"The woman I told you about left it behind before she departed. I've kept it for years, hoping that one day I might return it to her in person." "Where is she now?" "She's dead," the Emperor replied, his eyes beginning to glisten with tears. Liora fell silent. The Emperor slowly closed the box. "Her husband was involved in a rebellion. When the royal army stormed their residence, she became one of the victims. I didn't learn of her death until everything was over." "Did Your Majesty order the attack?" "I signed the order. But I had no idea they were involved, let alone that she would become a victim." The Emperor clenched his jaw as he spoke. His answer sent a chill down Liora's spine. The Emperor looked at her and asked, "Do you think I was wrong?" Liora did not know how to answer. Nor did she be

His sarcasm made the Empress laugh. She then called a servant and ordered her to fetch a medicine box from the adjoining room. "I like the way you speak, Maxwell. You don't try to flatter me the way most men in this palace do." "I'm not interested in pleasing you." "What a shame. I'd already started imagining how pleasant it might be if we could spend time together without discussing the Emperor or your wife." Maxwell chose not to respond. Instead, while the Empress waited for her servant to return, he took the opportunity to contact the System again. "System, examine my physical condition. Is there any way to speed up my recovery?" Maxwell asked inwardly, closing his eyes as his brow furrowed slightly. "Can you identify the antidote?" Maxwell shifted his gaze when the servant returned with a small wooden box. The Empress opened it and to

After finishing her words, the Empress walked slowly toward the door."Wait. I want my sword returned."The Empress glanced at the Fated sword resting on the table."You're not healthy enough to wield it yet. I don't want you to get hurt, Maxwell. Do you know how I felt when we shared our warmth earlier?""That sword is useless to anyone but me. You've already proven that yourself. I only want my sword back."The Empress studied Maxwell for a moment before ordering a servant to move the Fated sword to the bedside. She did not seem concerned, as long as the man remained under the watchful eyes of her guards."Don't do anything foolish, Maxwell. I don't want to be forced to give you that poison again. And this time, it might kill you—or your wife. You still have a choice."After saying this, the Empress finally left the room.Maxwell waited until the door had closed before slowly reaching for the hilt of the Fated sword. This time, he managed to grasp it, although he still lacked the str

The Emperor's expression changed."What did they discuss?""The guards couldn't hear them. However, the servant appeared to be carrying a letter."The Emperor remained silent for a moment."Don't disturb the Duchess. Follow the servant and find out where she goes after leaving my residence. Then discover the contents of that letter.""Yes, Your Majesty."Mariel did not return directly to the Empress's residence. Instead, she chose a service corridor normally used by palace workers to transport clothing and kitchen supplies. The route was longer, but far fewer guards passed through it.Just as she was about to reach the stairs leading to the rear courtyard, a man in a guard's uniform stopped her."Do you work at the Empress's residence?""Yes, sir. I've just finished an assignment.""I've been ordered to inspect everyone leaving the Emperor's residence."Mariel lowered her head, trying to hide her nervousness."Please, go ahead, sir."The guard inspected the empty basket she was carryi

Maxwell brushed her hand away. "I will attend the hearing, but don't mistake my presence for agreement with your entire plan. And don't bring up what happened between us last night. You were the one who started it." "Yes, yes, yes! All I need is for you to voice your support when the time comes. After that, I'll make sure you can reunite with Liora." Maxwell said nothing. He had received his wife's reply through Mariel shortly before dawn. From her message, he had learned that the Emperor was preparing accusations concerning the Fated sword. However, something mattered more than the threat of losing his title. Liora was still well enough to seek information and appeared to have discovered something even the Empress did not know. "System, what's my current condition?" <The Host's body has recovered by 75%.> Maxwell sighed inwardly. H