Demil passed by those who were already heavily intoxicated and sat next to Shuher.

“You should drink moderately as I told you.”

“Leave it. It’s almost the same as being prepared to die every time we go on an expedition.”

So, for just this moment, Shuher did not interfere. Soon, his gaze shifted to Demil.

“With today’s event, everyone will certainly shut up about my decisions.”

He was already looking forward to seeing the arrogant expressions of the nobles crumple in the face of an unexpected situation. Considering the atmosphere, it seemed Renel would also agree.

“Just by watching, it was extraordinary. It’s just one more person, after all.”

Everyone present probably felt the same way as Demil. Evenel had displayed her capabilities to such an extent that no one could dare deny it.

“How could she throw herself so recklessly into the fray, Demil?”

Shuher found it hard to understand, even after witnessing it with his own eyes. Was she saying that she could step in without hesitation, even in a life-threatening situation?

Carefully, Demil began to speak, recalling Evenel who he had closely observed today.

“She seems different from the people of Aodin, at least so far.”

“You mean you admit it.”

“Not entirely…yet.”

At his persistent denial, Shuher laughed and downed his glass in one go. If he could get this much of a response from Demil, it was almost like a victory.

“Looks like we were the ones who were mistaken after all.”

“Mistaken?”

Demil recalled something Evenel had said before.

“Come to think of it, Evenel distinctly said that I was mistaken.”

“She did, huh?”

“What exactly do you mean?”

“The misconception that she wants to change something and be recognized by others.”

Conversely, Shuher had to admit. There was not an inch of falsehood in Evenel’s words. She had proven her intentions, just as she had confidently declared.

As he said this, Demil was bothered by the image of Evenel distancing herself, not wanting to ruin the atmosphere.

“Why doesn’t she use what she has? It seems like she knows well enough that she could easily fit in here if she used her abilities.”

That was still an unresolved question for Shuher too. She was cleverer than he thought, quick-witted, and not someone who would shrink back in the eyes of others.

Moreover, if she was going to survive and protect, as she said, it made sense to use her abilities more aggressively.

“Even just now…she could have just come in, and nobody would be able to say anything anymore. Yet, she chose not to.”

“What does that mean?”
“He said he wouldn’t come in because he accidentally met someone at the door and didn’t want to spoil the mood.”

At that statement, Shuher furrowed his brows briefly.

“So he went back to his room?”

“No, he said he’d step out for some fresh air.”

Without showing any particular reaction, he maintained his silence and then stood up from his seat.

“Your Majesty?”

“I have plans tomorrow. Finish your drinks and go to bed.”

Leaving only those words, Shuher swiftly departed the noisy scene.

“It’s really dark.”

Even at this hour in Seoul, it was as bright as day, and the cityscape was clearly visible. But the view from this mansion located at the highest point was pure darkness.

In contrast, the night sky was embroidered with countless stars, captivating enough to hold one’s gaze.

‘Is this what another world is like?’

Despite still feeling physical pain, just seeing it felt strangely healing. It made the fierce battle that took place a few hours ago easily forgotten.

‘I wonder if Aran became one of those stars. Is he watching over me?’

“I wish he could tell me I’m doing well.”

His younger sister’s face, which he had not thought of in a long time, suddenly came to mind, and tears quickly filled his eyes. While hastily wiping away the tears, his eyes met with Shuher’s.

Why did he always run into him at the most awkward moments?

Hoping that Shuher hadn’t seen her, Evenel Istella quickly turned her head and wiped away her remaining tears. Then she spoke to him, as he approached her.

“Why are you out here already?”

What came out of Shuher’s mouth was not an answer to her question.

“Why are you crying?”

“Me? I wasn’t crying.”

“Wipe your tears properly before you lie.”

“……You saw it all.”

Feeling a wave of embarrassment, Evenel scratched her cheek.

After hearing from Demil that he had met her, Shuher had headed toward a place where he thought Evenel would likely be. There he found her, captivated by the night sky.

Perhaps because they were filled with so many stars, her right iris seemed to shine even brighter.

‘She looks like she’s seeing stars for the first time.’

Unable to turn away from her innocent smile, reminiscent of a child’s, he paused when he noticed a single, silently falling tear.

Additionally, her expression looked too sad for him to approach carelessly.

She had never shown tears, no matter the situation until now. So he became curious—what did those tears mean?

“So why are you crying?”
“Why do you just ignore me when I act like I don’t know?”