"But at that time, the prince didn't realize that accepting her as his maid would draw a firm line between them," Ban said softly, his voice tinged with regret.
He sat down slowly, hands resting on his knees, eyes distant.
"So the prince ended his incognito journey and returned to the empire, bringing the maid with him. At first, the Emperor and Empress were shocked. Their little genius son had brought home a mortal girl. They assumed he was just playing around."
Ban smiled faintly. "But after hearing his explanation, they accepted her. They offered her a position as the prince's personal maid."
"Then came the matter of cultivation. After officially becoming the prince's maid, she couldn't remain mediocre. She would be constantly seen beside royalty. The Emperor and Empress didn't want their son to be heartbroken by a fragile, mortal companion. So, as parents, before being rulers, they sought to elevate her talent."
He paused briefly, his smile softening.
