The Next Morning
Eisenkrone Imperial Palace

“I dare to pray before You, my Lord. Please, guide this servant of Yours who lies before us now, that he may lay down the burdens of this world and enter eternal rest. And not as the Emperor of the Empire, but as a mere man, accept this pitiful soul into Your embrace and forgive his sins.”

Beside the Emperor’s bedchamber, a priest recited the prayer quietly.

In that sacred silence, the close aides all bowed their heads. Selvia, holding back sobs, clutched her father’s hand tightly.

Duke Belvar, watching this scene, narrowed his eyes slightly.

“So he couldn’t overcome the illness after all…”

To see Bertham—who once seemed immortal—standing at death’s doorstep brought a complicated mix of emotions.