It was already dusk by the time Xhakas had the chance to meet Ji Chen. The orange glow of the setting sun slanted through the arched windows of the castle, casting its light on Xhakas's anxious face.
Feeling the silent gaze of Ji Chen while sitting on the throne, Xhakas couldn't help but break out in a cold sweat, his hands and feet trembling uncontrollably.
On the way to the New Moon Islands, he had been thinking about how to present his achievements to the lord in order to showcase his contributions to the Starlight Islands. But now, under the scrutinizing gaze that felt almost divine, his mind was blank, overwhelmed by a fear he couldn't suppress, like a mouse facing a cat.
Xhakas shouted inwardly, wondering why he was afraid when he hadn't done anything against the interests of this lord!?
But for some reason, he felt a sense of guilt, as if those eyes could see right through him.
Ji Chen leaned his cheek on his hand and spoke casually.