Tanya sat beside Heliam, her lips curling into a subtle smile.

“Evelyn apologizes to her sister for what happened earlier.” Evelyn’s beautiful phoenix eyes held a hint of grievance but still presented an understanding demeanor, which made King Aureliu smile repeatedly.

“Evelyn is still a woman of remarkable strength in Southland, and now that she’s here, she has become even more gentle and charming. Truly, the land nurtures its people,” King Aureliu remarked, his sharp eyes narrowing, a smile tugging at his beard.

“King Aureliu flatters Evelyn. In her younger days, Evelyn was reckless. Now that she has met a man worthy of lifelong commitment, she surely must show some restraint.”

Evelyn’s voice was soft, and a lovely flush appeared on her cheeks.

This comment was directed at Heliam, but the latter clearly did not appreciate it.

“I would love to see Evelyn clad in silver armor, seated upon a white horse,” a teasing voice chimed in, as Heliam lowered his gaze, subtly mocking Evelyn.

Evelyn claimed her transformation was for him, yet Heliam candidly admitted that he preferred her previous vibrant self.

This caused Evelyn’s face to flush even more.

King Aureliu’s attention was not on Evelyn, from the start, he had his gaze fixed on Tanya, his sharp eyes resembling eagle claws, veiled in a dark hue.

Tanya awkwardly turned her head away.

“Is King Aureliu interested in my consort?” Heliam’s pearly teeth flashed in a smile, his handsome face appearing as calm as a clear pool, betraying no emotion.

King Aureliu recognized he had overstepped and chuckled awkwardly, “Heliam, you flatter me.”

One by one, the emperors from other nations entered the hall. As the host, Heliam rose to greet them.

Outside the intricately carved redwood windows, the sky was still light, the glow of dusk spilling into the night, and the breeze swept through like a wild beast, rustling the darkened night.

Tanya avoided the clinking of cups and sought Alexander’s figure in the candlelight.

The gentle wind stirred her dark hair, causing her crimson ribbon to dance gracefully. At last, she spotted the cold-colored silver armor amidst the crowd.

“Vivienne.” A rough voice called from behind.

Tanya raised an eyebrow and turned around, landing right against a broad chest.

Seeing the person in front of her, Tanya took a step back, slightly bending her knee, “Vivienne greets King Aureliu.”

King Aureliu smiled, the scent of alcohol blending with the candlelight in Nebula Tower, his rugged face appearing softer in the flickering darkness.

“Rise,” King Aureliu said, lifting his lips as his gaze lingered on Tanya’s delicate face. “You look beautiful tonight.”

His words carried a hint of inebriation, and as the scent of alcohol hit her nostrils, Tanya frowned in disgust, struggling to suppress her anger.

“Thank you for the compliment, King Aureliu. As the emperor's woman, I must dress appropriately for such a grand occasion, to uphold the reputation of the ladies in the harem.”

King Aureliu laughed heartily, “What a beautiful reputation! Heliam’s harem truly has many beauties.”

Tanya subtly took a few steps back, “I am flattered by King Aureliu’s kind words.”

She intended to leave, but King Aureliu grasped her delicate wrist.

“What does King Aureliu mean by this?” Tanya lost her interest in holding her ground, a cold glimmer flickering in her exquisite peach blossom eyes.

King Aureliu burped lightly, a frivolous look appearing between his brows, “What a beauty, even when angry, you look so charming.”

Knowing his remaining sanity was limited, Tanya aimed to pull away quickly, her red robe appearing even more alluring in the candlelight.

“I hope King Aureliu will take care, Vivienne cannot handle such flattery from you. However, I believe if this conversation reaches His Majesty’s ears, he will certainly defend me,” Tanya’s lips curled into a cold smile.

Her meaning was clear, she was using Heliam to pressure King Aureliu.

King Aureliu’s expression turned dismissive, with a hint of coldness in his gaze, “He’s just a Heliam. If it weren’t for the foundation laid by his father, what merit does he have to support such a large nation?”

“Now Heliam is besieged on all sides, far from his previous glory.” As he spoke, King Aureliu’s lips curved into a mocking smile, and Tanya could tell he was not drunk, at least, he was clear-headed at this moment.

“Little beauty, why don’t you consider coming with me early? I can protect you,” King Aureliu said, his smile revealing a glint of greed in his shrewd eyes.

His words reminded her of Alexander, both men referred to themselves as “little lords,” but this one repulsed her to the point she wanted to flee.

King Aureliu noticed the disdain in Tanya’s eyes, his heavy palm tightening around her delicate hand, applying more pressure.

“Vivienne, don’t refuse to drink and then face the consequences,” anger flickered in his gaze. “Do you think it’s hard for me to have you? I, King Aureliu, only need to subtly hint to Heliam about this matter, and he will gladly offer you.”

“Just a whore who has been used by someone else, what face do you have to pretend to be aloof in front of me?”

Tanya was confronted with his disgusting face, her anger surging, but King Aureliu’s strength was too great for her to break free.

Stepping back a few paces, she stumbled into a figure clad in silver armor.

Alexander’s indifferent and handsome face appeared behind her, emanating a familiar scent, his ethereal features bathed in light, his cold eyes shining with a glint of light, his lips pressed down in a chilling manner.

“King Aureliu, your words are a bit harsh,” Alexander’s cold voice lingered in the air. Tanya tilted her head, feeling a faint warmth cover her shoulder. It was the warmth from Alexander’s palm.

King Aureliu’s gaze lingered on Alexander for a moment, and the anger in his brows soared to its peak. “What do you think you are?”

Alexander’s tone was indifferent, his gaze flitting over King Aureliu for a moment before quickly turning away. “I am a sword-bearing guard of the Imperial Forest Army, responsible for protecting the concubines in the harem.”

Alexander’s voice sounded like a deep horn, melodious and lingering in Tanya’s ears. His handsome brows seemed to be dusted with frost, drawing Tanya in without her noticing.

“Such a mere sword-bearing guard. I have decided to take Vivienne. What can a little guard do about it?”

King Aureliu’s eagle-like eyes concealed danger, as if he was certain that the man before him wouldn’t dare draw his sword.

Alexander pressed his thin lips tightly together. From Tanya’s angle, she could clearly see the sheen of sweat glistening on his forehead.

“I cannot do anything to King Aureliu,” he said slowly, his red lips revealing a chilling expression, as if he were a shura from hell, “but I can kill you.”

Before his words fell, Alexander’s long arm drew the sword from his waist and swiftly placed it against King Aureliu’s neck.

Everyone’s gaze was fixated on the blade.

“What do you want to do?!” shouted King Aureliu’s guard, Rouse, whose hawkish nose bore the flavor of Southland.

Alexander maintained a cold expression, his handsome brows not raising a single hair, his eyes filled with a chilling intent that seemed ready to freeze the man before him.

“I want to kill you,” Alexander’s chilling words struck King Aureliu’s ears, making his brows twitch.

“Ha.” King Aureliu let out a cold laugh, his lips curling into a cruel arc.

“Heliam!” A coarse voice echoed in the air. King Aureliu, whose stubbly beard had been shaved down a bit, had an eerie smile at the corner of his mouth.

On the high platform, Heliam’s thick brows were tightly knit. The candlelight illuminated his handsome face, making it appear softer, yet his expression remained indifferent, revealing no joy or anger.

“Heliam, we have known each other since childhood, introduced by our predecessors. You are ten years younger than me.” His Adam’s apple bobbed before he continued, “Now, I, King Aureliu, demand a person from you. I wonder if you will agree.”

Heliam’s face was shrouded in shadows, his voice icy as he lightly tapped on the black wooden table with his long fingers.

“Who does Brother Nanchen wish to take?” He didn’t even require Alexander to lower his sword, he merely followed up on his words.

Evelyn didn’t understand what was happening, but seeing Tanya positioned between Alexander and King Aureliu, her delicate eyes immediately filled with jealousy.

“Why don’t you put down the sword first, and we can have a good talk?” Evelyn’s weak voice spread through the surroundings, her dark brows involuntarily knitting together.

“This matter has nothing to do with you,” Heliam replied coldly, his words betraying his impatience, the corners of his mouth casually curving upward but revealing a shocking smile.

“I want your Vivienne!” King Aureliu shouted, pulling at the blade against his neck, blood oozing from his copper skin and staining the blade red.

Heliam’s gaze flickered, the atmosphere around him suddenly becoming tense, but he remained unyielding, his charm emanating a coldness that felt like unmelting ice.

“King Aureliu is joking,” Heliam said.

King Aureliu tilted his head, oblivious to the warmth of the blood at his neck, and smiled even wider. “All you need to do is answer whether you agree or not.”

The candlelight cast Heliam’s expression into darkness, and his enchanting eyes lost their usual pride, replaced by endless coldness.

Heliam enunciated each word, raising his voice several degrees. “My woman? Why should I give her to a beast?”

The atmosphere froze.

King Aureliu’s pupils constricted violently, followed by a surge of rage. He swung Alexander’s sword away from his neck and turned to glare at Heliam.

The latter stood undaunted, his enchanting gaze meeting the glare, his face radiating an icy aura as if it were a piece of unmelting dark ice.

“Heliam, have you thought this through?” King Aureliu’s lips gradually took on a bloodthirsty smile, his eyes turning a fiery red, his body heaving as if building up immense rage.

“I have thought it through,” Heliam retorted defiantly, raising his exquisite chin, his smile filled with disdain.

“Good!” King Aureliu roared, tightening the blade hidden in his sleeve. If Heliam uttered even a single word more, he would be pierced through the forehead by the glinting blade.

In an instant, tension filled the room, and the atmosphere dropped to freezing point.

“Both of you are emperors of your respective nations. How can you be so impulsive over a woman?” An aged voice interrupted, instantly pulling everyone’s attention back.

“It’s Grand Duke Quentin!” a shout directed everyone’s gaze towards the old woman entering.

“Greetings, Grand Duke Quentin!” Everyone in the hall bowed in respect. Tanya’s gaze shifted to Heliam, who also clasped his hands respectfully in front of himself and bowed sincerely.