The Fifth Prince looked at the Protectorate Duke with a smile that was not quite a smile and said in a low voice, "But just a moment ago, the Protectorate Duke said that this Prince deserved a thousand deaths. How come now I just need to hand over the Tiger Talisman and you would spare my life?"
"You..." The Protectorate Duke fumed and glowered, "Don't act like you won't take a toast only to be forced to drink a forfeit. Handing over the Tiger Talisman is your duty, and your rebellion is proven; you cannot deny it."
"No, no, this Prince has never denied anything. I admit that, a decade ago, when the princes rebelled, I, too, harbored treacherous thoughts just like them. My question is, can I really save my life just by handing over the Tiger Talisman?"
The Protectorate Duke bellowed, "As long as you give up the Tiger Talisman, what's wrong with sparing your life?"
