her mind.

Staring at Shun in front of her, she asked, “ Are you busy, Shun? “

Finding her question rather surprising, he responded, “ No, my lady! Is there anything I can help you with? “

Throwing a sword at him, Shun caught it before it hit the ground with essence. Noticing it, she said, “ Help me train, Shun! “

“ You’d like me to train with you! “

“ Yes, if you’re not too busy. “ She admitted. “ I need a partner to properly train and surpass my limits. Would you help me, Shun? “

Delighted that she would ask him for assistance, Shun was incredibly happy and said in response to her question, “ If you think I’m worthy as an opponent, then it’d be my pleasure to assist with your training, Lady Ming Yue. “

“ Of course, you’re worthy to be my opponent, Shun. “ She grinned slightly as she added, “ Shall we start? “

“ Whenever you’re ready! “ He responded.

Holding the blade in the proper position, Shun looked at Zhu Ming Yue sternly, ready to stride at her with all his might. “ I’m not going to go easy on you, Lady Ming Yue. “ He forwarded at her attention, and she said in response, “ You’d better not if you don’t want me to lose all respect for you. “

Striding forward, their blades collided and the training officially commenced. Going in full swing against each other, Shun gave his best against Ming Yue who brought out her full potential to the surface.

The knights watched as they swung at each other and were amazed by the techniques displayed during the training session.

“ They’re good. Who do you think is going to come out victorious? “ One knight asked and another responded, “ Beats me! They’re both good, so both deserve to win. “

Coming uninvited was Zhi Rong. Watching the training, she was irritated as she recalled Zhu Ming Yue’s recent attitude toward her.

Noticing her presence among them, one of the guards asked for her opinion on the training session. “ Lady Zhi Rong, who do you think will be the winner? “

Responding sarcastically, she said, “ Do you even have to ask? How could that human rival against a vampire? “

“ You’re right, my lady. “

Taking her comment into account, they continued to watch the training session. As the training entered its climatic stage, Zhu Ming Yue took the upper hand while Shun’s moves started to slow down.

Bumping against a rock at the climactic moment, Shun slipped and fell, bringing the training session to an end.

Seeing the end of the session, one of the knights made his thoughts known, “ Had he not slipped, he would have won the match. “

“ What are you talking about? Lady Ming Yue had the match controlled from the start. Sir Shun Song wouldn’t have come out victorious had he slipped or not. “ Another knight countered the first knight’s statement.

In the training ground, Zhu Ming Yue extended a helping hand to Shun, who gladly took it.

“ You’ve fought well, Shun. “ She uttered a compliment.

“ I’ve lost to you fair and square. “ Shun slightly grinned as both stared at each other.

Joining them were the knights, who congratulated both of them on the training session that took place just a moment ago.

“ You have great technique, Shun. “ One of the knights said in compliment. “ Would you be interested in training with us? “ Another immediately asked.

Shun’s response to both knights was, “ Gladly! “

Leaving the promises before Zhu Ming Yue could spot her, Zhu Zhi Rong broke things around in her chamber in a state of rage.

Mumbling her feelings out, she said, “ I won’t let you play your game for much longer, Ming Yue. I’ll get rid of you once and for all on this raid mission with Lidian’s help. Just wait and see! “

A while later, Thomas, who had heard about the turnout of the training session, congratulated both of them from the bottom of his heart. Later that night, as Shun was about to call it a day, Mia appeared before him and asked, [Won’t you go on this raid with Zhu Ming Yue?]

She asked as the interface flashed before his eyes. Retorting to his guide’s question, Shun asserted as follows, “ My favorite character doesn’t need me to slow her down. Besides, these monsters don’t stand an ounce of a chance against her. She’ll come out victorious without me needing to interfere. I have full trust in her, and you should too, Mia. “

—