"His Majesty has expressed that voicing complaints about the forced vacation this way is more than sufficient. Apparently, they've set up barriers around the area because so many people have been gathering and it nearly caused an incident. Ah, everyone must've had a tough time."

On the third day of his vacation, at midday, Yuder lay down, staring at Kishiar's face as he casually read the letter brought by the courier pigeon that had arrived for the first time in three days. Listening to Kishiar's soothing voice, Yuder felt as if his eyes were heavy, sprinkled with sleeping powder.

'I had planned to read the translated research journal of the First Tain Duke today... Was it because I didn't sleep well last night?'

Last night, after Kishiar had carried out the extraordinary feat, Yuder had spent the night half-awake in a blend of excitement and anxiety. He was thrilled by the incredible miracle he had witnessed, yet concerned whether Kishiar would be alright after absorbing his energy.

However, even after watching all night, he had found no issues with Kishiar's body. Even after a day had passed, not just his cheeks and lips but even the blood flow between his legs appeared overly vibrant.

Just to be sure, Yuder opened up the flow of energies in Kishiar's body again first thing in the morning. He even attempted to maneuver one of the tiny streams of energy entangled in Kishiar using the Awakener’s power.

If Yuder had done it alone, it would have been a very cautious and difficult process. However, Kishiar assisted him with his own power, making the task much easier than expected.

It felt like he would soon get the hang of it to be able to do it alone with a few more tries.

'After moving the energy, I could also untangle it directly, strengthen it, and lastly... perhaps I could correct the elements that disturb the balance from my end.'

Thinking such thoughts, he quietly closed his mouth, waiting for the continuation of the conversation. But no voice came. When Yuder turned his head, Kishiar finally added, as if he had been waiting for it:

"While I can't say that I had absolutely no intention of complaining, don't misunderstand. What happened last night was to fulfill a promise I wanted to keep, and His Majesty is not yet aware of that fact."

Yuder blinked a few times before mumbling quietly, "I'm fine with it."

He had suspected Kishiar would do something ever since he wasn't particularly submissive about the forced vacation order. If one could achieve two purposes with one action, it would be stranger not to do so.

Yuder was more than satisfied just by having witnessed last night’s miracle up close, so he didn't care about the rest.

"Instead, if His Majesty bothered to send a letter himself... is he alright?"

"Are you worried about His Majesty?"

Kishiar responded softly.

"Of course, I am."

"Then let's dine at the Sun Palace tonight."

The suggestion was so natural that even Yuder, who considered himself immune to Kishiar’s usual charm, took a moment to understand its implication.

"Excuse me?"

"The letter says so. If you have nothing else to do, come and have the dinner we couldn't share because of that unfortunate incident."

"Is His Majesty saying he will lift the ban on you entering the Sun Palace?"

"No. The ban remains. But going to the palace boldly on my own accord, and sneaking in to just have dinner at His Majesty's invitation, are slightly different things."

So it was that the Emperor had discreetly written for Kishiar to make a brief visit to the palace.

In his previous life, Yuder Aile had often received similar instructions from Emperor Katchian, so understanding the message wasn't too difficult. Of course, Emperor Katchian had never extended the invitation for something as warm-hearted as a meal.

"Understood. Please proceed."

"Proceed? Didn't I just say? Tonight's dinner is to be at the Sun Palace. That invitation includes my assistant as well."

Only then did Yuder realize that he had slightly misunderstood Kishiar's intention.

'...He wants us both to join him for dinner at the palace?'

Although it was a casual, unofficial meeting during a vacation, the palace was not a place one could easily visit on a whim. This was especially true for Yuder Aile, who was merely a member of the Cavalry. He had considered that they might eventually meet to discuss Emperor Keilusa's treatment, but he had never imagined that their first meeting would be like this.

Yuder swallowed his astonishment before replying.

"I doubt His Majesty would have specifically invited me."

"Of course not."

Kishiar calmly nodded, his lips curving into a slight smile.

"However, every time I've entered in this manner before, I've usually been accompanied by Nathan. I assume His Majesty will think the same about you accompanying me this time."

"You mean you've dined with the Emperor, with Nathan before?"

"Quite often. In the past."

Kishiar's words left Yuder speechless, and Kishiar studied his expression with squinted eyes.

"Don't fret. If you're planning to heal His Majesty, isn't it better to get to know him first?"

"..."

"If I've learned anything from yesterday and today's experiences, it's that manipulating the energy within someone else's body is not an easy task. The reason it worked relatively smoothly for us is likely because we know each other well."

Yuder had vaguely reached the same conclusion himself. Kishiar softly brushed Yuder's cheek with his finger and leaned in for a kiss.

"In any case, I'll need to inform His Majesty about this and give him time to prepare and decide. The sooner we start, the better. An informal setting like tonight is perfect for this sort of discussion."

"...Understood. Then I'll join you."

At Yuder's heavy, yet resolute reply, Kishiar grinned briefly.

"Good. But there's one more thing I'd like to say."

"What is it?"

"I intend to participate in treating His Majesty as well."

For a moment, Yuder's mind went blank.

Ever since he first decided to heal and save Emperor Keilusa, who was fated to die, Yuder had imagined countless scenarios. But none of them had included Kishiar saying something like this.

"What... are you saying? You, joining in? That's absurd."

"Why is it absurd? Think about everything we've done so far."

Kishiar's face remained calm, as if he had anticipated Yuder's objection.

"Tasks that were difficult alone became much easier when we combined our strengths. My power complements what you're trying to do exceptionally well. I've tested it on myself, and it worked; I think it would be worth attempting on His Majesty as well."

"Did you really expend your power to confirm that?"

"Yes. I had planned to step back if my powers were ineffective, but now that I've learned they also work on intangible targets, there's no reason to do so."

Kishiar was unyielding. But the composure in his eyes unmistakably signaled that he had made up his mind.

Yuder bowed his head slightly before speaking.

"However, using the power that you wield on yourself is different from this situation. If we're not careful, both of us could be in danger."

"That risk exists for you as well. You should be aware of that."

"I am, but…"

It didn't matter what happened to him. He had grown fairly confident that the pure power of the Red Stone, which he had manipulated multiple times, would bring him pain at times but would not kill him. But Kishiar's life was different. He wanted to say that, yet the words wouldn't come out easily.

The expression that the man before him would wear if he said that had vividly flashed in his mind.

"Yuder."

Kishiar called his name. He reached out and gently stroked Yuder’s furrowed forehead.

"I'm not suggesting that we try this today. All we're doing today is formally introducing you to His Majesty and having dinner together. To treat His Majesty, we need to first make a thorough diagnosis and consider the best options, and we also have to listen to his opinions."

"…"

"And I have no intention of letting you handle everything alone, knowing that I can help. If you were in my position, you would have told me the same. Wouldn't you?"

Yuder lightly bit his lip.

"Think it over. I'm not asking you to choose this option because I don't trust your capabilities as an assistant, but because if there is a way to increase the chances of success, I'd like you to consider it. If there is a better method than what I've suggested, I will willingly step back."

He had lost. Yuder realized that there was no way for him to win against the well-prepared argument of Kishiar.