Flashback to the night before, a few hours after the guard relayed Noir's sudden request to the King.
"Your Highness," a guard knocked on his door, delivering the message in a respectful tone, "Your presence is required in the dining hall by His Majesty."
Noir, who had managed to doze off while Lucius was running all over the town in search of Gu Luoxin, sat up in bed and ran a hand through his tousled hair, further disheveling the curls. "Alright."
With the help of the servants, he changed into another cumbersome attire and made his way to the dining hall, where the one-eyed King was already waiting for him. As he prepared to offer a formal greeting, the King waved his hand dismissively, "Save the formalities. There's no one else but you and me here, so let's speak comfortably. Sit down, my son."
