Marked the Protagonist A (Translated)

Chapter 77: Rare Tenderness

Chapter 77: Rare Tenderness

On the day of the ball, young men and women gathered, creating a lively scene.

A beautiful woman with red curls watched the festivities from afar through the floor-to-ceiling windows. The other side of the palace was brightly lit, making her area feel all the more desolate.

Logically, these palace concubines could join in the revelry, even host the event, but since a day many years ago, such activities had become irrelevant to them. Just like on the Second Prince's birthday, her biological mother couldn't even participate in the family banquet—it was as if it was openly stated that they were merely outsiders.

It was all too ridiculous.

Seeing the merriment in the distance, she couldn't help but laugh.

"Mother, the night is chilly. You should add another layer of clothing."

A handsome alpha approached from afar, draping a tasseled shawl over the red-haired beauty's shoulders.

She glanced at the alpha, chuckling lightly. "What does it matter whether I wear it or not? Even if I do get sick, I can just lie down in a treatment pod."

The alpha looked at her disapprovingly. While she complained about his unnecessary concern, she still wrapped the loose shawl a bit tighter, accepting his good intentions.

The two fell silent, and the red-haired beauty continued to gaze at the distant lights. There was so much fine wine over there that it seemed she could faintly smell its unique fragrance from where she stood.

Noticing she was still fixated on that side, the alpha changed the subject. "I went to grandpa's today. He specifically had me bring you many things you like, including several of your favorite wines."

The red-haired beauty didn't respond immediately. After not receiving a reply, the alpha fell silent too, looking at his mother. She appeared far too young, standing next to him, almost like siblings rather than mother and son.

"Quite a few noble omegas attended today's banquet. Initially, the one I was most interested in was from the Lu family. She's about your age, capable and resourceful, with outstanding looks and family background. She's even managed to hold the power of the Twelve Celestial Maidens in her hands. As an omega, she's exceptional. It's a pity that the olive branch I extended six years ago was completely ignored, and three years ago, my secret alliance invitation was rejected. Even two years ago, when I personally asked His Majesty to arrange a marriage for the two of you, it was refused."

When the red-haired beauty laughed, it wasn't the usual delicate charm of an omega; instead, it was quite aggressive, like a beautiful rose with sharp thorns. "At such a banquet, she has the right to refuse and can choose not to come. But since she did, what do you think her reason is?"

"Perhaps Miss Lu wants to meet more powerful figures. After all, the Twelve Celestial Maidens are still too small compared to the Imperial Stars."

"Anze, self-deception is not a good habit."

The slightly harsh words made Ji Anze lower his head slightly to listen to the lesson. But the red-haired beauty shook her head in disappointment. "Even if I force you to become an alpha, your qualifications can only be described as mediocre."

Ji Anze showed no change in expression; he had clearly heard many similar remarks, becoming immune to them. He felt no dissatisfaction with his mother now, at least she was not as deranged as she had been in earlier years.

Gently tapping the glass, the red-haired beauty had a rare desire to reminisce about old times. "Do you know why your father is so resolute?"

The alpha did not answer her question; instead, he looked at her with some concern. "Mother?"