The next morning, Scarlett rose early. She had heard from the servants that the young boy, Ethan, no longer carried an electric charge, so there was no need to worry about a repeat of yesterday's incident.
Truth be told, she rather enjoyed the sensation from the day before. Having been alone for so many years, she found herself asking, "How is that boy doing?"
The maid who was helping her dress, sensing the opportunity to show her cleverness, replied, "Madam, the boy from yesterday has woken up, and he no longer has that strange electricity about him. But according to Granny Emma, he seems to be blind, and he refuses to speak. Could he also be mute?"
Scarlett nodded, saying nothing more. Once the maid finished dressing her, she instructed, "Prepare some snacks. I wish to visit the boy."
The maid was taken aback, for she had never seen Scarlett personally bring anything to a man. But it was no wonder; yesterday's encounter with Ethan had stirred memories of her first meeting with William.
Yet, Scarlett had another motive. Over the years, she had sent people to Dali to gather information about the Duan family, all in hopes of one day seeking revenge. However, the royal palace of Dali was heavily guarded, making it nearly impossible for her to act.
Now, this boy might just be the key to her plans. When she saw him yesterday, she could tell he had potential in martial arts. Though he was five years behind other children in training, she was confident she could find a way to rapidly enhance his inner energy. That way, he could assist her in her schemes.
She had heard he was blind, but she believed it could be cured. At worst, she could assign someone to guide him. Little did anyone know, these were her true thoughts.
Meanwhile, Ethan was deeply troubled. He remembered dying, feeling so exhausted that he gradually fell asleep, the physical pain slowly ebbing away. But the emotional pain only grew heavier.
Unexpectedly, a flash of white light had engulfed him, and he lost consciousness. When he came to, he found himself lying on the ground, with a woman leaning over him, blowing air into his face. Though she smelled pleasant, he was in no mood for such things.
His eyelids were too heavy to open, so he tried to push her away with his hand. But a sudden surge of electricity coursed through his arm, causing it to go numb and brush against her. He was puzzled when she suddenly collapsed, but he was relieved to hear her say she would take good care of him.
Later, he became confused. Why was there no Western medicine? Instead, they used traditional Chinese methods. It was then he learned that his eyes had been gouged out.
Something felt off about this place. Was it because of his lost eyes? Everything seemed different.
"Madam," the maid beside him suddenly said respectfully. Ethan wondered if such feudal families still existed in this world.
"Good, you may leave," Scarlett said. Without considering whether Ethan had finished eating, the maid set the bowl down and left. Ethan sighed inwardly and remained silent.
A familiar fragrance wafted over him. Ethan recognized it as the scent of the woman from yesterday. "Thank you, Madam," he said. "You saved my life."
Scarlett chuckled softly upon hearing this. It had been a long time since she laughed. Hearing a child speak in such a grown-up manner amused her greatly. "It's nothing," she replied. "Aren't you tired of pretending to be an adult, little one?"
Her voice was soothing, Ethan thought. But wait, what did she just say? A child pretending to be an adult? He reached up to touch his body.
Oh no, his body had shrunk! He was a dwarf now! Blind and a dwarf—what terrible luck! He might as well have died.