Chapter 4 – Artemis
The
faint flicker of candlelight illuminated Xu Xin Duo's chambers, casting
shifting shadows across the wooden walls. The intricate carvings of plum
blossoms etched into the screen by the corner seemed to glow faintly in the
golden light. Outside, the wind rustled softly through the estate's outer
courtyards, the occasional flicker of a guard's torch marking the perimeter
like a heartbeat in the darkness.
Xu Xin
Duo sat by the low table near the window, her fingers absently brushing against
the jade pendant in her hand. Its smooth surface was a cool contrast to the
weight of her thoughts. She leaned slightly against the windowsill, her gaze
calm but piercing as it swept across the moonlit estate. Her father's warning
had set the wheels of strategy into motion, yet even with her calculated
approach, there were variables she needed to address.
'Artemis,'
she thought, her mind sharp and focused. Reconnecting with the AI always took
time after reincarnation, but she was patient. The faint hum of the wind
outside filled the silence as she closed her eyes briefly, centering herself.
There
was no immediate response, but that didn't deter her. 'Artemis, can you hear
me?' she thought again, her voice steady within her mind.
Finally,
a synthetic voice, smooth and precise, broke through the silence. 'I am here,
Amira.' The tone was devoid of emotion but carried the weight of its analytical
nature.
A
faint sense of relief flickered in her mind, though it didn't reach her
expression. 'Let me get you caught up,' Xu Xin Duo replied, her tone
matter-of-fact as she began recounting the events since her reincarnation. She
outlined the Emperor's distrust, her father's cryptic warning, and the
precarious position of Prince Yu, each detail delivered with military
precision.
Artemis
processed the information quickly, his reply succinct. 'Your position is
precarious. Probability of immediate conflict is 78%. Factors contributing to
this include the Emperor's escalating paranoia and the deployment of the
Imperial Guards.'
'Expected,'
Xu Xin Duo thought, her voice calm.
'The
prince?' Artemis prompted, shifting focus to the most relevant variable.
Xu Xin
Duo's lips curved slightly, though it wasn't a smile so much as a faint
acknowledgment of the topic's complexity. 'Confident, calculating, and
suspicious,' she replied. 'He doesn't trust me, nor should he. That's
irrelevant for now.'
'Trust
is a non-essential variable,' Artemis agreed. 'Strategic alignment, however, is
critical. Probability of the prince taking decisive action based on your
warning is 63%, with mistrust and personal pride as limiting factors.'
Xu Xin
Duo turned her gaze back toward the window, her fingers tapping lightly against
the wooden sill. 'Then I'll plan accordingly. Delay weakens his position, not
mine.'
'Recommendation?'
Artemis asked, his tone carrying the sharp edge of calculated logic.
'We
observe,' she replied. 'The Guards won't arrive immediately. Until they do,
I'll solidify control over the estate and its resources. Prince Yu will either
act or hesitate; both outcomes are manageable.'
The
pendant in her hand felt heavier somehow, though she knew it was only her mind
giving weight to its significance. 'And the spatial storage?' she asked, her
tone casual but with a pointed edge of inquiry.
The
room was silent as Artemis processed her inquiry. The faint hum of wind against
the wooden shutters was the only sound, mingling with the soft crackle of the
candles. Xu Xin Duo's sharp gaze remained fixed on the pendant in her hand as
she waited, her patience unshaken.
'Spatial
storage is operational,' Artemis finally replied, his synthetic tone calm and
methodical. 'Current capacity is reduced to 21.8% due to the instability caused
by reincarnation. Accessible items include two primary weapons, sufficient
currency for immediate use, and minimal rations.'
Xu Xin
Duo's fingers tapped lightly against the windowsill, her mind already
recalibrating. 'What's locked?' she thought, her tone steady.
'Non-essential
items, including secondary weapons, advanced medical supplies, and tactical
resources,' Artemis replied. 'Recalibration and full access will require an
estimated 72 hours under optimal conditions. However, premature stress on the
storage may extend this timeline.'
Xu Xin
Duo's expression didn't change, though her fingers tightened briefly around the
pendant. 'That's manageable,' she replied coolly. 'What's accessible is enough
to begin.'
She
moved toward the small chest tucked discreetly in the corner of the room, her
steps deliberate. Kneeling, she opened it to reveal a set of personal
belongings, neatly arranged. Reaching inside, she retrieved a polished dagger,
its weight familiar in her hand. The blade glinted faintly in the dim light,
its edge sharp and well-maintained.
'Weapon
efficiency rating: 85%,' Artemis noted. 'Suitable for close combat but limited
in reach. Current situation probability for hand-to-hand engagement: 31%.
Recommend alternative solutions if combat arises.'
'Noted,'
Xu Xin Duo replied, sliding the dagger into her sash. She stood, her posture
straight and composed, and turned her attention back to the window.
The
estate grounds stretched out before her, the torchlight along the perimeter
flickering against the shadows of the outer walls. The faint outline of guards
patrolling the grounds was visible, their movements steady and methodical. Yet
even with this outward show of vigilance, Xu Xin Duo could sense the tension
that hung over the estate like a shroud.
'The
prince will act,' Artemis said, shifting the focus back to the situation at
hand. 'However, his mistrust of you remains a significant limiting factor.
Recommend reinforcing credibility through tangible results rather than verbal
persuasion.'
A
faint smirk tugged at the corner of Xu Xin Duo's lips, though it didn't reach
her eyes. 'Tangible results are the only language he understands,' she replied.
'Trust is irrelevant. He'll act when he sees the need, not a moment before.'
Artemis
processed her response before continuing. 'Based on current observations,
probability of Imperial Guards arriving within 48 hours is 82%. Recommend
initiating preemptive measures to secure control over the estate and eliminate
internal risks.'
'Internal
risks?' she prompted, her tone sharp.
'Potential
for disloyalty among the staff,' Artemis replied. 'Probability of a spy within
the estate: 47%. Suggest immediate evaluation of personnel and suppression of
dissent to ensure operational security.'
Xu Xin
Duo's gaze sharpened as she considered the recommendation. The servants were a
potential liability, particularly given the strained dynamics within Prince
Yu's household. Discontent bred weakness, and weakness was a danger she
couldn't afford.
'I'll
handle it,' she thought, her tone firm.