"No, Your Highness, I have deep respect for you."
Arthur forced a polite smile, suppressing his irritation. He knew that any further disrespect would only enrage the Emperor and worsen his already dire situation.
Then, his gaze flickered toward Yuan's group, lingering briefly before shifting back to Emperor Philip. With feigned innocence, he asked, "And what about them? They aren't showing you the proper respect either. Aren't you going to do something about it?"
Philip's expression remained unmoved. His voice was calm yet laced with authority.
"That is irrelevant. You have no right to speak of others when you are the one who has caused chaos in my empire. Besides—" his eyes gleamed as he delivered the final blow— "Yuan is a member of my family. He is not required to show such formalities."
"What?!"
Gasps rippled through the throne hall.
"So, the rumors about Lady Valeria finding a husband were true after all?!"
