Zhao Han watched her intently, his expression encouraging. "I understand your hesitation," he said softly. "But I promise, you'll be safe with me. Your aunt will be well taken care of, and you'll have everything you need."Aoi's eyes flicked back to his, searching for any sign of deceit. She saw none, but that didn't ease her suspicion. Her grip on the dagger loosened slightly, but she didn't lower it. "And if I still refuse?" she asked, her voice trembling.Zhao Han's expression hardened, his eyes narrowing. "Refusal is not an option, as I said before," he stated firmly, his tone leaving no room for argument. "You will be my consort, and in return, you and your aunt will live in comfort and safety."Aoi's heart sank. She knew she had no choice. The weight of his words pressed down on her, and she felt trapped. Slowly, reluctantly, she nodded."Good," Zhao Han said, his smile returning. "You've made the right decision."Aoi's frustration boiled over, and she couldn't hold back any longer. "You forced me to be your consort. I am not going to sleep with you for one single day!" she yelled, her voice filled with anger and defiance.Zhao Han remained calm, his expression surprisingly patient. "The Empress Dowager would make me marry a princess from the neighboring empire, and that would mean they have our empire's power and can take over this empire anytime. If I have a consort, I can use her as my excuse for not marrying anytime soon," he explained, his tone measured and rational.Aoi's eyes widened in realization. "So I am just an excuse?" she asked, her voice tinged with a mix of disbelief and relief.Zhao Han tilted his head slightly, a small smirk playing on his lips. "Are you... happy or am I hallucinating?" he asked, slightly amused.Aoi couldn't help but let out a small laugh. "I am happy. No need to sleep with you, I get paid, I get a fine place to live and fine foods to eat. Isn't it good?" she said, her guard dropping.Zhao Han watched her, a mixture of relief and curiosity in his eyes. "You truly don't mind?" he asked, his voice softer now.Aoi shook her head, a small smile playing on her lips. "No, I don't mind. As long as I don't have to do anything inappropriate, I'm fine with it. It's a good deal for me."Zhao Han's expression softened, and he took a step back, giving her more space. "I promise, you won't have to do anything you're uncomfortable with. You'll have your own quarters, and you'll be treated with respect."Aoi nodded, feeling a sense of relief wash over her. "Thank you, Your Highness," she said, her voice more relaxed now.Zhao Han smiled, a genuine warmth in his eyes. "You're welcome, Aoi. I'm glad we could come to an understanding."Aoi felt a weight lift off her shoulders. She had been so worried about what this arrangement would entail, but now she felt more at ease. She looked around the palace, taking in the grandeur and beauty of her new surroundings. "This place is incredible," she said softly.Zhao Han nodded. "It is. And now, it's your home too."Aoi smiled, feeling a sense of hope for the first time in a long while. She knew there would be challenges ahead, but for now, she was content with the arrangement. She looked at Zhao Han, seeing him in a new light, she had to admit that thinking he's a flat toad might be a bad decision since he looks surprisingly good now. Maybe, just maybe, this wouldn't be so bad after all. But she couldn't let herself at complete ease. This is the palace. A single thing can remove her head from her shoulders.