The following day, the empires' emperors were apprehensive towards the Emperor of Horos's presence. Sidañian didn't mind them and sat comfortably, facing Zedrrick. 

Zeddrick expressed his browbeating at Sidañian.

Sidañian pierced look didn’t shatter, crossing his arms as the rest felt the burning sensation of the flames around their foreheads.

Cī'er whispered, "Father, when will they stop staring at each other like thunderbolts?" His father cleared his throat. 

Castaeus sighed, "Since the Emperor of Horos is here, shall we discuss the important matter?" 

Devin leaned forward to Zeddrick’s left side, "Your Majesty, we've been quiet for a while now," 

"It looks like Your Majesty is not completely sober from last night's party," said Sidañian.

Zeddrick was annoyed, trying to calm himself and thought, If it’s not for my people, I wouldn’t have invited this lunatic into my empire.  He closed his eyes, frowning his brows, contemplating, Let’s solve this matter as quickly as possible. 

Zeddrick smirked. “Indeed, Emperor of Horos. I’m still intoxicated from last night’s unforgettable party.” He boasted, “Who will forget such a remarkable event when you’re surrounded by young ladies of your taste.”

“Likewise.” Sidañian tone was caustic, “I’ll never forget such a splendid event when I am well-taken cared of by the 9th Concubine’s presence last night.” He added, “Isn’t she such an appealing lady that every man desires?” 

Zeddrick clenched his fist. “What’s that supposed to mean?”

Sidañian’s threatening expression, “You know…very well, what I mean…Emperor Zeddrick Apeus Verticulas.” 

Their piercing stare is spreading a suffocating air in the council room.

"Ahem." Devin coughed up to divert His Majesty's attention.

“We deeply thank you for coming here to Hēnte. Even though you live on the opposite side of the continent, we hope your stay here will be in your best interest.” He added, “And I believe you already knew what we wanted from you. So, let’s get straight to the point.” said Zeddrick. 

“What do you want in return for obtaining your blue blood to help strengthen our barrier?” Zeddrick’s tone was cold and selfish. 

Sidañian unwavering stare. 

Would you look at that— Castaeus smirked.

Sidañian grinned and slightly tilted his head to the right. He was waiting for this moment to ridicule His Majesty for insulting Irelina last night.  

“Now, we’re talking. Who doesn’t like something in return when you need it so badly,” Sidañian mocked His Majesty.

Zeddrick gritted, sealed lips, and clasped his hands madly on the table. This rascal is getting on my nerves. If only I could cut his dirty tongue right now—

“Calm down, Your Majesty. I’m not going to bite. Certainly, I will give you the vial of my blue blood and in return—” said Sidañian, looking at their unsettling expressions, and said, “Please send the 9th Concubine, Irelina Mercius here.” He demanded mischievously. 

Castaeus slammed the table. “What kind of a stupid request is that?!” and flared his amber eyes.  

Zeddrick seethed. 

Sidañian crossed his arms and scowled. “Then what do you want? A spar? To shed blood and kill a few of your trusted generals without a trace? Or bring the 9th Concubine here, now?” He added, “My request is peaceful, yet you find it absurd. So, choose.” His tone was provocative with threatening remarks.

“Your Majesty, this is preposterous! Concubines are not allowed in this assembly—” Doris objected. 

“Devin,” Zeddrick interrupted.

Devin bowed. “Yes, Your Majesty.” 

“Bring the 9th Concubine here.” 

“Yes, Your Majesty,” said Devin.

“Your Majesty! this is—” Doris intervened. 

Zeddrick gave him a sterner look. “Are you going to go against my order, Doris?”

Doris gulped as he seated while Devin made his way to the door and glanced at Sidañian with a wicked smile. 

The rest kept their mouths shut, and the atmosphere became more distressing. 

Sidañian closed his eyes, humming to himself, and excited to see the 9th Concubine. But at the back of his mind, he had another purpose for calling Irelina Mercius. 

Meanwhile, at the Regent’s Palace, Regent Robina, Medicius and Irelina had a fine high tea in the drawing room.

“I heard you were unwell after you left the party.” Regent Robina asked. 

Irelina and Medicius briefly gazed at each other as they kept it a secret. 

“Yes, that’s true. Maybe it's because my body has not fully recovered, and I also felt overwhelmed by what had happened at the party. My apologies if leaving the party was disrespectful,” said Irelina.

“You should take care of yourself, Irelina. Health comes first above everything.” The regent added, “Honestly, I was surprised by your audacity of revealing yourself to everyone. You also came with the Emperor of Horos who made everyone's eyes on you.”

“My apologies, Regent Robina. It wasn’t my intention not to tell you beforehand. Even Medi-sus doesn’t know either.”

There she goes again, her twisted tongue. At least she’s trying her best to pronounce my name well. I don’t mind her calling me Medicine. 

Medicius quietly smirked. 

Irelina noticed his calm smile. She hiddenly smiled between the tip of her lips of the teacup, thinking, He looks cute when he smiles. He should smile often. She put the teacup on the table and took a piece of paper from her pocket. It was a drawing of combat clothing that she had drawn some time ago. 

The regent took it, “What is this?” and unfolded the note on the paper. 

Medicius could not help himself but also peeked at what Irelina drew. 

“I drew them. I was wondering if there’s a way to get an outfit made like that?” Irelina asked.

There were two sets of apparel she drew. They were all black. One was for her daily secret training, and the other apparel was for her secret mission. She wants the same outfit she wore when she was Iris Jin. It was a sleeveless crop top made in a soft black stretchable cotton fabric, the same for the thicker tights. 

The second design included a sleeveless fitted-cotton crop tank with skinny black tight pants that go well with black combat boots. She also included in the drawing a comfortable leather gear that is fitted and detachable to the shoulder for protection and a sheath belt for daggers. 

“Of course, we can have this tailored in the combat shop that makes this outfit. But may I ask why you need this?” Regent Robina wondered. 

“Ah. I need some comfortable inner garments to go outside the palace someday since I don’t like wearing uncomfortable fancy dresses.” Irelina’s white lies. 

“Right, you haven’t been outside the palace. But do you think the clothes look too revealing? You need either a cloak or a soft fabric dress for this.” Regent Robina suggested.

“I Agree,” Medicius cleared his throat and added, “It wouldn’t be a good expression if you plan to see the central city in that daring clothing.” 

“You’re right. I haven’t thought about the cloak or soft fabric dress. Please do as you wish, Regent Robina.” Irelina smiled, thinking, Oh well, not bad. I can remove them when necessary.

“I will let my servant take this to the combat shop. Although it will take some time.” The regent said.

“That is fine. No rush at all,” said Irelina.

“By the way—” Medicius said, but they were interrupted by the door creaking.  

They were startled when they saw Devin, whose face was stunned to see Irelina’s closer appearance this time.  

“What are you doing here, Devin Gratus?" the regent said sternly.

Devin bowed. "My apologies for the intrusion, Regent Robina. Your Majesty has called for the 9th Concubine in the council room."

Huh? Irelina was in disbelief. “Why me?” she mumbled.

"The assembly meeting is not for the Concubine to attend. Why does His Majesty want her there?" Regent Robina said strictly.

"It was a request from the Emperor of Horos. He will not give us what we wanted if we don't bring the 9th Concubine." Devin explained.

Irelina was annoyed. Is he freaking serious? Now, he's using me as bait? I don't even want to see that inconsiderate face of His Majesty. She felt upset, but she couldn’t do anything. It’s His Majesty’s order. 

“Irelina, you don’t need to go.” The regent said. 

"It’s fine, Regent Robina. I’ll go. I believe I will be okay,” she smiled.

Irelina then tucked the strands of her hair behind her ears and sweetly smiled at them with her voluptuous figure. They were mesmerized by her gracefulness. 

"Lead the way, Devin. We don't want the gentlemen to keep waiting, right?" said Irelina.

Ella looked worried for her, but Irelina smiled at Ella—a silent gesture that she would be fine. 

They left the room. 

The hallway was quiet, and the sound of their footsteps was faint. Devin felt slightly uncomfortable and didn’t dare look at Irelina while they walked in the hallway. 

"Devin, right?" Irelina broke the silence between them.

Devin flinched. "Ah, yes, Concubine Irelina." 

Irelina brows flinched. 

I'm sick and tired of hearing this Concubine word. I'm no one’s Concubine. She felt irritated.  

"Do you know why the Emperor of Horos requested my presence?" Irelina asked, diverting her thoughts.

“My apologies, Concubine IreIina; I do not have the answer to your question,” said Devin.

“Right,” Irelina added, “Also—”

“Yes, Concubine Irelina.” 

“Will you stop addressing me as a Concubine?” said Irelina.

Devin was astounded and opposed. “But I can’t do that.” 

“Yes, you can.” Her tone sounded irate.

“My apologies, but I can’t. You’re the Golden Empire, 9th Concubine. It would be a disgrace not to respect His Majesty’s Concubines,” Devin explained.

Irelina stopped walking, and Devin did, too. Her side-view stoic expression made Devin wonder. 

“Is there something wrong, Concubine—”

Irelina furrowed her brows. 

“Devin Gratus, I am not going to say it twice. So, please do not use that annoying word; just call me Lady Irelina.” Irelina demanded. 

Devin sighed, holding his planner notebook. She’s stubborn, just like His Majesty. I hope I’m not going to lose my head for this. He said, “As you wish, Lady Irelina.” 

“Much better.” Irelina smiled at him.

Devin’s cheeks slightly blushed as he led the way to the council room.