Unwavering Loyalty, Witnessed by Heaven

Colin Gu looked at Grace.

Grace's face was filled with panic as she shook her head at him.

"Colin Gu," Henry Tuoba spoke again. "Once I return, I'll make it up to you. How about I send you ten beauties from the tributes of various nations?"

"Your Majesty," Colin Gu's breath was a bit unsteady. "Grace and I grew up together as childhood sweethearts. Our bond is deep—no ordinary beauty can compare—"

"So you're refusing?" Henry Tuoba suddenly interrupted, his face dark. "The woman I've set my sights on, you—won't—agree?"

In front of the mighty Vermilion Kingdom, the Blue Moon Kingdom was like an egg against a stone.

Colin Gu dropped to his knees with a thud and said, "It's just... Grace has a fiery temper. I'm afraid she might do something drastic!"

"I'm only asking you—will you agree or not?"

Colin Gu clenched his fists tightly, unable to answer for a long time.

"Not agreeing?" Henry Tuoba's tone was now completely devoid of the previous warmth.

His tone was calm, but it made Colin Gu tremble with fear.

He looked up and glanced at Grace.

Grace gazed at him with pleading eyes, tears shimmering in her gaze.

Colin Gu clenched his fists in his sleeve, lowered his head, and said each word slowly: "If Emperor Henry of the Vermilion Kingdom wants her, as a subject, what right do I have to refuse?"

Grace looked at Colin Gu, the corner of her lips curving into a barely noticeable mocking smile.

He still abandoned her.

His vows still echoed in her ears, but when faced with a choice, he still abandoned her...

"Mm." Henry Tuoba nodded in satisfaction. "That's more like it! For a moment there, I thought you were plotting rebellion!"

"I am loyal to you and the Vermilion Kingdom—my devotion is unwavering! Heaven itself can bear witness!"

Henry Tuoba gave him a smile: "Yes! Heaven can bear witness! Colin Gu, you are loyal, I can see that. You're giving her up with great pain. Don't worry, when I return, I'll pick the finest beauties in the land to fill your harem."

Colin Gu kowtowed. "Thank you, Your Majesty!"

Henry Tuoba nodded and asked, "By the way, you still haven't named a Crown Prince, have you?"

"I have no children yet, but some of my consorts are pregnant. I don't know if it's a boy or girl," Colin Gu replied.

"Hmm, all the other vassal states have already sent their crown princes to be raised in the Vermilion Kingdom—you're the only one left!" Henry Tuoba said. "Work harder! When I get back, I'll have my top spirit alchemists make you some tonics. Guaranteed to give you a son! Hahahaha!"

Colin Gu laughed as well. "Your Majesty is truly humorous! I'll do my best and send my crown prince as soon as I can."

"Alright, the reason I came to see you today was to ask for your help in finding her. Now that I've found her, I'll take my leave!" Henry Tuoba held Grace's hand tightly and smiled. "Beauty, is your name Grace?"

"Your Majesty!" Grace suddenly broke free from his grip, pretending to be a damsel in distress, knelt down and said, "Please forgive me, but I cannot go with you!"

"Hmm? You can't? Why?" Henry Tuoba asked.

"I've sworn a hundred-year vow to Emperor Colin Gu of the Blue Moon Kingdom—never to betray him in this life!" Grace looked at Colin Gu with tears in her eyes. "I beg Your Majesty to let me go."

Leon Zane watched the scene, finally sensing something was off.

She was acting.

Could it be... Henry Tuoba was actually her accomplice?

Wow! He really underestimated her!

She actually had such a close relationship with the Emperor of the Vermilion Kingdom?

Henry Tuoba looked every bit the tyrant who snatched women, and actually said, "Impossible!"

He even threatened her: "Beauty, if I can't have you, I'll destroy you! If you don't leave with me today, I'll wipe out your entire family! Even the Blue Moon Kingdom might be reduced to ashes!"