"..."

"Hmm. As I've said before, I'm more than willing to assist in any way I can," Kishiar, who was standing beside Emperor Keilusa, interjected smoothly with a voice tinged with amusement. "However, it would be more helpful if you specify exactly what you would like me to assist with."

"You make a valid point," the chief attendant chimed in from the sidelines. His eyes had significantly changed when he looked at Yuder after witnessing the astonishing spectacle that had just unfolded.

Although he intellectually understood that the young man with black hair possessed incredible abilities, the power he had just seen was enough to make him doubt what he thought he knew. It was a revelation even to the old man, who thought he had seen it all after a lifetime in the palace.

The old man, who hadn't had high expectations for the day, was now awaiting Yuder's response with a completely changed mindset.

"What I seek from you, Commander, is solely your Awakener ability," Yuder began, speaking slowly but clearly.

"Your power is exceptionally effective at either pulling something towards you or pushing it away. It is not only applicable to tangible objects but also to intangible energies, making it a rather special ability. I believe that with your help, I can sift through the dispersed energies within His Majesty and gather only the red energy."

"..."

"If the nature of this gathered energy turns out to be what I suspect it is..."

Yuder's voice trailed off, and his eyes looked downward as he was lost in thought. He then spoke with greater conviction, emphasizing each word.

"Then perhaps we can find a way to hasten His Majesty's awakening or protect his vessel."

The moment Yuder finished speaking, the chief attendant swallowed his breath, and a bright smile lit up Kishiar's face. The intention was not to chide himself for finally uttering what they had decided not to discuss regarding the treatment.

It was a smile of admiration for someone who had found a new path in what was considered an impassable wasteland, paving the way for all to see.

The Emperor exhaled deeply as he saw the unfolding events that he should have cautiously dismissed.

Up until now, neither the Emperor nor those around him had taken Kishiar's Awakener abilities too seriously, beyond the fact that they had saved his life. One reason was that Kishiar already had other astonishing abilities, and another was that Kishiar did not use his power in front of his family and relatives.

The ability to pull or push something might sound less impressive when put into words. However, the Kishiar that emerged through Yuder's description, and the power he wielded, seemed irreplaceably strong.

No, at least Yuder seemed to genuinely believe that Kishiar could accomplish the tasks he described using that power.

Words that seemed so fantastical they bordered on delusion.

But the Emperor had already witnessed something miraculous with his own eyes.

Once his heart had been swayed, there was no turning back.

“I couldn't help but wonder if I was being overly optimistic about the situation... But yes, I must admit, if it's feasible, nothing could be better."

At the Emperor's cautious response, Yuder's head snapped up.

"In that case..."

"Before that, there's something I'd like to ask."

"What would that be?"

"Can you assure me that Duke Peletta and the Baron will not be at risk in this process? I mean, can you swear in front of me that no harm, physical or emotional, will come to you two even if you two take on this task?"

Before Yuder could respond to the Emperor's sharp and heavy question, Kishiar interjected.

"Your Majesty, if a vow is what you require, then I shall make it."

"I did not ask you, Kishiar."

The Emperor replied without a hint of emotion.

"Why not? I am the one who will assist in the task, and I also bear the responsibility for what Yuder is doing."

"I told you, I didn't ask you."

The tension that had briefly peaked dissipated in an instant, thanks to the weary but familiar exchange between them.

Receiving the Emperor's gaze, Yuder slowly opened his mouth.

"I assure you, the concerns you have will not come to pass. I will stake everything I have and swear it before you, Your Majesty."

Then, he knelt on one knee and touched his clenched fist to the opposite shoulder, an ancient and truthful gesture of a vow that implied he would consider any form of punishment if he broke it.

The Emperor gazed silently at Yuder for a moment.

"...Very well. I will trust your words."

Having spoken, the Emperor gave a small cough. When the cough persisted, his attendant quickly lifted him slightly to offer relief, momentarily pausing the conversation.

As he waited for the coughing to subside, Yuder contemplated Emperor Keilusa's true intentions.

According to the Empress, the Emperor wants Kishiar to become the Crown Prince.

However, if something were to suddenly go wrong—due to hasty action fueled by newfound hope—and the Emperor died prematurely or encountered any issue, then all his plans would be in vain. The same would apply if something happened to Kishiar.

'Considering that, it's not surprising if he finds it more comforting to prepare for a future he can somewhat control and anticipate.'

Although it reminded him of Kishiar in his previous life, always putting the future before his own well-being, the Emperor ultimately sided with Yuder.

"I will grant the Baron's request and give both men another chance. However, I am quite fatigued now... Let's conclude for today."

Finally hearing the response he had hoped for from the Emperor, Yuder felt a tingling sensation run down his spine. The weight of the trust the Emperor had granted him pressed down on his shoulders, differently from when he had trusted Kishiar.

"Thank you, Your Majesty."

It was a monumental act of courage and also the beginning of an enormous change.

Something that had never happened before was about to unfold, a future whose end no one could predict was now on the horizon.

"...So, His Majesty has changed his mind."

"Is it really true?"

Leaving the Emperor's chamber, Kishiar and Yuder headed straight to where the Empress was waiting. Despite the late hour, the Empress, who had been standing all along, collapsed into a chair as soon as she heard the news that the Emperor had changed his mind.

"Did His Majesty truly say that?"

"Yes, it's true."

"Ah...."

After repeatedly confirming the matter, a soft sigh tinged with a moan escaped the Empress. The chief maid beside her quietly lifted a handkerchief. The Empress buried her face in it and did not raise her head for a considerable time.

When she finally looked up again, she grabbed Yuder's hand first. Her eyes, wet with tears she'd tried but failed to hold back, continuously conveyed her gratitude to Yuder.

"Thank you. I am truly grateful. I believed you would do it, but now that it's actually happened..."

Yuder shook his head gently, replying that it was all due to her influencing the Emperor's heart. However, the Empress's tears and overwhelming emotions didn't subside easily. It was only when Kishiar stepped in and jokingly told the Empress, "I wanted to share the joy and hold the assistant's hand as well, but it seems you've beaten me to it," that the atmosphere finally began to calm.

"I've shown an unsightly side of myself. I apologize. My emotions got the better of me... Come to think of it, Yuder, are you alright? You look extremely fatigued; perhaps I've held you here for too long."

"I am fine."

The dark flush that had risen to Yuder's cheeks had by then receded somewhat, settling below the collar of his garment. Although he couldn't completely hide his fatigue, Yuder didn't seem to mind.

"If there's anything I can do to help you in the future, I will. You must be tired today, go and get some rest."

The Empress informed them that Kishiar had made arrangements for them to stay at a palace he had resided in during his days as the prince, while they were checking on the Emperor's condition. As Kishiar had predicted earlier, it seemed they would be staying at the imperial palace that night.

After offering their farewells, Yuder watched the Empress leave with a sense of mixed emotions, pondering anew about her relationship with the Emperor.

The Empress, who had been so anxious yet couldn't even properly greet the Emperor when face-to-face, was leaving. And the Emperor, who would only regain some warmth when hearing stories related to the Empress, even amidst his suffering.

'I must make things different from now on.'

The road ahead was long. As Yuder raised his head and exhaled a deep breath, his eyes met Kishiar's. Just as he was about to ask where they should go next, a hand reached out and tightly embraced Yuder's back.