Tiffany recovered quickly.

She had spent years humiliating Scarlett in front of servants and noble families. One unexpected reply would not make her abandon the opportunity.

“Has life in the Regent King’s estate made you even more foolish?” Tiffany asked with a laugh

The grand banquet hall fell into an uneasy silence.

Hundreds of nobles stood beneath rows of golden lanterns, but no one dared speak. Their attention shifted between Harrison’s pale face, Tiffany’s barely concealed panic, and the Emperor seated high above them on the

The young eunuch kept his head lowered as he approached.

His robes were clean, his movements respectful, and the silver pitcher in his hands bore the mark of the imperial kitchens. Nothing about him appeared threatening.

Scarlett distrusted him immediately.

His shoulde