The man raised his hand toward the servant, silencing him.

The servant looked back and forth between Lea and the man, obviously confused.

“We’ll meet again.”

The man gently kissed the back of Lea’s hand and walked away with the servant.

(This is a time separator.)

Akia thought of Lea as he moved through the palace. Just when he thought she was fine, she started avoiding him again.

She had done so at breakfast, and even in the carriage on the way to the palace. When our eyes met, she subtly shifted her gaze out the window.

‘She must have remembered something.’

A subtle smile spread across Akia’s face.

“Your Grace, please wait here.”

Akia nodded at the servant’s words and entered the royal chamber. Judging by the instruction to wait, the Emperor had not yet arrived.

He surveyed the silent royal chamber. Memories of the Emperor and his childhood started to resurface, just as—

“The Emperor has arrived.”

With the announcement, the door opened.

“It’s been a while, Akia.”

The Emperor hugged Akia warmly, a benevolent smile on his face.

“You’ve suffered a lot. You should have told me about such unfortunate events. I would have resolved them for you.”

The Emperor and Count Heidern shared a deep friendship, and the Emperor held the Count in special regard.

As if confirming the circulating rumors, Illeia’s eyes filled with affection.

Count Heidern, who had been quietly observing, took a step back. His natural rejection of the hug was subtle. Only then did the Emperor study Akia more closely.

When they had last met, the Count had been frail and reclusive, unable to meet his eyes. However, the Akia he saw now was a different person.

The Emperor examined the bold demeanor that couldn’t hide an inherently dignified posture.

‘Hmm. He certainly has changed.’

The Emperor’s gaze met Akia’s, and Akia bent one knee.

The Emperor’s eyes became mysterious at Akia’s respectful greeting.

“How dare I become a burden to Your Majesty.”

Illeia, who had read the Count’s letter and felt sorry for him, took his hand.
“It’s burdensome? Unthinkable. What kind of brother would think of his younger sibling as a burden? We don’t need such formalities between us, Akia.”

“……”

“From now on, if you encounter even a slight issue, tell me at any time.”

[“Yes, I understand.”]

Satisfied with Akia’s reply, Illei gestured for him to sit after patting his shoulder a few times.

“Let’s have tea together after a long time.”

No sooner had his words ended than maids entered, pulling a trolley.

“You came in a hurry from the capital, so you couldn’t prepare anything? I’ve ordered that Count Heidern’s townhouse be prepared, so you can stay there. I’d like to personally take care of you at the palace, but due to laws, it’s unavoidable.”

[“I appreciate the sentiment. But I have a place to stay in the capital.”]

Illei looked surprised as he read the short note from Count Heidern.

“You have a place to stay, you say. Other than Count Heidern’s townhouse?”

[“Yes, there’s a townhouse where my mother stayed before entering the palace. I’ll stay there.”]

The late Empress’s townhouse…

“If that is truly your wish, so be it. Then tell me the location so I can send someone right away…”

[“That’s alright, Your Majesty. I’ll just accept your kind intent, Brother.”]

Illei, who had been staring intently at the Count, nodded his head.

“Understood. I must’ve underestimated you.”

[“Then I’ll take my leave now. I’m not fully recovered and I’m tired.”]

Illei’s face subtly changed as he watched Akia bow respectfully and leave without a hint of regret.

But soon, Illei wore a warm smile.

“Alright, go and get some rest.”

[Dash] Clack.

The door closed and Illei’s face immediately hardened. A chill, entirely different from when dealing with Akia, filled the room.

“Count.”

“Yes, Your Majesty.”

Illei called to Rodrigo, the Count who had been beside him all along.

“Akia looks much better than I expected.”

The Akia he met directly did not seem like a frail patient. Red eyes like blood, hair shining like gold, even a bright complexion.

As he got older, Akia began to resemble the late Emperor Philips III. Illei brushed his chin, feeling somewhat uncomfortable.

“Did he come to the capital alone?”

“I heard he came with just a healer.”

“A healer? The healer you mentioned before?”

“Yes. I’ve dispatched people, so I’ll report on the healer soon.”

Illei flicked his desk with his finger, as if pondering. It was a habit of the Emperor when he felt something uncomfortable.

Then, as if he had resolved his doubts, Illei’s finger stopped.

“Find out everything, without exception.”

Annoying. Everything about Akia seemed oddly changed.

“Yes, Your Majesty.”

Bowing deeply, Rodrigo, the Count, had eyes that subtly flickered.