Serena understood just how furious the Princess Royal of Lyndaria was right now, and how much she wanted to kill someone. If Left Shore hadn’t interfered back then, Lyndaria wouldn’t be embroiled with Titus, and the Princess Royal wouldn’t be so desperate now. But...
But what did that have to do with her? The Princess Royal’s own son was the one who made the move, yet she blamed Serena and Prince Nolan for it. This Princess Royal really was like a mad dog, biting anyone she saw.
Serena couldn’t be bothered to argue with her. She wasn’t a shy, delicate little wife, but she still couldn’t bring herself to discuss Prince Nolan’s abilities in public, let alone talk about her own bedroom matters. She really didn’t have that thick of a skin.
Serena shot the Princess Royal of Lyndaria a cold glance, as if looking at a child throwing a tantrum, then sat down and completely ignored the princess and her entourage.
Was that tacit approval, or just disdain for explaining herself?
The women were puzzled. Each looked at Serena, then at the Princess Royal of Lyndaria: who could clear up their confusion? Was Prince Nolan really capable or not?
Serena’s retreat didn’t satisfy the Princess Royal. The Princess Royal’s main purpose in coming to Skyvault Fortress was to demand her child back from Serena and Prince Nolan. Maybe with that child, she could once again compete with Titus for power in Lyndaria.
In Lyndaria, she had no heir. No matter what tempting conditions she offered, those cunning ministers wouldn’t support her. But if she had an heir, things would be different—those people would see their future secured and naturally be willing to follow her.
"Serena..." The Princess Royal stepped forward, her maid quickly moving to separate Serena from those beside her. Only Lily Li glared at the Princess Royal in open defiance: "I’m not moving. What can you do about it?"
"And you are?" The Princess Royal paused, sizing up Lily Li.
Serena was the only one who didn’t flinch. She raised her eyes to meet the Princess Royal’s glare and replied, “I’ll be waiting.” When Left Shore came back, she was definitely going to give him a good beating.
Damn it, what kind of mess is this? It was Left Shore who brought the person over, so why was she the one taking the blame?
“Serena Feng, good, very good.” With the negotiations broken, the Princess Royal stormed off with her entourage, just as forcefully as she’d arrived, sparking a wave of gossip among the onlookers.
“Serena, I didn’t expect you to be so bold. You really don’t put the Princess Royal in your eyes. That woman is no ordinary opponent—watch yourself.” Lily Li finished, only to realize she was actually showing concern for Serena. She shot her a resentful glare and walked away.
She was off to find Ruby Redsleeve; she wanted to see for herself what kind of woman would dare compete with her for a man.
The Princess Royal had thrown the inner courtyard into chaos, but outside, the men kept drinking and laughing loudly. Even with Prince Nolan’s cold face, no one bothered to change their behavior.
They were jianghu folk; as long as they didn’t offend Prince Nolan, there was no need to butter him up—unless they planned to serve the court, flattery was pointless.
Prince Nolan didn’t dislike this kind of atmosphere. He couldn’t quite blend in, but watching coldly from the sidelines was easy enough.
After the banquet, Fortress Lord Ling, as host, stood up and gave a few words—just as he did every year. It was the usual talk about unity in the martial world and hopes for new young talents. He ended by reminding everyone: gather at Skyvault Mountain’s summit before dawn.
That’s the rule of the Martial Arts Conference: no matter when you set out, just make sure you’re on Skyvault Mountain’s summit before sunrise. Weaker fighters leave early; the strong can start later. As for the Nine Cities officials who came just to watch—since they have no martial skills, they started climbing during the day.
Skyvault Mountain was so high and steep, you really needed some skill to get up there.
“Together?” Sean Xuan waited for Prince Nolan to step out, then the two walked side by side.
Prince Nolan nodded. Everyone knew about his friendship with Sean Xuan—there was no need to hide it. Once outside, Nolan nodded again to Sean and then headed off first to look for Serena.
Sean Xuan paused, gave a faint laugh, and was about to leave alone when he was intercepted by Moonvault Palace Lord and Lily Li. Lily looked displeased, while the Palace Lord gazed at Sean Xuan with deep meaning and invited him to walk together.
On the way, the conversation was casual and sporadic. Before parting, Moonvault Palace Lord invited Sean Xuan to climb the mountain together. Lily Li perked up at the suggestion, but Sean Xuan declined.
Lily Li looked disappointed, but the Palace Lord seemed to have expected it. Before leaving, he said, “Palace Lord Sean, the Four Great Xuan-Sect Alliance has close ties and a hidden history. I hope you’ll ask your father about it when you return.”
Winning over Skyvault Palace Sect was the Princess Royal’s assignment. Even if Moonvault Palace Lord thought it unlikely, he had to try.
“What does that mean?” Sean Xuan stood there, frowning slightly...