[ that reaction might be worth the price of his answer honestly, he's not sure if he's ever seen such an expression cross jing yuan's face. so he considers, because it is deeply personal. it's a core part of who he is.

but things are different now. ]

Everything, actually. I raided my father's vault to take some things and then I left.

[ his smile relaxes into one that's entirely genuine. ]

Because Maria is a miracle. She's someone who should not have been able to exist in our family, let alone the Tower. Kind, caring, bright and beautiful.

I did it because she asked me to and I loved her. I still do, though I haven't seen her since she left to become a Princess. Maybe I'll see her again one day and maybe I won't, but that doesn't matter.

I gave her what she deserved and that alone was enough to satisfy me.