“First of all, the Crimson Empire has a constitutional monarchy. If we rate absolute political influence/power as 10, the Emperor has 5 points, including military power, while the rest is divided between four Archdukes of West, East, South, and North and Crown Prince. And all of them have their own advisers, consultants, and supporters. As you know, Jaejoong is the Archduke of the West. That’s why his decision to retire and your inheritance are garnering a lot of attention...”

Luhan knew something was wrong with Sehun. From how he stiffens whenever someone mentions the past. At first, he thought, it was because he was sad. But during their recent breakfast, he got sure that had something to do with Anir. 

[From the look of it, Sehun is keeping secret from Anir. And that’s about her parents... or more like their death?]

He had to do something. [I love drama. But not between us. I must confront him and make him spill whatever he is hiding.]

“Hey. Are you listening?” Even though Luhan was occasionally nodding his head along, his timing was off. Obviously, his mind was somewhere else. And Xiumin wasn’t about to tolerate this kind of disrespect when he was wasting his precious time. He could have been doing other things! Like... nevermind. He just realized he's jobless.

So he threw a snowball at him. But that didn’t reach him. Either Luhan’s reflex was that fast or he always had a force field around him.

“Puh-lease, of course, I’m listening.” 

"Puh-lease, then tell me why Hakyeon is holding the Ball of all people.”

“Of course, to get to know me..?”

Xiumin sighed deeply and looked like he was questioning his life choices. 

“Hakyeon is Jaejoong’s nephew. That means he, too, is the possible heir for Jaejoong. Compared to you, he had been in public eyes since young. It’s more like a trap to you.”

“Trap? For me?” Luhan smiled. But not the kind one.

Xiumin has soft spot for the Emperor as he took care of him since birth. And knowing Luhan, he’ll definitely do something.

[Only God knows what kind of trouble he will make.. Poor Yunho.. to have to deal with Luhan.]

Xiumin asked him “How long are you going to pretend to be Jaejoong’s son?”

Luhan who was spinning in his chair, while making a disturbing face at the ceiling, clearly contemplating something evil, answered nonchalantly. “Until Xiao grows up.”

Xiumin couldn’t understand his motives. [Why would he help “mere human” as he says? If his goal was to meet me, he already achieved that. So he has no reason to stay here... Is he planning something else?]

Luhan looked at him. With a blank look.

“What?” he made Xiumin uncomfortable. [Did he read my mind? That’s impossible. I blocked my mind.]

"We should look for our brothers.”

[Oh.] Xiumin let out the breath, he was holding unconsciously. [Just now, I felt like I was in a horror movie. To catch up with this generation, watching movies, especially horror ones, was a bad idea. Now I can’t even live my life without suspecting everyone as psychopaths!]

“Yes. We will. But first, you have a Ball to attend and Cinderella to change.”

Luhan finally smiled, this time a genuine smile.

Luhan went to find Anir despite Xiumin insisting that he should learn about Hakyeon first. After all, the main cha