The Princess Smells So Good (GL) - Chapter 75

“Little… little wildcat?”

What on earth is a little wildcat?!

Footsteps came from behind, accompanied by faint sounds of shouting. Wei Zhao felt herself being adjusted into a more secure position as Fa Yilian sprinted ahead, her movements swift and unbelievably agile. She darted from one ship to another with ease. Wei Zhao watched, stunned, as she was carried past her own ship. She caught a glimpse of her subordinates’ astonished faces, not even managing to glance back at them properly.

How strange…

Wei Zhao couldn’t help but think. She was in the middle of a perilous situation, yet her heart felt inexplicably joyful—like the rush of excitement she felt as a child watching fireworks bloom over the palace walls. Her chest was filled with that same sense of anticipation, waiting for it to burst and paint the air with vibrant colors of happiness.

She turned her head slightly to look at Fa Yilian. The other woman’s expression was fierce yet elated, her features darkened a bit by the sun, her sharp brows and bright eyes exuding a captivating intensity.

Even after Fa Yilian successfully brought Wei Zhao aboard her ship, Wei Zhao’s heart was still in chaos. Embarrassment, annoyance, sweetness, and the bittersweet relief of being rescued all mingled together in her chest. It was a chaotic mix of emotions she couldn’t quite describe.

As the ocean breeze and salty mist brushed against her face, Wei Zhao instinctively reached up to touch her cheeks. Before she knew it, Fa Yilian had cupped her face. Her green eyes were warm yet intense, reminiscent of the land of Haizhou itself, full of blazing sunlight and endless greenery that made it hard to look away.

“Your Highness… you’ve gained some weight.”

Then, those bright green eyes crinkled with laughter.

Wei Zhao took a deep breath. She raised her hand and pushed Fa Yilian’s face away, frowning. “Impossible! Look again—properly this time!”

Fa Yilian leaned closer, her gaze fixed on Wei Zhao. Just as Wei Zhao turned her head, wanting to avoid the intensity of that stare, Fa Yilian had already drawn her in and kissed her.

Wei Zhao froze at first but then softened in Fa Yilian’s embrace. Almost unconsciously, she reached out as if to wrap her arms around Fa Yilian’s neck. But before she could do so, loud cheers and whistles rang out around them.

Wei Zhao’s newly softened body immediately stiffened again, her hands pushing against Fa Yilian’s chest. Fa Yilian let out a low chuckle, holding Wei Zhao close, shielding her from prying eyes.

What a pity—they should all just get back to work.

Fa Yilian licked her lips and scanned the gathered sailors with narrowed eyes, a faint smile on her face. “Looks like everyone’s quite free, huh?”

The sailors, sensing the chill behind her smile, frantically shook their heads. The deck soon filled with the sound of hurried footsteps as they scattered, leaving the scene. Fa Yilian lowered her head, looking at the long princess in her arms, who was now so embarrassed she wanted to burrow into her. With a soft laugh, she said, “Alright, they’re gone now. No one’s coming back out.”

Her voice, still rough from earlier excitement, carried a husky tone that made Wei Zhao’s ears burn.

Wei Zhao said nothing, only fidgeting slightly.

Fa Yilian smiled as she coaxed, “I promise, I’m not lying. Your Highness, let me take a good look at you.”

The mention of “little wildcat” came rushing back to Wei Zhao’s mind. Flushing even redder, she suddenly looked up, her oxygen-deprived face adorably pink and glowing with a youthful charm. She clenched her fists, then reached out to pinch Fa Yilian’s cheeks.

“Who are you calling a little wildcat? Huh? Have you forgotten who’s in charge just because we haven’t met in a while?!”

This only made her look even more like a little wildcat—fierce yet adorably unaware.

So cute!

Fa Yilian’s green eyes curved with laughter.

She bent slightly lower, leaning her face closer to Wei Zhao, pretending to cry out in pain. Wei Zhao let out a small huff, applying a bit more pressure until she saw the skin under her fingers turning red. Only then did she grumble, letting go to rub at the marks she left.

“Where on earth have you been these days?” Wei Zhao asked in frustration. “I’ve been searching for you everywhere.”

“You’ve been searching for me?” Fa Yilian asked with a bright smile. She pulled Wei Zhao’s hand to her lips, gently blowing on her fingers. “Did I hurt you when I pinched back?”

Wei Zhao rolled her eyes unceremoniously. “Do I look that delicate to you?” Despite her annoyance, her lips tugged up in a small, almost imperceptible smile.

“Captain, where’s our first mate?”

The sound of a crewmember’s voice interrupted them. Wei Zhao instinctively tried to burrow deeper into Fa Yilian’s embrace, not wanting anyone else to witness another moment of intimacy.

With obvious delight, Fa Yilian wrapped her arms around Wei Zhao and looked at the approaching man, grinning. “No idea. Maybe she got caught?”

Wei Zhao poked her head out and saw the man’s complicated expression. She frowned, thinking for a moment, before realizing something. “The first mate? Your first mate…?”

Fa Yilian blinked and replied, “Judith. She was curious about the cannons and decided to go investigate.”

Wei Zhao: “…”

It suddenly clicked. She had been tricked into revealing her agent, but it wasn’t Song Qing who got caught—it was probably Judith.

Wei Zhao felt a mix of awkwardness and exasperation, unsure whether to laugh or cry.

“Don’t worry. By breaking through like this, we’ve helped distract them and bought some time,” Fa Yilian reassured her.

Wei Zhao didn’t respond immediately. From Fa Yilian’s words, it was clear she had figured out Wei Zhao had sent someone after her. Finally, Wei Zhao sighed, pressing a hand to her forehead. “And now?”

“We’re heading straight to Haizhou. First, to get you there safely. Second, no matter how bold they are, they won’t dare invade Haizhou City directly.”

Fa Yilian’s voice was firm, leaving no room for doubt.

Wei Zhao didn’t argue. She could see that Fa Yilian was decisive and adept at giving orders now—a stark contrast to her earlier hesitations. A faint smile played on Wei Zhao’s lips. “So now you care about my opinion?”

Fa Yilian scratched her nose awkwardly. On a ship, quick and decisive orders were critical, and she had become used to issuing commands without hesitation. She tapped her foot lightly against the polished deck, drawing Wei Zhao’s attention downward.

The deck was well-maintained, sanded smooth and oiled to a sheen, though it showed signs of age. Wei Zhao’s gaze traveled over the ship’s structure. It was a full-sized warship with parapets and mounted crossbows. She narrowed her eyes. “This ship wasn’t cheap, was it?”

“Huh?” Fa Yilian blinked.

Wei Zhao smiled faintly. “Your previous ship was destroyed, and you didn’t seem to have much money. I also checked Haizhou’s banks—no sign of your transactions. So where did the funds for this come from?”

Fa Yilian inhaled sharply and awkwardly avoided Wei Zhao’s gaze. “Uh… we should get ready. They’re probably catching up by now. We need to buy Judith more time.”

It was a blatant attempt to change the subject.

Wei Zhao stayed close, fixing her gaze on Fa Yilian. Fa Yilian coughed lightly. “Who did you send to gather information? Was it A Zong? Because the figure I saw looked more like a man.”

“Song Qing,” Wei Zhao replied, her frown deepening. A Zong didn’t find Fa Yilian? That meant she hadn’t delivered Wei Zhao’s message. Wei Zhao sighed. When she returned, she’d have to summon A Zong back immediately. Knowing how single-minded A Zong could be, she might still be out there searching tirelessly.

“Ah?” Fa Yilian paused mid-step. “And A Zong?”

“She’s looking for you,” Wei Zhao replied, her anger resurfacing. “For over a month! And you didn’t send even one message back?!”

Fa Yilian was at a loss, guilt flashing across her face. She glanced at Wei Zhao. “I…”

She thought about Lan Du’s arrival and the rumors from the capital. She wanted to prove herself, to show Wei Zhao she was someone capable, someone she could rely on. But such thoughts were easier kept to herself or shared with Judith. In front of Wei Zhao, they seemed impossible to voice.

“I’m sorry,” Fa Yilian finally muttered, her head bowed.

Wei Zhao sighed. She could tell Fa Yilian had things on her mind, but she didn’t press further. “You need to set sail, right? Don’t drag me into getting captured again.”

Fa Yilian nodded, leading Wei Zhao to the top deck and handing her a spyglass. She shouted loudly, “Full speed ahead!”

The ship surged forward, cutting through the waves. Wei Zhao raised the spyglass to her eye, scanning the horizon. Several ships were heading in their direction. Though Haizhou wasn’t a bustling harbor, its vessels were well-armed. Wei Zhao frowned as she counted.

“Something’s off,” she muttered.

“It definitely is,” Fa Yilian agreed, lowering her own spyglass with a grim expression. She called out sharply, “Prepare yourselves! We’re in for a fight!”

“Their best forces must be here,” Fa Yilian said, licking her lips. “They probably know who you are now.”