After all, the space inside the carriage was limited. Anyone would be curious; the imperial concubine Mariasha couldn't possibly be running or doing strenuous exercise inside, could she? Yet, her flushed face, red ears, and shy expression were all too obvious.

She didn't want to become the center of attention, being secretly gossiped about behind her back. Therefore, she felt it was more appropriate to hide in the carriage and wait for Soren to bring back food.

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Seeing this, Soren naturally understood what she was thinking. He gently patted Imperial Concubine Mariasha's hand, his eyes full of tenderness and care, and said, "Alright, you rest here. I'll go down and get you something delicious." With that, he turned and stepped out of the carriage.

Aileen watched Mariasha stay in the carriage, and she roughly guessed the reason. However, she didn't say much, but silently followed behind Soren, preparing to choose suitable food for Mariasha together.

Soren arrived at the place where the boxed lunches were placed. The royal guard knights were already sitting neatly around, starting their meal. Seeing Crown Prince Soren arrive, they all stood up to salute.

Soren casually waved his hand, signaling everyone to continue eating. Then, he began carefully selecting food for Mariasha. While selecting, he didn't forget to instruct the servant in charge of the meals: "Choose more of what the imperial concubine likes to eat, make it exquisite, and the taste must be moderate."

The servants hurriedly agreed, deftly packing portions of delicious food into the food box. The food box was quickly filled to the brim, and various fresh and fragrant aromas wafted from inside.

Soren looked at the prepared meal and nodded in satisfaction. Only then did he let Aileen carry the food box back to the carriage.

He understood in his heart that constantly being alone with Mariasha in the carriage was not appropriate and would inevitably arouse suspicion.

Moreover, it would take several days to return to the capital. The long nights stretched ahead, and Mariasha really needed some time to rest.

Thinking of this, Soren decided to stay here and dine with the guards.

As soon as the surrounding knights saw Hank, they immediately understood and stopped their movements, respectfully saluting, and then consciously retreated to the side, leaving a quiet space.

As Empress Dowager Afina's father and the former Minister of Military Affairs of the Empire, everyone naturally respected him.

Hank walked up to Soren, slightly bowed, with a kind smile on his face, and said, "Your Highness, has this long journey been comfortable for you?" His eyes showed concern. Although he was just casually inquiring, he had deeper considerations in his heart.

After all, various forces were stirring secretly during this return to the capital. He had to pay attention to Soren's situation at all times so that he could make plans in advance.

Soren quickly stood up and returned a respectful smile, replying, "Thank you for your concern, Grandmaster Hank. Everything is fine. It's just that the journey is still long, and everyone is working hard." He knew that Hank's arrival at this moment was not a simple greeting, and he probably had something to discuss with him. So, he pretended to listen attentively, waiting for Hank's next words.

Hank nodded slightly, glanced around at the surrounding guards, and then lowered his voice, saying, "Your Highness,

this time returning to the capital, the First Princess is probably not going to be quiet. We must make some preparations in advance. The matter of the potential breakthrough potion, although it is a way to ease things, may not completely silence her. Do you have any other plans?"

His brow furrowed, and his eyes faintly revealed a trace of worry. After all, First Princess Meilin had always been deep in thought and had many methods, so he had to guard against her.

Hearing this, Soren pondered for a moment, and then his expression became serious. He slowly said, "Grandmaster Hank, rest assured, I have a plan in mind. The potion is just a temporary measure. When we arrive in the capital, I will first test the waters with my father and see the movements of all parties. I will act accordingly."

His tone was calm and confident. Although he didn't dare to relax in the slightest when facing the trouble that the First Princess might bring, he believed that as long as he dealt with it carefully, and with Hank and other supporting forces, he would be able to handle these many matters properly.

Seeing Soren's confident appearance, Hank felt a little relieved. He then spoke to Soren in a low voice about the situation in the capital and the countermeasures, before taking his leave.

The two of them tacitly didn't mention Empress Dowager Afina, but in reality, they both knew very well that Empress Dowager Afina was their greatest source of confidence.

The Empress Dowager has influence and power that others cannot match.

As long as they can appease the Empress Dowager, then many other things, no matter how difficult, the Empress Dowager will suppress them with her prestige and methods.

After all, the Empress Dowager has experienced many years of court turmoil and has accumulated a deep foundation in this deep palace. She is adept at maneuvering and has unique methods for controlling and manipulating various forces. Moreover, she has always valued Soren, the Crown Prince, and sincerely hopes that Soren can steadily sit on the throne and successfully inherit the throne, governing the empire to prosperity.

What's more, Hank has been assisting Soren wholeheartedly during this time, and there is more than one reason for this.

On the one hand, it is naturally for the stability and prosperity of the empire.

Now that the situation in the Northwest has just stabilized, yet undercurrents are surging in the capital, and various forces are waiting for an opportunity.

If not careful, the empire may fall into turmoil.

As a veteran of three dynasties and possessing the strength of a Saint-level expert, Hank knows that he bears a great responsibility.

For the sake of the overall situation of the empire, he naturally wants to support Soren and help him gain a firm foothold, so that the empire can continue to develop steadily.

And on the other hand, isn't it also for the sake of the family?

The rise and fall of a family has always been closely linked to the royal family. If Soren can successfully ascend the throne, then their family will inevitably benefit, and their position in the empire will be as solid as a rock, and wealth and glory will naturally be within reach.

Conversely, if Soren is defeated in this battle of invisible smoke, then their family's days will probably not be easy, and they may even be suppressed and squeezed out by other forces.

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