Facing Augustus, Halu had no confidence at all, so he turned to An Li and wanted her to make the decision.
"Lady An Li, if you are willing to remain in the palace, I will receive you with the highest honors. It will not be inferior to the Supreme God's Temple."
An Li looked at Halu, then at Augustus.
Although she very much wanted to remain in the palace and enjoy this life of being surrounded by admirers, she remembered what her junior granduncle had said: if she wanted to return, she should seek out Augustus.
She did not know what relationship her junior granduncle had with Augustus, but since he had said so, he must have had his reasons.
She gave Halu a slight bow.
"Your Majesty, thank you for your hospitality. I like the food here very much, and I also like all the princes and princesses, but I would like to visit the Supreme God's Temple first."
Halu's expression darkened briefly, but he still nodded.
"Since Lady An Li has made her decision, I will not force you to stay."
He stood and bowed to An Li.
"The Holy Maiden of the Supreme God's Court should indeed reside in the Supreme God's Court. I was thoughtless."
An Li returned the bow. "Thank you, Your Majesty. I will remember all this delicious food."
The empress rose and took An Li's hand.
"Lady An Li, you may visit the palace whenever you wish. I will have someone prepare ice cream for you every day."
There was reluctance in her voice.
An Li nodded, moved. "Thank you, Your Majesty."
The princes and princesses also stood and bowed to An Li.
An Li nodded to each of them in return, then followed Augustus out of the banquet hall.
The sound of