It was like when your girlfriend says, "I'm not mad, you can go." Walk out and you'll instantly become Enemy No. 1.
"Uhh…" Kenji glanced at Lina.
Lina felt his gaze but seemed to misunderstand, pressing her blade just a bit tighter against Empress Dowager's neck.
Stop! He screamed internally. If you cut any deeper, we'll all be in real trouble! Did she really plan to fight her way out of the palace?
"Young master, just give the word—I'm ready," Lina said, voice solid as steel.
Kenji hurriedly waved her down, then turned and bowed to Pluvia.
"Your Majesty, this is all so sudden. Could you grant me a little time to think it over?"
"You have until tomorrow morning," Pluvia replied at once.
Kenji wanted to say more, but Pluvia cut him off:
"By midday tomorrow, word will start to spread among the court ministers—I don't want this to snowball, understood?"
"Understood. You'll have my answer in the morning."
