Chapter Eighty-Eight

Lilith Castle. As soon as Shadow Moon and Xiahou Yu departed, Arthur retreated to his study, skipping dinner entirely. He remained there, engrossed in his books, until a knock sounded at the door. Without raising his head, Arthur spoke in a calm, distant tone, "Come in."

Hill entered, his steps precise as always, though his expression betrayed a hint of hesitation. He paused before the desk, uncertain how to begin.

Arthur broke the silence. "Are the luggage for myself and Miss prepared?"

"Yes, Your Highness, all is ready."

"And the plane?"

"That too. We await only Miss Youyu's return, then we can depart at any time," Hill replied. Arthur asked nothing further, his eyes returning to his book. Yet Hill lingered, prompting Arthur to look up in puzzlement. "Is there something else?"

Hill glanced at Arthur, as if struggling with words, then Arthur's brow furrowed. "What troubles you so deeply?"

Hill lowered his head, steeling himself. "News has arrived from Rome." He spoke, still refusing to meet Arthur's gaze, awaiting instructions, his head bowed even lower.

Arthur's already furrowed brow tightened further. After a long silence, he finally said, "You may go. I understand."

"Yes, Your Highness." Hill turned to leave, but as he reached the door, Arthur called him back.

"Phone Maria. Tell her I need to discuss something important with her," Arthur hesitated slightly, but spoke nonetheless.

"Yes, Your Highness." Hill headed for the doorway again, only to pause once more, turning back with uncertainty.

"Your Highness, about Miss Shadow Moon—"

"I will decide on that matter. Go now," Arthur interrupted, waving him away.

Hill glanced at Arthur, ultimately saying nothing more. When he left the study, he heaved a deep sigh.

Inside, Arthur stood and gazed through the window into the pitch-black night. His face remained as composed as ever, but in his heart, two words echoed ceaselessly—Lanlan, Lanlan...

Royal Banquet Hall

Shadow Moon stared in shock as the red wine came flying toward her. She had not expected such an act in a place like this.

Xiahou Yu, though engaged in conversation with others, kept a constant eye on Shadow Moon. When he glimpsed the scene, his heart lurched; he abandoned his conversation and composure, striding swiftly toward her.

The guests' attention was drawn to Shadow Moon, their expressions eager for drama.

Shadow Moon watched the crimson liquid draw ever nearer, yet made no attempt to dodge.

With a splash, the wine arced perfectly through the air and fell. Shadow Moon squeezed her eyes shut in tension, waiting for the wetness, the scent of wine—yet nothing came. She opened her eyes in disbelief.

Before her stood someone she never expected to see here.

Xiahou Yu, rushing over, stopped abruptly, watching the man who had pulled Shadow Moon into his embrace.

"Xi—" He forced a smile. "You arrived without telling me. I could have welcomed you." With graceful steps, Xiahou Yu approached Shadow Moon and the newcomer.

Yu Wenxi gently helped Shadow Moon to stand, exchanging a silent pat on the shoulder with Xiahou Yu.

"Are you all right, Shadow Moon?" Xiahou Yu greeted Yu Wenxi, then looked to her.

"I'm fine." Shadow Moon withdrew her gaze from Yu Wenxi, smiling faintly at Xiahou Yu. She then looked at the floor, saying nothing further, her demeanor tranquil, though inside her heart surged with wild waves that would not settle.

Xi, it's been so long.

Xiahou Yu looked Shadow Moon over, reassured. He turned to the instigator, his gaze sharp and cold, gone was the gentleness or familiarity; his tone was stern, "Miss Smith, I wonder what offense Shadow Moon has given you to provoke such a disrespectful act?"

"I..." The woman who had thrown wine—Miss Smith—stood frozen, unable to speak.

Xiahou Yu, a steady and powerful gentleman whom she had admired for so long—finally she could see him in person, her heart fluttering uncontrollably. Yet, seeing him with another woman, jealousy gnawed at her. Now, he was scolding her harshly for another's sake; tears welled in her eyes, and she felt utterly aggrieved.

A nearby lady, seeing Miss Smith's distress, couldn't bear it. She protested, "Mr. Xiahou, you know Monica likes you. How can you speak to her like that?"

Xiahou Yu found this amusing, glancing at the speaker with a faint, ironic smile. "Miss Streeter, your words are interesting. Must I tenderly protect every woman who admires me, regardless of how arrogant or overbearing she may be?" He cast a pointed look at Miss Smith as he spoke.

Miss Streeter blushed deeply but held his gaze, determined not to let Xiahou Yu off until he apologized to Miss Smith. "Still, you shouldn't treat a lady so rudely!"

Yu Wenxi burst out laughing before Xiahou Yu could respond.

Miss Streeter glared at Yu Wenxi. "Sir, what are you laughing at? Is what I said so amusing?"

"Heh," Yu Wenxi restrained his laughter but still chuckled softly, looking at Miss Streeter with a mocking gaze. "Indeed, Miss Streeter, your words greatly amuse me." His sarcasm was undisguised, leaving Miss Streeter fuming and speechless.

Yet, as always, some chivalrous ladies leapt to her defense.

"Sir, you are truly rude!"

Yu Wenxi could only laugh; he had no other expression left. These ladies were genuinely comical. It was why he avoided developing his career abroad—he simply couldn't handle these so-called gentlewomen.

"Rude? Miss, your companion, a supposed lady, was able to commit such a disrespectful act in public—throwing wine at an innocent guest—am I not even allowed to laugh?"

"Indeed, I had thought young ladies of England's noble families would possess true refinement, yet—" Xiahou Yu continued with regret, glancing at Miss Streeter, then added, "Ah, if Baron Streeter knew, how heartbroken he would be!"

For his family had produced two tigresses in succession!

Some ladies who had heard yesterday's gossip from the Vanis boutique covered their faces, giggling, their eyes darting toward Miss Streeter. Others whispered openly.

"What is it? Why are you laughing?" One lady asked her companion, then glanced around. "By the way, why isn't Mrs. Streeter here tonight?"

The giggling lady whispered, "Yesterday, Baron Streeter accompanied his wife to Vanis to select the dress for tonight..." She embellished the tale, and though her voice was low, those nearby caught every word.

"Mrs. Streeter wanted the dress and VIP suite belonging to that young lady, not realizing that the Duke himself was accompanying her." As she mentioned the Duke, she glanced repeatedly at Shadow Moon.

A sharp intake of breath swept through the listeners. All eyes turned to Shadow Moon, their gazes complex, but no one spoke further.

For this involved that person.

That eminently influential figure.

That favored one at Her Majesty's side.

Miss Smith, seeing her friends insulted after standing up for her, grew furious and confronted Xiahou Yu and Yu Wenxi. "Enough! How dare you speak of them that way?"

"Heh. Had you not stepped forward, I might have forgotten you—the true culprit," Xiahou Yu replied, his gaze devoid of sympathy, only contempt.

Miss Smith felt a chill, staring at Xiahou Yu in disbelief. "What did you say?"

"I said, you must apologize—immediately." Xiahou Yu enunciated every word.

Miss Smith held back tears for as long as she could, but now they streamed freely. She stared at the handsome man before her, her heart full of grievance.

At this tense moment, the host—Mr. Heathley—arrived. After shaking hands with Xiahou Yu and Yu Wenxi, he inquired about the incident and, aiming to minimize trouble, laughed diplomatically. "Ah, so it was just a minor matter," he said, turning to Xiahou Yu, "Mr. Xiahou, for my sake, let it go. If this escalates, it won't be good for anyone."

Xiahou Yu sneered and was about to speak, but Yu Wenxi cut him off. "Mr. Heathley, I fear this matter won't be so easily brushed aside."

Mr. Heathley's brow furrowed, his gaze toward Yu Wenxi complex. The man was as stubborn as rumored.

Thinking for a moment, Mr. Heathley noticed Shadow Moon, unusually quiet between Xiahou Yu and Yu Wenxi.

The one who tied the knot must untie it.

Shadow Moon saw Mr. Heathley looking at her; she realized she and her companions had become the center of attention. Perhaps it was best to let things settle—making a scene would benefit nobody.

Mr. Heathley, sensing her wavering, smiled warmly. "Miss, may I ask how you see this matter—"

Shadow Moon was about to speak, but Xiahou Yu interrupted, his tone calm yet carrying an unspoken weight. "Mr. Heathley, I imagine you wouldn't wish this incident to disrupt our forthcoming collaboration?"

Mr. Heathley looked at Xiahou Yu, his composure gone, his voice grave. "Mr. Xiahou, what are you implying?"

Xiahou Yu glanced at Shadow Moon, extending his right hand. She didn't know his intent, but obediently placed her hand in his palm.

Xiahou Yu led Shadow Moon before the crowd, surveying them, and declared loudly, "What I mean is—"