The old man continued. "You know how kings and emperors often are," he said with visible disappointment. "Even after marrying many women, some still cannot restrain themselves when temptation appears before their eyes."
A bitter sigh escaped him.
"Back then, Alexander Phoenix was younger, more reckless, and far too fond of alcohol."
The room became quieter with every sentence.
Even Eamor avoided looking directly at Kiara.
"As you mentioned earlier," Ares continued, "Your mother, Tiara, originally served the Queen Mother faithfully for years. But the Queen Mother possessed no cultivation talent and eventually succumbed to old age. After her death, Tiara was transferred to serve Callista Frost."
His gaze dimmed slightly.
"At that time, Alexander Phoenix greatly favored another Queen Consort, not Callista."
A faint pause followed.
"But one night during such an absence, a drunken Alexander Phoenix entered her chambers."
The air itself felt heavier.
