At the end of his words, Guardo smiled bitterly. Faced with that smile, Edwick couldn’t make a move. It was a figure that seemed so exhausted yet, on the other hand, looked incredibly strong.

His subsequent words resonated even more magnificently with Edwick’s heart.
[I will endure and persevere, and I will definitely create the world I dream of. When I step down from this position in the future, and my son takes over and sits here, I want him not to feel the pain I went through. I will correct this problem definitively so that my son does not have to worry about it.] […….] [So, I want to correct the problems I haven’t fully realized yet and make sure to become a righteous king who will leave a mark in history.]

As if thinking of his two-year-old son, Guardo couldn’t help but wear a tender smile. Just that alone indicated how deep the denial towards Riu Rian was.

Guardo genuinely loved Riu Rian, his only son. Even if his son repeatedly disappointed him by not living up to his expectations as he grew, the deep trust did not change.

He was an incredibly upright father. If Guardo had twins, even if it was considered a disaster, he would have embraced them without a doubt.

“Have you come, Marquis?”

Edwick stepped into the imperial palace with an uneasy heart. The familiar figure of the chief steward, as if waiting for him, bowed towards him.

Edwick nodded at him and asked.

“Where is His Majesty?”

“His Majesty is waiting for you in the bedroom.”

Edwick couldn’t loosen his stern expression at the steward’s words. Although it was an odd relationship with the emperor, Guardo always waited for him in the council room or the audience room rather than the study. Even though Edwick, who thought of him as a close friend, would not consider it proper, Guardo believed it was the duty of an emperor.

Knowing that Guardo was such a person, Edwick couldn’t shake off his concerns.

“Could it be that His Majesty’s condition has worsened during that time?”

After cautiously looking around and receiving no immediate answer from the steward, Edwick understood that it was the answer.

Without waiting for the steward’s words, he hurriedly stepped into the bedroom. As he entered, he saw Guardo, who had been resting on the bed, getting up just then.

“Your Majesty.”

“You came, Marquis.”

Guardo’s face, brightly smiling, seemed even more exhausted than it did a few days ago. Edwick couldn’t suppress the feeling of helplessness as he stubbornly pressed his lips together.

The full, glittering eyes of Guardo seemed to signify that his illness had deepened even more than it did a few days ago.

Edwick couldn’t hide his feelings, and he parted his lips.

“Your complexion doesn’t look good, Your Majesty. Have you met the royal physician?”

“Haha. It seems not fitting for Marquis, who doesn’t look as good as I do, to say that. The body has improved a bit. I heard you’ve been lying ill all this time and have been worried.”

“I’m at an age where such things are inevitable. Even so, it was just a fever, and now I’m fine, so you don’t have to worry.”
“When the Marquis of Caroline, the ruler of the world, reaches such an age, can I not be even more resigned?”

Guardo laughed heartily. Then, with a dignified stride that did not match his yawning appearance, he walked towards the table by the window.

Guardo sat down and, once again, looked at Edwick.

“It must be you, no one else. You should be even more steadfast as I lose strength and hold your position. Isn’t that right?”

If judged solely by the words, it was undoubtedly an oppressive expression that didn’t allow Edwick any choice. However, Edwick silently took a seat across from Guardo.

He couldn’t readily speak. Despite the oppressive expression, he understood that it contained a sincere request.

The already heavy heart became even more cumbersome. Having come this far with a judgment made after long contemplation, he couldn’t figure out what words to use to break the news.

At that moment, Guardo, who was looking at Edwick, narrowed his eyes.

“Marquis, is there something bothering you? Your expression doesn’t look good.”

Guardo’s inquiring voice was full of concern. It made Edwick’s throat tighten even more.

Edwick silently moved his lips, unable to bring forth any words. No matter how hard he tried, he couldn’t easily articulate the words trapped in his mouth.

Finally, Edwick sighed heavily and looked at Guardo.