Tanya turned again, brushing back the strands of dark hair that hung over her forehead. “What else do you want?”

Eunuch Belmont's eyes gleamed with light, as if filled with a final hope.

“The princess has a gentle nature and will surely be able to help the emperor achieve great things in the future. I hope you think carefully and cherish this opportunity,” he said.

This Eunuch Belmont had gone through a lot to catch up with her and say so much, all stemming from his sincere heart for Heliam.

“I understand. Thank you for your concern, Eunuch,” Tanya replied.

Tanya took long strides, and Verdant struggled to keep up behind her, hastening her pace.

“Does the princess believe what Eunuch Belmont said is true?”

Tanya's gaze was calm, but a ripple of emotion passed through her phoenix eyes that could not be hidden.

“Let him say what he wants. Accompanying a monarch is like being with a tiger, who can truly understand it?” Her voice was cold and slightly ethereal.

Tanya couldn't help but think.

Could it be true? What Eunuch Belmont said.

Heliam's handsome features reappeared in her mind, just sitting there, he could capture the attention of everyone around him.

If what Eunuch Belmont said was true, then being liked by such a person would surely be considered a stroke of luck.

Tanya shook her head, realizing how absurd she was becoming, easily believing the nonsensical words of an NPC.

“Tanya.”

A cool voice came from behind her, deep and resonant, like a long, low horn that, whenever it sounded, made Tanya lose her train of thought.

Turning around, she saw Alexander in silver armor, standing against the sunlight, his eyes sparkling with a playful smile, a hint of defiance and wildness dancing above his handsome face.

Tanya stepped forward. “You finally came out.”

“Earlier, the guard Alexander called for the princess, but he said… what did he say?” Verdant scratched her head, trying hard to recall.

Tanya paused, casting a resentful glance at Alexander, then pretended to be calm. “I only heard them say Princess Vivienne, Verdant couldn’t have misheard, right?”

Verdant lowered her head, pouting in annoyance.

Alexander raised an eyebrow, his tone cool. “I’ve found a clue.”

As soon as he finished speaking, he turned and headed in another direction without looking back.

Tanya felt a bit displeased with his rebellious nature but merely frowned and followed him at a leisurely pace.

Upon reaching the Imperial Guards’ camp, Alexander opened his slender palm.

It was a note.

Tanya took it from his hand and gently opened it—

“I died a miserable death. At noon, I will behead everyone who caused my demise in Harmonious Hall!”

Verdant peeked over, her gaze locking onto the note for a moment, fear visibly growing on her face.

“Tonight at midnight, all those associated with this matter must die.” Her brows furrowed high, her voice trembling slightly.

Tanya exchanged a glance with Alexander.

It was indeed a declaration of war.

Verdant frowned, her small face turning red with anxiety. Tanya couldn’t bear to see her so on edge and let out a sigh.

“You needn’t be so alarmed.” Her voice was melodious, soothing Verdant's nervous heart.

Gradually, Verdant calmed down. “Does the princess mean there’s a way to crack this?”

Tanya smiled brightly, but in an instant, the radiance faded.

“Of course not.” Her voice was like the sweet song of a oriole, gentle and lingering. “There are no ghosts in this world, just someone pretending to cause trouble in the shadows.”

“Now, this letter appears to be a death notice at face value, but its true meaning is to tell us that the rumored executioner will be waiting at Harmonious Hall tonight at midnight.”

Verdant's eyes brightened. “If it is indeed man-made, then if the princess guards Harmonious Hall at midnight, wouldn’t she get to see the true face of the executioner?”

Tanya raised her chin proudly, a glint of approval in her eyes. “A clever child indeed.”

“However…” Verdant suddenly thought of something, her eyes dimming. “But if the executioner dares to say such things, they must be able to guess that the princess can understand. What if they ambush us first? Wouldn’t you and the guard Alexander be in danger?”

Tanya recalled seeing Amber in the imperial garden that day, raising her brows for just a moment before returning to a smile.

“Then I will notify the Imperial Guards to be ready to capture them.” Her words were light, surprising Verdant.

The tremor in her voice made it clear that she was frightened.

“Does the princess plan to inform the Imperial Guards in advance?”

Tanya's gaze flicked over Verdant’s face for a moment before she said nothing more, instead replying, “Of course not.”

“I want to meet the executioner alone.”

She lifted her brow, her eyes filled with pride.

Verdant, cautious, asked, “How does the princess plan to do that?”

“She wants to see the true purpose of the executioner.” Alexander interjected from the side.

Verdant turned her gaze back to Alexander's face.

A gentle breeze stirred, and Alexander's handsome face was cold under the sunlight, carrying a hint of subtle resistance.

“Yes, I want to see that executioner who has repeatedly tried to pin the blame on me, to find out what they truly want.”

Tanya feigned anger, her eyes cold as ice.

“I understand,” Verdant said, lowering her gaze, looking very obedient.

Tanya sighed deeply. “You may go now, I will discuss with Guard Alexander how to deal with that executioner tonight.”

“Yes,” Verdant replied with a bow and quickly retreated.

Alexander raised an eyebrow. “Are you really sure she’ll fall for it?”

Tanya's gaze remained fixed on the direction in which Verdant had left, her eyes clouded and unclear, making it hard to discern what she was thinking.

"I’m certain," Tanya said, her lips parting slightly as she calmly shared her reasoning.

"Verdant has a timid personality and lacks strong opinions when it comes to decision-making. Now that she knows our thoughts, she will surely inform the person behind the scenes at the first opportunity."

"What if she really is a traitor? How do you plan to punish her?" Alexander interrupted, his brow arched high.

Tanya tilted her head, the starry light in her eyes suddenly losing its luster.

"If that’s the case, we certainly can’t leave her alive."

Seeing the hint of hatred flicker in her eyes, a faint smile crept onto Alexander's lips. "The soft-hearted little maid can finally have her own stance."

Tanya turned her head, a mischievous smile curling at the corners of her lips. "Oh? I’d like to ask Alexander, how did you manage to rise from being a eunuch to a full-fledged guard without relying on seduction?"

A sly grin danced in Tanya's eyes.

Alexander was taken aback, forcing a few words through clenched teeth, "You! Want! To get hit!"

Seeing Alexander's face darken, Tanya felt quite pleased, even walking with a light and carefree step.

"Don’t forget our appointment at midnight tonight, Guard Alexander."

Her voice was low and clear, but for some reason, Alexander couldn't quite warm up to it.

Staring at the slender figure of Tanya as she walked away, Alexander felt for the first time that the woman who had once tried so hard to conquer him seemed to have truly returned.

When Tanya returned to Fragrance Hall, the sunlight had shifted from overhead to a slant.

She glanced around, her delicate brows slightly furrowed.

"Has Verdant not returned?"

"Verdant came back earlier, but she said she had urgent matters to attend to and hurriedly left again," answered Tiffany, the maid who had replaced Becky at Verdant's behest.

Tanya raised her chin haughtily, a barely-there smile playing on her lips. "Did you notice if she was carrying anything?"

As soon as her words fell, Tiffany fell into deep thought.

"It seems she did, Verdant took a letter with her."

Tanya's smile carried a hint of mockery as she raised an eyebrow at Tiffany.

"I'm hungry. Prepare some magnolia cakes for me."

By the time Verdant returned, the sky over Fragrance Hall had turned dark, with a few stars glimmering brightly against the night.

Tanya lounged in a wooden chair, lazily propped up on her jade-like hand.

A gentle breeze swept through, lifting her hair into the air, the emerald hairpin at the ends glinting like stars in the darkness, mysterious and enchanting.

"You’re back?" Tanya's brows lifted slightly.

Though her gaze never strayed from the magnolia cakes on the table, she could still guess it would be Verdant who entered.

"I heard that the four great halls have received new flower varieties today, so I went to take a look. I thought to bring back some fragrant flowers for the princess, but I lost track of time," she explained awkwardly, while Tanya remained unfazed, the gentle breeze lifting her hair, revealing a glimpse of her fair neck.

Verdant followed her gaze back to the table.

"What made you want to eat magnolia cakes today, Your Highness?"

She asked softly, but when there was no reply, her heart raced, and she picked up the cakes directly. "The cakes have cooled down a bit. I’ll go heat them up and bring them back for you."

With quick hands and keen eyes, Verdant tidied up the pastries, ready to leave.

"Why rush to clean up so quickly?" Tanya's voice was frosty, spoken softly.

Verdant froze in her tracks.

Tanya's lips curled into a smile, "These cakes are prepared for you."

Verdant was incredulous, confirming with Tanya several times before finally sighing in relief.

"Thank you for your kindness, Your Highness."

Tanya tilted her head, the candlelight softening her features, but the coldness in her eyes only intensified. "Won't you try them?"

Verdant felt a shiver run through her, her fingertips trembling imperceptibly, yet she still feigned calmness as she picked up a piece of cake, bringing it to her lips.

"How could it be? Your Highness, going to such lengths for a lowly maid like me, Verdant is truly grateful and naturally eager to try."

The tremor in Verdant's voice was unmistakable, if it had been before, Tanya would have softened and offered her comfort.

But this time, she remained cold, her gaze sharp like a sword, ready to flay her alive.

Verdant raised her delicate hand and, under Tanya's unwavering gaze, placed the magnolia cake in her mouth.

"How does it taste?" Tanya blew on the hot tea in front of her and took a sip.

Verdant's cheeks puffed up, mumbling, "The cakes sent by Your Highness must be excellent."

"That’s good to hear," Tanya's voice softened slightly, "it’s only fitting that I had Tiffany put in half a pack of Fatal Powder."