Provocation

The two continued their heated discussion, while Prince Damien remained silent, his eyes reflecting a thoughtful contemplation.

"Your Highness..." Both men turned to look expectantly at the one who had yet to speak.

Prince Damien adjusted his sleeve with a gentle motion and said warmly, "I’m going out for a walk. No need to follow me."

The two watched his departing figure in silence for a long while—clearly, His Highness was not worried at all!

After a moment, Maxwell Jing finally muttered, "I don’t like being a bodyguard!" Ethan Gu couldn’t even be bothered to respond.

In the Shadow Court, Fiona Yun sat idly on a swing, her thoughts drifting to the idea of sneaking out to learn more about this world.

"Princess Consort..." came a gentle voice.

Fiona looked up and saw Prince Damien standing at the doorway. Today, he wore a robe of deep red—striking, yet not ostentatious. The color lent a hint of warmth to his pale skin, making his features appear even more refined and captivating.

Fiona offered a gentle smile and softly called, "Your Highness..."

Prince Damien approached, extending his hand with elegant grace. Smiling, Fiona placed her hand in his, allowing him to lead her to a stone bench nearby, where they sat together.

"Are you comfortable living here, Princess Consort?"

Fiona chuckled softly. "Your Highness, didn’t you already send someone to ask me that?"

Prince Damien understood immediately—it must have been Maxwell Jing using this as an excuse. No hint of embarrassment showed on his face; he simply smiled gently and replied, "Naturally, I must personally see to the Princess Consort’s well-being." At just the right moment, a touch of tenderness flickered in his gaze.

Fiona bit her lip with a shy smile, lowering her gaze. In a small voice, she asked, "Would Your Highness stay and join me for lunch?"

Prince Damien squeezed her hand gently. "I have matters to attend to," he said, his eyes apologetic as they met hers.

Fiona, ever considerate, said, "Then you’d best hurry, Your Highness! Don’t let me delay your important affairs."

Prince Damien’s expression grew even softer, a hint of apology in his voice. "I’ll come visit you whenever I have the time."

Fiona nodded, her smile radiant with happiness. "Mm."

Watching Prince Damien walk away, Fiona lowered her head and glanced at her own hand, murmuring to herself, "Tracking scent, huh..."

The Shangguan family was an ancient lineage, and as its head, Fiona knew all about such things. It seemed this world wouldn’t feel too unfamiliar after all.

Fiona smiled to herself, understanding this was merely a small test. Prince Damien didn’t truly intend to use the tracking scent to monitor her movements. Not that she feared him discovering anything—dangerous as he was, wasn’t it the challenge that made things interesting?

After sitting a while longer, Fiona rose, narrowed her eyes at a distant spot, then slipped away in a flash—her figure vanishing without a trace.

In the study, Prince Damien sat behind his desk, a book in hand. He turned the pages leisurely, perfectly at ease.

Maxwell Jing lounged by the window, saying playfully, "Your Highness, you actually used your looks as bait—how rare."

Prince Damien paused in turning a page, but Ethan Gu interjected first, "His Highness just doesn’t trust you!"

Maxwell Jing stroked his chin with pride, "Fiona Yun is more beautiful than any woman before, but with me making the move personally, is there any woman I can’t win over?"

Prince Damien merely paused, then continued turning the page, his voice calm, "You’re not her match." That woman was indeed unexpected—impossible to read.

"Hm? Your Highness, the tracking bug is excited!" Maxwell Jing suddenly pointed to the small transparent vial on the desk.

Prince Damien watched the little bug flit about inside the vial, frowning slightly. Was Fiona Yun really so impatient? But in the next moment, the bug quieted down again.

Tracking scent and bug—once someone is marked with the tracking scent, the bug can follow the fragrance to locate them. The scent is nearly undetectable, and ordinary water won’t wash it away.

Ethan Gu frowned. "Your Highness, why has the bug gone quiet again?"

Prince Damien gazed at the now motionless bug in the vial and suddenly let out a soft laugh—his voice gentle and melodious.

From the shadows, a voice called out, "Your Highness, the Princess Consort has left the courtyard. Shall I..."