Pope Hall was brightly lit.
The doors closed behind them, shutting out the night wind and the distant sound of the night watch.
Dai Weisi looked up at the figure on the white jade steps, and his knees gave way. He and Zhu Zhuyun knelt almost at the same time, their foreheads striking the bluestone floor heavily.
"Dai Weisi pays his respects to His Holiness the Pope!"
"Zhu Zhuyun pays her respects to His Holiness the Pope!"
The Pope's main seat stood empty. Zhu Yan sat behind a side desk, holding a vermilion brush as she continued reviewing documents. The two lay prostrate for a moment before they heard her speak.
"Get up. Running here in the middle of the night to kowtow to me—does your father know?"
"If he did, you could forget about tomorrow's match. By the time you returned to your country, someone else might already be sitting in the crown prince's seat."
Sweat appeared on Dai Weisi's forehead, but he did not dare rise.
If word of tonight's affair reached Star Luo Empire, the charge of treason and collusion with the enemy would be enough to cost him his life.
Yet Shrek's current lineup was right there before him. With only himself and Zhu Zhuyun, he truly could not see any chance of victory. Dai Mubai had been driven out of Star Luo Empire by him years ago, and now his younger brother had returned with such a group. If Dai Mubai really turned things around, how much room would he leave him?
He pushed himself upright and forced out a smile.
"His Majesty is advanced in years and clings stubbornly to outdated views. He only cares about Star Luo's little patch of territory and cannot see all that Your Holiness has done for the continent.