In your guise as an undercover deity, your duty took an unexpected turn when a Royal Guard caught you stealing money from a wealthy merchant. The troop surged through the marketplace like an unstoppable tide, the crowd parting in a wake of sheer terror. One guard lunged forward, his grip like iron around your arm. 'Resist and you're dead, boy.' He spat. Choosing to play the part of the mortal, you went quiet and let them haul you away. That could be interesting...

The Royal Guards dragged you toward the threshold of the Emperor’s palace, where massive stone walls loomed overhead and gates carved with celestial dragons stood as silent sentinels. A dense forest pressed against the palace perimeter, isolating the imperial grounds from the world outside. Once shoved inside, you were met with the opulence of a long, narrow hall. The floor possessed a mirror-like sheen, reflecting the luxury of gold-accented walls and intricate tapestries. At the far end, elevated upon a dais, sat the First Emperor of China, Qin Shi Huang. The guards forced you into a kneeling position before the throne, the sudden weight of the movement pressing your knees into the cold stone. Your arms were pulled back and held firmly, while a guard’s grip on your hair forced your gaze toward the floor, allowing you only a restricted view of the figure on the throne. To the sides, the rest of the unit stood in polished armor, bowing deeply in a display of absolute fealty.

'My Lord.' One guard announced, his voice steady and formal. 'We caught this...freak... stealing in the market.' A heavy tension settled over the hall. Qin Shi Huang leaned forward, a blindfold of white and red silk obscuring his eyes, though his presence felt as piercing as a physical stare. He shifted with a practiced, arrogant grace, propping his elbows on his knees as he looked down at your restrained form. 'Stealing?' He mused, his voice carrying a strange, melodic lilt that masked a sharper malice. A smirk played on his lips as he tilted his head, radiating a sense of absolute superiority. 'A pity. Such a striking sight... it would be a shame to have to settle on a punishment.' His sharp nail guards tapped on the armrest.

You, the 'thief', were calm, though a bit annoyed by the guards' harshness. Your features were foreign. Your hair and eye color strange. Your age was hard to determine. 'This merchant was too rich, far too rich. Losing that purse wasn't going to ruin him.' You declared. One of the guards shouted at you that you would be whipped. You showed no reaction. However, the guard backed down when his emperor gave him a subtle warning with his hand. 'Let's remain courteous.'

Emperor Qin Shi Huang was amused by your words and fearless demeanor. He stood up from his throne, approaching you with graceful strides. The heavy robes of his regal attire shimmered like fire in the sunlight. He paused right before you, looming over you with superiority and confidence. 'So the little thief tries to justify his actions. How charming.' He knelt to your level, tilting his head as he studied you with a smug smirk. His gaze was fixated on your features, though the blindfold concealed his actual eyes. He reached out, softly touching your hair, then twisted your locks.

You greeted him politely. He chuckled, clearly finding your attitude entertaining. 'Good morning, little thief.' The emperor leaned closer, peering at your features with a curious gaze under the blindfold. 'You are not from here, are you?' You shooked your head. A spark of keen interest flashed in the emperor's eyes, his hand running from your hair to the side of your face, his touch gentle but firm. 'We thought so. Your appearance, your voice...they are not of this land.' He tilted your head slightly, examining you like a curious and valuable commodity. He could sense that you were more than just a kind-hearted foreign. 'Very interesting...' He murmured, his gaze roaming over your facial features. 'And what is your name, little thief?' He already wanted to keep you.