"You—why are you here?!"
Qian Renxue took a steady breath, forcibly suppressing her surprise. She stepped into the bedchamber and closed the doors behind her.
Straightening her posture, she spoke coldly, her authority unmistakable.
"This is the imperial bedchamber. Unauthorized entry is forbidden."
"Unauthorized?" Bai Mu rose to his feet with a faint smile. "Your Majesty, I've been working tirelessly for the empire. Hardly an idle person."
He stepped closer, his gaze calm and probing.
"Didn't I say before? I wanted to see what it feels like to stand at the heart of imperial power."
She drew her hand back, eyes sharp.
"Mind your behavior. I am the sovereign of the Heaven Dou Empire."
Bai Mu's eyes glinted.
"Exactly. That dignity—this authority—is precisely what I wished to witness."
"If you continue this insolence," she said coldly, "you will regret it."
He raised his hands in mock surrender.
"Then let us speak properly."
Her tension eased slightly, though her guard remained.
"This is neither the time nor the place. I presided over the coronation all day. I am exhausted."
Bai Mu studied her for a moment, then nodded.
"Very well. Then let us speak of matters that concern the empire."
He gestured inward.
"Tonight, we settle accounts—political ones."
---
Light flared.
"Angel Possession."
Golden radiance erupted as her Seraphim Spirit manifested, six wings unfurling in brilliance. Strength and composure returned in an instant.
"Angel's Blessing."
Her spirit power surged, pressing forward with decisive force.
"Do not mistake restraint for weakness," Qian Renxue said icily.
Bai Mu met her head-on, unflinching.
"So this is the Empress of Heaven Dou."
The exchange was brief but intense—a contest of wills rather than force. At last, the tension ebbed, and silence returned to the chamber.
---
That night, the palace doors remained closed. No attendants were permitted to enter.
Only quiet discussions continued—of the court, the nobility, and the empire's future.
When dawn neared, the storm between them had finally calmed.
---
"That was… exhausting," Bai Mu said quietly.
Qian Renxue shot him a sharp look.
"You dragged me into discussions all night. How am I supposed to attend Morning Court like this?"
Bai Mu smiled and activated a spirit ability. Vital energy flowed, restoring her condition to its peak.
"…Impressive," she admitted, rising to prepare for court.
"Your Majesty," Bai Mu said lightly, "there is still time."
She glared at him.
"Behave yourself."
---
Outside the chamber, the two guardians exchanged glances.
"…Youth," one muttered.
"Indeed," the other sighed. "But Heaven Dou's future is in capable hands."