By this time, the king had a total of six children: five princes and one princess. Despite the large royal family, the position of Crown Prince remained vacant—none of them had yet earned enough of the king's trust to be entrusted with the empire. Among them, the king's favorite was the Fifth Prince, Hắc. Brilliant in every discipline, gifted in both martial arts and scholarly pursuits—his only flaw was an aloof, icy temperament that left people both admiring and wary of him. But to the king, ability mattered more than warmth.

During a family gathering in the Hall of Chính Minh, the king's hearty laughter echoed throughout the chamber. In his hand was a report card from the royal academy.

"Well done, Hắc. Perfect scores again. Truly admirable."

Hắc bowed his head but said nothing. His silence seemed to swallow the hall whole.

The king leaned against his throne and surveyed his children.
"It's been a while since we've all gathered. First, Second, and Third—you three are of age. It's time to consider marriage."

The Third Prince immediately stepped forward and bowed.

"Father, please choose marriages that can strengthen the throne. We will obey whatever arrangements you deem best."

The king roared with laughter.

"Haha, Third son, always so mindful of state affairs. Good!"

At that moment, Hắc stood up. His gaze was cold, sharp like tempered steel, fixed directly on the king—a gesture bold enough to silence the entire hall.

"Father," Hắc said, "I request a royal marriage."

The court froze. A proud, solitary man like him... asking for a marriage?

The king raised an intrigued brow. "Oh? Whom have you taken an interest in?"

"A... girl outside the city."

The Third Prince shot up from his seat.

"A commoner? Will you have the royal family mocked?"

Hắc glanced at his brother and answered bluntly:

"If you want the throne so badly, take it. Just stop picking fights with me."

"I worry for this kingdom! Is that wrong?!" the Third Prince shouted.

"That's your life's ambition, not mine," Hắc replied curtly, his tone so cold the air itself seemed to freeze.

Beside them, the Second Prince's eyes grew distant—as if he'd already guessed the truth.

The king lifted his hand. "Very well. Since you are so determined..."

Hắc immediately knelt. "Yes, Father."

"She shall be brought into the palace."

The entire hall fell silent. Only Hắc's eyes glimmered—calm to a frightening degree.

That afternoon, in the study

When Hắc arrived to read as usual, the Second Prince was already waiting.

"A girl...?" the Second Prince tapped his fan lightly against his palm, smiling slyly. "Did I missee what happened the other day?"

"You guessed right," Hắc replied.

"Oh, so you truly intend to go through with it?" His smile deepened with implication. "Aren't you afraid I'll expose you?"

"I've already assigned Tam La as your personal bodyguard," Hắc said casually, turning a page. "If you'd rather not run into him, I won't force it."

The Second Prince burst into laughter.

"Hah... you really are unpredictable. I concede."

"Are you going out tomorrow to visit your... sweetheart?" he teased. "Let me come along."

"Fine."

But before they could continue, a shout came from outside:

"Her Majesty the Queen approaches!"

The queen entered, radiant in full ceremonial attire, her gaze sharp as a blade.

"Your Majesty," the Second Prince greeted, bowing.

Hắc also clasped his hands. "My respects, Your Highness."

But the queen did not return the courtesy. She glared at Hắc.

"You truly lack the most basic manners of the palace."

"Manners?" Hắc replied coolly. "Isn't that your sole accomplishment?"

The words struck like a slap. The queen trembled with fury, but Hắc had already walked away, leaving the room in stunned silence.

"Please calm yourself, Your Majesty... he's still young, knows little of decorum," the Second Prince said quickly, attempting to soothe her.

At Bạch Xoa's home

Moonlight draped over the lake behind the house, and a gentle breeze carried the cool scent of night grass. On a sturdy tree branch, Tam La lounged lazily, enjoying the night wind as though he had not a care in the world.

Sitting beneath the tree, Bạch Xoa tilted his head up.

"Tell me about you, the Second Prince, and Hắc."

Tam La chuckled.

"So you are curious? But what's with your relationship with Prince Hắc anyway? He even made me your personal guard—quite something."

"Hmph, you'll be shocked soon enough," Xoa said, half teasing, half serious.

Tam La let his gaze drift around, sighing with appreciation.

"Your house really has a beautiful spot. At night it feels poetic... and romantic. Perfect place for heart-to-heart talks."

Bạch Xoa smirked. "Then start talking."

"Alright."
Tam La nodded, sitting up slightly. Moonlight washed over his face—half mischievous, half mysterious.