Su Yaoyao’s face instantly flushed as red as a ripe apple. Her heart thundered, a startled fawn crashing wildly inside her chest.

She tilted her head up slightly, her gaze meeting Augustine’s deep eyes. Her own flustered, shy reflection stared back at her, like a figure in a breathtakingly beautiful painting.

Su Yaoyao bit her lower lip, forcing herself to calm down. She tried to channel the easy confidence she felt during their video calls, took a deep breath, and mustered her courage to speak.

"Your Majesty, you said you need to discuss this with your ministers, but... will they listen to you?"

Her voice held a slight tremor, a clear sign she hadn’t yet recovered from the charged atmosphere of a moment ago.

Augustine raised a single eyebrow, a glint of confidence in his eyes. "In this Empire, there is nothing I cannot do. It’s merely that this matter has far-reaching implications and must be planned with care."

Just then, Augustine tightened the arm wrapped around her waist, sending a fresh wave of panic through Su Yaoyao.

"Your Majesty, you’re too close."

Su Yaoyao’s voice was a soft, trembling whisper, tinged with a coquettish plea.

A charming smile touched Augustine’s lips. He leaned in close to her ear, his voice a low murmur. "This piece is about love. We’re at the part about passionate romance, so naturally, the dance must be more passionate as well." His warm breath ghosted over her neck, sending a pleasant shiver down her spine.

His words made Su Yaoyao grow even more flustered. She tried to pull away, but Augustine’s arm was like an iron clamp locked around her waist, holding her fast.

"Don’t fidget," he chided softly. "Focus on the dance."

His deep voice rumbled beside her ear, making it tingle.

Following the melody, Augustine spun Su Yaoyao across the balcony, each of his movements fluid and bold.

Su Yaoyao could only cling tightly to his shoulders, her flustered steps struggling to keep time. She occasionally trod on Augustine’s feet.

"S-Sorry," she said, her face full of apology. But Augustine didn’t seem to mind at all. He just smiled. "It’s fine. If it’s Yaoyao stepping on me, I’d be willing to let it happen for a lifetime."

His words made Su Yaoyao’s heart skip a beat, her cheeks burning even hotter. She snuck a glance around and realized with a jolt that the curtains on this side of the balcony hadn’t been drawn. Their dance was in full view of many of the guests.

Many guests were staring, their expressions a mixture of surprise, envy, and open speculation.

And among them were three scorching gazes fixed squarely on her.

Bai Lian’s eyes were predatory, like a tiger watching its prey, as if he wanted to snatch her and hide her away.

Having spent so much time with them, Su Yaoyao knew that Bai Lian’s possessiveness was the strongest.

Reg went so far as to crush the wine glass in his hand, his face livid with rage.

Pani’s eyes were rimmed with red, his rabbit ears drooping. He looked like he was about to cry, a sight that made Su Yaoyao’s heart ache with pity.

Su Yaoyao wanted to cry but had no tears. ’I’m going to be ’tortured’ again,’ she thought. ’I don’t know if my little body can handle it.’

She shifted uncomfortably. "Your Majesty," she whispered to Augustine, "everyone is watching."

Augustine followed her gaze to the three jealous men. A smirk touched his lips, and he said nonchalantly, "Let them watch."

With that, not only did he not pull back, he drew Su Yaoyao in even closer, his dance steps growing wilder.

He even leaped directly from the balcony back onto the ballroom dance floor.

As the music drew to a close, Augustine suddenly stopped dancing. He cupped Su Yaoyao’s face in his hands, his gaze both fervent and tender. "Yaoyao, from the first moment I saw you, I knew you were different."

His breath ghosted across her cheeks, making her already burning face feel even hotter.

Su Yaoyao’s heart jolted. She looked up at Augustine, her eyes filled with confusion. "Your Majesty, I... I’m just an ordinary female. What have I possibly done to deserve such attention from you?"

Augustine said earnestly, "Your kindness, your courage, and your unwavering sense of justice... they all move me." His voice, low and sincere, sounded exceptionally clear amidst the noise of the bustling ballroom.

Stunned by this sudden confession, Su Yaoyao’s eyes went wide. She opened her mouth, but no words came out.

While she was still in a daze, Augustine’s face drew slowly closer until their noses were almost touching, their warm breaths mingling.

"Your Majesty..." Su Yaoyao murmured, her voice filled with uncertainty.

A slight smile played on Augustine’s lips. "Call me Augustine," he whispered.

Then, his lips drew nearer, about to press against Su Yaoyao’s. But just as they were about to touch, the ballroom lights flickered several times, then with a sharp SNAP, they all went out, plunging the entire hall into pitch darkness.

The sudden darkness threw the ballroom into chaos. Gasps of alarm and the crash of tables and chairs rose in a cacophony, a turbulent wave that completely washed away the intimate atmosphere.

Su Yaoyao subconsciously tightened her grip on Augustine’s arm, her body trembling slightly.

Augustine gently patted her hand, his low voice a soothing balm. "Don’t be afraid. I’m here." His voice was steady and strong, offering a reassuring anchor in the noisy chaos.

He then raised his voice, shouting to the crowd, "Everyone remain calm! Do not panic! Guards, check the power lines immediately and find the cause!" His voice boomed like a great bell, filled with an innate authority that gradually quieted the chaotic hall.

In the darkness, Su Yaoyao could feel Augustine’s breath beside her ear. Her heart was still racing, and she couldn’t tell if it was from the intimacy of a moment ago or the tension of the present.

Just as she was lost in panic, a powerful force suddenly yanked her away from Augustine. Su Yaoyao cried out in surprise, but before she could react, she was pulled into a familiar, tight embrace. It was Bai Lian’s scent.

"Leon, you..." Su Yaoyao began, but Bai Lian cut her off. "Shh. Come with me." His voice was low, carrying an unyielding hardness.

Without waiting for her to respond, Bai Lian pulled her along, weaving quickly through the darkness, dodging the panicked crowd and heading for a side door of the ballroom.

Augustine reached out in the darkness, but his hand grasped only empty air.

Just then, the lights flickered back on. Augustine’s gaze instantly locked onto the sight of Bai Lian and Su Yaoyao running away.

A flicker of unconcealed disappointment crossed his face. The eyes that had been filled with such deep affection and anticipation moments before now looked dull and lifeless. He slowly clenched his fists, his knuckles turning white from the force.

A flustered-looking guard captain hurried over. "Your Majesty, it seems the wiring was tampered with. We’ll find out who did it and drag them before you."

Augustine’s gaze remained fixed on the direction in which Bai Lian and Su Yaoyao had disappeared. After a moment of silence, he spoke slowly. "There’s no need."

His voice was low and cold, tinged with infinite desolation.