The words spoken by the woman in yellow were both graceful and dignified, clearly indicative of breeding cultivated only in the noblest of aristocratic families. If it hadn't been for the prompting of the Bright Jade Pendant on his person, and the instincts of his own feeling, Mo Han would never have believed that the woman before him was of the Underworld Clan.

Yet, Mo Han quickly managed a smile and replied, "Hearing Miss Hais's voice, I can already imagine that she must be a peerless beauty. It is truly my honor to make your acquaintance."

With that, Mo Han executed a perfect, standard noble bow with a smile on his face—a courtesy he had hastily practiced the day before, urged on by Daly lest he embarrass himself.

Hais merely giggled at Mo Han's words. "It has long been rumored that the Duke's tongue is sweeter than honey; any woman would be captivated by him. Seeing you today, Duke, I realize the rumors are true; you certainly know how to charm ladies. Any girl fortunate enough to be loved by you must be incredibly happy, no?" Hearing this, Mo Han could only chuckle. "I speak only the truth, without any exaggeration. I trust my own instincts; Miss Hais, you must be a great beauty. Would you allow me the privilege of admiring your peerless countenance, so that Mo Han might witness your captivating grace?"

Upon hearing Mo Han's suggestion, both Hais and Long Yun were momentarily stunned. In noble circles, such a request from a noble implied a deep interest in the woman, and Mo Han’s timing seemed remarkably hasty.

Hearing Mo Han’s proposal, Long Yun intervened with a smile, "I suspect the Duke has only recently arrived in the Empire and is unfamiliar with some of our local customs, which is why he made such a request."

In response to Long Yun, Mo Han looked slightly awkward. "Did I perhaps say something inappropriate? I hope His Royal Highness the Fourth Prince will enlighten me so that I may offer a proper apology to Miss Hais."

Long Yun smiled and proceeded to explain the implicit meaning of Mo Han’s words within the high society of the Empire.

Mo Han felt a pang of disappointment. If she truly were from the Underworld Clan, he was certain he would detect some subtle clue on her face. But because of this damned, pointless rule—which idiot must have established it?—his plan was foiled. He inwardly cursed, lamenting the lost opportunity.

However, Mo Han maintained his smile outwardly. "So that is the connotation. I was truly ignorant of such subtleties. I hope Miss Hais can forgive my presumption."

Hearing Mo Han’s explanation, Hais quickly smiled back. "How could I possibly blame the Duke? This only proves you are a man who doesn't fuss over trivialities. In fact, I am rather pleased. You need not feel self-reproach, Your Grace."

Hearing Hais’s gracious response, Mo Han quickly adopted an expression of profound gratitude. "Then I thank you sincerely for your understanding, Miss Hais."

As Mo Han finished speaking, Murong Tian's voice called out from behind him, "Duke Mo Han, I’ve been looking everywhere for you."

It seemed Murong Tian had followed, unwilling to leave Mo Han unattended.

Mo Han turned and saw that Latin and Yan Shi were trailing behind Murong Tian. Seeing that Mo Han was unharmed, Latin and the others finally relaxed.

Murong Tian continued, addressing the other guest. "Ah, His Royal Highness the Fourth Prince is here as well. Greetings."

Long Yun, seeing Murong Tian, immediately spoke with respect reserved for high nobles. "Uncle Murong, you've arrived too. I happened to run into Duke Mo Han here, so we were just chatting. I was preparing to come find you."

Hearing this, Murong Tian smiled broadly. "Heh heh, this old man was simply bored and came over to join the revelry. I trust His Royal Highness does not mind?" Long Yun quickly shook his head. "Not at all, Uncle Murong! I am delighted you could come. You jest."

After speaking, Long Yun turned to the masked woman. "Uncle Murong, this is Miss Hais, the esteemed daughter of Duke Sama. You must know her?" Murong Tian nodded with a smile. "Of course I know her. I was just discussing Hais with Duke Sama recently. What is it, little miss, that makes you decide to wear a mask today? Have you perhaps also fallen in love, eh?"

At Murong Tian’s teasing, Hais lowered her head slightly. "Uncle Murong, you tease me again. I don't possess the beauty of Sister Feixue, nor am I as clever, so I must simply try harder."

Murong Tian burst into hearty laughter. "Nonsense, child! How are you lacking? You are in no way inferior to Feixue. I should propose that you be officially listed among our Empire's beauties—you would be one of the Four Great Beauties then!"

Murong Tian's words brought a ripple of laughter from those nearby, while Hais blushed prettily. "Uncle Murong, I won't talk to you anymore! You only make fun of me. I'm going to tell Sister Xue'er what you said later."

Mo Han, observing Hais’s demeanor and words, mused inwardly.

If this Hais truly had ties to the Underworld Clan, it would be a profound pity. Yet, on the surface, there was not a single crack in her façade. Mo Han couldn't help but doubt his own judgment. Could he have been mistaken? Was the Underworld Clan someone else entirely, and not Hais? But the Bright Jade Pendant's indication should not be wrong.

While Mo Han was still deep in thought, Hais smiled and addressed him. "Would I be so fortunate as to share a dance with the Duke?" Hearing her request, Mo Han started internally. Truthfully, he had absolutely no affinity for the era's noble dances. Even though Daly had persistently tried to teach him, Mo Han simply could not master it. Oddly enough, he grasped other subjects quickly, but dancing left him utterly cold, leading to much teasing from Daly and the others.

Thinking of this, Mo Han was about to offer a polite refusal when Long Yun interjected, "Of course! To be honest, we haven't seen the Duke dance since arriving here. This ball was practically prepared for you; you can't refuse now."

As soon as Long Yun finished speaking, several surrounding nobles chimed in, demanding that Mo Han accept.

————End of Scene