In the New Star Calendar year 3223, the Empire’s Crown Prince was preparing for his wedding.
As a child, the Crown Prince had been displaced due to unforeseen events and only returned to the royal family upon reaching adulthood. Despite being reinstated as the Empire’s heir, he retained his original name, rejecting the new one bestowed upon him by Emperor North.
Though such defiance might be considered disrespectful, Emperor North allowed it—not only because the Empire’s ruler had no other heirs, but also because the young prince was a formidable S-level combat ability user, with a spirit form that took the shape of an unrivaled white dragon.
Since the death of the Empire’s founding emperor, no true dragon had been seen again.
Now, the Empire had its second “dragon.”
From the moment the young prince returned, his place as the Empire’s successor was unquestionable. However, the Empire’s Crown Princess-to-be did not hail from within its borders.
Instead, he came from the Federation.
The Crown Prince’s betrothed was the only S-level support ability user in the galaxy—and the only S-level Omega.
This was a marriage of convenience, a blatant exchange of interests between the two star powers.
The day before the wedding, the Federation’s representative—his future spouse—arrived on the Imperial Capital Star. Out of courtesy, the young prince arrived early at the port to greet him.
The airship’s ramp lowered, and in the soft glow of the morning light, the pale figure of a young man descended.
The attendants behind the Crown Prince couldn’t help but show their amazement.
The Omega was stunning—perhaps the most beautiful Omega any of them had ever seen.
Dressed in a tailored white ceremonial suit, his complexion was slightly pale, yet it only accentuated his elegance, like frost-covered bamboo in winter.
As multiple pairs of eyes fell upon him, Ji Mian stood on the ramp, lowering his gaze slightly.
Chu Shiye, the Empire’s Crown Prince, stood out even without trying, naturally commanding the attention of the crowd.
Yet, his gaze lingered on Ji Mian’s face for only a few seconds before shifting elsewhere.
Ji Mian’s thoughts were calm and detached. Oh, looks like my fiancé isn’t satisfied with me. What great news.
He stepped forward, descending the ramp.
Chu Shiye remained where he stood, watching as the Omega—his betrothed—approached him step by step. His expression stayed neutral, his thoughts unreadable, as he extended a hand toward Ji Mian.
Ji Mian assumed it was a gesture of formality, so he briefly shook the Crown Prince’s hand before letting go.
“Your Highness,” Ji Mian greeted him with a polite smile, one so flawless it left no room for critique.
Chu Shiye’s reaction was subtle. After a brief pause, he uttered a soft, “Mm.”
“You must be tired,” he said. “I’ll take you to your quarters to rest.”
Ji Mian replied, “I’m fine, not too tired. But thank you for your kindness, Your Highness.”
His voice was clear and melodic, carrying a faint warmth like a finely tuned instrument being played.
As soon as he spoke, Ji Mian noticed the Crown Prince’s cold, indifferent gaze flicker toward him again.
But the look carried no discernible emotion, perhaps because the prince’s demeanor was naturally icy.
Ji Mian mused silently. Hmm… does he dislike my voice too?
Then I’ll talk more.
On the way to the palace, Ji Mian’s slightly more chatty demeanor left a favorable impression on the Crown Prince’s attendants.
The future Crown Princess, they thought, was gentle and courteous, treating everyone with warmth. His refined manners, stunning looks, and formidable abilities made him the perfect match for their prince.
This sentiment only heightened their enthusiasm in interacting with him.
Ji Mian was engaged in conversation with one of Chu Shiye’s attendants when he suddenly felt a faint chill, as though someone were staring at him with an icy gaze.
Turning his head slightly, Ji Mian noticed Chu Shiye standing nearby, his eyes seemingly focused on the scenery around him with an air of indifference.
Just my imagination? Ji Mian thought, returning to the conversation.
But strangely, the previously animated attendant suddenly went silent, avoiding eye contact and speaking no further.
Was he warned by the Crown Prince? Ji Mian mused, raising an eyebrow. It seems the prince doesn’t like me.
Shrugging internally, Ji Mian turned his attention to another attendant, engaging them instead.
Chu Shiye: “…”
By the time they arrived at the palace, not a single one of Chu Shiye’s attendants dared speak.
Ji Mian appeared completely oblivious to this change as he followed Chu Shiye into the palace.
“You should rest. The wedding will take place tomorrow morning at six,” Chu Shiye said curtly.
Ji Mian asked, “Shouldn’t I pay my respects to your father first?”
“You should rest,” Chu Shiye repeated, his golden eyes meeting Ji Mian’s. “I’ll take you to see him later tonight.”
“Alright,” Ji Mian agreed, pausing slightly before adding, “I could go on my own if needed.”
Chu Shiye, however, seemed to ignore that suggestion entirely. Without another word, he turned and left with his retinue of attendants.
Inside the opulent room prepared for him, Ji Mian glanced around. Two maids stood quietly in the corner, as still and silent as decorative vases.
With a faint smile, Ji Mian beckoned one of them forward.
“Come here.”
The maid quickly stepped closer.
Ji Mian tilted his head slightly, his tone light and casual. “Does your prince have… a ‘white moonlight’?”
The maid blinked in confusion. “???”
“Or,” Ji Mian continued, tapping his chin thoughtfully, “is there someone from a prominent family who’s admired him for years? Someone who’s secretly in love with him but hasn’t had their feelings returned?”
The maid stared, still bewildered. “???”
Ji Mian leaned back with a soft sigh. “What I mean is, isn’t there anyone here who might have it out for me? Someone who’d want to cause me trouble?”
The maid’s innocent expression brightened. “Of course not! You’re a very strong Omega, after all, and your status is incredibly important. No one would dare offend you!”
Ji Mian fell silent for a moment.
Fair enough. I suppose I am rather difficult to mess with.
He drummed his fingers lightly on the table, muttering to himself, “What a pity. Not even one lovesick fool who resents me for taking their prince, burning with unrequited love, and plotting against me…”
“No.”
The deep voice startled Ji Mian, and he turned to see Chu Shiye standing at the door, his gaze steady and unreadable.
Ji Mian: “…”
“What are you doing here?” he asked.
“My room is next door,” Chu Shiye replied matter-of-factly.
“…Oh.”
R : Side Story on !
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