“Dorian, if you don’t believe me, go ask Father. See if I’m lying about the imperial decree,” Fraser declared confidently.
Dorian shot him a skeptical look before stepping aside. “Fine, I suppose you wouldn’t dare lie. Go on, then.”
As they entered the city gates, Catalina leaned closer to Fraser and whispered, “Fraser, was Father really angry?”
“Of course he was,” Fraser replied with a sigh. “It took forever to convince him to let you in. And Abbot Infinides was there too, so you’re not getting out of your punishment this time. But don’t worry, your big brother’s got your back.” He reached out and gently patted her head.
“You’re the best, Fraser,” Catalina murmured, resting her head coyly on his shoulder.
Fraser shook his head with a chuckle. “You’re all grown up now, but you still act like a little kid. If you keep this up, your future partner’s going to get jealous.”
Catalina replied without hesitation, “He wouldn’t.”
She was certain that Jared wouldn’t get jealous just because she was acting spoiled around her brother.
Her certainty caught Fraser off guard. He stared at her for a moment, then asked, “Wait a second, Catalina. D-Do you have a dual cultivation partner?”
“I-I don’t! Of course, I don’t!” Catalina stammered, quickly trying to cover her slip-up.
Fraser narrowed his eyes. “Don’t lie to me.
You’ve never been able to fool me, not since we were kids. This time, when you left Twilight Imperial City for the Ethereal Realm, did you meet someone you like?”
“No! Stop making things up. I didn’t meet anyone!” Catalina’s face flushed bright red as she turned and ran off.
Watching her retreat, Fraser felt certain-his little sister was in love.
“Both of you, come here,” Fraser called, motioning to Leftblind and Rightblind who were standing nearby.
Leftblind and Rightblind, Catalina’s bodyguards, exchanged glances before stepping forward.
Though technically not under Fraser’s command and not part of the imperial city, the two respected his close relationship with Catalina and followed his instructions without hesitation.
“Tell me,” Fraser began, his curiosity getting the better of him, “does my sister have someone she’s fond of? Who is he? What’s his status?”
“Your Highness, how could we, mere subordinates, know anything about Her Highness’ personal affairs? You’d have to ask her yourself,” Rightblind said evenly.
“Rightblind, isn’t that Jared Her Highness’ man?” Leftblind asked, clearly puzzled by his companion’s response. “I thought they’d already made that clear.”
Rightblind gave Leftblind a sharp look but said nothing, choosing to let his silence speak volumes.
Fraser’s eyes lit up with interest. “Leftblind, who exactly is this Jared? What’s his background?”
“Your Highness, I don’t know much about him,” Leftblind admitted. “But he’s only a Seventh Level Tribulator-not exactly impressive. He entered the Celestial Battlefield with Her Highness once, and when they came out, something about him seemed different. Later, she announced that Jared was her man. They’re not officially married yet, but it seems like they’ve made some kind of private commitment to each other.”
“A Seventh Level Tribulator?” Fraser’s brows knit together. “That’s unacceptable. My sister can’t be with someone so… mediocre. I need to have a word with her.”
Without another word, Fraser strode off in pursuit of Catalina.
Rightblind turned to Leftblind, shaking his head. “Leftblind, you’re in for it now. You really need to learn when to keep your mouth shut.”
“What? What did I do wrong? I was just being honest!” Leftblind replied, utterly oblivious to the trouble he had caused.
