After reading the letter, I pondered for a moment. There was nothing particularly noteworthy in the contents. If anything seemed odd, it was the request to come alone, the somewhat secluded meeting place, and the late hour. Still, I assumed that Asdel, in his current state of suspended animation, would wither quickly unless placed in an environment like the greenhouse I saw last time.

Strangely, right after reading the letter, it was challenging to dispel the sense of unease that washed over me.
Like speech, writing conveys the individual’s unique sense. Of course, I couldn’t guarantee knowing everything about Blake Warren. This letter was undoubtedly from Blake, but it felt a bit different from what I had received before.

‘Perhaps it’s just a misunderstanding.’ Given the urgency of the message, Blake’s usual aura might have faded.

‘I must be imagining things.’ With that thought, I placed the letter in my pocket and rose from my seat to return to the Duke’s mansion. As Adelia and I rode the carriage again, she initiated a conversation.

“Do you have something on your mind?”

“Huh?”

“Your expression suggests you’re pondering something.”

“Oh, no.”

“Really not?”

“Yeah.”

“Hmmm…” Despite my denial, Adelia scrutinized me with a curious expression.

“You know, my eyes can’t be deceived, right?” She had always been like that. Adelia could easily sense anything going on with me.

‘I must not get caught this time.’ I had promised with Kaern to keep secrets from Adelia.

“It’s genuinely nothing.” I tried to appear as usual, making an effort to hide any concerns.

“If it’s not you, then it’s nothing. But if you ever need my help, you must tell me. Understand?” Fortunately, Adelia didn’t press further and let it go.

“Sure.”
Fortunately, Adelia didn’t pry any further and just let it go.

“Alright.”

After returning to the Duke’s mansion, Kaern, Adelia, Calix, and I, the four of us, shared a dinner together, exchanging affectionate glances filled with deep trust.

After finishing the meal, I took a short break and then headed to Kaern’s office.

“Kaern, are you busy?”

“No, come in.”

“Okay.”

We sat across from each other at the table.

As soon as he sat down, Kaern leaned back on the sofa and rubbed his temples a couple of times. Seeing him looking so exhausted, I felt uneasy. I silently waited for him to catch a breath.

“You went to the Marquis’s mansion today?”

Soon, Kaern, seeming a bit more composed, spoke up.

“Yes, I went there to take care of some matters. Oh, Adelia went with me.”

“I see. Have you finished your work?”

“Yes, it’s not as demanding as your workload, Kaern.”

“Still, don’t overexert yourself.”

Although it seemed absurd for him to warn me about overworking when he was the one who shouldn’t push himself too hard…

“Yes, I won’t. Kaern, please take care of yourself too.”

“I’m fine.”

He reassured me with a calm smile.

“Kaern, um…”

I paused for a moment and looked at him.
I didn’t manage to utter the words about going to meet Blake tomorrow and asking him to join if he had the time, as he seemed quite tired. Even if I couldn’t go together, it seemed necessary to mention the plan, but I hesitated, thinking it might add to his concerns. In that moment of contemplation, he gestured for me to continue speaking.

“Hey, are you busy tomorrow?”

“Why, is something wrong?”

“No, it’s not that.”

“I have to visit the Imperial Palace tomorrow afternoon.”

“The Imperial Palace?”

“Suddenly received a message from Empress Dowager to enter the palace.”

“Empress Dowager?”