Dawn was breaking as Ang finally bade farewell to Haru's tent and headed back to his own camp. Last night's gathering had nearly turned into an all-night conversation. Especially under the influence of alcohol, Haru and the two nobles had completely shed their restraints and begun discussing secrets from noble circles.
Holding a wineglass, Haru vividly recounted the amorous affair between a certain viscountess and a count from a neighboring city. The other two nobles added their own details, even embellishing tales of lovers' entanglements among other nobles. The stories were vivid and lively—some absurdly funny, others thrillingly dangerous—and left Ang staring in astonishment.
"You know, Ang," Haru said drunkenly, patting Ang on the shoulder, "nobles are sick of listening to operas at gatherings, so everyone has to find their own entertainment. Keeping lovers is one form of amusement. Everyone has lovers, whether noblewomen or male nobles. It's been commonplace for ages!"
Ang had initially found it quite entertaining, but when the three began earnestly imparting their "experience," teaching him how to handle the flirtations of noblewomen and how to emerge unscathed from "dangerous relationships," he did not know whether to laugh or cry.
"Remember, Ang!" Haru vigorously waved his wineglass, his voice suddenly turning serious. "If the husband catches you, there'll be a duel! Never underestimate a noble's pride."
Ang could only nod helplessly and agree perfunctorily. "Understood, understood. You're right."
The night's conversation did not end until all three of them had drunk themselves unconscious. Thanks to his powerful Qi force, alcohol had almost no effect on Ang. A blast of cold wind on his way back to camp cleared his head considerably.
By the time he returned to his quarters, the sky had already begun to brighten. Ang gently pushed open the door and saw Quintina sleeping