Avatar: Fire Emperor

"Azula, is this Zuko's younger sister?"

Kahn curiously sized her up.

Azula looked to be about the same age as them, but her attire was not like that of a young girl her age; she looked more like a boy.

She was very cute, which was natural, as her brother Zuko was also a handsome young man, but what felt out of place was the hint of sinister malice in her smile, completely ruining her beauty.

Kahn couldn't help but frown, wondering who taught her such an expression; it was almost like a poorly carved theater mask.

Zuko had often complained to him about his younger sister. According to Zuko, his sister was utterly wicked and had committed countless evil deeds.

Although Zuko was just a child, his complaints might contain a lot of exaggeration and subjective elements. Even so, Azula was undoubtedly a mischievous child.

Mischievous children are very troublesome, and a mischievous child of Azula's noble status was trouble among trouble.

"It's better to stay away from her," Kahn decided in his mind.

But unfortunately, it was already too late.

Although Kahn had only quickly glanced at Azula, his involuntary frown seemed to her to express a kind of disgust. Instantly, her expression turned fierce:

"What, you like staring at me so much? Do you want me to gouge out your eyes and put them in my room so you can look at them every day?!"

"Azula, don't scare Kahn!"

Zuko said, displeased.

"Zuzu, has no one taught you manners? Don't interrupt others when they're speaking."

Azula completely ignored Zuko, just staring at Kahn:

"Is your friend a mute? If so, how about sewing up his mouth? That way, no one will misunderstand. See, what a great idea!"

After Azula finished speaking, she even clapped her hands in approval, very satisfied with her suggestion.

But the meaning of her words sent shivers down one's spine. It was unbelievable that such words could come from a little girl; this had far exceeded the scope of a mischievous child.

"Whether it's my eyes or my mouth, I hope they can remain as they are. I meant no offense, and if I did anything wrong, I apologize."

Kahn replied calmly.

In reality, he was thinking that the words Azula spoke could not have been thought up by a little girl her age. Therefore, he didn't mind Azula's threats, but instead began to consider what kind of person would teach a little girl to be like this.

If it was deliberate teaching, then that person's intentions were too sinister, especially for a royal princess.

Azula didn't know Kahn's thoughts. Even so, Kahn's current attitude surprised her and was enough to displease her.

In her expectation, Kahn should have been afraid, should have been scared of her.

But what Kahn showed was calmness.

It shouldn't be like this. Why isn't he afraid of me?

"Even if Kahn did something, he has already apologized, and besides, you were the one who started it. Azula, have you made enough trouble? If you continue like this, I'll tell Mother!"

Zuko let out his usual timid voice from the side. Azula curled her lips in disdain, stood up from the wall, and gazed at Kahn, seemingly wanting to do something. But at this moment, a gentle yet questioning voice came from the side:

"Azula, Zuko, what are you two arguing about?"

The three looked over upon hearing this.

Emerging from the courtyard was a beautiful woman with a gentle demeanor. Her lovely face showed a calm and steady temperament, and the noble, neat Fire Nation royal robes she wore added a touch of solemnity to her.

"Mother!"

Zuko called out.

Zuko's mother was named Ursa. At this moment, she stared intently at Azula on the wall, frowning and saying:

"Azula, how can you climb onto the wall? It's too dangerous!"

She then said to the palace attendant beside her: "Quickly help Azula down."

"No need, I'll come down myself."

Upon hearing Ursa's reprimand, Azula immediately pouted unhappily. Without waiting for the so-called attendant to help, she nonchalantly leaped from the wall, landing easily.

Ursa was startled by Azula's actions: "Azula!"

"I just wanted to come down quickly, I've already listened to you."

Azula brushed the dust off her bottom, looking indifferent, but her head was turned to the side, not looking at her mother.

"Azula!"

Ursa was a little angry, yet also a little helpless. Finally, she sighed and looked at Zuko and Kahn, repeating her earlier question:

"What were you two arguing about just now?"

Azula didn't answer, only showing a disdainful expression, as if she was sulking. Zuko, however, reported without hesitation:

"Azula was looking for trouble, she was making things difficult for my friend Kahn!"

Azula glared at Zuko:

"Yes, Zuzu, you're right, and you're always so self-righteous, especially when Mother is around."

"Mother, look at her!"

"Alright, I know."

Ursa only felt tired and was about to punish Azula: "Azula, you—"

"No, Lady Ursa, that's not what happened."

At this moment, Kahn suddenly spoke, causing all three pairs of eyes to turn to him.

What Kahn said next surprised them all greatly. Kahn said:

"I wasn't bullied just now. Azula, Zuko's sister, and I were having a normal conversation. Zuko simply misunderstood."

"?"

Azula suspected she had misheard, even failing to maintain her expression, blinking in surprise.

"Kahn?!"

"Are you crazy?!"

Zuko cried out in astonishment, not finishing the second half of his sentence because his mother was present.

Even Ursa was very surprised. She looked at Azula and then asked: "Did Azula really not bully you?"

Kahn shook his head: "Indeed, she did not."

"We just met for the first time, so how could there be any bullying? Even if there were some misunderstandings, they have already been resolved, right?"

He looked at Azula, subtly giving her a hint with his eyes.

Seeing Kahn like this, Azula suddenly felt a strange emotion in her heart. Besides her father, no one had ever treated her this way, and no one had ever proactively stood by her side and spoken a word for her.

And this strange emotion made her very agitated, even wanting to disregard her mother and attack him, burn him to death. But for some reason, she ultimately did not.

After what seemed like a long silence to others, she finally gave an ambiguous hum, and her expression was no longer as rebellious as before.

Ursa had some doubts in her heart. She knew Azula's personality, so she knew even more that what Kahn said was false. However, because of his attitude, she didn't know how to judge for a moment.

Why would Kahn defend Azula, who had spoken ill of him upon their first meeting?

Suddenly, a thought flashed through Ursa's mind, and it became uncontrollable.

Could it be that he fell in love with Azula at first sight?