The Caliph couldn’t leave Ibelia’s side until late at night. Felix was no exception.

Felix had been watching the two of them all day with worried eyes. Ibelia’s complexion gradually improved as time passed. However, it was a subtle change.

Improvements that were barely visible to my eyes would probably be imperceptible to Caliph. Because of this, Caliph had been withering away for several days without having a proper meal.

Felix sighed deeply. At this rate, it seemed like Caliph would be the one to deteriorate first.

“How about returning to the Crown Prince’s palace today and taking a break?”

“…I’m fine. Don’t worry about me.”

“I can stop worrying when there’s no need to worry. Do you even know how you look right now?”

“I told you, I’m fine.”

“If it’s because you’re worried, I’ll be the one guarding Ibelia. Rest in the Crown Prince’s palace today, and tomorrow, we can switch.”

“Felix… I really am okay.”

Caliph let out a low sigh. The way he responded, closing his eyes while answering, made it painfully clear that he had reached his physical limits. Despite persistently displaying such stubbornness, Felix couldn’t help feeling frustrated.

“Ibelia would be thrilled to see you in this state.”

“…?”

“It would be fortunate if you don’t resent me for not stopping you.”

“…?”

“Hey, are you listening to me?”

With concern for Caliph growing, Felix couldn’t easily stop his nagging. Caliph, on the other hand, had apparently decided not to respond and simply gazed at the sleeping Ibelia.

“Ha, this is really annoying.”

Felix roughly swept his hair back. In fact, there was a reason why he was urging Caliph to rest so much.

It was true that he was worried about Caliph’s condition, but a few days ago, he had felt an unusual aura.

If his memory served him right, it was the day after Guardro checked on Ibelia and returned. Until the evening, it was an ordinary day like any other, but as the night deepened, an unfamiliar sensation pierced Felix’s mind.

For a moment, an ominous feeling enveloped his entire body. He had experienced a similar sensation before, but the intensity of the aura was completely different. It was a level of energy that could only be explained if the malevolent force that had been hiding all this time had begun to move in earnest.

Wanting to immediately investigate the situation, he almost lost his reason and was about to leave the Crown Prince’s palace. However, he couldn’t bring himself to do it.

Ibelia was in a state of unconsciousness, unable to wake up. Moreover, Caliph, the only person who could protect her, was not in perfect condition, so Felix couldn’t afford to leave his post.

He couldn’t help but fear that something irreversible might happen in the short time he left.

Felix had placed a lot of hope in Ibelia. Her abilities were extraordinary, something he hadn’t seen in all his time as a god on this land.
Based on the experience in the Tritan Kingdom, Felix knew that he couldn’t dispel the evil aura with his own strength alone. That’s why he had no choice but to rely even more on Ibelia.

Ibelia had to remain unharmed at any moment, at least until she regained consciousness and could protect her own body.

With that thought, Felix suppressed his anxiety and stayed by the side of Ibelia and Caliph. Fortunately, after that, no significant signs appeared. The powerful aura that was so unsettling was no longer felt.

Although a lingering unpleasant feeling wrapped around his body, it wasn’t at a level where he needed to worry right away. However, just the fact that the power continued to linger made Felix unable to completely let go of his concerns.

If the evil aura had finished preparing to move, if the lingering unpleasant energy since that day meant such a situation, Felix could never feel completely relieved.

If he momentarily let his guard down, just like the Tritan Kingdom, the Balchef Empire would undoubtedly lose everything.

Felix stared at the sky beyond the window. Until recently, the bright moonlight that had risen was now obscured by black clouds.

Felix’s worry intensified even more.

The Queen’s Palace, shrouded in darkness, exuded a more ominous atmosphere than ever before. A sinister purple color, enough to send shivers down one’s spine, subtly enveloped the appearance of the palace, contributing greatly to the eerie atmosphere.

The gardens that were always vibrant with flowers were devoid of any vitality, and even the knights guarding the palace were miserably fallen.

The scene visible through the half-opened doors of the Queen’s Palace was equally horrifying. Countless palace residents, who seemed to number in the tens, were sprawled out miserably.

It was an indescribably gruesome sight. Yet, no one passing by nearby revealed the horrendous events that had taken place inside the Queen’s Palace to the outside world.