494 The Systems History: The start of the end VI (1/2)
Several days later…
”Mother!” Seeing Tora for the first time after Churu moved to the palace, her face brightened up as soon as she saw Tora's figure approaching. Tora's eyes instantly softened as she welcomed Churu in her embrace.
”Mother! I missed you!” Hugging her tightly, Churu exclaimed as the suppressed emotions she had been keeping exploded, crying in relief that Tora had done nothing foolish.
”How is my little Churu?” Feeling the warmth that only Churu could give her, Tora leaned her head to her little shoulders as she rubbed her back. ”Have you been well here?” She added softly.
Slowly, Churu drew away from her head as a bright smile formed on the side of her lips. ”Hmm! The dishes here are delicious! Every day is a feast and everyone is nice to me!” She showed any signs of displeasure or complaints in her stay in the palace.
However, Churu's life here wasn't any better in the Chisaka main residence. Rather, it was worse than that. After all, back in the Chisaka main residence, although none of them tried to touch or directly offend her, she could still feel their disapproval in the title she gained.
But now, in this place where Tora's jurisdiction couldn't reach, women who were waiting to be favored by the emperor boldly scoff at her. They never conceal their jealousy towards the little girl that entered the imperial harem as the emperor would often visit her.
Although those encounters with the emperor were merely about keeping an eye of her and brainwashing her, the concubines were utterly jealous. Hence, they used Churu's original birthright to insult her and even guilt-trip her for being the general's weakness.
Regardless, Churu was more than willing to lie in front of Tora just so she would not do any foolishness. After all, Tora might be smart and capable but, because of that, people were wary of her and never trusted her.
”That's a relief then.” Tora just smiled as she patted her small head. However, despite that she appeared she believed her, Tora knew that she was lying.
Churu was her daughter and her heart knew when she was alright or not: and right now, her maternal instincts tell her Churu was having a tough time.
It wasn't a surprise, though. After all, it's the imperial harem she had entered. A place where they destroy each other, whether physically or mentally. And for a child, Churu was brave. Truly, she's her daughter, Tora proudly thought inwardly.
”That's why mother should not worry about Churu because Churu is doing well here.” Relieved that Tora seemed to believe her lies, Churu smiled. ”Mother, how was father?” After looking around, Churu whispered as she hasn't heard anything from Tora's end and she was wondering how Aki was doing.