“……It’s fortunate that Yeongae thinks that even now.”

The Caliph responded with a somewhat lenient tone. However, his expression remained stiff.

It was not pleasing to him that he had to return such an answer to Rellia. Moreover, the current situation of sitting next to Rellia was far from ideal.

Yustia mentioned something about urgently looking for her, and although he expected that she might have prepared something related to Rellia, he didn’t know the details.

Of course, it didn’t matter. Isabella knew everything, and she was working diligently for him.

As long as Isabella’s feelings remained firm, his attitude toward Rellia could be indifferent and consistent. The problem was the words Felix had spoken just before heading here.

“We need to buy some time for now.”

Even though Isabella was right in front of him, Felix had conveyed his intentions without hesitation. He could feel an unsettling atmosphere due to Yustia’s mention of looking for him.

Because of that, there was an urgent emotion in Felix’s voice that seemed somewhat coercive. Thus, he couldn’t bring himself to ignore his words.

“Why do we need to buy time?”

“Since Isabella has promised to do her best, at least until she fully awakens her abilities, I hope their attention doesn’t turn toward her as much as possible. That way, Isabella can focus solely on awakening, and it will be better for everyone.”

Felix responded with a rather determined tone. Although it was directed at the Caliph, it was enough to burden Isabella.

The Caliph instinctively looked at Isabella. Her tense face was filled with anxious emotions.

Just that made a sigh rise to his throat. Although he wanted to object to Felix’s words, he pressed his lips together, thinking that it would only prolong the confrontation.

She was already a complicated person emotionally. He didn’t want to burden her with more.

After responding to Felix with silence, he turned away and left the Prince’s Palace to come here.

While he did give Rellia an answer that matched Felix’s demand, he didn’t feel any satisfaction in his heart. However, at that moment, he felt a movement from the seat right next to him.

“Your Highness, I’m truly grateful that you said so. I will make sure to keep today’s promise in my heart. I won’t repeat the same mistake twice, I promise.”

Rellia’s voice, full of emotion, penetrated his ears. There seemed to be a sense of gratitude in her words, even though they were uttered meaninglessly.

It was somewhat amusing. Although it felt ridiculous, the Caliph endured, clenching both hands tightly.

“As Your Highness wishes, I’ll make sure to keep today’s commitment. I won’t repeat the same mistake again, I promise.”
Before long, Rellia’s eyes became teary. Even a slight blink seemed like it would cause teardrops to fall from her eyelashes.

The Caliph quickly averted his gaze from Rellia, avoiding a gaze cold enough to be as harsh as Felix suggested. To ensure that their attention didn’t turn towards Isabella, he had no choice but to make them feel at ease.

To do that, he needed to avoid provoking them as much as possible, and it was best to comply with what they wanted.

If Rellia were to cry, the best course of action in that situation would be to provide some warmth, even if he didn’t wipe away the tears. He didn’t want to deliberately prolong the situation by maintaining eye contact.

“It’s been a long time since I’ve seen two people having such an affectionate conversation. I can’t express how happy my heart is; it’s beyond words.”

Just then, Yustia expressed her joy with applause. It conveniently provided an excuse for the Caliph to divert his gaze from Rellia.

“I am also grateful that you came to visit during the time you two spend together. I hope I can relieve my heavy heart a bit about the past.”

The Caliph carefully chose formal words that would not unnecessarily stimulate Yustia’s emotions. Despite his efforts to speak casually, he couldn’t completely hide his indifferent expression. Nevertheless, Yustia couldn’t help but wear a pleased smile.

It seemed like he had done everything expected of him in this situation. It was somewhat awkward to have to endure and watch over the two, but if it was for Isabella, he had no choice.

Suppressing his discomfort, the Caliph smiled at Yustia with a forced pleasantness.

“I didn’t plan to go this far immediately today, but Isabella, you should also understand that we don’t have much leisure.”

Felix put down the teacup in his hand and spoke to Isabella. There was no other sound in the quiet reception room, so she must have heard it, but Isabella’s eyes couldn’t find a focal point.

“Isabella.”

Felix narrowed his eyes and called Isabella again. Once again, there was no response from Isabella.

Felix let out a sigh. It seemed like he was concerned about the Caliph. If not, it might be due to his departure for the Empress’s Palace.