Daniel, the Governor of Hefang Island, sat in his office, puzzled as he looked at the intelligence report in his hands.

  "What are those lunatics up to now?"

  Not just in Hefang, but followers of the Church of Light across the northern sea region were stirring, as if something significant was about to happen.

  "Could it be that after a few years of quiet, they’re planning to go to war with the Ftan Cult again? Damn it."

  The thought made Daniel’s head ache. If these two religions clashed, the entire northern sea region would be thrown into chaos, and his carefully laid plans would be completely disrupted.

  The door creaked open, and a handsome young man walked in. It was his son, Jack.

  "What have you been up to lately?"

  "I’ve told you before," Jack said as he sprawled on the couch.

  "You’re planning to take over the Seventh Division of the Police Bureau?"

  Jack’s face showed a hint of disdain. "I don’t want those people, Father. You probably don’t know this, but some of them, relying on their ancestors being descendants of the island’s founders, dare to collect salaries without even lifting a finger. I doubt they’ve even touched an artifact. Hefang needs a completely new Seventh Division."

  Daniel’s expression turned serious. "It’s indeed time for a shake-up. The Seventh Division’s strength must return to its peak. I’ll issue a decree later. There’s no room for negotiation. Anyone who dares to obstruct, no matter their background, will be dealt with."

  Jack knew his father meant business this time. The last incident had been a major embarrassment, with a woman making fools of them. It had turned the Cavendish family into a laughingstock among the other governors.

  "Why did you call me here? If there’s nothing else, I’ll head back. I’ve got a lot of work to do."

  Daniel cleared his throat awkwardly. "Put aside what you’re doing for now. I called you here to ask you to talk to your sister about that matter."

  Jack’s eyes widened. "Why me?"

  "You’re her brother."

  "So, because your daughter is ignoring you, you want me to be the bad guy, huh? My esteemed father."

  Daniel grabbed a nearby bronze cannon sculpture and hurled it at Jack. "Stop wasting my time and get to it!"

  With a thud, Jack caught the heavy miniature cannon with one hand. "Father, you owe me for this one."

  The story has been illicitly taken; should you find it on Amazon, report the infringement.

  Stepping into the garden outside, Jack casually plucked a flower and headed toward his sister’s room.

  Ignoring the maid at the door who was about to announce him, Jack pushed the door open and walked in.

  "Brother, what do you want?" Margaret quickly shoved some papers into a drawer and turned to face her approaching brother.

  "This is the most beautiful flower I’ve carefully selected in Hefang. Only such a flower is worthy of the princess of the Cavendish family."

  "Not this again. You just picked that from the garden, didn’t you?" Margaret said with a look of disdain.

  Jack reached out and tucked the flower behind her ear. "As expected of my sister, so clever. I came here to tell you something. The son of the Governor of Mochen Island is coming to Hefang tomorrow. Do you want to meet him? I remember you used to play with him when you were kids."

  Margaret angrily pulled the flower from her hair. "Father sent you, didn’t he? I’ve said it enough times. I don’t want to see them!"

  Jack, seeing the anger in his sister’s eyes, quickly sidestepped and put an arm around her shoulders. "Don’t be mad at me. The old man forced me to come. I had no choice."

  "Just leave. I don’t want to talk to you right now," Margaret said, turning her head away.

  "Don’t worry, sister. I’m actually on your side," Jack said with a smile, nudging her with his shoulder.

  "Really?"

  "Of course. Honestly, your little secret is nothing. I’ve already heard about it. It’s just some boy, right? Let me help you figure it out. Do you really like him?"

  "What are you talking about?" The girl lowered her head shyly.

  "Why be shy? Do you want my help or not?"

  Margaret’s face grew redder as she fidgeted with her skirt. In a barely audible voice, she said, "Yes…"

  Jack let go of her and paced around the room, pretending to think. "I’ve come up with a few options. See which one suits you best. First, have him marry into our family and help us strengthen the Cavendish name. If you agree, I’ll talk to Father."

  "That won’t work. Captain Charles would never agree."

  "Then, second, let him go and wait until he conquers an island. Then he can come to Hefang to marry you."

  "How long would that take… Besides, it’s too dangerous," Margaret said, clearly unwilling.

  "Third, I’ll have him captured and kept in a room, tied up for you to play with as you please. Once you’re bored, you won’t like him so much anymore."

  "Bang!" Margaret, her face bright red, slammed a thick book into Jack’s chest. "Get out!"

  "Relax. Women of the Cavendish family can do whatever they want. Even if you play around with a few men, there’ll still be a line of suitors waiting to marry you."

  More books flew toward him as Jack, chuckling, dodged and backed out of the room.

  Seeing her brother’s grinning face at the door, Margaret sat down angrily, her back turned. Her eyes welled up with tears. "Liar! You’re just teasing me!"

  Watching his sister’s back, Jack’s smile faded. He pulled a cigar from his pocket, lit it with a lighter, and took a puff.

  "No smoking in here!"

  As the flame flickered, white smoke enveloped Jack’s face.

  "Margaret, you’re 17 now. It’s time to grow up. The reason you’ve been so well protected isn’t because the world is a kind place, but because Father has shielded you from its ugliness. You need to think about him too."

  Seeing his sister remain silent, Jack continued, "Do you know how much our family lost because of your last stunt, when Father had to search the entire sea for you? If the Cavendish family’s position is taken by someone else, that so-called Captain Charles of yours won’t give you the time of day."

  Margaret wanted to argue, but her brother’s unfamiliar tone made her hesitate.

  "Sister, let go of those unrealistic fantasies. Think about what the daughter of a governor should do. Only by helping Father secure his position can you remain the jewel of Hefang Island."

  When Margaret finally turned around, her brother was gone, and the smell of smoke had faded.

  The girl pulled a piece of paper from the drawer. It was a lifelike portrait of Charles, secretly commissioned by her.

  She looked at the portrait, her lips downturned, her expression full of sorrow.

  "Why is it that when I like someone, everyone tries to keep us apart…"