Ryan Carter’s hand holding the steamed bun paused in midair, and he looked at Eagle Carter with a questioning gaze. Eagle Carter smiled sheepishly, took three meat-filled pancakes from under the food box, and explained to Ryan Carter, “If we don’t eat our fill in the morning, we’ll have no energy all day…”

Ryan Carter watched as Eagle Carter gulped down porridge with loud slurps and devoured the meat pancakes with smacking sounds, swallowing hard—he was so envious…

……

They had just finished breakfast when someone shouted loudly in the courtyard: “Deputy Minister Mr. Thompson from the Honglu Temple requests an audience with the Fifth Prince…”

Ryan Carter didn’t stop eating, only glanced at his chief bodyguard with a questioning look. He already knew he was the unlucky Fifth Prince, and Eagle Carter was the equally unlucky, solitary chief bodyguard.

Commander Carter swallowed his food with effort, cleared his throat, and lowered his voice: “Mr. Thompson is our Great Qin’s envoy, here to discuss an alliance treaty.”

Ryan Carter nodded, signaling Eagle Carter to accompany him to receive the guest.

When they reached the main hall, they saw a middle-aged man in purple robes, handsome and dignified, already standing in the hall, looking rather anxious. Hearing footsteps, the man bowed deeply and said in a clear voice, “Your humble servant greets Your Highness…”

Before he could finish bowing, he was supported by a hand, and a clear voice rang out at the same time: “Mr. Thompson, there’s no need for such formality. We are both guests in a foreign land and should support each other. Please, have a seat.”

Mr. Thompson took the opportunity to rise, and the host and guest sat down. Once seated, he looked toward the main seat and saw that the Fifth Prince’s hair was a bit messy and his clothes slightly wrinkled, but his complexion was good and his eyes especially bright—he seemed much more spirited than the last time they met.

Ryan Carter knew that to learn more about the situation, Mr. Thompson was the best candidate. So he pulled himself together and asked with a smile, “Mr. Thompson, have you had breakfast yet?”

Mr. Thompson cupped his hands and replied, “Not yet. Upon hearing that Your Highness was attacked, I have been anxious and unable to eat or sleep. Without confirming Your Highness’s safety, I simply couldn’t eat.”

Ryan Carter looked touched and said with slight excitement, “How can that be?” Turning to Eagle Carter, he said, “Quick, bring out breakfast from the back.”

Even with Eagle Carter’s strong will, he couldn’t help but roll his eyes inwardly. The two of them had already eaten every last bit of breakfast—at most, there were a few grains of rice and half a piece of pickled vegetable left. If the guest were a mouse, maybe it would suffice. His Highness clearly didn’t intend to treat the guest! Eagle Carter grumbled inwardly.

He was just about to speak when Mr. Thompson, already deeply moved, quickly stopped Guard Carter and said emotionally, “Your Highness’s great kindness moves me deeply, but the situation is urgent and there really is no time. When Your Highness returns to the capital, I will surely host a banquet in your honor.”

Eagle Carter glanced at Ryan Carter, who nodded, so he went to prepare tea. After this little performance, the distance between host and guest was much reduced—the two now sat side by side.

Young Thompson, seeing that his guards had secured the doors, lowered his voice and said to Ryan Carter, “Your Highness has made great sacrifices for the country, working hard and achieving much. Even in danger, you do not forget your duty. I deeply admire and feel for you.”

Ryan Carter wasn’t quite sure what he meant, so he gave a vague smile as a response.

This smile, in William Thompson’s eyes, was the Fifth Prince’s elegant, noble smile. He thought to himself, “A dragon’s child is always a dragon,” and became even more respectful. He said, “During our negotiations with Qi, anything unfavorable to Your Highness must be the work of those hawks from Southern Chu. They are vicious and ruthless—Your Highness must be careful.”

Ryan Carter nodded, signaling him to continue, his expression unchanged.

William Thompson saw the Fifth Prince’s calm and steady demeanor and admired him even more. He continued, “I have an impertinent request and hope Your Highness will agree.”

……

The two whispered in the room for quite a while—long enough for three breakfasts—enough to refute Mr. Thompson’s excuse of having no time to eat.

Ryan Carter and Eagle Carter escorted the guest to the door, where the Qi soldiers, faces stern, extended their spears and said coldly, “By order of the Capital Prefect, the hostage prince is not allowed to leave the residence!”

Eagle Carter shouted, “How dare you!” and stepped forward to grab a spear, glaring at the Qi soldiers.

Just as Ryan Carter was shaking hands to bid farewell to William Thompson, his expression froze, and William Thompson felt his hand squeezed painfully. Ryan Carter gave William Thompson an apologetic nod and smiled, “Safe travels, sir. Forgive me for not seeing you off further.”

William Thompson felt that the prince’s smile was more of a cold sneer. He sighed inwardly, then turned to the Qi soldiers with a stern face and scolded, “How dare you insult our prince! I’ll report this to the court and make sure your prefect pays dearly!”

Although the Qi soldiers weren’t afraid of this defeated envoy, they did fear that if things escalated, the prefect would blame them. They quickly withdrew their spears, smiled apologetically at William Thompson, and repeatedly promised it wouldn’t happen again.

William Thompson knew these soldiers were the worst kind of ruffians, so he didn’t argue further. He cupped his hands to Ryan Carter and said, “Your Highness, if they dare disrespect you again, I will see that justice is done for you.” He truly saw Ryan Carter as a lonely child.

With that, the two took their leave.

Ryan Carter watched William Thompson’s departing figure and muttered to Eagle Carter beside him, “Disrespectful? I’m the most disrespectful person in the world.”

Eagle Carter saw the ferocious look on Ryan Carter’s delicate face and felt quite pleased.

……

Volume One: Grass on the Plain

Chapter Four: The Mad Warrior Strikes—New Turmoil in the Three Kingdoms

Ryan Carter and Eagle Carter turned back to the entrance. Now that the Qin envoy had left, the guards resumed their arrogant demeanor.