Proposal XI

At long last, after some hours of having failed to read anything amiss from the Holy Prince's perfect bearing and kind disposition, the Fourth Prince stole a last glance at him and shook his head lightly, 'Too opulent, too perfect, too holy… such a good match can't be true and even if it is true…'

"Haa-," he shook his head again and drained his cup of wine in one sweep before rising gently to his feet and slowly backing to retire unnoticed from the banquet.

However, it was impossible for him to go out without some eyes taking notice. Fortunately, aside from the old Venerable Alchemist Gu who looked like he wanted but for some inexplicable reason didn't dared to hold him back, most of the people with eyes on him were far away from him; moreover, the Emperor had completely forgotten his existence and was having a merry conversation with the Holy Prince. Therefore, he was able to slip away from his seat with his three servants chasing silently and with worry after him.

Several pair of eyes followed the Fourth Prince along his way on the lateral path behind the right lined seats parallel to the hallway. Unexpectedly, for a slight moment, one of those pair of eyes was a pair of clear golden eyes.

'If I want to… but then… not possible… however…' Shen Rou had not the time to pay heed to whatever gazes were being thrown at the Fourth Prince's body as she was occupied reviewing her other plans as she couldn't fathom the Holy Prince.

'Huh?'

"So you are…"

As the Fourth Prince was at three quarters from getting out of the Main Palace, a middle-aged man clad in a luxurious orange and green attire got hold of his arm while grinning with a blaze in his eyes. Nevertheless, his words and enthusiasm were cut short as the Fourth Prince turned quickly, glaring up coldly at him.

His enchanting slanted dark eyes were so deadly cold that the middle-aged man felt as though his soul trembled. His brazen expression died and he let go of his arm involuntary, "I… I…"

The Fourth Prince didn't bother with him after he was released and drew his eyes to his arm; he patted it while murmuring to himself, "Dirty." Then, he resumed his steps, leaving the middle-aged man stuttering to himself.

The three servants who had seen the exchange up close were agape; since when was their prince so domineering at high-standing people and with just a glance? They looked at each other and saw the incomprehension and amazement in their companions. However, they didn't venture themselves in blatant conclusions, sprinting forward to catch up with their prince.