All the furniture was dominated by black and gray tones. It didn’t look like a woman’s residence at all—more like a place a man would live.
There was also a large martial hall, fully stocked with all kinds of weapons—a perfect place to practice martial arts.
"Many parts of this place still keep their original appearance from the time of Empress Victoria Saint-Martial," Colin Gu said. "We didn’t have time to redecorate yet, so just stay here for now. Later, I’ll have people change things up to suit your taste."
"This is just fine," Grace said. "I really like it here. Thank you, Your Majesty."
"You like it?" Colin Gu asked, a little surprised.
Grace nodded. "I like it very much."
Colin Gu smiled. "I thought you’d prefer the elegant and luxurious style of Serenity Pavilion."
"Serenity Pavilion was decorated by my aunt. Even the plants in my own garden weren’t chosen by me," Grace explained.
Colin Gu nodded. "In that case, let’s leave it as it is. To be honest, I rather like the style here myself."
When they entered the main hall, the floor was already filled with kneeling palace maids and eunuchs. Seeing them, everyone called out in unison, "Your humble servants greet Your Majesty and the Empress!"
"Everyone, rise," Grace called out. "The official investiture ceremony hasn’t been held yet, so you mustn’t call me Empress."
At this, everyone turned their eyes to Colin Gu.
"The imperial decree has been issued. Though the grand wedding ceremony hasn’t taken place, you are already the Crown Princess—no one deserves it more," Colin Gu said.
Grace lowered her gaze and said nothing.
Colin Gu stepped up to her, took her hand, and said, "This Blue Moon Kingdom is my realm. As long as I’m here, no one will harm you. You don’t have to be so cautious all the time."
Grace looked up and smiled. "Thank you, Your Majesty."
"Get yourself ready. I’ll come by tonight," Colin Gu said.
Grace nodded and watched him leave.
Then she went to wash her hands.
The hand he had touched made her feel uncomfortable all over.
She washed her hands several times, gazing at her own reflection in the water basin. Her smile was a blend of grievance, shyness, and irresistible charm.
Colin Gu would probably like her like this, wouldn’t he?
Her smile faded, and a cold glint slowly appeared in Grace’s eyes.
Colin Gu, if you insist on taking what you want by force, don’t blame me for striking back!
After properly settling into the East Palace, the steward in charge of Colin Gu’s daily affairs arrived that afternoon. He sought out Pan’er and Xi’er to ask detailed questions about Grace’s health.
After they left, Zhuo Guan’er and Zhuo Xin’er came to visit.
Both of them looked genuinely happy.
Zhuo Xin’er wasn’t good at hiding her feelings; her words still carried a faint hint of jealousy.
But with Zhuo Guan’er, all Grace felt and saw was pure joy.
It was as if her sister had suddenly become a Spirit Practitioner with even greater talent, and then entered the palace to become the esteemed Crown Princess. Yet, she showed not a trace of jealousy or discontent...
"Sister, now that you’ve entered the palace, the three of us can be together again. I’m truly so happy!" Zhuo Guan’er held Grace’s hand, speaking with heartfelt emotion. "You have no idea, ever since I came to the palace, I’ve felt so lonely and often missed the days we spent together."
"Guan’er, aren’t you angry with me?" Grace asked.
"Angry with you? How could I be? I’m too happy for that!"
Grace squeezed her hand in return and said, "Honestly, I’d already given up on the idea of entering the palace. I don’t even know how it happened—almost sixteen and suddenly I awakened a Spirit Root. Isn’t that just wild?"