Throughout the dull and tiresome session in his opulent throne room, Emperor Lucian made no effort to conceal his dissatisfaction and boredom. His light golden eyes covered with his dark blue hair, stared blankly ahead, while his pale skin seemed almost ghostly under the ornate lighting. Surrounded by his concubines, Lucian appeared more detached than ever, his mind far from the sycophantic flattery surrounding him.

Suddenly, the sound of his daughter’s voice pierced through the monotony. The princess, dressed in a pristine white dress and a tiny tiara, was babbling and giggling as she toddled around the throne room, pursued by a flustered group of maids. Her carefree laughter echoed off the marble walls, growing louder as she evaded their attempts to catch her.

Lucian's lips curled into a smirk, but it held no warmth. "You useless maids, I told you one thing. Keep. This. Child. Out. Of. My. Sight." he muttered with a mix of irritation and disinterest.

As the maids grew more desperate and the princess’s giggles more persistent, Lucian finally rose from his throne, not out of concern but sheer annoyance. His movements were smooth and deliberate as he strode across the room, his eyes cold and detached. With a single, fluid motion, he bent down and scooped the baby into his arms, more to end the disruption than out of any paternal affection.

“Ugh, gross.” Lucian groaned, his voice dull and indifferent as he held the squirming child. His gaze, normally calculating and stern, remained distant, showing no sign of softening as he looked into her crystal clear eyes, which were now wide with curiosity and delight.

The princess was the result of his night with a concubine.