Ang watched the noblewoman carrying the box gradually walk away, an indescribable sense of absurdity rising within him.
Everything before him felt like a false illusion, yet yesterday's touch and heat had been undeniably real, etched into his memory.
"Ugh, what kind of mess is this..." Ang muttered softly, his brows tightly furrowed, regret evident in his voice. "I must have lost my mind to agree to such an absurd request. What does it have to do with me whether she lives or dies?"
The thought only made him more irritated.
That emperor... really is devious. Ang cursed inwardly, his gaze dark. This isn't just a dilemma anymore—it's a three-way deadlock. He's left me no way out.
His thoughts in turmoil, Ang waved a hand as if to dispel his displeasure. "Forget it, forget it. Once the celebration ball is over, I'll leave Akreli immediately."
With that, he turned and returned to the palace. He collapsed onto the bed, forcing himself to close his eyes and make up for the sleep he had lost the night before.
At the pinnacle of the tallest palace in the distance, the Emperor stood before a window, his gaze passing through layers of buildings before settling on Ang's figure.
"Since we share the same tastes, how could I let you leave so early?" A meaningful smile touched the Emperor's lips.
He then turned and instructed an attendant, "Go summon the First Prince and the Second Prince. Have them meet Marquis Ang."
"Yes, Your Majesty." The attendant lowered his head in acknowledgment and quickly withdrew.
Time passed, and before long, it was afternoon.
The maids and guards outside the palace gradually returned to their posts, as though their brief absence had never occurred.
Ang stepped out through the palace gates and swept his