Adrian Yarrow shook his head and sighed, "The relationship between Silvermoon Kingdom and Azure Kingdom is delicate. The succession of Silvermoon Kingdom's throne not only determines its fate, but is also closely tied to the destiny of Azure Kingdom."
Morgan Shangguan frowned and asked, "Your Highness, who do you wish to see become emperor?"
Adrian Yarrow narrowed his eyes, "As long as it's not Damien Gray or Prince Ethan!" He glanced at Morgan, and seeing no reaction from her, hesitated before saying, "Morgan, I know you are now married to Damien Gray, but I must look at this from Azure Kingdom's perspective. Damien Gray is unfathomable—if he ascends the throne, I cannot predict the threat he poses to Azure Kingdom." After a pause, he added, "Moreover, you are, after all, the princess sent from Azure Kingdom to Silvermoon Kingdom for a political marriage. He would never make you his empress!"
Damien Gray curled his lips. Well done! Now the scheme to sow discord is revealed!
Morgan Shangguan replied softly, "I understand." She glanced at Damien Gray, her expression unreadable, then continued, "Ultimately, I'm still a daughter of Azure Kingdom. Of course I wish for my homeland's prosperity, but even more..." She looked to Adrian Yarrow, her eyes lingering with a hint of vulnerability before she turned away and whispered, "For you."
Damien Gray met her gaze, his eyes full of mirth, while Adrian Yarrow noticed nothing amiss. To him, Morgan merely seemed shy and unwilling to meet his eyes.
"Morgan..." Adrian Yarrow gazed at her with deep affection, his expression flawless. He was a master at acting—if one didn't know his true intentions, they might really believe he was a lovesick fool!
Morgan Shangguan glanced at him, lowered her head in silence. Adrian Yarrow sighed and said, "Damien Gray and Prince Ethan are both formidable. I want them to destroy each other, but I don't know how to provoke a conflict between them." After a moment, he asked, "Morgan, do you know what Damien Gray cares about most?"
Morgan Shangguan looked up at him and said softly, "He cares about me most." After saying this, she fell silent.
Adrian Yarrow saw that she understood everything she needed to, and said no more. Guiding her this far was enough—anything more would only backfire!
After a moment, Morgan Shangguan's gaze grew resolute. She whispered, "I know what I need to do!" With that, she stood up, ready to leave.
Adrian Yarrow quickly asked, "Morgan, what are you going to do? Please, don't do anything reckless!"
Before Morgan could reply, footsteps echoed, growing nearer. She looked up at Damien Gray, who gave her a knowing smile and vanished in a flash. Adrian Yarrow, following Morgan's gaze, spotted Mona Shangguan at the corner, her presence heavy with emotion.
The foul odor on Mona Shangguan had disappeared. Although it was once so strong that it could be smelled from several meters away, it only lasted a day. As long as she didn't share intimacy with Adrian Yarrow, the smell would not return.
When Mona Shangguan saw Morgan, her face changed. But with Adrian Yarrow present, she restrained herself—no angry words, no sudden attack. Instead, she bit her lip, tears shimmering in her eyes. These weren't tears she forced; her chest ached so badly she wished she could stab herself just to relieve it. Holding back her sobs was all she could manage.
Adrian Yarrow frowned, feeling a pang of guilt as he watched Mona Shangguan's sorrow. Still, he said nothing—his greatest worry was that Mona would ruin everything.
Mona Shangguan clenched her fists and ran off, both heartbroken and afraid she might lose control and slap Morgan Shangguan across the face.
Morgan Shangguan glanced at Adrian Yarrow and said blandly, "Your Highness, perhaps you should go after her."
"Morgan..."
Morgan Shangguan turned away from him and said, "Go. After all, she is the one who can accompany you for a lifetime."
Seeing Morgan Shangguan's unwavering resolve, Adrian Yarrow spoke anxiously, "The matter of the throne—I can find another way. Please, don't do anything foolish!" For a moment, he truly felt a hint of regret.
Perhaps, from the start, he hadn't sought out Morgan just to use her—maybe he simply wanted to see her, and so found himself a convenient excuse. Now that his goal was achieved, he began to hesitate!
Adrian Yarrow gazed deeply at Morgan Shangguan, then turned and walked in the direction Mona Shangguan had gone. He was overthinking! What he truly liked was Mona, and perhaps it was only because Morgan resembled Mona that he hesitated—yes, that must be it!
Morgan Shangguan watched Adrian Yarrow leave, a faint smile on her lips. She headed out of the courtyard, left the Crown Prince's manor, and boarded a carriage that slowly made its way toward the Ghost King's residence.
After Morgan left, Adrian Yarrow returned instead of seeking out Mona Shangguan. He sat on a stone bench, thought for a moment, then called out, "Someone, come here!"
"Your Highness!"
Adrian Yarrow gazed into the distance, eyes narrowed. "Station people outside the Ghost King's residence. Watch Morgan Shangguan's every move." He didn't send anyone inside, not wanting to alert the enemy.
He withdrew his gaze and continued, "Especially pay attention to her interactions with Prince Ethan. If she grows close to him..." He produced a small porcelain bottle and tossed it to the subordinate. "Make them even closer!" The men he brought to Silvermoon were few, but all trustworthy and efficient.
The subordinate understood his meaning. Though filled with questions, he asked nothing and left to carry out the order. He only needed to obey.
Adrian Yarrow suddenly frowned and said coldly, "Come out!"
In the shadows, Damien Gray's eyes glinted coldly. Hearing Adrian Yarrow's words, he remained motionless, without a hint of panic or surprise.
"Brother Adrian..." Mona Shangguan stepped out, head lowered. "I didn't mean to eavesdrop!"
Adrian Yarrow looked at her expressionlessly. Mona Shangguan felt uneasy; after hearing all this, she realized Adrian was only using Morgan, which made her happy. Yet, if she angered him because of it...
Mona Shangguan bit her lip, walked over to Adrian Yarrow, untied her sash, slipped off her clothes, and nestled into his arms, shyly calling, "Brother Adrian..."