As Aoi entered the house, she immediately noticed her aunt sitting at the low wooden table, her back slightly hunched. Li Hua's face was red and her eyes were puffy from crying. She quickly wiped her tears with the edge of her sleeve and forced a smile, though it didn't reach her tired eyes.
"Nothing, dear. Go and wash up — dinner is ready," she said, her voice trembling slightly as she smoothed her hands over the faded tablecloth.
Aoi wasn't convinced. Her sharp eyes narrowed as she crossed her arms over her chest. "It's not 'nothing,'" she said, making air quotes with her fingers. "Tell me what happened. Did someone bully you?" Her tone was firm, almost challenging. Aoi wasn't the type to let things slide — especially not when it concerned her beloved aunt.
Li Hua sighed, her fragile facade crumbling under Aoi's intense gaze. "It's just... some people at the market were saying things," she admitted quietly, her voice breaking at the end.
Aoi's eyes flashed with anger. "What did they say?" she demanded, her fists clenching at her sides.
Li Hua shook her head, placing a gentle hand on Aoi's arm. "It's not worth it, Aoi. People will always talk. Let's just have dinner and forget about it," she said softly, trying to soothe her niece.
But Aoi wasn't so easily placated. She knelt beside her aunt, taking her hands in her own. "Aunt Li, you are the most important person in my life. If someone hurts you, they hurt me too. Please, tell me what happened," she pleaded, her voice softening.
Li Hua hesitated, her eyes clouding with emotion. Finally, she sighed, knowing Aoi wouldn't let this go. "They were talking about your parents... about how they left us. About how I can't protect you..."
Aoi's chest tightened at the mention of her parents. She took a deep breath, her chest rising and falling as she steadied herself. Then her expression hardened with resolve.
"Is this really a matter of concern?" Aoi's voice was steady and clear, her tone sharp as steel. "Yes, my parents left us. So what?"
She stood up straighter, her posture exuding confidence and strength. "Did we beg them for food? No." Her eyes narrowed. "We earn our own money and eat what we earn. We don't rely on anyone else. I don't think you should waste your tears over such meaningless words."
Li Hua watched her niece, a mixture of pride and sadness in her gaze. She knew how much Aoi had endured — how hard she had worked to build a life for them both. Aoi's words were like a shield, protecting them from the harsh judgments of others.
Aoi walked over to the window, looking out at the darkening sky. The stars were beginning to appear, tiny pinpricks of light in the vast expanse. A calm resolve washed over her.
"We are strong, Aunt Li. Stronger than their words, stronger than their judgments. We have each other, and that's all that matters."
Aoi turned around, her face softening into a gentle smile that seemed to light up the room. She reached out and took Li Hua's hands in her own, squeezing them reassuringly. "Mom and Dad would never want us to be sad, would they?" she said, her voice tender and filled with warmth.
Li Hua's eyes glistened as she nodded. "No, they wouldn't."
"Let's go to sleep," Aoi suggested, her tone light and hopeful. "Tomorrow, I'll head to the capital. I'll find a job for us and buy a beautiful house where you can stay and be happy."
Li Hua's eyes widened slightly in surprise. "The capital? That's a big step, Aoi," she said, her voice tinged with both concern and admiration.
"I can do it," Aoi said confidently. "For us."
The Next Morning
Aoi woke up earlier than usual, the golden light of dawn filtering through the thin paper windows. The village was still quiet, the only sounds coming from the distant crowing of a rooster and the rustle of leaves in the morning breeze.
She tied her dark hair into a loose braid, slipping on a worn but clean tunic. A woven basket hung from her arm as she prepared to leave. Li Hua was already in the kitchen, her brow creased with quiet worry.
"Aoi, are you sure about this?" Li Hua asked, her voice soft.
Aoi smiled and took her aunt's hands. "Aunty, I'll surely find a job for you and make sure you live well," she said confidently.
Li Hua brushed a hand over Aoi's cheek, her touch lingering. "Be careful, Aoi."
With a bright smile, Aoi stepped outside, the cool mountain air brushing against her face. Her heart thumped with excitement and nervousness as she walked down the winding path toward the capital. The city lay beyond the forest, its high walls and shining rooftops visible in the distance, bathed in the golden morning light.
"I've been living up the mountains for so long... the city is so beautiful!" she exclaimed, her eyes wide with wonder.
Just as she was about to turn down the main road, a powerful gust of wind hit her face. Aoi stumbled, her basket slipping from her arm. Before she could react, someone kicked her hard, sending her to her knees on the gravel path.
Pain shot through her palms as they scraped the rough ground. Her head whipped up, and she found herself looking at a tall figure clad in dark armor. A royal guard towered over her, his hand resting on the hilt of his sword.
"What kind of behavior is this?!" Aoi yelled, frustration flashing in her eyes.
The guard's gaze was cold and sharp. "Can't you see His Highness is coming this way? Which family are you from? So impolite and proud!"
Aoi's eyes darkened. She clenched her fists and forced herself to stand despite the stinging pain in her knees. "I don't need to belong to any family to have manners," she shot back, glaring up at the guard.
The guard's grip on his sword tightened. Behind him, a procession of carriages and soldiers approached — the royal crest gleaming on the dark banners. A tall figure on horseback led the group, his dark hair catching the sunlight. His gaze swept over Aoi, lingering for a moment before he rode past without a word.
Aoi narrowed her eyes at the guard. "Do you think because you stand beside royalty, you can treat others however you like?"
The guard's eyes narrowed dangerously. "Watch your tongue, girl."
Aoi straightened her back, brushing the dirt from her hands. "If you want to fight me, then unsheathe your sword. But if you're all talk, then stop wasting my time."
The guard's jaw tightened, but before he could respond, the sound of hoofbeats approached. Aoi's gaze flicked toward the lead rider — and for a brief moment, their eyes met.
And then, the procession moved on.
Aoi's heart raced as the guard finally stepped back, his glare lingering before he turned and marched after the procession.
Aoi dusted herself off, her gaze steely. "The capital will not be as easy as I thought," she murmured to herself.