Infiltration, You and Ninth Royal Uncle Seem Alike

Princess Yara's corpse was still in Prince Chase's Manor. If Serena wanted to uncover the truth behind her death, she had to stay in the manor.

Honestly, this is so damn miserable!

"Serena, how is it?" As soon as Serena stepped out, Prince Chase approached, putting on a show of concern for his wife and concubines.

Of course, that is, if Prince Chase's gaze would stop clinging to Serena.

If it were before, Serena might have believed Prince Chase still cared a little about his women. But now, all she felt was disgust—she wanted to smash his face in.

Prince Chase wasn't always like this. Why did he change so much after marrying Princess Yara?

Prince Chase's transformation made Serena uneasy, but remembering her purpose for coming here, she gritted her teeth and spoke up.

Serena said that the side-consort's condition was very serious and that she needed to stay in Prince Chase's Manor for two days to prevent any accidents.

Serena volunteered to stay, and Prince Chase was overjoyed. He immediately ordered the servants to prepare a courtyard for her.

Since Serena was staying, Simon Sun refused to leave. But as a man, he could only stay in the outer compound. Simon looked worried and, before leaving, reminded Serena, "Master, I really think Prince Chase is acting strange. You must be careful around him."

"I understand. You be careful too." Prince Chase really is sick—mentally sick, just like Prince Damien of Southlyn. Both of them have perverse tendencies.

The courtyard Prince Chase prepared for Serena was the largest and most beautiful in the manor. When Princess Yara wanted to live there, Prince Chase refused.

The furnishings in the courtyard were extravagant—far surpassing even Radiant Hall. The moment Serena walked in, she felt overwhelmed.

This wasn't a guest room—it was a palace! Thinking of Prince Chase's obsession, Serena didn't want to stay even a moment longer.

That night, Serena waved the servants away and sat alone by the window, lost in thought.

It wasn't that she liked acting deep—she just honestly couldn't sleep in that bed.

Damn, the whole bed was bright red. Anyone who didn't know better would think a wedding was happening here.

Thinking of Prince Chase's twisted affection, Serena worried that if she slept tonight, he'd be hugging her blanket tomorrow. She decided not to sleep at all.

Being admired isn't a bad thing, but being admired like this? That's honestly not pleasant at all.

Serena kept sitting by the window, zoning out, occasionally checking on the guards outside and calculating when would be the best time to sneak out.

She wasn't staying at Prince Chase's Manor to indulge his affection—she wanted to investigate Princess Yara's death. Serena was convinced Yara hadn't killed herself.

If it wasn't suicide, then who killed her? And why?

Serena kept turning this question over in her mind, so much so that she didn't notice Lance Quinn standing behind her.

After Lance Quinn learned Serena was spending the night in Prince Chase's Manor, he grew worried. As soon as night fell, he snuck in and found Serena completely unguarded—a flash of displeasure crossed his eyes.

He waited for half a quarter of an hour, but Serena still didn't notice him. Lance Quinn finally made a sound on purpose.

'Who?' Serena reacted quickly, jumping away, but Lance Quinn was still dissatisfied.

If someone really wanted to hurt Serena, she would've been caught already.

Lance Quinn? What are you doing here?' Seeing the distinctive mask on his face, Serena relaxed.

As long as it wasn't Prince Chase, Serena was relieved—she was really afraid of seeing him now.

Lance Quinn didn't say he was here to see Serena, but said instead: "I'm investigating Princess Yara's death. She's not the type to commit suicide."

Perfect. I want to investigate Princess Yara's death too. Shall we go together? With Lance Quinn leading the way, Serena wouldn't have to worry about the manor's guards.

Don't tell me you used the side-consort's illness as an excuse to stay at Prince Chase's Manor just to investigate Princess Yara's death?' Lance Quinn's tone carried a hint of anger.

This foolish woman—did she forget she already had a man? Why did she have to risk herself?

Of course. Why else would I come here? The back courtyard in Prince Chase's Manor could disgust me to death. Just thinking of all those stand-ins and the big red blanket gave Serena goosebumps.

Disgusting? What here disgusts you?' Lance Quinn was good at zeroing in on the real issue, asking what mattered to him.

Serena was already frustrated, and since Lance Quinn was always discreet, she didn't hesitate to tell him about the back courtyard full of her lookalikes.

You mean most of the women in Prince Chase's back courtyard look like you? Good thing Serena didn't mention that Prince Chase called out her name during sex, or else...

If she had, Lance Quinn would definitely have gone to kill someone. Even so, his whole body radiated murderous intent.

Why are you angry? I'm the one who should be mad—just thinking about it disgusts me.' Serena rolled her eyes. 'I don't know all the details; I only heard it from the side-consort. It needs to be verified.'

Does that side-consort really look like you?' As if this needed verifying—just kill them all.

Serena nodded. "Her eyes are very similar to mine." That was why she believed the side-consort; after seeing her again, Prince Chase's behavior was definitely off.

If that's the case, then it's almost certainly true. I can't believe Prince Chase has the nerve to covet even Ninth Royal Uncle's woman.' Lance Quinn's voice was icy and proud. For a moment, Serena felt...

I suddenly think you're kind of like Ninth Royal Uncle.' Serena blurted out her thoughts. Lance Quinn stared at her, so she quickly explained: 'Don't get me wrong, I don't mean anything else. I just mean your arrogance—seeing everyone as ants—is just like his.'

That's really all there is. I'm loyal to Ninth Royal Uncle—always have been. I don't feel anything else for Lance Quinn.

Is that so.' Lance Quinn couldn't tell if he felt disappointed or relieved. His tone was a little flat.

Not wanting to talk about Prince Chase's Manor anymore, Lance Quinn suggested they go look at Princess Yara's corpse together.

With Lance Quinn leading the way, Serena could walk freely through the back courtyard—guards were just decoration. For a moment, she really wanted to ask: what is Lance Quinn's true goal?

Someone who can come and go in the imperial palace at will is seriously dangerous.

But then she remembered—even if Lance Quinn did something, he wouldn't kill her. So she pushed the question aside.

Princess Yara's body was placed in the main hall of Prince Chase's Manor, which had been set up as a mourning hall. It looked like the Emperor and Prince Chase planned to bury her quickly, so even if there was something wrong with her death, Lyndaria wouldn't find any evidence.

There are people in the mourning hall.' Serena saw several figures from afar and turned to ask Lance Quinn, who happened to lean in close...

Serena bumped into Lance Quinn's cold mask, quickly backed away, but slipped and started to fall. Just as she thought she'd hit the ground, Lance Quinn caught her around the waist.

It really is just like...

Serena froze again, staring at Lance Quinn's mask in a daze...