Chapter 160: Fighting Fit

## Disturbing the Peace

Outside the brothel, insults and teary pleads shatter the tranquil early morning.

The patrons scatter in haste. The madam proprietor kneels and begs, only to be booted aside by the prince's goons.

**Servant:** Are we burning this place, my lord?

**7th Prince:** Are you deaf? Didn't I give the order?

**Procuress:** [Prostrates] Please don't, I implore you! There are still many ladies inside!

**7th Prince:** That;s the idea! You'll all burn!

The madam realizes there's no changing the prince's mind and begins wailing.

**MC:** Please reconsider, 7th Prince.

Caught by surprise, the 7th Prince notices the voice came from within a parked, veiled palanquin.

**7th Prince:** [Raises eyebrow] Who are you?

## Mischievous

**MC:** That's not imperative. What is imperative is how this action will reflect on the concubine.

**7th Prince:** You know who I am?

**MC:** Of course, 7th Prince, that's why I'm here. I hope you know what the concubine has done for you, and I'm sure you don't want to risk exposing her to His Majesty's wrath.

**7th Prince:** How insolent!

You remain unrattled by his roars and wait for him to finish ranting, as you start to sense some reluctance in him.

**7th Prince:** How dare you be so disrespectful if you knew who I am?!

**MC:** I'm only looking out for you. Please forgive me if I offended you.

**7th Prince:** Why don't you come out and face me!

## Horrifying

His rage has subsided much, letting you know your words have sunk in and he better curb his aggression for his mother's sake.

In that case, you can leave now.

**MC:** Let's go.

Just before the carriers can hoist the palanquin, the 7th Prince grabs a sword from a retinue and lifts the curtain.

**7th Prince:** Let's see who you really are!

Neither you nor Shadow, who's hiding around the corner, anticipated this. You end up locking gaze with the 7th Prince and watch his expression fade slowly from conceit to fear.

**MC:** Nice to see you again, 7th Prince.

**7th Prince:** It's a... ghost!

## Inviting Trouble

He speeds off in a wheelchair as you sit agape.

None of the spectators know what happened, except the bad guys have run off like they saw a ghost, so they do too. The brothel quickly shuts its door, thankful of the narrow escape.

It's just you left, alone in the palanquin, as the scene grows deathly silent.

**MC:** [Rolls eyes] If only I knew showing my face would scare the piss out of him, I wouldn't have gone through the trouble...

**Shadow:** It seems 7th Prince had a pretty good scare. I wonder if he would mention this at all.

**MC:** Given his poor attitude, not many people would take his word for it. He probably won't bring it up, anyway... Well, let's head home.

**Shadow:** [Resigned] No matter what you went through, you've stuck to your principles. The kindness is admirable, but attracts problems too...

The 7th Prince staggers and remains frightened for quite a while, until someone calls out to him.

**14th Prince:** What happened to you, brother? Why are you acting like this?

**7th Prince:** I... I just saw a ghost!

**14th Prince:** What? Come on, let me take you back to the palace and get a doctor to check on you.

**7th Prince:** I saw MC with my own eyes, I did! She's come back as a ghost! Hey, where are you going, Fourteen?

The 14th Prince is gone in a blink of an eye, leaving the 7th Prince stunned and alone.

## Best Avoided

You and Shadow head for home beneath a warm sun. You look up and see a yellow leaf that signals autumn.

**MC:** We can't refuse to do what's right just because it will bring us problems, right?

**Shadow:** Right. I see now why the 4th Prince...

Shadow shuts up abruptly and turns dour, as you spot the figure of the 14th Prince hoofing it in this direction.

**Shadow:** The 14th Prince saw me before and knows I served the 4th Prince. There will be big problems if he sees me with you.

**MC:** He must have run into the 7th Prince and is probably looking for me. You should sit this one out.

Shadow makes himself scarce quickly. The 14th Prince slows down and keeps both eyes glued on you, as if you'd vanish should he blink.

**MC:** [Smile] How have you been, Fourteenth?

**14th Prince:** It is you! I thought he was spewing nonsense again... I was hoping he wasn't, frankly. I'd love to see you once more even if you really were a ghost.

**MC:** Sorry...

**14th Prince:** What for? How much are you hiding from me? Do you truly see me as a friend?

## Clouds Disappear

14th Prince has grown much taller in the two years. He is now a handsome young man, and more matured too.

**MC:** Sorry, it wasn't my intention.

**14th Prince:** [Smiles] I forgive you.

It's the same grin as before. You smile back as the autumn sun showers you with golden rays.

**MC:** Aren't you afraid? What if I'm really a ghost?

**14th Prince:** Then you'd be a kind-hearted spirit that wouldn't harm a fly, much less me.

* Anything you'd want to ask me
* So that's how you think of me
**MC:** Anything you're wondering about me?

**14th Prince:** Yeah... How come you didn't grow in the last two years? I'm much taller than you now

**MC:** So that's how you think of me, eh?

**14th Prince:** Yes, always.

**14th Prince:** [Winks] For instance, you still look the same as two years ago, but me, I'm much taller than you now!
**MC:** [Embarrassed] Do not bring it up!

**14th Prince:** Well, you asked, or I wouldn't have stirred up that awful memory...

You two kid each other down the morning street, putting all your troubles behind.

The 14th Prince actually wants to know about her "sudden death" and whereabouts in there two years, but chooses to skirt the issue in fear of losing her again.