Prince Ethan watched the pair, unable to hide the jealousy in his heart. His gaze toward Morgan Shangguan was complicated—he had broken his promise and given the empress’s position to another, yet she seemed utterly unaffected, as if nothing had happened at all.
She could remain calm and detached, but her indifferent manner only fueled his anger.
A flicker of struggle flashed in Prince Ethan’s eyes. At last, he steeled himself and gave a subtle signal. A loyal minister stepped forward and declared, “Your Majesty, I have urgent matters to report!”
“Speak, my faithful subject.”
“The Royal Seer’s final prophecy warned that the Enchantress would bring ruin to the kingdom. The Emperor Emeritus, in his mercy, spared her life for a time. But now, with the Emperor Emeritus assassinated, it is clear the Enchantress must not remain—otherwise, our nation and dynasty are doomed! I implore Your Majesty to execute the Enchantress and restore order to the realm!” This minister was clearly one of Prince Ethan’s die-hard loyalists.
His words caused an uproar. Many were aware of the Royal Seer’s last prophecy, though few knew its details. If this was true, Morgan Shangguan could not be allowed to stay. The Emperor Emeritus had once branded her with the title "Enchantress"—was this the reason? Thinking back to the assassination, it was indeed when the Enchantress and Ghost King stepped forward that the assassin struck.
Moreover, the Ghost King was known for his hard fate and had never shown particular fondness for women, yet not only did Morgan Shangguan survive his presence, she had bewitched him completely. Even when the Emperor Emeritus lay bedridden, the Ghost King hadn't visited—what else could she be but a demon?
For a moment, everyone began to blame every misfortune and strange event on Morgan Shangguan, as if demonizing her would bring them some benefit.
Morgan Shangguan remained unmoved, her smile deepening, but still wore an air of serene detachment, as if unaware that her life hung on Prince Ethan’s next word.
A glint of coldness flashed in Damien Gray’s eyes. Prince Ethan was trying to force him into rebellion. He had always wanted Morgan Shangguan gone, and now sought to kill two birds with one stone.
Gradually, the hall grew quiet. Many present understood Prince Ethan’s true intentions. Throughout history, few survived the struggle for the throne. As mere ministers, what more could they say?
Damien Gray let out a cold snort. So, Prince Ethan wanted him to rebel? He would oblige. With a flick of his wrist, a signaling arrow shot from his sleeve.
Instantly, the sounds of battle erupted outside. Prince Ethan glanced at Damien Gray, his eyes full of cold amusement. Damien Gray had many opportunities, but chose to act only now—he was courting his own destruction.
Chaos reigned outside, but the hall remained eerily silent. Soon, two figures burst in—Ethan Gu and Maxwell Jing. Prince Ethan frowned. The fighting outside had stopped, yet only these two entered? What was Damien Gray up to?
A group of guards blocked the doorway, their eyes tinged with fear as they looked at Ethan Gu and Maxwell Jing. Maxwell Jing flicked his fan—the material unknown—and with a single motion, the blood slid right off, leaving not a trace behind.
He snapped open the folding fan with a crisp sound, waved it twice, and assumed the air of a refined gentleman. Sighing, he said, “Ah... It’s been so long since I’ve moved. This is truly exhausting!”
Ethan Gu snorted coldly, “You’re one to talk about being tired, hiding behind everyone else.”
Maxwell Jing chuckled, “Your poison is far more lethal! You’re the perfect one to lead the way—I’ll just watch your back!”
For a moment, the ministers were stunned—just two people had broken through? Those aware of Prince Ethan’s plan were even more shocked.
Damien Gray looked at Prince Ethan and smiled—a smile tinged with cruelty. Even Prince Ethan felt a chill in his heart, sensing something ominous. Yet, at this point, he could only force himself to remain calm. He shouted, “Damien Gray, how dare you!”
Damien Gray ignored his angry shout. His cold gaze settled on the outspoken minister, and his chilling voice echoed through the hall, “Those who speak with venom deserve death!”
Before the icy words faded, the minister collapsed, eyes wide with shock. Even at the last moment, he didn’t understand how he’d died. Most in attendance were equally baffled—no one saw an attack, nor any wound.
There was no visible wound on his body, save for a red dot at his brow—Ethan Gu’s silver needle had pierced his forehead, leaving only that single mark.
Prince Ethan rose in fury, shouting, “Seize them!” Damien Gray had executed a court minister right before his eyes, igniting his rage.
Just then, another commotion erupted outside. A messenger rushed in, reporting, “Your Majesty, someone is attempting to rescue the Azure Crown Prince!”
Everyone turned to look outside, drawn by the sudden chaos. Several figures in black guarded Adrian Yarrow and Mona Shangguan, confronting the palace guards—clearly, they’d been cornered.
Anticipating action from Azure Kingdom, Prince Ethan had prepared in advance. The people of Azure Kingdom knew that Silvermoon Kingdom, having finally gained leverage, would closely watch Adrian Yarrow. Yet they had no choice—Adrian Yarrow was their future king and could not be lost in Silvermoon. They tried to rescue him during the chaos, but in the end, their plan was exposed.
Morgan Shangguan, meanwhile, seemed to be enjoying the spectacle, completely ignoring the tense atmosphere. She whispered playfully to Damien Gray, “My title as Enchantress will surely be known by all after this!”
Damien Gray frowned and sighed, “It was a miscalculation on my part.” He had suspected Prince Ethan insisted on Morgan Shangguan’s attendance at the coronation to provoke him into rebellion and to use the prophecy against her, but hadn’t expected the prophecy itself to become the weapon.
Morgan Shangguan curled her lips in a teasing smile, “Even you make mistakes, Your Highness!” Whether she was demonized or not, she truly didn’t care.
Prince Ethan had thought Morgan Shangguan would be provoked by his betrayal and the coronation of another as empress, giving him an excuse to take her down. But she showed no reaction, so he resorted to the prophecy. Fortunately, he was cautious and always had a backup plan.
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