In the end, the attack on the Kong Clan was explained away as an accident caused by startled horses, and thus the truth was hidden from the public. Due to this incident, the Kong Clan and the Bu Clan became closer.

As soon as they had returned to the mansion, Matthew locked Harper in the bedroom, saying that it was necessary to ensure her safety. His wife disagreed, and furiously threw a pillow at him.

Deftly, Matthew caught it and returned it to the bed. "That woman got away," he remarked.

"She was lucky to," sneered Harper. "She fell off the cliff together with me. It's almost impressive, how she was able to run away first. She's like a venomous snake, hiding away in its cave as soon as its attack fails. But don't worry. As long as I'm alive, she won't let herself rest."

Matthew drew near, and his voice deepened. "Harp, did you break your promise again?"

She shook her head at once. "No, darling, I didn't. I had no intention of risking my life. I just wanted to have a look, but I was pushed off the cliff. I had no idea Hailey would know my whereabouts so

as said, playfully scratching her nose. "Come on, let's get a move on. First we'll go see my mother, and then we can go out and have some fun. It's so boring, staying cooped up in the Imperial Palace."

"Yes, Lucas."

Their visit with Maria was pleasant but unremarkable, and afterward the two went to leave the Imperial Palace, as planned. As they approached the gate, however, they caught sight of a guard entering through it on horseback.

"Lucas," said Lilian, pointing.

"It must be some urgent message from far away—possibly about something very dire," answered Lucas, more than a little rattled at the sight. Normally, anyone who entered the Imperial Palace was expected to dismount and leave their horse at the gate. The only exception was if there was something very serious going on, and news of it could not be delayed.

"What could have happened?" Lilian asked uneasily. Ever since her talk with Harper, she had been worried that she would become a pawn in an arranged marriage with someone from a foreign country. In general, she had been nervous and on edge.