A majestic and opulent occasion was held at the Grand Estate of the North-West Empire. The Emperor of this vast domain was a youthful sovereign known for his charm and sociability. This grand celebration marked the conquest of the Crucify Empire, a feat that strengthened his rule. The event proceeded smoothly, with nobles and dignitaries in attendance.

  At the stroke of midnight, deep within the Grand Imperial Drawing Room, Emperor Oknecao of the South-East Empire sat with his two concubines, awaiting the arrival of the Grand Emperor. A moment later, the imposing figure of Grand Emperor Herbio entered the room, his expression courteous yet calculating. He offered a polite nod.

  “I appreciate your presence, Emperor Oknecao. I understand you have been preoccupied with drafting a new policy for your empire.”

  The concubines stood, bowing gracefully before the Grand Emperor.

  Emperor Oknecao narrowed his eyes. “Surely, Your Majesty did not summon me here merely to offer thanks. Am I correct, Grand Emperor Herbio?”

  Herbio’s lips curled into a smirk. “You are not wrong.”

  The concubines took their seats, sensing the conversation was about to turn serious.

  “Then tell me,” Oknecao continued, “what is so urgent that it could not wait until morning?”

  Herbio leaned forward, his tone deceptively casual. “I was wondering—where has that adopted Chinese princess hidden the Blood Tear of the Dragon Empress? The lavaliere that I have sought for years.” His fingers drummed against the table. “I sent spies, but they failed. That princess is clever… they were caught and executed.” He let out a theatrical sigh. “But now, while she sleeps, I thought I’d ask you instead.”

  Oknecao’s expression hardened.

  Herbio continued, his voice turning cold. “Make no mistake—my primary goal is to obtain that lavaliere. If you refuse to tell me its location, I will have no choice but to grant you a pity death.” He paused, eyes gleaming. “Of course, I will claim it was a suicide—an elaborate plot to frame me. Your imperial family will be cast out into the streets, torn apart by angry villagers. And in the end, your empire… will be mine.”

  Fury flashed across Oknecao’s face as he rose to his feet. “How dare you! Do you think I will betray my people? Even if it costs me my life, I will never—”

  A sharp gasp escaped his lips. A dagger, its blade laced with poison, had pierced his back. Staggering forward, he turned in disbelief. Lady Charlos, his own concubine, withdrew the knife, her expression void of remorse.

  His legs gave out beneath him. He collapsed to the sette, unmoving.

  Grand Emperor Herbio’s gaze flicked to Lady Charlos. “Why now? I told you to wait until he refused outright.”

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  Lady Kial, the second concubine, smirked. “Forgive her impatience, Your Majesty. Oknecao had grown old, weak, and frustrating to serve. I understand my sister’s desires towards a outstanding noblemen. We longed for a ruler who was… younger. Stronger. Like you.”

  Lady Charlos lowered her head. “I hope you will forgive me, Grand Emperor.”

  Herbio exhaled, rubbing his temples.

  Meanwhile, in the Empress’s chamber, the wife of Emperor Oknecao, with pure shining white hair, stirred from her sleep. A sharp pain lanced through her chest, jolting her awake. Gasping, she clutched her heart and called out.

  “Leonos! Leonos!”

  Her lady-in-waiting rushed inside. “Your Majesty! What’s wrong?”

  “I—I felt a terrible pain in my chest,” the Empress gasped. “It can only mean one thing—my husband is in danger.”

  Leonos hesitated before forcing a calm expression. “Your bond with His Majesty is strong… but please, do not overthink it. I will go check on him at once.”

  But as she left, Leonos did not head toward the Drawing Room. Instead, she walked toward the Princess’s quarters.

  Outside the drawing room, someone was peeking through the slightly open door. It was none other than the personal maid of the Chinese Princess, assigned to accompany the Emperor but remain outside. She had been eavesdropping ever since the Grand Emperor entered the room. Without wasting a second, she hurried away, making no sound as she rushed to warn the Princess and Leonos.

  Her plan was to inform the Princess first, then Leonos, ensuring both she and the Empress could escape safely. However, upon reaching the Princess’s chambers, she found the door already ajar. Hearing Leonos’s voice inside, she paused and listened.

  Leonos spoke, “The Emperor has ordered me to bring you to him for an important discussion.”

  The maid frowned. When did the Emperor give this order? She had been standing outside the Empress’s room and had heard nothing of the sort. Then, a chilling realization struck her—just as the two concubines had betrayed His Majesty, Leonos could be planning the same for the Princess.

  Glancing around, she spotted a flower vase nearby. Stealthily picking it up, she stepped closer to Leonos and, without hesitation, struck the back of her neck. Leonos collapsed, unconscious.

  Princess Long Yan turned to her. “What took you so long?”

  “Oh, can’t you save yourself?” Maroon, the maid, scoffed. “You foresaw this with your Dragon Mana, yet you stood there like an obedient student. Am I wrong, Your Highness?”

  “Whatever! Let’s escape now!” Long Yan snapped.

  Long Yan, the adopted Chinese heiress, with flowing black hair, striking red eyes, defined eyelashes, a crimson outline just below her lower lashes, and naturally pink, glossy lips, captivated all.

  Maroon hesitated. “But what about the Em—”

  Long Yan grabbed her hand and pulled her toward the balcony. Together, they leaped.

  Maroon shut her eyes, convinced this was the end. But just before they hit the ground, Long Yan summoned her mana, creating a portal beneath them. As they fell through, Maroon shivered from the sudden cold and opened her eyes. Around them, the night sky stretched endlessly, thick with swirling clouds.

  As they passed through, Long Yan clutched a red, diamond-shaped lavaliere—the Blood Tear of the Dragon Queen, the very artifact the Grand Emperor sought to destroy. Chanting a spell, she unleashed its power.

  A radiant white dragon emerged from the lavaliere, catching them midair.

  “This is Yue Long,” Long Yan introduced. “My traveling companion. Look below—doesn’t the territory look breathtaking?”

  Maroon, however, looked down with sorrow. Long Yan noticed and asked, “Why are you upset, Maroon?”

  Tears welled in Maroon’s eyes. “How could you leave the Empress behind to die? How could you be so heartless, Your Highness?!”

  Long Yan’s expression darkened.