Damien Gray chuckled, "Even if you've lost favor, you can always win it back, can't you? I only have you—if I don't spoil you, who else would I spoil?" He looked completely justified, and at this point, Adrian Yarrow had no other choice. Even if he knew he was being played, what could he do?
Because it was the National Sacrifice, Emperor Alexander would be present throughout the entire banquet. Right now, he was waiting for Crown Prince Adrian to make his move, and had no intention of questioning Damien Gray or Morgan Shangguan for their tardiness.
Seeing the two approach, Adrian Yarrow couldn't help but frown, a sense of foreboding rising in his heart. His gaze fell on Morgan Shangguan, but she gave no response. Prince Ethan, on the other hand, wasn't too surprised—after all, Morgan Shangguan was sent to Damien Gray by Emperor Alexander. In occasions like this, putting on a show was normal. But thinking about his own matters with Morgan Shangguan, he couldn't help but furrow his brows. Initially, he kept her around because she was still useful, but the longer things dragged on, the harder it became for him to make up his mind. Now, watching the two walk together, his jealousy grew uncontrollable—a truly dangerous sign!
Duanmu Li was also present. Although he lived in the Prince's Manor, he always stayed in his own courtyard and rarely came out, preferring peace and quiet, with only a couple of attendants. Thus, he knew nothing of the affairs between Morgan Shangguan and Prince Ethan—or rather, between Mona Shangguan and Prince Ethan. Seeing the two arrive now, a trace of bitterness flashed in his heart, but his gaze remained firm. Although he couldn't give her happiness, he still wished for her happiness. His decision to help Prince Ethan was entirely to help Morgan Shangguan escape the control of Damien Gray and Emperor Alexander. Once Prince Ethan became emperor, no matter if she wanted to be empress or do something else, at least she could choose for herself!
Meanwhile, Sophie Qiu was pondering why Ghostmaster had said this was the perfect opportunity to turn the tables and eliminate Crown Prince Adrian, clearing the way for Prince Ethan to ascend the throne—yet he never mentioned Damien Gray, even though Damien was clearly the biggest obstacle. Furthermore, Ghostmaster even asked her to tell Emperor Alexander that he would help him seize evidence against Adrian Yarrow!
It was precisely because of this that Morgan Shangguan had been able to enjoy such peace lately!
A look of deep contemplation flashed in Sophie Qiu's eyes. Anyway, Emperor Alexander would die soon, and his promises were nothing but empty words—why go to such trouble? In fact, it almost seemed as if Ghostmaster was helping Morgan Shangguan solve her problems!
Could it be that Ghostmaster and Damien Gray are somehow connected? But if so, why not help Damien Gray become emperor? Is it just to torment Prince Ethan?
Although she still couldn’t figure out these things, she had already decided that unless Ghostmaster gave specific orders, she wouldn’t make a move against Damien Gray for now. She had to act cautiously—if she angered Ghostmaster, it might be even more terrifying than provoking Emperor Alexander or Adrian Yarrow!
Mona Shangguan had secretly rejoiced when she heard rumors of Morgan Shangguan falling out of favor, but now it seemed that wasn’t the case. Still, she wasn’t particularly disappointed—she certainly wasn’t about to let Morgan Shangguan have an easy time!
At this moment, Crown Prince Adrian had no mind to pay attention to Damien Gray and Morgan Shangguan; all his focus was on Emperor Alexander.
Damien Gray and Morgan Shangguan walked up to Emperor Alexander, but before they could even bow, a flash of cold light appeared. Not far from the Dragon Throne, a man dressed as a eunuch seized the moment when Emperor Alexander was distracted and, with murderous intent, lunged forward.
"Protect His Majesty—!"
With that shout, chaos erupted. Half the guards rushed forward, while the other half suddenly turned traitor, and all the guards began fighting amongst themselves.
Ethan Gu and Maxwell Jing rushed over, shielding Damien Gray and Morgan Shangguan. The attacker clearly wasn’t after them, but Emperor Alexander. The man slashed at Ethan Gu, and as Ethan defended himself, a silver needle shot out from the attacker’s sleeve, aiming straight at Emperor Alexander. The emperor’s skills were not lacking—he dodged the needle, while Sophie Qiu had already stepped in front of him and engaged the attacker. Several guards had also gathered around Emperor Alexander.
Emperor Alexander was well prepared and immediately ordered, "Seize them all!"
In an instant, the entire Imperial Garden was sealed off. Crown Prince Adrian’s expression changed, but he quickly regained his composure. All the assassins he’d arranged were death warriors— even if they failed, none would betray him!
Ethan Gu and Maxwell Jing had already escorted Damien Gray and Morgan Shangguan away from the center of the battle. Emperor Alexander, guarded by several attendants, had also retreated, his face stern as he watched the melee unfold.
Suddenly, a flying dagger shot straight at Emperor Alexander. The direction it came from was exactly where Adrian Yarrow was standing. Although he wasn’t alone there, everyone present was from Azure Kingdom. Adrian Yarrow’s face changed— the dagger had indeed been thrown from near him, but who could it be? He was certain the people he brought were loyal and would never betray him. As for Mona Shangguan, she didn’t even know martial arts!
Sophie Qiu was waiting for an opportunity. Now, seeing the dagger fly toward Emperor Alexander, she immediately leaped to block it. The attendants protecting the emperor all belonged to the Celestial Maiden Sect, and at this moment, they focused entirely on the dagger, not noticing the man who had originally been fighting Sophie Qiu.
A silver needle glimmering with green light shot toward Emperor Alexander. He wanted to dodge, but surrounded by several guards, he couldn’t move. Reaching out to pull someone in front of him as a shield, that person instinctively avoided his grasp, leaving Emperor Alexander with no time to react!
The silver needle struck Emperor Alexander’s shoulder. Though it wasn’t a vital spot, his face instantly turned bluish-purple, making it clear the needle was coated in deadly poison!
Prince Ethan, seeing Emperor Alexander wounded, quickly called for the Imperial Physician and shot a secret glance at Sophie Qiu, clearly pleased with how things had unfolded! This way, all the blame could be shifted to Crown Prince Adrian—Emperor Alexander was eliminated, and Crown Prince Adrian was implicated. It truly was a clever plan, and executed flawlessly!
Emperor Alexander had made thorough preparations, and the assassins were quickly subdued. Still, everyone remained tense—his fate was yet unknown!
Adrian Yarrow was temporarily placed under house arrest, as many had seen the dagger come from his direction. He certainly couldn’t escape suspicion!
Now, only Damien Gray and Morgan Shangguan seemed completely unconcerned about Emperor Alexander’s life or death. Of course, Ethan Gu and Maxwell Jing didn’t care either!