[Imperial Palace—Emperor's Office—Later]
I didn't know what was wrong with Papa. Did he suddenly remember he's the "terrifying tyrant emperor" everyone whispers about? Whatever it was, I didn't like the way he treated my man like that.
So, I did the only thing I could—I finished every single one of those cursed documents as fast as my quill could fly. My wrist was crying, my brain felt cooked, but finally I slammed the last paper down and shot up from my chair.
"I AM DONE!" I declared to the world—or at least to the overbearing man sitting at the desk.
Papa only glanced up, unfazed, like my outburst was background noise. "Good," he said simply.
Good? GOOD? After my heroic sacrifice? I gritted my teeth but kept my mouth shut.
"Alright," I huffed, turning toward the door. "I'm leaving, Papa."
"Wait."
I froze mid-step. Slowly, I looked over my shoulder. "...Yes?"
"Where are you going?" His tone was calm, but it carried that dangerous weight.
