Li Xian stood outside his father's chamber, his expression calm — almost too calm.
Inside, his thoughts were anything but.
He knows something.
That much, Li Xian was certain of.
The symbol. The past. The silence.
None of it was coincidence.
So instead of rushing, instead of confronting blindly—
He chose something else.
Act normal.
Because no one knew his father better than he did.
Every expression.
Every tone.
Every small shift in behavior.
If there was something hidden—
He would see it.
He pushed the door open.
"Father."
The king looked up, slightly surprised — but only for a moment.
"Li Xian."
Nothing unusual.
No tension.
No hesitation.
Just the same calm, controlled presence as always.
Li Xian stepped closer, watching carefully.
Every movement.
Every glance.
But… nothing.
Too normal.
Their conversation was simple.
Casual.
As if nothing in the world was wrong.
And that… made it worse.
After a while, his father leaned back slightly, studying him.
"Why did you suddenly come to see me?" he asked, a faint hint of curiosity in his voice. "Hmm? Did you miss me?"
Li Xian let out a small, easy laugh.
"Yeah… I came to visit my sister," he said lightly. "And I thought I'd visit you too."
His father watched him for a moment longer before speaking again.
"When did you arrive?"
"Four days ago," Li Xian replied without thinking.
A pause.
His father's gaze sharpened just slightly.
"And your studies? Your training at the academy?"
Li Xian froze for the briefest moment.
Four days…
He hadn't even realized.
Time had slipped away while he was chasing shadows.
"…I'll return soon," he said calmly.
His father nodded. "You should. Don't neglect your responsibilities."
Same tone.
Same authority.
Nothing unusual.
But that was exactly the problem.
Li Xian stepped back. "I'll take my leave then."
"Mm."
No questions.
No suspicion.
Just… normal.
As he walked away, his mind didn't feel at ease.
He's hiding it well.
Too well.
That only confirmed it further.
Later, as Li Xian prepared to leave, his thoughts shifted — just slightly.
The academy…
And then—
A familiar figure crossed his mind.
Zhao Han.
Li Xian paused, a faint smile forming unconsciously.
Is he missing me?
almost playful thought.
His expression eased for the first time in days.
…I want to see him.
But beneath that thought—
Another one remained.
Colder.
Sharper.
I'll find out the truth about Father.
For now, though—
Li Xian turned toward the road leading back to the academy.
Toward unfinished questions.
And toward someone he didn't fully understand…
But couldn't ignore anymore.