Chapter 14: Coaxing the Cub

That night, after coaxing the little one to sleep, Long Yuan instructed the steward that from now on, the child was not to have any contact with Chu Shi.

The steward was baffled. That morning, there had been so much attention, yet now suddenly no visits were allowed?

“Marshal, may I ask why?” he inquired.

Long Yuan’s expression darkened slightly.

Why? Naturally, it was because Long Xiaobao had developed a subtle emotional attachment to Chu Shi, even mistaking her for his mother.

However, Long Yuan did not wish to dwell on the matter and brushed it off curtly.

“Just carry out the order.”

“So, should Miss Chu remain confined, or should she be sent back to the nursery?”

Long Yuan, his head lowered as he handled military documents, paused at this question.

“Don’t rush to send her back... first, investigate her detailed background thoroughly.”

The steward bowed his head in acknowledgment.

Thus, poor Chu Shi missed her chance to see the daylight once more, without understanding why.

Just as the steward was about to leave, Long Yuan called him back.

He recalled the little figure sitting alone by the window, gazing at the moon, and after a moment’s hesitation, issued a new instruction.

“Tomorrow afternoon at rest time, I will invite the National Tutor to bring his child for a visit. His child is six years old; arrange accordingly and prepare plenty of food and toys favored by children of that age.”

The steward blinked in surprise. “National Tutor... do you mean the Revered Sacrificer?”

Long Yuan nodded, explaining briefly: “Yes, the Frost Abyss Sacrificer. His child is about the same age as Xiaobao. It would be good for the two children to interact.”

The steward finally understood Long Yuan’s intention and was immediately thrilled.

Thank heavens—the Marshal has finally seen reason!

He had previously hinted that the young master needed more companions of his own age, but the Marshal always refused, citing the frailty of the Dragon Lion clan’s offspring during infancy, fearing the child might get hurt.

“Marshal, your wisdom is unparalleled! The young master of the Frost Abyss Sacrificer family is indeed an excellent playmate choice!”

“Politically, the Frost Abyss Sacrificer is aligned with you. Privately, the Sacrificer clan, being purple-striped sea刺水母, is not warlike nor fond of conflict. We needn’t worry about their child bullying ours!”

“I—I will make arrangements immediately! I’ll ensure the two young masters enjoy their time!”

The steward was so happy he nearly lost his voice.

Long Yuan glanced at him with mild exasperation. “Quiet down, and get going.”

The steward left in high spirits, already planning how to orchestrate this crucial meeting.

***

Children, after all, only continue friendships after a first happy meeting.

He must do his duty well to secure this rare playmate for the young master!

The next day.

The steward’s enthusiasm was doused by a sudden surge of distress—

The young master was crying loudly from early morning, clamoring for his mother.

The steward’s scalp tingled.

The young master had cried for his mother before, but only the Marshal could soothe him.

Yet today, the Marshal had already left for the military headquarters. Where was he supposed to find a mother for the boy?

Helpless, he sent a video call to the Marshal.

Long Yuan had just arrived at headquarters when he saw the video: the little one, tears streaming, snot flowing, pushing away the nurse beside him with his tiny arms.

A sharp pang gripped Long Yuan’s heart. He hurried back, dust still on his clothes, and took the child into his arms to comfort him.

But today, the child seemed unusually distressed, as if something had unsettled him. No matter what, he could not be pacified; his cries only grew louder.

Tara stood nearby, feeling guilty.

She had come to watch the child all morning, but he had shown strong resistance toward her, whining for his mother.

Startled, she had reflexively asked, “Your mother isn’t dead?”

That had broken the child’s defenses, setting off uncontrollable sobbing that no one could calm.

Fortunately, the child was too young to lodge complaints. If the Marshal knew she was the cause, she might be packing up her belongings immediately.

Long Yuan held the child in his arms, watching as he cried so hard he was nearly out of breath, his little face flushed bright red. Anxiety welled within him.

“Want mother... want mother...” The boy’s cries grew faint.

Just then, the steward had a sudden idea, leaning close to whisper in Long Yuan’s ear.

“Marshal, why not release Miss Chu? I’ve noticed she looks remarkably like the boy’s mother... and the young master seems very fond of her. Perhaps she could soothe him?”

Long Yuan hesitated, instinctively wanting to refuse, but seeing the child’s flushed face, his heart softened.

In the end, he chose to compromise.

“...Bring her here.”

***

Inside the cell.

Chu Shi spread the bedding on the iron cot and, without any concern for appearances, stretched out with her legs crossed, pondering her predicament.

Having eaten well two days ago, she wasn’t particularly hungry now.

But having spent a full day and night in the cell with no sign of release from Long Yuan, she seriously considered switching targets.

“I think that fox, Luo Jia, is pretty decent. At least he’s a gentleman on the surface and wouldn’t lock a woman in an underground prison.”

She whispered to the system.

The system sifted through the files.

[You’ve come this far, and it’s rare that Long Yuan’s darkening value has dropped by 10 points. Leaving now would be a huge loss. Hold on a bit longer, host; maybe you’ll be released soon.]

Chu Shi rolled her eyes.

She was about to mock the system for being less realistic, when suddenly, the door opened.

Fifteen minutes later, Chu Shi was brought back to the child’s bedroom.

Seeing Long Xiaobao crying inconsolably inside, she was stunned.

The meaning of bringing her here was clear.

Even though she usually had a decent temper for a succubus, a trace of anger rose within her.

“Marshal Long Yuan really knows how to use people. When it’s time to soothe the kid, he drags me out; once the kid’s calmed, he throws me back down there. I thought I was your dog or something.”

Chu Shi unleashed her sarcasm without restraint, pressing close and going all out.

After all, she still had enough power to cast a hypnosis once; if she angered Long Yuan, she could just hypnotize him and make a run for it.

Surprisingly, Long Yuan did not get angry at her words.

“I promise I won’t lock you up again. If you want compensation, name it. But for now, I hope... you’ll help me.”

There was a deep helplessness in his voice, and his gaze toward the child was filled with sorrow.

Chu Shi was taken aback.

Long Yuan was always proud and aloof; when had he ever shown such expression?

Following his gaze, she looked at the crying child and bit her lip awkwardly.

Well, considering things, she had been at fault in abandoning the two of them.

So, helping soothe the child wouldn’t hurt.

With a soft snort, Chu Shi stepped in front of the child.