The guard stormed into the archive, only to find it empty. The shelves and scrolls stood undisturbed, while an open side window let in a breeze that rustled the hanging scrolls, causing their wooden shafts to knock against the wall with soft, repetitive thuds. Jane had already escaped unnoticed.At Zen Palace, Jane removed her disguise, her expression somber and pensive. She had a strong suspicion about how the Thiberium poison in George's body was being suppressed.-At Void Palace, although Helena was not allowed to leave, she could still wander within the courtyard. While walking along a corridor, she overheard two maids whispering around the corner."Do you think the lesser concubine has truly fallen out of favor?""Absolutely. Void Palace is practically a forbidden palace. Ever since the king demoted her and left her here, he hasn't visited even once.""And with her face ruined, it's only natural she'd lose favor."Helena's maid turned pale, and she immediately stepped fo
Though the saying goes, 'a lion without its mane is just another cat,' Helena, once the most favored concubine in the harem, still managed to gain the king's affection for a few days despite her disfigurement. This alone showed her remarkable skills.Lily, ever loyal, obeyed Jane's orders and made her move. However, Maya hesitated. Maya feared that if Helena regained favor in the future, her life would be at risk. She had anticipated trouble when Jane brought her along, but she had not expected such a difficult task.Rooted in place, she didn't move.With Lily alone unable to restrain Helena, the latter shoved her away."Wendy! If you dare to harm a single hair on my head, the king will never forgive you! In this palace, no one but the king dares to strip me of my dignity! Who do you think you are…"Jane's eyes grew cold as she turned to Maya."Do it!"Intimidated by Jane's gaze, Maya, despite her reluctance, clenched her jaw and stepped forward. "Lady Helena, forgive me for t
When George arrived, Helena immediately shifted her demeanor, forcing out a few tears and adopting a pitiful, aggrieved expression."Your Majesty…"As soon as George entered, Helena threw herself into his arms with her clothes disheveled, sobbing so hard her shoulders shook."Your Majesty, Queen Jane had my clothes torn to humiliate me! Thankfully, I fought with all my might to retain a shred of dignity. If you hadn't come when you did, I wouldn't have been able to hold on…"Her words carried a double meaning. What she could barely protect wasn't just her dignity—it was the scar over her heart, the secret of George's Thiberium poisoning.George wrapped an arm around her shoulder, patting gently to comfort her, while his gaze shifted coldly toward Jane."Get back to Zen Palace. Without my permission, you're not to step into Void Palace again."Jane offered no defense, bowing respectfully. "Yes, Your Majesty."Helena, still nestled in George's arms, lifted her head to cast a triu
News of the king going to Void Palace to defend Helena spread throughout the harem in less than a day.Dina was deeply anxious."George still can't let go of Helena!"Laurel shared her concerns."I heard it was because Queen Wendy went to Void Palace to make trouble for Lady Helena, so the king went there. He publicly scolded the queen and forbade her from going to Void Palace again. Your Majesty, Lady Helena is cunning. I'm afraid it won't be long before she regains favor.""Why did Wendy have to provoke Helena?" Dina lamented angrily. "Isn't this just giving Helena an opportunity?"The other concubines, who had initially planned to seize this chance to criticize Helena, quietly backed off after observing the king's stance.Like Laurel, many also speculated that it was only a matter of time before Helena regained favor. It was best not to make her an enemy.At Virtue Palace, Dolly, Celine's maid, couldn't understand it."Your Highness, Lady Helena is truly lucky. Just when it
George had stripped half of his clothes, only to be told to wait by the woman before him.Why wait?"Find a place where no one will disturb us," Jane continued. "I'll need two full days to completely neutralize the poison in one session."George's eyes darkened. "You once said that forcing the poison out in one session would harm the patient."He suspected she might try to kill him.Jane remained calm. "I've found a solution. If you don't trust me, have someone keep watch."George fixed his gaze on hers.Her eyes were like a still pool, deep and emotionless, yet devoid of cunning or deceit. There was even a trace of righteousness.Most importantly, she had been poisoned with Dream Flower. If he were to die, she wouldn't get the antidote and would perish as well.Moreover, George wanted to rid himself of the poison as soon as possible. Each episode brought unspeakable torment.He wasn't a gambler, but he had the temperament of one.After much deliberation, George agreed.The
Jane had often found herself in extreme environments, so the natural urges weren't a problem for her. She drank less water, and simply endured until it passed.But she hadn't expected that the pampered king could also hold up.When the sand in the hourglass reached halfway, the man sitting cross-legged on the jade bed suddenly opened his eyes, his sharp gaze meeting Jane's."What are you staring at me for?"She had been looking at him, and he had sensed it."Don't you have any needs?" Jane asked without hesitation.Needs?She could've asked even more boldly.George didn't answer. His face instantly froze, as if ice covering it. His deep gaze filled with hostility.Jane didn't think her question was strange; in fact, it was already quite tactful.His reaction, however, was odd. Eating, drinking, and the natural urges were normal human needs. Perhaps, as a king, he didn't view himself as an ordinary person.She glanced at him briefly, her gaze cool."It's not good to hold it
Jane collapsed onto the jade bed beside George. He rolled over and positioned himself above her. His strong hand pressed firmly on her shoulder as he leaned down, his gaze dangerous, like a predator watching its prey, ready to consume her.Jane's pupils suddenly contracted, and she decisively drove the final needle into him.She immediately raised both hands, pushing against his chest, trying to avoid touching the silver needles.His lips nearly brushed her cheek, almost grazing her face and earlobe. His breath, hot like a summer heatwave, sprayed against her neck."I forgot the Calming Chant..." he murmured."Repeat after me," Jane replied, her gaze cold.They struggled to chant a few lines, and gradually, it started to take effect.George's gaze softened, the intense heat fading somewhat.Soon, he realized what he had been doing. He immediately sat up, crossed his legs, and focused his mind.After that, he regained control.Thirty minutes later, Jane removed the needles.G
Just as George touched her mask, a silver needle pressed against his chest.Jane's eyes were cold."Curiosity killed the cat," she said.George pursed his lips. Then, he withdrew his hand.Jane withdrew the silver needle she held, away from his chest.The two of them remained at a stalemate.The mechanism opened, revealing Karlsen. He was relieved to see that the king was alive and well.But it was still best to capture the female assassin. Taking advantage of her current weakness, he would take her life. Karlsen immediately drew his sword.But then he heard the king's command."Let her go."-The sky grew dark.At Zen Palace, Lily had been uneasy the past couple of days. She only relaxed slightly when she saw the queen return.But she soon realized the queen seemed severely injured."Your Majesty, you…"Jane dragged her weakened body, one hand gripping the table edge, the other clutching her clothes."Stay outside and guard the entrance."It was as if her throat had b
The Romenian envoy was arrogant and spoke bluntly."Stanley, if you don't withdraw your troops, you'll only be receiving Kennedy's corpse. Even if you win this war, you'll lose your father—what's the point of life then? Allow me to say something harsh. The land you conquer is not meant for you alone."Jocelyn put on her mask, exuding a presence reminiscent of Jane's past demeanor. She stood tall, her eyes radiating a murderous intensity."The king has decreed that Nidora must fight to the end," she declared. "Envoy, please leave. I cannot withdraw troops just to save my father!"The soldiers admired her resolve but also couldn't bear the thought of sacrificing Kennedy and the captured soldiers. Yet, in front of the Romenian envoy, they all stood firm behind Jocelyn."Fight to the death! No retreat!""That's right! No retreat!"Seeing their determination, the envoy laughed mockingly. He gave Jocelyn a thumbs-up, dripping with sarcasm."Stanley, you truly are a filial child!"Af
Marissa didn't have time to freshen up. She sat up abruptly and asked, "What happened?""The army is trapped, and only half of them have returned! Commander Kennedy didn't make it back..."Marissa felt a sharp pang in her heart but forced herself to maintain the composure of a commander's wife. She quickly put on her coat, preparing to go outside and assess the situation.Just as she was about to step out, Jocelyn entered.Jocelyn dismissed the maid before she dared to remove her mask. She then threw herself into Marissa's arms in a panic."Mistress, Master stayed behind to cover our retreat. He personally led the troops at the rear but he didn't make it out and got trapped by the enemy! The Romenians are despicable; they set up a trap long ago. Mistress, what should we do?"Jocelyn, never a bold person, had always been protected by Jane in the past. Faced with such a crisis now, it was natural for her to panic.Marissa gently patted Jocelyn's back."Stop crying. First, tell me
Jane's expression turned sullen.When she had returned to the Royal City this time, she had brought only a few weapons including a dagger, a collapsible spear, and a nine-section whip. All of them were stored in a single box.She wasn't short on weapons. The ones she carried with her included a set of silver needles and a concealed weapon. So Lily forgetting to bring the box wasn't too big of an issue.But the palace was full of people who snooped around. If someone with ulterior motives discovered the box, things could get troublesome."Where did you leave the box?" Jane asked in a low voice.Lily thought for a moment and replied with certainty, "I forgot to take it with me. It should still be where it was originally placed."Hearing this, Jane's tense eyes relaxed.She picked up her cup and said calmly, "Then there's no issue."The box had been hidden in a concealed spot, one she was confident no one would find.-Radiant Sanctuary was bustling with worshippers, its candles
George suddenly stood up, his eyes flashing with a predatory gleam."You really are shameless!"Though it sounded like a rebuke, there was no anger in his gaze. Jane could tell that her words had struck a chord with him; he was eager, ready to spring into action.She respectfully lowered her head."The northern army is invincible. With just a command, they will surely conquer a large vassal state for you!""Well said!" George replied, clearly pleased. He immediately gave an order, "Summon the commanders for a meeting!"Only military officers were summoned, which meant that the issue of peace was no longer under discussion—plans had already been set, and it was only a matter of execution.At this point, Jane had achieved her goal and could leave.But she still had something to say."Your Majesty, this war is of great importance. I wish to go to Radiant Sanctuary to pray for Nidora's soldiers until the war ends."George looked at her for a moment, his chin slightly lowered."I
In the royal study, after the court session, George kept a few key ministers behind for a discussion.The battle at Frost Ridge had been initiated by the Romenian army, and Nidora had had no choice but to fight back. Now, Romenia was resorting to the same tactic again, requesting peace talks. Most of Nidora's officials believed that such behavior was untrustworthy.However, not everyone agreed."Your Majesty, the Romenian army's reversal earlier was due to Commander Morris being severely wounded. They thought they could recover the cities they lost. "Now, I've heard that Commander Morris has recovered. Romenia is unlikely to stir up any more trouble. Perhaps we should stop here, rest, and focus on recuperation."George's expression was cold as he listened to the discussion, saying nothing.It wasn't until Steven entered and whispered into his ear that he responded."Your Majesty, Queen Wendy requests an audience."Seeing that the time was nearly up, George dismissed the minist
"What? Commander Foster, what happened on the northern borders?"Wallace, like Jane, had been in the Royal City for months and knew very little about the northern border situation. Hearing that something had happened there, he became tense and anxious.Jane's eyes filled with cold rage as her fists clenched, trembling slightly."Charlie Carter and the Drakonas Squadron he led were ambushed by Romenian forces at Frost Ridge. Three hundred and twenty-four men—the entire squadron was wiped out."Wallace felt as though he had been doused with cold ice, his blood freezing. His eyes widened, and then, overwhelmed by sudden grief and fury, his body shook.Bang!He turned, slamming his fist into the wall. He faced the wall, lowering his head, his shoulders trembling, then lifted his hand to wipe his eyes before looking up at the ceiling, biting his own palm, letting out a muffled cry."Mmm—"Jane remained seated, her face shadowed by the oil lamp's dim light. Her eyes were cold, an eer
When Steven saw the king lost in thought, he immediately gestured for the other chamberlains to step back."Ahh!" Suddenly, the tennis ball was struck unusually high by Rachel's opponent, and everyone gasped. The ball seemed impossible to catch, but Rachel leapt and struck it perfectly."Lady Rachel has sharp eyes!" The palace attendants praised.Just as Rachel was about to respond to the next ball, she saw the king standing on the long corridor not far away, looking extraordinarily handsome.She immediately reined in her lively demeanor, her face turned pale, and she stopped. Then, she forced out a gentle and dignified smile and curtsied."Greetings, Your Majesty."The tennis ball fell to the ground, and the attendants quickly bowed as well."Greetings, Your Majesty!"Steven, having heard Teressa's words, felt some sympathy for Rachel. She was originally such a lively and active person, but now she had been forced to become quiet and reserved.George looked at Rachel intens
Richard seemed unfazed by the pain of a dislocated joint. His face carried a warm and gentle smile as he sighed and said, "Your Majesty may not remember. "Seven years ago, when I came to the Royal City, I was ambushed near Hemlock Lake. My attendants were all killed, and I almost lost my life. At the time, you happened to pass by and ordered your guards to save me. That's the only reason I survived."Seven years ago, at Hemlock Lake.Jane recalled the event—it had indeed happened!It was during her and Wendy's eleventh birthday. Her master had given her a few days off, so she traveled to the Royal City to visit Wendy. They had gone to the secluded Hemlock Lake to release lanterns.She had worn a mask her master had gifted her, disguised as a young boy, pretending to be Wendy's little guard.On their way back, they had encountered a young man being chased down.Jane had wanted to take Wendy and leave quickly, but Wendy had insisted on helping.So the young man they rescued bac
The weapon flew through the air at her without warning. Caught off guard, Jane instinctively dodged out of the way.The weapon fell into the water moments later. Then, a figure appeared."Your Majesty truly has remarkable reflexes."It was Richard—again.He stood beneath the shade of a tree, sunlight filtering through the leaves and casting dappled shadows across his handsome face.Jane's gaze turned icy. Without a word, her eyes focused on him, she made a swift movement and a sharp blade slid from her sleeve. Since she'd been exposed, she might as well...Richard's expression remained gentle, his voice calm as he spoke with a smile."Recently, someone has been sneaking into my residence, as if trying to investigate something. Your Majesty, are you aware of this?"Jane, of course, knew. Since she suspected Richard, she had naturally ordered an investigation into his residence. But for him to be so certain it was her, and to confront her here in the palace?Richard took a step