Silent and stone-faced, T remained at the King’s side, his mind churning with possibilities. Deep in thought, he methodically considered who could possibly be behind today’s brazen intrusion. The King’s men sprang into action at the command, not daring to waste a single precious moment.

All this time, Ryanna had assumed some significant political prisoner was being held here. Observing the unfolding chaos, she grew increasingly certain that the madwoman must be someone her father had once loved.

Darkness clouded Ryanna’s features as the implications sank in. Her mother had only been dead for a few years, yet this madwoman had been imprisoned here for perhaps two decades.

Not being a fool, Ryanna quickly pieced together what must have happened. Her heart plummeted.

Images of her seemingly perfect royal parents flashed through her mind. Everyone had praised them as the ideal couple—a model of devotion that all citizens revered and envied.

For her entire life, Ryanna had believed herself to be the most fortunate child in the world. Despite lacking the warmth of an ordinary family, she had taken comfort in the belief that her parents truly loved each other. Soon, she was destined to become Yata’s first-ever Queen. However, now… all the beautiful illusions in her heart shattered like glass, leaving only the harsh, unforgiving reality.

The family warmth she had cherished was nothing but a mirage. Her father had long given his heart to someone else, keeping this madwoman imprisoned right under her mother’s nose.

The King, oblivious to Ryanna’s internal turmoil, stood before her with an icy demeanor. “Speak nothing of today’s events,” he warned coldly. “Otherwise, don’t blame me for being harsh.”

Though lacking explicit threats, these were the harshest words the King had ever directed at his daughter.

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In her presence, her father had always maintained a composed demeanor. Even his occasional warnings had been delivered with gentle guidance. In this single moment, the King’s image in Ryanna’s heart crumbled completely.

T cast a long, penetrating look at Ryanna. Without uttering a word, he turned and departed.

Later, in the King’s room, T lounged casually in a chair, nursing a cup of coffee. He sipped quietly, as though the chaotic events of earlier had nothing whatsoever to do with him.

Only the King betrayed any anxiety, pacing back and forth across the palace.

T looked up at the King and remarked with unsettling calmness, “I advised you to deal with her long ago. Now she’s been rescued. I wonder what you’ll do when the truth about that incident comes to light.”

This predicament had reached this critical point solely because of the King’s decisions. Had he eliminated the woman earlier, today’s disaster could have been entirely avoided.

The King’s face darkened with displeasure. “Don’t gloat,” he snapped. “If I’m implicated in this, do you truly believe your reputation will remain untarnished?”

The King and T were completely in the same boat; neither could distance themselves from the situation.

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