"Knock, knock, knock..."
The sound of knocking came from the door. It was old butler Kailuo: "Miss, Mr. Ming has left."
"Creak..."
The door opened: "Kailuo, come in."
The old butler pushed the door open and saw Linna not far away, sitting on the chair Ming Zhitian had just occupied, staring at the cup of cola with mixed emotions.
The old butler shook his head: "Miss, you are..."
Linna slowly looked up, wiping away tears from her eyes: "I'm fine. By the way, I'll go see Father Emperor later. Go prepare."
"Yes." The old butler nodded, glanced at Linna who was still in a daze, then stepped out lightly and closed the door.
...
In the evening, at precisely ten o'clock, Ming Zhitian arrived as promised, and went to Linna's boudoir, pushing the door open.
Linna had been waiting. She held a black cloth bag containing an item. Seeing Ming Zhitian arrive, she forced a smile: "Ming Zhitian, you are indeed punctual."
Ming Zhitian nodded: "The Glory of Light, did you get it?"
Linna presented it with both hands. Ming Zhitian took it; it was quite heavy. He then held it by his side:
"Thank you, Linna. This is really too important to me."
Linna smiled slightly: "Before you leave, can you kiss me goodbye?"
Ming Zhitian shook his head: "No, Linna. The first time was already against my conscience. I can't do anything to betray her again."
Linna was unwilling: "Not even once?"
Ming Zhitian shook his head. The moment he turned away, Linna quickly pecked him on the cheek like a dragonfly skimming water, then turned her back.
Ming Zhitian did not dodge. Was this perhaps the last time?
Looking at her back, unable to see her face, unsure of her expression at this moment, Linna said: "Alright, Ming Zhitian, go. Leave the Swan Kingdom, as far away as possible. Don't ever come back, because... I hate you!"
Ming Zhitian licked his inner lip, then silently left.
Linna cried again. Did this man know how much she had sacrificed for him?
Linna wept and said: "Ming... Zhitian, do you know, you are the first person I loved, and the first person I hated. In the end, you have to leave me..."
A moment later, the entire manor went dark. Then, lights blazed, and hundreds of soldiers with torches surrounded the place.
A general in silver armor led a few subordinates into Linna's boudoir. The general looked around and found it safe, then waved, signaling his subordinates to wait there.
Linna looked at the dazzling torchlight: "General Solon, is there something?"
Solon approached, his face stern: "Goddess Linna, why did you steal the glory of the Swan Kingdom for generations, the Glory of Light? His Majesty the King is furious. Please come with us."
"Alright." Linna's expression remained calm, and she rose naturally.
...
In the magnificent golden hall, only General Solon and a middle-aged man were present. The man was clad in golden robes, wore a crown, and was none other than King Kather of the Swan Kingdom.
King Kather was furious! He slammed his throne: "Linna! Do you know your crime!"
Linna knelt on the carpet, sobbing: "Father Emperor, I'm sorry..."
King Kather said: "Nonsense! If you return the Glory of Light now, I will deal with you leniently."
Linna shook her head: "I'm sorry, it's not on me?"
King Kather said: "Where did it go? Speak!"
Linna pursed her lips tightly: "I don't know."
"Despicable!" King Kather stood up from his throne.
He paced back and forth twice, then made up his mind: "Solon!"