The Cauldron Master came to sign in at the Alchemy Commission an hour early, hoping to run into the Marshal.
What if? What if the Marshal hadn't left yet?
Perhaps... he could see him again?
Both delighted and apprehensive, the Cauldron Master quickened his steps toward yesterday's child's ward.
Most wards in the Alchemy Commission were twin rooms, fully equipped with private bathrooms and several screens to protect the patients' privacy.
Even after opening the door, the first thing one saw was a screen.
The Cauldron Master vaguely made out a figure and guessed it was the Marshal.
He took a few steps forward and saw the Marshal with his back to him, bending over as though saying something to the child.
On closer inspection, the Cauldron Master realized that the Marshal was still wearing yesterday's clothes.
It seemed this child mattered a great deal to the Marshal.
Enough for him to set aside his official duties and stay all night, without even finding time to change!
The Cauldron Master was all smiles, but just as he was about to speak, his smile slowly faded.
Their dependable Marshal's light-colored clothes were covered in stains, and he was locked in a silent, cold-faced standoff with the child.
Could a child whom the Marshal valued possibly be ordinary?
The child was equally defiant, one hand gripping a lock of the Marshal's long hair and refusing to let go.
The Cauldron Master had never seen his superior look so cold. For a moment, he froze.
It took him quite a while to recover his voice, and he stammered:
"Marshal... what happened?"
Xianyu was falling apart inside.
The instant Hua threw up on him, he had to restrain himself again and again to keep from flinging the little brat off his shoulders.
Xianyu nearly