Chapter 1006

Hazel adjusted her stance and tried to cradle Helen in her arms, princess-style—but before she could even lift her, Helen raised a finger dramatically, swaying on unsteady feet. "Silence!" she bellowed, pointing imperiously at the group of young men. "As long as this empress draws breath, you shall remain mere concubines! One more word, and I’ll have you all flogged with the scarlet rod!" Hazel: “…” With a sigh, Hazel steadied her with one hand, then raised her gaze. Her dark eyes, usually calm and disinterested, now gleamed like frozen steel. “Scram,” she said coldly. The group burst into laughter. "Hahaha… hehehe…" Cigarettes hung lazily from their lips as they closed in, smoke curling in the air. The red-haired leader took a long drag before deliberately exhaling a plume of smoke into Hazel’s face. “Feisty little thing, aren’t you? We were just trying to be gentlemen. Your friend’s clearly plastered—we thought you might need a little help. No need to be rude.” He reached out, finger