The Wu Clan's grand hall was filled with light, music, and the rich aroma of feasts. Every clan had gathered to celebrate their victory over the Ling Clan.
San bounced in excitedly, weaving between tables like he owned the place. "Wow, look at all this food! Oh—look, Zhan, there's roasted duck—"
Zhan, already seated at the Yun Clan's table, calmly sipped his tea without even glancing his way.
San stomped over. "You're going to ignore me again? At a party?"
Tang Hao, sitting nearby, smirked. "Looks like you've been avoiding him, Prince Zhan."
Zhan set his cup down slowly. "Avoiding… implies I was trying to escape." He glanced at San. "I was simply enjoying the peace."
San gasped dramatically. "Peace?! After I risked my life in battle for you?"
Across the hall, Gu Nie leaned toward Wei Liang, whispering, "Is he… drunk already?"
Liang sighed. "No. This is his normal."
The Queen Wu entered, her phoenix mask gleaming, and everyone stood in respect. She gave a few words of thanks to each clan. Then, lifting her cup, she declared, "Tonight, we celebrate unity!"
Everyone cheered—except Zhan, who froze as San slid into the seat beside him with a suspicious grin.
"What are you—" Zhan began.
San loudly called out, "A toast! To Prince Yun Zhan, the man who carried me for miles, healed my wounds, and secretly likes me!"
The entire hall went silent for one long, awkward heartbeat.
Then Tang Hao choked on his drink, Wei Xie buried his face in his hands, and Zhan… slowly closed his eyes in pure, quiet suffering.