"Let's go and eat then," Zhao Han chuckled softly again, his voice carrying a hint of warmth.
He led the way to the royal kitchen, his presence commanding respect as he ordered the servants to prepare their meals. This time, they came to eat alone. Eating with others had been nothing but a headache for him, and he relished the rare moment of solitude with Aoi and her aunt.
The royal kitchen buzzed with activity as the servants hurried to fulfill Zhao Han's orders. The aroma of freshly cooked dishes filled the air, creating an inviting atmosphere. Aoi watched in awe as the chefs skillfully prepared a feast fit for royalty.
As they sat down to eat, the tension between them seemed to ease. Zhao Han's demeanor softened, and Aoi found herself relaxing in his presence. They shared a quiet meal, the clinking of utensils and the soft murmur of conversation the only sounds in the room.
After finishing their lunch, Zhao Han stood up, his expression thoughtful. He pointed to a door nearby and said, "Aunt could stay there from now on," he forced a smile, though it didn't quite reach his eyes.
God, the smile is perfect, Aoi thought, her heart skipping a beat.
"Aoi, please go back to your chamber. I'll come back later," Zhao Han bowed politely before leaving the room.
Aoi watched him go, her mind racing with questions. She couldn't shake the feeling that something was amiss, but she pushed the thought aside and made her way back to her chamber.
Meanwhile, Zhao Han retreated to his room, his mind heavy with the weight of his responsibilities. He closed the door behind him and walked over to a hidden compartment in his desk. With a steady hand, he retrieved a small bottle of poison from the Norten Empire, its contents a deadly concoction known for its potency.
He stared at the bottle, his thoughts a whirlwind of conflicting emotions. The dark spirit he had encountered in the cave still lingered in his mind, its malevolent presence a constant reminder of the dangers that surrounded them. He knew he had to protect Aoi and his father, but the path ahead was fraught with peril.
Zhao Han couldn't sit still. Aoi's accusation of rebellion was a looming threat to her safety, and he knew he had to find the key evidence to prove her innocence. With a determined look, he stood up and opened his door with a loud click, striding purposefully toward Aoi's room.
As he entered her room, he found it empty. Anxiety gnawed at him, and he quickly scanned the surroundings. His heart raced as he rushed to the washroom, hoping to find her there. To his dismay, she was indeed there, showering.
A loud scream echoed through the hallways as Aoi realized she wasn't alone. "Wait, I-" Zhao Han tried to explain, his face turning crimson.
"This isn't some romance drama going on, get out instead of standing here like an idiot! Pervert!" Aoi yelled, her voice a mix of embarrassment and frustration. She dashed off, grabbing a towel to cover herself.
Zhao Han quickly turned around, his heart pounding in his chest. "I'm sorry! I didn't mean to intrude!" he stammered, backing out of the washroom and closing the door behind him.
He stood outside the door, his mind racing. He couldn't believe he had just walked in on Aoi like that. He took a deep breath, trying to calm his racing heart. "I need to focus," he muttered to himself.
A few moments later, Aoi emerged from the washroom, her face flushed with embarrassment. She was dressed in a simple robe, her hair still damp. "What do you want, Zhao Han?" she asked, her voice tinged with annoyance.
Zhao Han looked at her, his expression earnest. "Aoi, I need to find the evidence to prove your innocence. Your safety is at risk, and I can't let anything happen to you."
Aoi's expression softened slightly as she saw the genuine concern in his eyes. "I appreciate your concern, but barging into my washroom isn't going to help," she said, a hint of annoyance playing on her lips.
"So... where are the maids, if I may ask?" Zhao Han asked softly, avoiding her gaze.
"I couldn't find them for days. It's as if they've disappeared," Aoi spoke calmly, her worry evident.
"That's troublesome," Zhao Han muttered, his mind racing with possibilities. "We need to find them. They might have crucial information that can help clear your name."
Together, they set off to investigate the disappearance of the maids. As they moved through the palace, they questioned the servants and searched for any clues that might lead them to Yue Ning and Yue Qian.
"Your Highness, you're a god, why are you working so hard?" Aoi asked, confused.
"How do you know?!" his voice raised in shock, eyes widening.
"You have a unique smell of lavender, which is meant for only one type of people," she explained, curious.
Now that she knows, there's no use hiding it anyway. He gave up, nodding, "Yes, so what do you want me to do?"
"Look at what happened here with your divine eyes!" she said excitedly.
"There are clear signs of struggle here, the smell of royal colognes used by concubines, and the signature scent of Concubine Hua Liu, that old official man's favorite concubine. Isn't the evidence clear already?" he said confidently.
Aoi looked at Zhao Han with wide, incredulous eyes, much like a cat staring at a particularly baffling piece of string. Her head tilted slightly, as if trying to make sense of the unexpected sight before her. Her expression was a mix of confusion and surprise, as if she had just stumbled upon a peacock strutting through a library. The sheer absurdity of the situation left her momentarily speechless, her mouth slightly agape, resembling a fish out of water.
"Your Highness, you've used your divine eyes already," Aoi spoke, looking at him with annoyance. He made her feel stupid and smart at the same time