Kaiden couldn’t figure out why Bardi had summoned him this evening. The practice had been purely formal, and Kaiden didn’t even have anything to do.

‘He wouldn’t have gone to such lengths just to assert that he’s the Emperor, would he?’

Though he doubted it, Kaiden couldn’t shake the thought that if it were Bardi Rentworth, it was entirely possible. Crossing his arms, Kaiden watched as Bardi ascended and then descended from the platform.

The spot where the late Emperor’s coffin would be placed was surrounded by gilded poles, with red cords draped around them.

What would it feel like to see the late Emperor lying there?

Kaiden couldn’t quite tell.

“Your Grace, it’s time for you to ascend the platform.”

As he stepped up, red tulips were prepared.

“Do I really need to practice scattering flower petals?”

“It’s royal protocol,” replied Budier.

Without saying much, Kaiden grabbed a few petals and scattered them into the air.

He felt nothing.

It made sense to feel nothing. After all, they weren’t even close blood relatives. He had done everything he could—even killing Axton—to avoid falling out of favor. That way, Edwin and, later, Bardi wouldn’t act against him.

He simply wanted to keep the peace. He hated the idea of anyone dying.

Axton had even said it was the right thing to do—that Kaiden should kill him. After all, he was a dying man, whether it be today or tomorrow. Most people, including Heath, despised him for a while, but Kaiden bore it. He could endure it.

“Your Grace, it’s time to descend now.”

Kaiden slowly stepped down from the platform. He could feel Bardi’s blue eyes scanning him, but his mind was too cluttered to care.

Rohana had said nothing about her meeting with Lazar.

Even before, when Kaiden had asked about her relationship with Lazar, Rohana had been extremely tight-lipped. Given her generally honest nature, it was surprising.

‘Who exactly are you?’

From the moment they met 15 years ago until this very day, Rohana remained the most elusive person Kaiden had ever encountered.

As he recalled what Rohana had said to Lazar earlier, Kaiden furrowed his brow even more. While Heath hadn’t seemed to hear, Kaiden had caught every word.

“Why did it have to be me? There must have been plenty of others who could’ve become Rohana.”

As soon as Rohana said that, Lazar had covered her mouth. Then, he moved her to a place where neither Kaiden nor Heth could approach.

Whether Lazar had known at that moment or even earlier, it was clear he realized they were being overheard and didn’t want them to listen.

‘Aren’t you Rohana Hanover?’

But that couldn’t be. She resembled Gregory Hanover more than anyone.

What did it all mean, then? Axton had once said Lazar was beyond human understanding.

Kaiden could easily ask her directly, but for some reason, he couldn’t bring himself to do it.

He couldn’t be straightforward with her. All he could do was honestly confess his feelings, the best he could muster. Beyond that, Kaiden didn’t know what else to do.

“What’s on your mind?”

A sudden voice snapped Kaiden out of his thoughts. He uncrossed his arms and looked up. The Emperor stood before him.

“Nothing at all.”

“How do you feel now that Grandfather is gone?”

“It’s regrettable.”

After his brief response, Kaiden spoke again.

“May I take my leave now?”

Bardi seemed to have more to say and dismissed everyone else. Now, only the two of them remained in the vast cathedral. As Kaiden glanced around, he noticed how the stained glass shimmered beautifully, even in the moonlight.

“How much do you know about the late Emperor?”

This strange mix of sudden intimacy followed by cold distance was a trait Bardi had exhibited since childhood.

“Not much, I’m afraid.”

“I, on the other hand, knew him quite well,” Bardi said slowly. “He cared for you a great deal. He kept writing letters, even though you never replied.”

Kaiden hadn’t known that Bardi was aware of those letters. He remembered the letters he’d burned after glancing at only the first one.

“Seeing his most cherished grandson at his final farewell wouldn’t be a bad thing.”

“If you agree to the union of Nopthal and Shatonwell, and recognize their desire for emigration, there won’t be any more conflict.”

Kaiden spoke first, thinking there was no point in delaying the inevitable.

“If we can’t coexist, the best course of action for everyone is to allow them independence.”

Bardi looked at Kaiden, as if expecting those very words.

“Must you say such things?”

“I’m speaking as your brother. If you must resort to kidnapping a princess and invading neighboring countries with such a low-handed move, then the Empire is no longer an empire.”

Kaiden already had too much on his mind. He had no intention of placating Bardi any further.

“The Kark tribe’s dissatisfaction won’t cease, nor will the Arin tribe’s resistance.”

The Emperor’s face hardened, trying not to show any sign of being taken aback.

“Think it over and let me know your answer.”

With that, Kaiden turned to leave.

***

When Kaiden returned to the guest chambers, he raised an eyebrow as he saw Rohana still sitting on the sofa in the parlor, waiting.

“You’re still awake?”

Kaiden held back the words, “You must be tired,” because he shouldn’t know. He shouldn’t know that she had met Lazar.

“It hasn’t been that long, really,” Rohana replied, stretching leisurely and motioning for him to sit.

“What is it?” Kaiden asked.

“Hmm…” Rohana hesitated, briefly pursing her lips before brushing her cheeks with her hands.

“Did the rehearsal go well?” she finally asked.

“I didn’t know practicing scattering flower petals while walking up the platform was something I’d have to rehearse,” Kaiden joked, leaning back against the sofa.

The flickering candlelight cast shifting shadows across Rohana’s face, making her emotions seem just as elusive as ever.

“Kaiden.”

“Yes?”

Just as he thought she wouldn’t say anything of importance, her unexpected words reached his ears.

“I met Lazar today,” Rohana said softly.

Kaiden took a moment to process her words, staring blankly for a second.

“I see.”

“I was on my way back after meeting Amy from the Modin Trading Company. Suddenly, a carriage appeared, and it was Lazar,” she explained.

Kaiden listened silently.

“Lazar…” Rohana trailed off, as if carefully choosing her next words.

“He used to appear in my dreams often, as I’ve told you before,” she continued.

Kaiden gave her a look, urging her to go on.

“He said he won’t try to kill me anymore. That the death of an Arin, who has the sympathy of the Kark tribe, is unnecessary.”

“I see,” Kaiden nodded slightly. It sounded exactly like something Lazar would say.

“There was an accident today as well.”

“Rohana,” Kaiden interrupted, deciding he needed to stop her there.

He had always thought Rohana would hide things about Lazar from him. After all, she had been planning to leave for Mid-Summer. She might have had her own plans with Lazar.

Since his feelings for her were one-sided, he thought he could bear whatever betrayal came his way.

He even hoped that, if fortune favored him, he might have a chance to confess his love to her once again.

In truth, he feared how much he could protect her, an Arin, amidst the unstoppable forces of war.

But now, that fear had faded. It no longer felt like he would be betrayed, nor that he could endure it.

“Actually, I already know,” Kaiden said.

Rohana’s violet eyes widened slightly in surprise.

“I followed you. I was worried you might be in danger,” Kaiden admitted.

Her eyebrows softened a little.

“I’m sorry if it made you uncomfortable. I didn’t mean to interfere with your actions. Let alone surveil you,” he said, being as honest as possible.

“Still, I had to. Lazar’s appearance was unexpected, but…” Kaiden paused for a moment before continuing.

“We were trying to stop the Arin group that had been following you. Lazar wanted to eliminate them, but I used my magic to protect them, at least temporarily.”

It felt liberating to be completely honest.

“I didn’t want to give anyone an excuse to say the Arin died because of magic, even though those bastards were trying to harm you.”

He unconsciously used a curse word, something he hadn’t done in a long time, while confessing.

“So maybe, I couldn’t protect you after all,” Kaiden said with a sigh, looking back at her.

“I’m sorry I didn’t tell you earlier.”

Rohana simply stared at him. The flickering candlelight made it difficult to read her expression, especially since she remained so calm.

Then, the soft rustle of her dress filled the silence as she slowly rose from her seat. Rohana came over and sat beside Kaiden, their legs brushing against each other.

“Kaiden,” her voice trembled faintly.

“Since it’s the day before the late Emperor’s funeral, I’ll hold back my words,” she said, her slender fingers lightly brushing against his chin.

“But I’ll say just one thing.”

Kaiden tilted his head slightly, moving closer to her.

“We’re going to be okay,” she whispered, her breath warm, her voice deep and soothing in his ear.

“I trust you.”

Kaiden closed his eyes quietly, leaning into her touch.

“And you, trust me.”

He couldn’t resist.

He had known it from the very beginning.

Now, Kaiden chose to surrender to this irresistible feeling. For the first time, Rohana leaned into him without any hesitation.

The night quietly deepened.