There was Silence.
Then,
He was killed by Nameless and his allies. Nameless himself presented us with Paozi's severed head—then warned us that we were next."
The room grew unbearably still.
The emperor did not move.
Then, he exhaled slowly, his grip tightening around his sword.
The emperor's voice rose, sharp with disbelief.
"What?
And you just watched him go?!" His tone echoed through the study hall, a command rather than a question.
Lourix did not waver. He knew any hesitation could seal his fate. "Replying to Your Majesty," he began, his voice strong, unwavering.
"*Nameless… has a hidden high-rank demoness. It was she who killed Palov."
The emperor's expression did not shift, but the energy in the room became suffocating.
Lourix continued, choosing his words carefully. "I know this because I was there when Palov drew his last breath."
Silence.
