Su Yaoyao immediately sensed the awkwardness in the air. ’This isn’t good,’ she thought. She didn’t want to ruin this beautiful moment.

So, she quickly looked up, her eyes full of sincerity, and said with a smile, "But this really is beautiful. The design is so unique, and I truly love it. Thank you, Mingye." As she spoke, she gently tugged on his sleeve as if to soothe him.

Hearing her words, Mingye was taken aback for a moment. Then, the gloom in his eyes gradually faded, and a smile returned to his lips. "As long as you like it," he said.

The sun was beginning to set, painting the horizon with a splendid sunset glow.

Mingye had specially prepared a carriage for their return journey. It was exquisitely decorated, its body carved with intricate patterns.

’On such a picturesque evening,’ he thought, ’riding in a carriage with Su Yaoyao, slowly admiring the painting-like scenery outside the window, and leisurely returning to the castle... it would be an incredibly romantic affair.’

Mingye stepped into the carriage first. The interior was warm and comfortable, with soft cushions and exquisite pillows. Everything was just right.

He stood inside and extended a hand to Su Yaoyao, his eyes full of anticipation. 𝘧𝑟𝑒𝑒𝘸𝘦𝘣𝑛𝑜𝘷𝑒𝓁.𝘤𝘰𝓂

However, Su Yaoyao looked at his outstretched hand, bit her lip, and said hesitantly, "I want to go to the inn to be with my Beast Husbands. I won’t be returning to the castle tonight." Her eyes held a trace of apology, but even more so, concern for her Beast Husbands.

Upon hearing this, Mingye’s bright eyes instantly darkened, and a wave of disappointment washed over him.

He said in a low voice, "Yaoyao, I need to discuss some details of the treaty with you. They’re crucial and will determine the final outcome of our peace talks. I think it would be best to go over them now."

At this, Su Yaoyao’s eyes lit up. The peace talks had always been her top priority, and she knew how important they were.

Without further hesitation, she nodded. "Alright." She took Mingye’s strong, well-defined hand and let him help her gracefully into the carriage.

Mingye gently lowered the carriage curtain, shutting out the noise of the world outside.

The carriage began to move, its gentle swaying adding a subtle tension to the atmosphere inside.

Su Yaoyao sat on the soft cushion, her body slightly stiff as an indescribable tension crept over her.

Alone with Mingye in the small, enclosed space, the very air seemed to thicken, making every breath feel charged with a strange significance.

This close proximity made her involuntarily recall the sensual dream she’d had the night before.

Intimate scenes with Mingye from the dream flooded her mind—the passionate emotions, the deep gazes, the intimate touches. It was all so vivid, as if it were happening right before her eyes.

Her cheeks flushed uncontrollably, and her heart began to pound as if it would burst from her chest.

To distract herself, Su Yaoyao frantically turned her gaze to the scenery outside.

The familiar streets, buildings, and trees were all bathed in the warm hues of the setting sun, draped in a golden veil that made everything look dreamlike and beautiful.

But as Su Yaoyao gazed at the beautiful scenery, she couldn’t help but think of her Beast Husbands.

’I miss them,’ she thought. ’I wonder what they’re doing right now?’

At this thought, a flicker of sadness crossed her eyes.

But then she comforted herself. ’Business comes first. We can be inseparable later.’

This fleeting change did not escape Mingye’s sharp eyes.

He pursed his lips. ’He knew she was thinking about her Beast Husbands. Was I being too selfish?’

’But... I just want Yaoyao to be with me. Forever.’

Mingye took a box of fruit from a nearby bag and offered it to Su Yaoyao. "Try some," he said.

He had bought them earlier when they passed through the market, thinking Su Yaoyao would like them.

Su Yaoyao turned her head, her eyes full of curiosity as she looked at what he was holding. "What’s this?"

Mingye explained with a smile, "They’re called Spiritual Fruits. They only grow near a Spiritual Spring. The fruit is shaped like a teardrop, and its skin has a faint, shimmering halo. When you take a bite, the fragrance is incredible, and the juice is sweet and refreshing. They taste amazing. Try one."

Su Yaoyao took one and gently popped it into her mouth. It melted the moment it touched her tongue, a sweet and sour flavor instantly spreading across her taste buds, as pleasant as a gentle spring breeze.

Her eyes lit up, and a happy smile bloomed on her face. "This is delicious!"

Watching her innocent, childlike smile, Mingye felt his own lips curve upward involuntarily, his eyes filled with adoration.

Bathed in the sunset’s afterglow, the carriage filled with a warm and sweet atmosphere.

「In the castle’s spacious and quiet council hall.」

Candlelight flickered, casting a dim yellow glow across a table laden with documents.

Su Yaoyao and Mingye sat facing each other, engaged in a long and in-depth discussion about the details of the peace talks.

Time slipped by during their focused discussion, and before they knew it, the night outside had become as dark as ink.

Su Yaoyao forced her exhausted body to stay upright and tried to concentrate, but the fatigue from days of travel and work finally took its toll. Her eyelids grew heavier and heavier.

Finally, overcome by a wave of drowsiness, she slumped onto the table and fell fast asleep.

Only then did Mingye put down his documents. He smiled slightly; in truth, he had noticed her dozing off for a while.

Mingye stood, walked around the table to her side, and lifted her into his arms. He then carried her toward her room.

Once in the room, he gently placed her on the bed, remaining bent over her form.

The love he had kept hidden was now fully exposed in his gaze as he looked tenderly at Su Yaoyao.

Her long eyelashes cast faint shadows on her cheeks. Her lips were slightly parted, revealing a glimpse of her soft, pink tongue. She looked utterly and charmingly innocent.

Mingye felt as if an invisible hand were strumming his heartstrings. An uncontrollable desire stirred deep within him.

He slowly lowered his head, his movements gentle, and softly pressed his lips against hers.

The kiss was a careful exploration. When he felt that she hadn’t woken up, he trembled slightly as he slid his tongue inside, gently tangling with and caressing hers, as if pouring all his repressed emotions into it.

But just as his self-control was about to shatter, he forced himself to pull away, panting heavily. His chest heaved, his eyes a mixture of conflict and reluctance.

He lingered, reluctant to leave, tucking a stray strand of her hair into place. He gently pulled the blanket over her before slowly turning and leaving the room with heavy steps.

All that remained in the quiet room was the sound of Su Yaoyao’s even breathing and a lingering, intimate atmosphere that had yet to fade.