The carriage carrying Rohana, Kaiden, and Heath took four days to reach the imperial palace.

Though they could have traveled much faster, Kaiden inexplicably chose not to rush, taking long breaks along the way and stretching out the journey.

Rohana had never seen Kaiden so quiet and gentle. He was oddly polite and composed, just as he had been on the day they first met. She couldn’t figure out what he was thinking.

“What was the relationship like between the late emperor and Kaiden?” she asked Heath while they were resting at Pincheser.

Heath looked troubled. “Well…”

He sipped on iced tea, wearing only a shirt and complaining of the heat.

“Did Kaiden live in Nopthal all that time without any contact?”

“Hmm…”

Though Heath likely knew something, he couldn’t seem to answer. Rohana understood but couldn’t stop herself from asking.

Eventually, she decided to ask Kaiden directly, carefully broaching the subject just before they arrived at the palace, inside the carriage.

Because of the heavy rain, he had dismounted from his horse and now sat silently, gazing out the window.

“Kaiden.”

His cold gaze softened slightly as it turned toward Rohana. She noticed the subtle change and calmed the nervous feeling that rose within her.

“May I ask about the late emperor?”

Kaiden’s eyes grew calm and cold again, not directed at her but at memories he seemed unwilling to revisit.

“Well, there wasn’t much of a relationship.”

A lie.

His polite, faintly smiling lips held that expression for a long time. When Kaiden wasn’t truly smiling, he often wore that long, picture-perfect smile.

But she didn’t have the courage to ask further.

She wasn’t the type to ask about someone’s personal life. People often found that frustrating about her.

After a moment of quiet thought, Rohana spoke again.

“Still…”

For some reason, it seemed like he wanted her to ask more, so, uncharacteristically, she continued.

“Before or after the Edwin Rentworth incident, or when you went to Nopthal…”

“He was simply the emperor of the empire,” Kaiden replied.

“There was nothing that would make me consider him my grandfather. No significant events or moments.”

His deep voice was so soft that it seemed to be drowned out by the sound of the rain.

Rohana was about to speak again when Kaiden broke the silence.

“If anything happens when we arrive…”

“What do you mean?”

“Well…”

Kaiden relaxed slightly from his upright posture and continued.

“If there’s a situation where you’re officially asked to take a side.”

“Yes, I understand. I’ll give a vague, diplomatic answer, so don’t worry…”

“More than that…”

Kaiden’s expression grew serious, and he leaned forward, narrowing his eyes.

“Hm?”

“Answer in whatever way ensures your safety. And that answer will likely be to side with the empire, with the Arin tribe, for now.”

Kaiden quickly finished speaking and gave her a look as if prompting her for a response.

“Are you asking me to betray you?”

Rohana made an awkward joke, smiling uncomfortably, but Kaiden’s previously stern face softened.

“I wouldn’t consider that much of a betrayal.”

Kaiden leaned back in his seat.

“I told you, didn’t I? Even if everything ends, I’ll come back to you.”

His narrowed eyes held a faint smile. Rohana, recalling her confusion from last autumn when he had spoken similarly, sighed softly.

“You’ve gotten a lot more brazen.”

At her words, Kaiden shrugged.

“Heath once told me…”

Seeing Rohana’s curious gaze, Kaiden continued.

“There comes a time when people naturally become brazen.”

“And when is that?”

“You’ll find out. Actually, I think you already know.”

Kaiden, still smiling faintly, folded his arms and closed his eyes. Shadows fell below his dark brows.

Rohana exhaled briefly, feeling as though she couldn’t keep up with him in conversation anymore.

Before she knew it, they were nearing the imperial palace.

***

As they arrived, Rohana clicked her tongue inwardly when she saw who greeted them.

As expected, though it was predictable, waiting at the grand entrance to welcome the Duke and Duchess of Delcliff was none other than Gregory Hanover.

It was the first time they had faced each other properly since the Battle of Shatonwell, and in the time since, he had grown remarkably thin.

Behind Gregory, a sizable group of people had gathered to receive them. Their all-black attire, adorned here and there with white ribbons, was a stark reminder of the palace’s mourning.

“Duke Delcliff. And the Duchess.”

With an overly formal greeting, he welcomed them with a gentle expression. Rohana slowly glanced around.

Despite knowing they were arriving and waiting for them, the awkwardness among the palace officials and even the servants was palpable.

It was harder to hide the mood than one might think. The entire palace seemed cloaked in an air of surprise, as if they hadn’t expected them to come.

Kaiden was impeccably dressed in a perfectly fitted black ceremonial suit. That alone would have been enough to make everyone uncomfortable.

How would they react, watching the Lord of Nopthal attend the late emperor’s funeral, standing there calmly as the emperor’s grandson, as though nothing had happened?

Since it was Rohana’s insistence that brought them to the palace, she walked carefully, sensitively observing her surroundings.

The slippery yet firm marble floors of the palace, which she hadn’t stepped on in some time, made her tense.

‘Coming here was the right choice.’

Rohana reaffirmed that her conclusion had been correct. Kaiden knew this too, which is why he had come with her.

As if reading her thoughts, only one person—Gregory—greeted them without any awkwardness, speaking with a calm voice and offering a trivial greeting.

“It must have been a long and tiring journey.”

Kaiden gave a brief nod without replying and quickly strode toward the room prepared for them. Just as they were about to enter the room, someone called out.

“Duke Delcliff.”

Kaiden turned around, and Rohana followed suit.

“May I speak with my daughter for a moment? It’s been a long time.”

It was uncharacteristic of Gregor to ask for permission, which made Rohana raise an eyebrow in amusement.

“Go ahead.”

“Not here… I’d prefer to speak in my study.”

It was too awkward to refuse, but agreeing was equally unpleasant. Kaiden’s face stiffened.

“That won’t be possible.”

Gregory’s eyes flickered with surprise, as if he hadn’t expected Kaiden to refuse.

“If you’re uncomfortable, I’ll step out. But Heath will stay.”

Kaiden spoke coldly and left the room before Gregory could respond.

“Go ahead,” Rohana said casually to Gregory, whose face now seemed even more unsettled.

“Did you really have to go this far?”

Though everyone else had left, Gregory didn’t bother hiding his displeasure at Heath’s bold presence.

“Considering what you did to Princess Serin, this is the least I could have done,” Rohana replied calmly as she sat down. Though they had traveled at a leisurely pace, it had been a long journey, and she was tired.

“What is it you want?”

Gregory said nothing.

“Did you summon me to Hanover’s estate to do something?” Rohana asked, her tone biting.

Gregory was taken aback by how much his daughter had changed.

‘So, she’s finally showing her true colors.’

Thinking back, she had always been a secretive child, harboring thoughts different from her words. It had all started that day—the day the wretched nurse died.

“Go see His Majesty the Emperor.”

When Gregory finally spoke, it was with a tone that suggested he had no other choice. Rohana frowned quietly.

“If His Majesty the Emperor wishes to speak with me, he could have sent someone to summon me directly…”

Genuinely confused, Rohana asked Gregory, “Why go through such unnecessary trouble?”

“You are already considered untrustworthy among the Arin tribe.”

Gregory responded.

“So, a private meeting with you would be inappropriate.”

“So, what, is His Majesty too afraid of rumors to meet me directly?”

“What was that creature you were controlling?” Gregory asked sharply.

“I controlled it?” Rohana replied, feigning innocence.

“I saw it clearly.”

Gregory’s sharp observation caught Rohana off guard. His firm words made her hesitate.

“Even now, you should bring that creature to the empire’s side. Then there may be a way to save you.”

“I’m genuinely curious—how can you be so certain the Arin tribe will win?” Rohana asked.

Gregory opened his mouth as if to respond, then closed it again before finally answering.

“You can find the answer in the records of the Unification War.”

“I heard those records were destroyed…”

“I have them stored in Hanover’s library. If you wish, you may come and read them.”

Rohana pressed her lips together in silence.

“How is Brandt doing?” Gregory finally asked after a long pause.

“He’s fine. I haven’t even locked him up in a prison,” Rohana replied.

“But he’s being watched, no doubt.”

“That much is necessary.”

“You know it wasn’t really his doing.”

Gregory’s words made Rohana, who had been looking elsewhere, turn her gaze back to him.

“Do not defy your family ties too much.”

As Gregory finished speaking, the sound of bustling servants could be heard. The voice of the chief attendant, clearing his throat, came from behind the door.

“Duchess, and Duke Hanover.”

The trembling voice alone was enough to know who was about to enter. Heath furrowed his brow silently. Without further explanation, the door swung open.

“His Majesty the Emperor.”

Of course, he would come here in person.

Rohana calmly raised her eyes. Gregory hurriedly stood.

Dressed in a simple black ceremonial outfit, with only a red tulip pin to signify his status as emperor, this was the most modest Rohana had ever seen him.

“Your Majesty! What brings you here?” Gregory stammered.

Ignoring Gregory’s flustered greeting, Bardi slowly seated himself before Rohana.

It had been a long time since their last meeting.