In front of Harmonious Hall, a majestic sight.

Tanya tightly clutched the blue fabric pouch in her jade-like fingers. The sun blazed overhead, and she intentionally adjusted her light blue silk sleeves to hide her hand within.

Unexpectedly, Alexander was also inside Harmonious Hall.

Tanya's heart skipped a beat, a subtle smile playing at her lips.

Alexander’s expression was neutral, his proud demeanor exuding a kingly aura. His gaze flickered over Tanya for just a moment before drifting away.

“Everyone, help Evelyn look for it. It was left on Sister Tanya’s seat last night,” Evelyn spoke softly, her voice unusually sweet, possibly due to Alexander's presence.

Noticing Tanya's cool gaze, Evelyn smiled brightly. “What brings you here, Sister Tanya?”

Tanya surveyed the expansive Harmonious Hall, which was mostly empty save for Evelyn and a few close maidservants, along with the aloof Alexander standing coldly in the center.

[Visitor] Joyful Visitor: Who is this Evelyn?

[Fan] Lazy Girl: Just a cunning female supporting character. Look at how her eyes are glued to Alexander—typical!

[Fan] Ali Ali: When will Tanya grow into a cunning woman too?

Tanya’s lips curled into a smile. “The Southland beauty Evelyn—a lovely name.”

Her tone was gentle, but she shifted the conversation. “Why do you oppose the new lady in the palace?”

Behind her, Alexander chuckled softly, his deep voice resonating in her ear.

Tanya turned, finding Alexander standing against the light, his silver armor reflecting dazzlingly, momentarily blinding her. Yet his striking eyes held her gaze.

Tanya tightened her grip on the pouch, her lips pressing together.

Is he speaking up for her?

They had only met twice.

Tanya averted her gaze, gripping the pouch even tighter.

“It has nothing to do with you.”

Upon hearing this, Alexander’s handsome brow furrowed slightly.

Yet he said nothing further.

“The Emperor has arrived—”

The voice of Eunuch Belmont echoed closer, causing everyone to pause and bow in respect.

“Your imperial concubine may rise,” Heliam said as he stepped beside Tanya, offering a supportive hand.

His gaze shifted to Evelyn. “I’ve heard that Evelyn lost something in Harmonious Hall last night.”

Evelyn curtsied softly, “Thank you, Your Majesty. Last night, I was fortunate to attend a banquet prepared specifically for me. I enjoyed myself so much that I only realized upon returning to my chambers that I had lost a pendant from Southland.”

With that, she emphasized the word “specifically,” adding weight to her words.

Heliam frowned, clearly displeased with her dramatics, but maintained his calm demeanor. “Do you remember where you lost it?”

Evelyn furrowed her delicate brows. “I’m not certain, but I believe it was near Sister Vivienne.”

Tanya's brow darkened, her charming eyes glinting with coldness.

“Evelyn, are you sure you’re not mistaken?”

Evelyn smiled, tears glistening in her eyes. “How could I possibly forget?”

“Alas, I’m clumsy. Your Majesty said the banquet was prepared for me, and in my joy, I even lost the jade pendant my mother gifted me.”

With just a few words, she conveyed the importance of the pendant.

One couldn’t help but admire this woman’s cunning.

“If you happen to see it, I hope you can return it to me,” she added, her voice trembling slightly, capable of misleading those who weren’t in the know.

Tanya’s coldness deepened, but Heliam’s light admonition interrupted her thoughts.

“Enough.” He shifted the topic. “What brings Sir Alexander here?”

A moment of silence followed.

A guard sharing a space with the Emperor's two concubines could become a delicate matter if Heliam chose to press the issue.

Evelyn hurried forward, bowing deeply with tear-filled eyes. “Your Majesty, it was I who asked Sir Alexander to help me find my pendant.”

“Sir Alexander is kind-hearted and knows the pendant’s significance. I believe finding a pair of pendants would be a simple task for him.”

Her words oozed favoritism toward Alexander.

Tanya furrowed her brows, sensing the inconsistencies in her statement.

“How do you know Sir Alexander possesses such impressive skills?”

Evelyn appeared prepared. “I learned last night at the banquet that you and Sir Alexander danced together, which made others envious. I specifically inquired and found that this dance requires considerable skill， it seems Sir Alexander is indeed exceptional.”

So she had been paying attention since last night.

Tanya narrowed her eyes, growing increasingly impatient with Evelyn.

The matter from last night had been difficult enough to resolve without Evelyn casually bringing it up again.

Fortunately, Heliam’s expression remained untroubled.

“I searched for a few hours but didn’t find Lady Yi’s pendant. It seems I’ve failed in my duties, but since the pendant is valuable, it’s best to find it sooner rather than later,” Alexander stated, his tone detached.

Tanya raised an eyebrow.

When had Alexander ever been so patient while searching for a pendant for someone he’d only met twice?

And now he was asking Heliam to help?

Heliam also tightened his brow. “Just instruct the servants to search for it.”

Tanya's gaze was locked onto Alexander, whose expression was inscrutable, and a sense of frustration welled within her.

The pouch in her palm had been concealed for a while, and while it once brought thoughts of Alexander to her mind, now it felt hot even resting in her hand.

Tanya relaxed her frown, appearing quite displeased.

“Let’s not dwell on this.” She directed the attention of everyone present. “Your Majesty, I’ve seen how busy you are, so I’ve prepared something for you.”

Heliam’s interest piqued, while Alexander raised an eyebrow.

“What kind of treasure?”

As her words fell, Tanya revealed the blue silk pouch in her hand.

Heliam raised an eyebrow, signaling her to continue.

“Inside are lavender and other herbs, which bring a soothing and calming scent.” With that, Tanya delicately tied the pouch around Heliam's waist with her jade-like fingers.

“It’s just the color you favor, Your Majesty.”

Tanya's eyes sparkled with warmth as she looked at Heliam's charming face, which radiated a mischievous allure.

Heliam paused, his voice low, “I truly do like it.”

Verdant, standing nearby, took the opportunity to step forward, “Your Highness has worked diligently on this pouch, sewing it stitch by stitch for quite a while.”

“Your Highness, who usually doesn't touch needlework, has really put in effort for the Emperor. Every thread is sewn by her hand, and many inferior threads were painstakingly unraveled by her before arriving at this exquisite little pouch.”

Verdant's gentle voice caused Alexander, who stood nearby, to darken his gaze.

Heliam’s heart fluttered, “This was made by my beloved consort?”

Tanya would not miss such a chance to heighten the drama, “I’m quite clumsy with my hands. If Your Majesty likes it, I’ll make one for you every day.”

Heliam embraced her warmly, “Vivienne is thoughtful.”

“I still have duties to attend to, so I will take my leave,” Alexander’s indifferent voice broke the atmosphere of intimacy. Tanya glanced at him, his chiseled features and high nose revealing no emotion.

Heliam, in good spirits, waved him off.

Eunuch Belmont, mindful of the time, said, “Your Majesty, it’s getting late， you should head to the Ministry to review the memorials.”

Heliam nodded, leaning his forehead gently against Tanya’s, his lips brushing softly over her skin, “I’ll come find you after I’m done.”

“I’ll be waiting for you in the palace,” Tanya replied with a warm smile.

As Heliam’s figure faded into the distance, Tanya snapped back to reality, her gaze clearing.

“Sister, you’re quite skilled,” Evelyn’s voice drifted from beside her. “Your actions today have truly opened my eyes.”

Tanya met her gaze, and only then did she realize what was hidden in Evelyn’s eyes.

It was desire—an insatiable desire.

In her eyes towards Heliam, there was no passion, only a longing for power.

“Sister, you’re teasing me,” Tanya said coolly.

“Yet, with your actions, you really did manage to drive away Sir Alexander. Is that truly wise?”

Evelyn’s lips curled into a playful smile, her seemingly casual remark startling Tanya.

“Are you saying Sir Alexander might approach the Emperor to ask for an explanation from you if he can’t find the pendant?” Evelyn's smile deepened, “It seems Sir Alexander looked a bit forlorn as he left, even I couldn’t bear to watch.”

Tanya’s voice turned icy, “What are you trying to say?”

Evelyn merely smiled and remained silent, “You understand my meaning, Sister.”

“Just a kind reminder from me, as a consort in the harem, don’t be too greedy.”

With that, she gracefully curtsied, “I have matters to attend to, so I will take my leave.”

Tanya stared at her.

Though her words were probing, Tanya couldn’t help but feel a flush of heat on her face.

Was Alexander really looking for the pendant for her?

Did he maintain his calm demeanor solely to ensure Heliam found it for her?

“Your Highness, are you alright?” Verdant stepped forward, holding Tanya’s sleeve.

Tanya waved him off, a flash of resolve crossing her eyes.

She had been played by an NPC.

“Verdant, relay a message to Evelyn: I don’t mind taking action against those beneath me.”