Caliph guarded his position with an unexpected sense of tension. It was because of the messenger who arrived at the Prince’s Palace early in the morning.

The sender of the messenger was Edward. Caliph promptly responded through a servant, suggesting a meeting around lunchtime.

The reason Edward contacted him was undoubtedly related to the incident when he found Lady Caroline. Moreover, Edward’s determination to get an answer was strongly conveyed in the letter he sent.

Although there was a clear and apparent reason for him to be pleased, Caliph couldn’t shake off the tension. The timing had deviated significantly from what he had expected.

When he found Edward, he didn’t anticipate revealing his true identity to Ivellia and just thought about solidifying her position. However, the current situation was vastly different.

Ivellia now knew his true identity, and moreover, she was spending time with Felix, awakening abilities that he had not known about before.

It was clear that Edward knew nothing about Ivellia’s current situation. Therefore, Caliph couldn’t help but feel nervous.

Edward was a father who Ivellia loved infinitely. Although his mind screamed that he should be completely honest with him, he couldn’t readily do so.

For Edward, Caliph’s sudden attempts to solidify Ivellia’s position might have been confusing.

The reason it took so long for him to send a messenger was probably because he couldn’t easily come to a decision. It must have been a time of indescribable agony, unable to express his intentions. That’s why Caliph was even more conflicted.

He hadn’t been able to control his feelings yet. Just as he was guarding the position outside the council room, a courtier entered along with a gentle knock.

“Your Highness, Lady Caroline has finished her meal.”

“Please, allow her in.”

Caliph responded promptly. However, rather than easing the tension, the sense of nervousness increased.

Soon, Edward entered the council room. Caliph stood up as if waiting for him.

“I greet Your Highness, the Crown Prince.”

As always, Edward maintained a restrained movement and offered a respectful greeting. Even though Caliph knew him to be a loyal subject with such sentiments, today, for some reason, he felt unusually uneasy.

“Have you come? Please, have a seat.”
Caliph gestured to his seat and then signaled to the standing courtier behind him with his eyes. It was a clear message to prepare the reception for Edward.

The courtier nodded without a word and stepped aside, making way. Only then did Edward find a seat after Caliph indicated the authority’s seat for him.

“I apologize for being late, Your Highness.”

“No, I didn’t expect Lord Edward to respond so quickly. The events of that day must have been sudden for you, and it wouldn’t have been easy to make a decision.”

Edward only responded with a faint smile to Caliph’s words. While appreciative of the Crown Prince’s consideration and understanding, in truth, he had already made up his mind long before.

The Crown Prince’s proposal itself aimed to solidify Ivellia’s position, and as a father, he hadn’t had any concerns about that matter.

However, what still weighed on his mind was the matter with Guard. He thought it would be proper to reveal everything to his lord first, but he couldn’t keep that order, burdening his heart heavily.

Yet, considering his illness, it was an unavoidable choice.

Edward, trying to collect his complex emotions with that thought, looked back at Caliph.

“I wanted to meet you earlier, but the circumstances were not favorable. Today, I apologize for the belated visit.”

“Belated? That’s an unwarranted expression. I fully expected that Lord Edward would need time. Moreover, the reason for your need for time was, in the end, because of my actions so far. I understand your position fully, having recognized everything and empathizing with your perspective. Please don’t be distressed.”

Caliph insisted, trying to alleviate Edward, who couldn’t lift his head. Even so, Edward didn’t raise his head for a long time.

At that moment, Caliph’s heart became unexpectedly heavy.

When Edward finally raised his head after a long while, there was a chilly light in his eyes. Just that alone created an unusual atmosphere.

Caliph, instinctively tightening the tension within him, swallowed dryly.

“To cut to the chase, I would like to accept Your Highness’s proposal. Of course, Jade will also serve Your Highness as one of your people.”

“…”

“So, please command me on what I should do for Your Highness in the future.”

Edward’s voice, promising loyalty to Caliph, was firmer than ever. Although Caliph’s heart kept hesitating whenever he thought about Guard, every time he felt his resolve waver, he remembered Ivellia’s face before finding the Crown Prince.