The malevolent aura that had tainted the world dissipated, and a considerable amount of time passed. Many things changed during that time.

The most significant change was that Khalif ascended to the throne, replacing the fallen Guardo.

It was not an easy process. The fact that the crown prince, who had long been thought to be Rurian, was Khalif, the twin brother, caused a great stir among the courtiers.

As the twin was considered an impending disaster for the despised Valche Empire, none of the courtiers easily accepted him as the emperor. Except for one person, Viscountess Caroline.

She supported Khalif so strongly that it seemed almost blind, and in the face of the determined decision of Viscountess Caroline, who had earned a reputation as an upright regent, everyone eventually yielded.

Of course, the reason Khalif was recognized as the emperor was not solely due to Viscountess Caroline’s support.

One day, the once evil Guardo, now turned into a benevolent figure, and the sudden death of Ustia brought unprecedented chaos to the empire.

The citizens of the imperial capital, who had witnessed a world filled with ominous purple, loudly talked amongst themselves that the end was near.

Their accounts, gaining credibility as they spread throughout the empire, led to disturbances, large and small, breaking out everywhere.

It was a significant issue that could potentially cause division within the empire. However, Khalif swiftly rectified the turmoil that had plagued the empire with his wise judgment and decisive actions, no less than Guardo.

The background for this could be attributed significantly to the death of Duke Dwayne Garnet. As a leader of one of the two factions leading the empire, Dwayne’s death naturally led to the gradual dissolution of the faction centered around him.

Meanwhile, the atrocities they had committed and the wealth they had exploited from the imperial citizens came to the surface.

Among the numerous tasks that Khalif, as the emperor, had to deal with, he personally intervened in every matter related to the Garnet faction.

At the end of it, he lightly taxed the nobles who had amassed wealth by exploiting the commoners, and some deemed malicious were not only subject to property confiscation but also faced imprisonment.

The reclaimed wealth was either entirely returned to the commoners or used for their benefit.

By doing so, he gained respect from the citizens and instilled loyalty in some courtiers while instilling an irreparable fear of rebellion in others.

The Valche Empire prospered day by day, transforming into a more powerful and livable empire than before.

That period marked the achievements Khalif accomplished as an emperor and the first steps he took in his reign, be it a long or short time.

Continuing the meetings with the courtiers until late in the evening, Khalif headed to his bedroom as the night grew deeper.
A piercing fatigue swept over. However, there was no moment to rest, as impatience exuded with every step.

Hurriedly opening the bedroom door, Khalif entered, but the awaited voice did not reach his ears.

Instinctively furrowing his brows, he scanned the bedroom. The one he had been anticipating all day was nowhere to be seen.

“There’s nowhere else to go at this hour…”

Muttering quietly to himself, he suddenly turned his gaze toward the bed. The neatly arranged bedding, touched by the hands of the maids every morning, was now partially disheveled.

Traces indicated that someone had been lying there. Placing his palm gently on it, he felt a faint lingering warmth.

It seemed like someone had been lying there just a moment ago.

As the thought reached him, he roughly guessed where she might be.

Although the Emperor’s attire felt suffocating on his shoulders, without changing clothes, he left the bedroom once again.

Perhaps due to the clear destination, his steps were remarkably lively despite his weariness.

The place Khalif headed to was the former prince’s residence that Evelia had used. As he became the Emperor, Evelia, who was the prince’s consort, naturally became the Empress.

Originally, it would have been appropriate to assign a separate palace for the empress, but due to the sudden calamity, which resulted in financial losses, Evelia ended up residing in the Emperor’s palace with Khalif.

It was described as the essence of the emperor and empress visible to the courtiers and imperial citizens, but in reality, it was a decision reflecting Khalif’s desire not to be separated from Evelia for even a moment.

Perhaps due to the circumstances, fortunately, Evelia did not express significant dissatisfaction. However, occasionally, she missed the times when she was alone and often visited the now-empty gardens of the prince’s residence.

Just as he passed the entrance of the garden, Evelia’s back appeared at the opposite end. Khalif did not hesitate and strode towards her.

“Even at this late hour, there’s nowhere else to go. Let’s move together.”