Before Laurel was the emperor’s most skilled and inventive torturer, he was a beautiful and refined young scholar. His shifu is none other than the emperor's beloved granddaughter, a woman filled with schemes and machinations of her own.

At 17, Laurel is sent to investigate a series of fires and partnered with a bright-haired diplomat from the islands of Nippon—a brash and laughing man who Laurel hates immediately.

Maybe because Laurel can't remember the time Shigeru rescued him when he was sick and feverish in the streets.

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brilliant cold little beauty shou x playful older fox gong

🗣️ SLOWBURN