Dressed Up for You

"Lü Xin will bring it over soon," Evan Xiao said. "Don’t worry."

Grace nodded.

"The envoys from the other kingdoms aren’t here for friendly reasons. Soon, I’ll leave my seat and personally patrol the area to strengthen security," Evan Xiao said. "So even if I’m not here, you have to do your best to win first place! Got it?"

"You have to be extra careful!" Grace said worriedly.

"Don’t worry." Evan Xiao leaned down and kissed her lips. "You look beautiful today."

Grace said, "I dressed up just for you."

She wanted him to remember her at her most beautiful, so that even if he was taken away to Windspire Kingdom, he’d rush back to her as fast as he could.

She hadn’t told him about the people from Windspire Kingdom planning to take him away.

Because, ever since her rebirth, everything had followed its original course—as long as she didn’t interfere.

If she did interfere, things would veer off track and lead to unpredictable results.

If that happened, she wouldn’t have to do anything—he’d be taken away.

Because, two months later, he would slaughter the Windspire royal family and return with the emperor’s head.

The Windspire Kingdom would vanish from the map...

But what if she interfered now and things turned out differently?

Like, what if Evan Xiao died in battle?

So, when she knew things would end well, she chose to do nothing.

......

"Mm, you look great. I like it," Evan Xiao said, tidying her clothes. "The contest is about to start. You should head back."

Grace nodded and turned to leave.

After the birthday banquet comes the contest.

The contest was held in the Virtue Arena inside the palace.

It’s a place reserved for the royals and nobles to train and practice martial arts.

Around the Virtue Arena were spectator stands, and in the center stood three Martial Arenas, lined up side by side, each several meters square.

Seeing how many people were competing in the Martial Bridal Tournament today, the Empress Dowager had all three Martial Arenas opened.

This time, the contest used a voluntary sign-up and free challenge format.

Anyone who lost on a Martial Arena was eliminated.

Whoever lasted until no one challenged them would be the winner of that arena.

Finally, the winners from all three Martial Arenas would face off in the finals.

For this contest, there were no restrictions on weapons or spirit pets.

In other words, whatever you’ve got, bring it on!

Grace guessed that the Empress Dowager also wanted to use this chance to size up the strength of the Four Great Houses...

Grace quietly sat with Dowager Lady Evelyn Zhu and Grace Wan, high up in the stands.

After watching for a while, she lost interest.

They were all way too weak.

Honestly, she couldn’t even be bothered to watch.

She figured she’d just show up at the end.

So much easier that way.

After Evan Xiao returned, he said something to Colin Gu, then left.

A little while later, Grace felt something tugging at her skirt.

She looked down and saw the Antler Serpent.

She glanced around and saw Louis Lin at the back of the stands.

Grace nodded in thanks to him, and Louis Lin nodded back.

"Cutie Pie, let’s watch the contest together!" Grace picked it up and set it on her lap.

Cutie Pie didn’t seem interested in the contest at all. It just curled up in her arms, looking sleepy and lazy.

"Why do you look so sleepy? Are you getting ready to hibernate?" Grace asked.

It didn’t answer, just closed its eyes.

"If you’re tired, just sleep!" Grace patted its body. "If I need you, I’ll wake you up."

House Drake is the ruler of this continent.

But in recent centuries, the Qilin Clan has repeatedly shown signs of rebellion, wanting to take their place.

The ones who captured Leon Zane were the Qilin Clan.

For the past few days, Evan Xiao hadn’t slept at all, busy planning the rescue. He was truly exhausted.

Once he was in Grace’s arms, he fell asleep right away.

"Grace, is this your Antler Serpent?" a voice sounded from behind.