Fenghua Xiaoxue was extremely busy.
The succession ceremony had been rushed and improvised. Though her temporary advisors had wanted to organize a grand celebration, she rejected the idea, claiming it would be a waste of time and money.
No one had been able to argue with that.
After all, the Land of Snow had limited resources and had been ruthlessly exploited for over a decade by Fenghua Nutao and his followers. Now, the country was in a state of severe poverty.
After the meeting, Xiaoxue—still grieving her mother—immediately ordered a search for her mother's grave, hoping to pay her respects.
But the news that arrived instead shocked her to the core: the former queen had been seen alive just the day before. Multiple eyewitnesses confirmed it.
Xiaoxue's heart shattered. She suspected that when she took power, Fenghua Nutao might have lashed out at her mother in a fit of rage. And now, even the body couldn't be found.
It was heartbreaking.
As night fell, the streets and alleys of the capital erupted in celebration to welcome their new ruler. The sky sparkled with stars like scattered diamonds across a velvet canvas.
Fenghua Xiaoxue, flanked by soldiers, walked through the bustling streets. Trees lined the roads, their branches and leaves swaying gently under the warm glow of the lamps. The rustling of leaves blended with the wind.
But despite the lively atmosphere, she was probably the saddest person in the entire kingdom.
She had paid her respects at her father's grave and placed a tombstone for her mother.
Though grief gripped her heart, she forced herself to remain composed, hiding her pain behind a bright, regal smile.
She would see Naruto later.
"Father, Mother… Xiaoxue will visit you again tomorrow."
She planted a flower at the grave with her own hands and then left with her guard.
About half an hour after leaving the city, Xiaoxue ordered the procession to halt. She stepped away alone and, from a distance, saw Bai waiting quietly outside Naruto's tent.
"Xiaoxue!" Bai waved enthusiastically when she spotted her.
Xiaoxue blinked, puzzled by such an energetic greeting. Internally, she was suspicious—what was this girl up to now, being so cheerful?
Something felt off.
The moonlight overhead glowed brighter, casting silver across the snow-covered land.
Feeling uneasy, Xiaoxue approached Bai and smiled.
"Bai, why are you standing guard out here alone? Didn't Lord Naruto let you inside?"
"Or is freezing in the snow your new way of finding excitement?"
Xiaoxue knew that Bai had a few unusual tendencies, and it was one of the reasons she'd developed a grudge toward her. At first, she'd been amused to see Naruto scolding Bai, assuming she enjoyed being mistreated—so she joined in, too.
That was a mistake.
Bai had exploded in rage. If Naruto hadn't stepped in during that argument in the bedroom, Bai might have seriously hurt her. It had terrified Xiaoxue.
Only then did she realize—Bai didn't enjoy being bullied. She just liked being dominated by Naruto specifically.
By then, the damage had already been done. There was no turning back.
Bai's smile widened. "I'm just keeping watch for Lord Naruto."
Xiaoxue nodded slightly. Now it made sense—she'd heard the sound of cards being shuffled inside the tent earlier. Clearly, Naruto was enjoying his usual… evening activities.
Or maybe they never really stopped.
Lord Naruto may seem youthful, but he's shockingly energetic.
And his stamina is unreal.
"Then I'll wait with you."
"Are you sure?" Bai lifted an eyebrow, flashing a knowing smirk.
Xiaoxue smiled softly. "Why wouldn't I be? We'll be working together to rebuild the Land of Snow. Might as well enjoy the view of the snow together."
She genuinely hoped to repair her relationship with Bai. Naruto might be strong, but he wouldn't always be around. In the end, Bai was going to be Snow Village's future Snow Shadow. She needed her support.
It was a practical alliance—Xiaoxue would fund, Bai would execute. Bai was essentially the commander of her personal guard.
But Bai didn't seem eager to accept her olive branch. Her voice dropped as she muttered, "I still think you should go inside and take a look."
Xiaoxue brushed it off. "It's fine. Don't worry about me, I'll stay here with you."
"O(∩_∩)O~"
"Hehe~" Bai's gentle laugh sent chills down Xiaoxue's spine.
It felt… eerie.
Then Bai said slowly, "I went to the Snow Kingdom this morning and rescued two people."
Xiaoxue forced a smile, trying to keep the conversation pleasant. "That's great."
But Bai continued, "One of them… she looks almost exactly like you. Like two drops of water—only she's more mature."
"You're joking," Xiaoxue said reflexively. "No one looks that good."
Then she froze.
Her eyes widened. Her breath caught. And then—pure joy exploded across her face.
Mother.
It had to be her.
Excitedly, Xiaoxue grabbed Bai's wrist. "Where is she?! Bai, please! Tell me where she is. I have to see her now!"
Bai tilted her head and smiled teasingly. "Didn't you just say you were going to stay here with me? Why the sudden change of heart?"
Bai's eyes glittered mischievously.
The bait had been taken. Now came the twist.
"Next time, I'll stay with you for sure," Xiaoxue promised, breathless with urgency. "But right now, I need to see her. Please, she's very important to me."
She felt overwhelmed with gratitude toward Bai—even though she'd feared her before, now she was deeply thankful.
"I'll make you the true leader of the Snow Country. I'll just be your assistant," she said without thinking.
But Bai shook her head. "No need. I only do what Lord Naruto tells me to do. I manage Snow Village. Getting involved in Snow Country's internal politics would be overstepping."
Xiaoxue frowned slightly.
She hadn't expected Bai to resist even that.
Then Bai said something that chilled her.
"Actually, I told you your mother's whereabouts from the beginning—when you arrived."
"Huh?" Xiaoxue blinked in confusion.
"I suggest you go inside the tent," Bai said with a devilish smile.
Xiaoxue froze.
A wave of dizziness swept over her. Her cheeks flushed, then drained of color.
"You…" she whispered.
"You did this, didn't you?!"
"Are you crazy?! That's my mother!"
Bai's laughter was light and mocking. "Still not going to check?"
Her voice was soft but sinister. "Your mother… she seems like an ordinary woman. I wonder if she can handle Naruto-sama's… enthusiasm."
"You—!" Xiaoxue's face burned with fury. Her body trembled, fists clenched so tight her palms were slick with sweat.
But… at least her mother was alive.
She couldn't go in. It would only make things worse—for her, for her mother. It was better to wait until Naruto was done and then take her home quietly.
She took a slow breath and said coldly, "Bai."
"Yes?"
Xiaoxue opened her palm to catch the falling snowflakes, letting their chill calm her burning anger. "If I ever find out you have a mother, I'll offer her to Naruto too—see how you like the humiliation."
Bai laughed—a bright, unrestrained laugh. "Joke's on you. I'm an orphan. No mother, no sisters, no female relatives. You've got no leverage."
"Ugh, you're insufferable," Xiaoxue growled.
Time passed.
The moon climbed high, casting a cold glow on the snow-covered fields.
From inside the tent, the faint sound of soft, melodic singing could still be heard. It had gone on far too long.
Xiaoxue was pacing in worry.
Was her mother really okay?
She had no chakra. Could an ordinary person survive this long?
"I should go in and help her," she muttered, half-serious.
Just then, the singing stopped.
There was a quiet rustle—someone dressing.
And then Naruto emerged from the tent, casually brushing the flap aside.
He froze when he saw Xiaoxue, then instantly put on his usual relaxed expression.
"Xiaoxue? What are you doing out here? Shouldn't you be at the palace?"
He walked over with that calm, unbothered charm of his.
The snow continued falling gently.
Xiaoxue fought back tears.
She wanted to scream at him—Why did you do this to my mother?!
But she didn't have the courage.
Naruto reached out and gently touched her cheek. "You okay? You seem upset."
"I'm fine."
Seeing his clueless expression, Xiaoxue realized—Naruto probably had no idea who the woman inside was.
It was all Bai's doing.
"Lord Naruto… may I go inside?"
"Of course." He stepped aside and let her in.
Inside the tent, three women lay sleeping peacefully.
Her mother.
Her aunt.
Another woman from the Snow Country.
They looked calm. Relaxed. Even smiling in their sleep.
It was strange… but also reassuring.
Her mother looked… content.
She must've been holding everything in for over ten years.
Well, at least she finally got to let go.
Still… why was her aunt smiling too?
Wait—what about Uncle?!
Outside, Naruto turned to Bai.
She met his gaze, then slowly lifted her coat to reveal her slender legs and bare collarbone.
Everything on display.
But Naruto simply pulled her coat closed and draped his own over her shoulders.
"It's cold. Don't catch a chill."
"You don't really care," Bai pouted.
Naruto smiled. "Of course I care. I don't want you to get sick."
"Lord Naruto," she said, inching closer, "I'm lonely tonight…"
But he just pulled her into a warm embrace. "What nonsense. I'm right here."
…Wait. What?
Bai blinked.
Lord Naruto isn't even in the mood to whip me anymore?
What's the point of living?!
"My Lord… who was that red-haired woman today? Why were you so interested in her?"
Naruto pulled her cheeks playfully. "Don't cause trouble for Uzumaki Chiana. I mean it."
That hit Bai like a brick.
She leaned into his chest and asked softly, "You trust me to behave. So why not her?"
Naruto bent close and whispered in her ear:
"Because her strength is on par with mine. If you try anything, she'll kill you."
"…"
"…"
Bai suddenly felt that life was very unfair.