Bailey's sharp words left Jayden unable to meet her gaze, and for the first time in his life, he weakly averted his eyes.
As the intimidating effect took hold, Bailey broke into a smile.
"But no matter how prestigious I am, a father will always be a father. How could I truly blame you?"
She reached out and released Jayden from the pausing state. "Father, don't be angry. I hope you can calm down. There's no need to strain our relationship. I am a queen consort to the least. If the Fourth Prince can achieve greatness in the future, won't our family also benefit?"
Jayden never expected her to utter such audacious words. He glanced around, ensuring no one else was passing by, before warning her. "Don't speak nonsense."
"Father, by marrying my younger sister to the Fifth Prince, aren't you harboring such intentions? However, it would be better for me to advise you to remain neutral. While the mother of the Fifth Prince is an imperial noble concubine, and the influence of his maternal grandfather, the Duke, is formidable, who's to say that the emperor has no scruples?"
What Bailey said caused Jayden's expression tense, and he looked at her in astonishment. "How could you say such a thing? I've been wondering about it before. How is "it possible that you were imprisoned in the Revelation Temple and yet emerged unscathed without facing any punishment? What did you do?"
With a steady smile, Bailey replied, "It doesn't matter what I did. What matters is that it won't be so easy to harm me. So, Father, why not gamble about which of your daughters will be more useful in the future?"
Jayden shifted his gaze and secretly resolved not to neglect Bailey's mother.
When Sidney saw Alicia, she had a stern expression, clearly upset.
"What's wrong, Alicia? Our wedding day is just a few days away. Who are you upset with?"
Alicia couldn't help but vent her frustration. "Thomas, I am angered and it's all because of Bailey. When she came to our manor to visit her sick mother, she clashed with me and refused to apologize. She's truly going too far!"
"Poor darling." Sidney gently stroked her head. "Didn't your father stand up for you?"
"Not at all. My father's attitude today was even more unusual. He gently spoke to her the entire time, as if I were an outsider"
Sidney's eyes flickered, and he asked calmly, "Why is that? Did something else happen?"
"According to the servants, my father initially went to the residence of Bailey's mother to confront Bailey. But after waiting a while, he came out as if he were a changed person. Not only that, he even accompanied Bailey to the carriage before departing.
"I see..." A trace of malice flashed in Sidney's eyes.
However, there was no need to worry. He had long prepared a "gift" for her.
On his wedding day, both Rory and Bailey would None of them should think they can get away easily!
He wondered if his future father-in-law would be heartbroken and infuriated when he saw his daughter's scandalous behavior.
Suddenly, Sidney became somewhat eager for that day to come.
Soon, the day of the Fifth Prince's marriage to the second daughter of the Noel family arrived.
The Noel family's consecutive queen consorts earned them great prestige and special recognition.
Fingobtorach kory also brought Bailey and Brenna to the occasion.
As it was the Fifth Prince's wedding to his official queen consort, the celebration was grand.
Even the emperor, empress, and noble concubine personally attended the royal residence during the ceremony.
Although Bailey had heard that Concubine Lilia was highly favored in the palace, seeing her in person made her slightly nervous.
During the grand wedding, the emperor and empress wore golden robes, exuding dignity.
Meanwhile, Concubine Lilia appeared in a striking red ceremonial gown.
Her gown was adorned with intricate embroidery of birds and flowers, radiating a dazzling brilliance!
What captivated everyone's gaze even more was the string of pearl necklaces she wore.
Bailey had heard tales of the revered tradition of wearing neck pearls in the Kingdom of Cruylia. Among the myriad of neck pearls, the lapis lazuli pearl held the highest honor.
It was rumored that the lapis lazuli pearl exhibited a spectrum of colors under the sunlight and moonlight, as if it absorbed the life force of the cosmos, symbolizing the celestial bodies.
Aside from the emperor, empress, and the empress dowager, it was deemed improper for anyone to don such an ornament.
The audacity of Concubine Lilia!
Following the ceremonial exchange of vows, Alicia was escorted to the bridal chamber to await her partner while the guests assembled in the grand hall, reveling in the banquet.
The palace kitchen bustled with ceaseless activity.
Within a secluded alcove reserved for beverage preparation.
A plamp handmaiden slyly sneaked in.
Observing the glasses arranged on the tray, she meticulously concealed the hidden substance in her sleeve into two cups.
Suddenly, someone tapped her shoulder, jolting her senses. It was only upon recognizing the individual that she breathed a sigh of relief. "Kailey, you nearly frightened me out of my wits!"
The handmaiden, Kailey, lowered her voice and inquired, "The master is apprehensive and sent me to ascertain if all preparations have been adequately made."
"Rest assured, everything is in order," assured the plump handmaiden, her confidence brimming. "I have added a special concoction to these two cups of wine. Once consumed, it will unleash an uncontrollable fervor within them! Later, I will present one cup to Princess Zoe, and you shall deliver the other to King Rory. Hehe, then we shall eagerly await the spectacle!"
Kailey's mind wandered to the beautiful visage of King Rory, radiating charm that made one blush, causing her to nibble on her lip.
"King Rory is so enchanting, but it seems Princess Zoe will be the fortunate one."
"Oh, you simpleton! Can't you discern the subtlety of my scheme? Any skilled warrior would surely detect any issues and not let themselves be taken advantage of so easily!"
Kailey was left stunned by the explanation.
"Huh? If King Rory will undoubtedly uncover our plan, why add the substance? It appears excessive, and we may inadvertently court trouble."
The plump handmaiden prodded Kailey, saying, "Oh, you idiot! Do you think someone like King Rory would allow himself to be controlled? Should he detect any irregularities, he will secretly investigate the culprit... However, once we lead him to Princess Zoe, let's see how she weaves her tale! Moreover..."
"The dose within Princess Zoe's cup is far from meager!"
A wicked grin played across her cherubic countenance, causing her plump cheeks to tremble excitedly.
"Once she drank it, in less time than it takes to burn a stick of incense, she will be powerless to resist. Faced with the godlike King Rory, she might even address him as her beloved husband!"