Jun Yulin’s expression didn’t change much, but his tone softened slightly. “The peach blossoms in the inner courtyard are in full bloom. The rain is light, and the weather outside is quite pleasant. Your Majesty is busy all day long—why not come out with me for some fresh air and a break?”
Yan Luo only considered it for a moment before agreeing.
The location was within the palace, and since she was going with Jun Yulin, the attendant maids were ordered to follow from a distance.
Jun Yulin held a paper umbrella in his hand, shielding the two of them beneath it.
As they walked, new green branches swayed around them, and the cool breeze carried the scent of damp earth. The rain was light and not fine. When carried by the wind, it made one feel relaxed.
Yan Luo glanced sideways at Jun Yulin beside her, still unable to figure out just what was going on with this man.
It was said that they were mortal-enemies, but his behavior didn’t exactly match that description.
This was her first time encountering a blackening male god like this, whose blackening value fluctuated wildly. It was high, yet changes so easily.
It was impossible to tell what was going on in his head.
It was truly baffling. Maybe Little Pink had once again scammed her. It probably missed some key piece of information, which was why she couldn’t make sense of Jun Yulin’s behavior.
The peach grove was not far ahead, a wide stretch of pale pink and white. Even before getting close, the delicate fragrance of the blossoms drifted on the breeze.
Each blossom was tipped with droplets of water, trembling faintly in the wind. Now and then, a few petals would drift down.
Jun Yulin was never one to speak much. He glanced at Yan Luo beside him. She was simply strolling through the grove, lost in thought.
A few petals landed unintentionally in her hair. Her features still held a trace of youthful innocence. Having shed the dragon robe for a lighter outfit—though still embroidered with dragon patterns—she looked more delicate and refined than she did when dressed in the dragon robe.
“Is something troubling Your Majesty?” Jun Yulin, after much restraint and repeated glances, finally couldn’t help but speak. His tone, however, remained cool and unreadable.
Yan Luo, of course, had no idea what was going on in his mind. She responded with a soft “Mm,” and casually replied, “I was just wondering how things are going with the Grand Chancellor and my cousin.”
[*Ding*—Jun Yulin’s blackening value +2 (79/100)]
Yan Luo : WTF, why??
—Boss, can’t you just say what’s on your mind? Can you not leave me here overthinking like this??
Before she could make sense of it, a few young men came walking toward them. They looked to be in their mid-teens, each with handsome features. She vaguely recalled seeing them at a recent banquet. As they drew nearer, Jun Yulin’s expression darkened once again.
“Your Majesty,” the boys greeted brightly, clearly excited and delighted as they approached.
Looking at these slender, refined-looking boys—probably sixteen or seventeen—Yan Luo felt a flash of confusion in her eyes.
—Who are these people? Why are they in the palace?
[*Ding*—Jun Yulin’s blackening value +2 (81/100)]
Yan Luo : If you keep acting like this, you’re seriously going to lose this baby, do you even realize that??
Jun Yulin’s expression remained composed, but a shadow flickered in his gaze. Sulking inwardly, he looked up just as Yan Luo frowned at him.
She was puffing her cheeks slightly, looking thoroughly annoyed. Gone was her usual imperial domineering air, what remained was something endearingly cute and a little frustrated.