Chapter 577: Planning to Become a Deterrence P1

Aksai rested his elbow on the armrest and spoke in a calm tone.

“Now that you’re feeling better, Jasmine, I want to talk about a few things before I go into isolation.”

Jasmine straightened her posture. “Yes, my lord.”

“The Spirit farms have been producing well these past few months,” Aksai said, “but the coming weeks might be difficult. War will soon reach our borders, and shipments to the mainland could be affected. I’ve already told the trade overseers to reroute the main supply lines. However, I want you to monitor the Spirit herb production closely. Make sure the harvest cycles stay steady, and that no storage areas are left unguarded.”

Jasmine nodded slowly. “I understand. I’ll have the records checked daily and the storehouses sealed after every delivery.”

“Good,” Aksai nodded before adding further.

“Also, about the Bacchus’ Blessing wine distilleries—keep them running, but don’t allow outsiders near the processing area. If something goes wrong there, it could become a weak point for infiltration.

I’ve already stationed two of the Second Order puppets around the northern gate. The eastern docks now have a new guard rotation, and I’ve assigned Ruan’s team to handle the patrols there.”

He paused for a moment before continuing.

“If anything unusual happens—unmarked ships, missing cargo, or strangers showing too much interest in our goods—report it directly to my proxy through sealed communication stones.

But until I return, you’ll be responsible for keeping the regular workforce calm and focused. We can’t afford panic among the laborers due to the incoming turmoil in the seas.”

Jasmine bowed her head slightly. “You can trust me, my lord. I’ll see to it personally.”

Aksai gave a small nod of approval. “I know you will.” He leaned back in his chair, his gaze softening. “There’s one more thing I wanted to tell you.”

Jasmine blinked. “Yes?”

“It’s about Violet,” Aksai said, a faint smile tugging at his lips. “She’s made a breakthrough. After our last training session, she successfully advanced to the Foundation Establishment Realm.”

Jasmine froze. Her eyes widened, disbelief flashing across her face. “She… she broke through?”

Aksai nodded. “Yes. I’ve kept it quiet for now. The news isn’t public yet, and I’ve asked her not to share it with anyone. It’s safer that way. Once a few things are taken care of, she can reveal it to you herself.”

For a moment, Jasmine couldn’t speak. Her hands trembled slightly, and tears began to form in the corners of her eyes. She covered her mouth, letting out a shaky laugh. “My little girl… she did it… She actually did it…”

Aksai watched her quietly, a faint warmth in his expression.

Jasmine quickly wiped her tears, bowing deeply. “My lord, I don’t have words to thank you. You’ve done more for us than I could ever repay.”

Aksai waved his hand lightly. “You don’t owe me anything, Jasmine. Violet earned it through her own hard work. I only helped her find the right path.”

There was a brief silence. Jasmine looked down at her lap, fidgeting slightly before she spoke again. “My lord,” she began softly, “forgive me if I speak out of turn, but… may I make a request?”

Aksai tilted his head. “Speak.”

Jasmine hesitated for a few moments, then took a deep breath.

“Violet is still young and doesn’t understand the ways of the world as much as I do. She respects you greatly and owes you her life. If… if it pleases you, would you consider taking her as a concubine someday? I only wish for her future to be secure.”

Aksai’s eyes softened. He could see the mother’s worry behind her words—the fear of leaving her daughter unprotected in a world that didn’t forgive weakness.

He gave a small smile and shook his head gently.

“I understand why you ask this, Jasmine. But I have no such plans for now. Still, I promise you this—I’ll continue to look after her and guide her in her cultivation.

I’ll make sure she becomes someone who can stand on her own, without needing anyone’s protection.”

Jasmine’s lips trembled, and she lowered her head. She suddenly remembered how she had rejected Aksai in the past. She didn’t think that Aksai was taking revenge on her by saying no to Violet. That was because Aksai’s rejection was much more polite than hers. Although she felt a bit sad, she quickly recovered.

“I see,” Jasmine whispered. Then, after a pause, she smiled faintly and bowed again. “That alone is more than enough, my lord. Thank you—for everything you’ve done for her… and for me.”

Aksai rose from his chair and looked out toward the courtyard for a bit before speaking again.

“You’ve both earned your place here, Jasmine. Keep your heart steady, and keep the island running smoothly. When I return, I expect to see both you and Violet even stronger in your own ways.”

Jasmine stood and bowed deeply. “You will, my lord.”

Aksai then walked toward the door. Jasmine followed him a few steps, her hands folded in front of her chest, her face thoughtful and slightly worried.

Just as Aksai reached the entrance, her voice stopped him. “My lord,” she said quietly, “may I ask you something before you go?”

Aksai paused and turned halfway, his calm gaze meeting hers. “Hmm? What is it?”

She hesitated for a moment, then asked, “Do you think the Dadangar Islands Alliance will win this war against Kalingoot?”

By this point, Jasmine knew that her daughter Violet was bound to fight on the frontlines when the war started because of her Expert status. Even though Violet had become stronger, Jasmine was still worried about her daughter’s safety.

For a few seconds, Aksai didn’t answer. Then, a small, almost tired smile appeared on his lips. “I don’t know,” he said simply.

“Whether the Alliance will hold strong or fall apart, no one can say for sure. But one thing I do know—the Emerald Island will survive. And that’s what matters most to me.”