The news brought by Ivan cast a deep sense of melancholy over Windsor. Benjamin, as expected, was the most disturbed.

“I thought they were clear enemies right in front of us.”

Adele, who tried to kill Elysian.

Kendallira, who tried to harm Ivan.

And the unknown space where Mitchell and Ivan were trapped.

The darkness the enemies possessed did not show its proper end. Benjamin regretted.

“Maybe I’ve been too arrogant all this time.”

That might be why he faced such a situation. He didn’t think everything would end smoothly, but he believed that at least those around him wouldn’t be in great danger.

“To protect them, that’s the power I’ve gathered.”

But look at the situation now. All he could do for Elysian and his father was to caution them, and they almost lost Mitchell and Ivan in reality!

“Damn it.”

Returning to the room and collapsing on the sofa, Benjamin struck his thigh with his fist.

“Damn it, damn it!”

His current self was too powerless. But more than that, what angered him was something else.

“Calm down, they say. Calm down.”

Benjamin looked down at his fist, which he had continuously struck against his thigh. His trembling fist.

“Yeah, in reality… I’m scared.”

Scared of losing everyone like this. Scared of losing Mitchell and Ivan again to Heathcliff. Scared of abandoning the beliefs and lives of those who trust and follow him. Scared of losing everything again and being defeated.

In reality, now wasn’t the time for self-blame. At a time like this, he should move a bit, think about the enemy again, and prepare for a counterattack. But due to the fear that had taken over his entire body, he couldn’t move easily.

He had gained many precious things. That was undoubtedly a good thing. However, on the flip side, it meant an increase in vulnerabilities. What needed to be protected had turned into an obsession, holding him back.

“Damn it…”

His body, which still wouldn’t stop trembling, bothered Benjamin. It was when he nervously swept back his shining bangs.

Knock, a knocking sound was heard.

“Yes.”

The visitor was Elysian.

“I came because I was worried. Can I come in?”

Every time. Benjamin wanted to make sure there was nothing Elysian couldn’t do, nothing she couldn’t achieve. But now, it was impossible.

“Sorry. I want to be alone for a moment.”

For the first time, Benjamin rejected her.

Outside the door, Elysian unconsciously swallowed a breath. She didn’t expect such an answer from Benjamin. But rather than getting hurt, Elysian calmly spoke once again.

“Is it too difficult even to see my face for a moment?”

“……. ”

“Then… please listen to my story.”

Although there was no answer this time either, Elysian didn’t wait and continued speaking.

“His Highness always gave me advice from his perspective. So, just for a moment, I want to speak from my perspective.”

After taking a short breath, Elysian began her words.

“When you’re depressed and alone, only depressing thoughts keep coming. And that depression engulfs people.”

“……. ”

“What His Highness is worried about… I don’t know unless you tell me. But I dare to guess… You’re underestimating us too much.”

Determination flowed in Elysian’s red eyes. She had confidence in her words.

“My father received the title of ‘Young Hero’ from the late Emperor, and I received teachings under such a father. His Highness has confirmed my skills several times, hasn’t he?”

There was no response from inside, but Elysian naturally continued her words.

“Kali Cherenne Kyeong has enhanced Father’s swordsmanship even more, and Mitchell Si-eron and Ivan have eventually come back alive. It’s thanks to their power… and to Your Highness, who didn’t give up on them.”
Elysian finished speaking and gently stroked the door.

Nevertheless, with no response from inside, Elysian, with a slightly hoarse voice, opened her mouth again.

“Your Highness is truly strong. And the precious people you want to protect are all strong too. Despite that, they strive to become stronger. Just as Your Highness wants to protect your precious ones, they also want to protect you because you are precious to them.”

Elysian lightly tapped her forehead on the door and whispered.

“Including me.”

I also want to become strong because you are precious, and I want to become strong so that I don’t become a burden to you.

This was another confession, and Elysian felt her ears gradually warming at the tips. Whether the eardrums transformed into the heart or not, there was a resonating sound as loud as the heated earlobes.

It happened as Elysian was exhaling trembling breaths.

“……Alright.”

Finally, a response came from inside.

“I overlooked it.”

The door opened with a creak. Simultaneously, Elysian was drawn into the room.

“Hup.”

In the dark room, even darker than that, and in the embrace of a dark man. Elysian, who had her face buried without hesitation in Benjamin’s embrace, felt his thick arms tightly wrapped around her waist as she slowly breathed.

The voice, tightly sealed in her ears as if burning or even blazing, settled into her ears, blocking them.