The night had deepened by the time they left the palace.
The lanterns along the inner pathways burned lower now, their light softer, casting long shadows across the quiet stone corridors. The guards at the gates bowed as Xu Chen and Yue Ning passed, their expressions respectful, their presence silent.
Beyond the palace walls, the capital was calmer than before. The unrest of recent days had faded, leaving behind a steady rhythm of life. A few late travelers still moved along the streets, and some shops remained open, their warm light spilling into the night.
Xu Chen and Yue Ning walked side by side.
Unhurried.
Unnoticed.
For a while, neither of them spoke.
The quiet between them was no longer heavy, nor thoughtful—it was simply comfortable, as if words were unnecessary.
Yue Ning glanced briefly at the familiar streets ahead. "It's quieter tonight."
Xu Chen's gaze remained forward. "It is."
"Even the market feels different."
"The tension is gone."
Yue Ning nodded slightly. "People can feel it… even if they don't know why."
Xu Chen did not respond.
They continued walking, their steps steady as they moved deeper into the residential part of the capital. The streets narrowed, the lights grew softer, and the noise faded further into the background.
After a moment, Yue Ning spoke again, her tone lighter. "You didn't have to walk me back."
Xu Chen replied simply, "I did."
She glanced at him, a faint smile forming. "You say that like it's an obligation."
"It is."
Yue Ning raised an eyebrow slightly. "As Crown Prince?"
"No."
That answer made her pause for just a moment.
"Then as what?" she asked.
Xu Chen looked ahead, his voice calm. "As myself."
Yue Ning did not reply immediately.
The small smile on her lips deepened just slightly before she looked away again.
They walked a little further before she spoke again, softer this time. "You're very direct."
"Yes."
"It's not always easy to respond to that."
"You don't need to."
Yue Ning let out a quiet breath, almost amused. "That doesn't make it easier."
Xu Chen didn't argue.
The Yue Mansion soon came into view, its gates standing tall under the dim glow of lantern light. Guards stood at their posts, straightening immediately as they recognized Yue Ning.
"Miss."
Yue Ning nodded lightly as they stepped closer.
She stopped just before the gate.
Xu Chen halted beside her.
For a brief moment, neither of them moved.
The quiet returned again—but this time, it carried a subtle hesitation.
Yue Ning turned toward him slightly. "This is enough."
Xu Chen's gaze remained steady. "I'll wait."
"For what?" she asked.
"Until you go inside."
Yue Ning blinked once, clearly not expecting that answer.
"You don't trust the guards?" she asked lightly.
"I do."
"Then?"
Xu Chen replied calmly, "I'll wait."
There was no further explanation.
Yue Ning looked at him for a moment, as if trying to find something more behind those words—but there was nothing hidden.
Just simplicity.
She let out a small breath, then nodded. "Fine."
She turned toward the gate, taking a few steps forward.
Then she stopped.
Turned back.
Xu Chen hadn't moved.
"Good night," she said.
Xu Chen met her gaze. "Good night."
For a brief second, neither of them looked away.
Then Yue Ning turned again and walked through the gates.
The guards opened them without a sound, closing them gently behind her.
Xu Chen remained where he was.
Still.
Waiting.
Through the courtyard, Yue Ning walked toward the main residence, her steps steady—but slower than before. Just before entering, she paused.
And glanced back.
Even from that distance, she could see him.
Standing exactly where she had left him.
Unmoving.
Only after a moment did she turn and step inside.
The door closed quietly.
Outside, Xu Chen remained for a few breaths longer.
Then he turned.
And walked back into the quiet night, his steps as steady as before, the lantern light fading behind him as the capital returned once again to silence.