As Rhian was preparing to leave the next day, he wished to meet Cornelia one last time. He made his way to Draven's study and expressed his desire to meet the head of the witch clan.

Draven looked at him for a long moment, his gaze sharp and scrutinizing. Rhian stood firm, as if silently stating he was asking for nothing unreasonable.

After a pause, Draven called for his aide. "Erlos, take Prince Rhian to the witch clan, and let Lady Cornelia know I have sent him personally to meet her."

He wanted to ensure Cornelia wouldn't turn Rhian away.

"Yes, Sire," Erlos replied, then turned to Rhian. "Prince Rhian, please come with me."

Erlos arranged two horses for their journey. As he helped ready the mounts, he explained, "The witch clan isn't far from here, so horse riding is the most suitable way to travel. I hope your injury no longer troubles you."

"It's alright," Rhian replied, climbing onto a strong brown stallion.

As they rode, Rhian asked, "You're an elf… do you also hate humans?"

"I do," Erlos answered without hesitation.

"But you've been polite toward me. You never once acted like you hated me. Is it because I'm Ember's brother?" he asked curiously.

"Yes. And also because I can see that you're not a bad person. You protected her — at the cost of your own life."

Rhian hummed thoughtfully. "If you weren't coming with me on horseback, would you have used your powers to go to the witch clan?"

"Yes."

"You can teleport using magic?"

"I haven't fully mastered that skill yet," Erlos replied. "But I can run at a speed that's nearly equal to teleportation."

"How?" Rhian asked, clearly intrigued.

"Watch me," Erlos said — and the next instant, he vanished.

Rhian's eyes widened as he saw Erlos reappear far ahead on the path. It had happened in the blink of an eye — a sudden gust of wind, and he was gone.

Then, just as quickly, Erlos disappeared again and reappeared seated calmly on his horse beside Rhian.

"That was you… running?" Rhian asked in disbelief.

"Yes."

"That's incredible."

The two continued their ride toward the witch clan, their conversation flowing with curiosity and growing mutual respect.

Rhian's two knights had been allowed to meet him once, after which they were escorted back to the border territory, where they remained under Logan's orders. They were not permitted to wander elsewhere. All they could do now was wait for their prince to heal so they could leave the kingdom together.

Meanwhile, Rhian and Erlos arrived at the Witch Clan territory, where Erlos led him directly to Cornelia's residence. The witch had already been informed that the prince was coming to meet her under the King's order. Though unwilling, she had no choice but to receive him.

Rhian took in the sight of the wooden cottage — a perfect reflection of its owner. The place was quiet and calming to the mind, elegant to the eyes, and carried a subtle air of pride and mystery.

Silvia stepped out to welcome them and guided them to the drawing room.

Everything inside was crafted from wood, filling the air with a warm, earthy aroma. Rhian noted how everything, though simple in appearance, carried a unique and thoughtful touch. This woman likes things simple… yet distinct, he thought.

"Prince Rhian, I have some other duties to attend to. I'll return shortly," Erlos said before excusing himself.

Silvia smiled politely. "Prince Rhian, please have a seat. Sister Cornelia will be with you shortly."

Rhian settled into one of the wooden chairs. Silvia offered him tea before leaving him alone.

As he took a sip, he heard the sound of someone descending the stairs. He turned to look — and there she was. Cornelia.

Only one thought crossed his mind: Such a graceful lady.

Cornelia met his gaze, and the memory of his previous disrespectful actions toward her came flooding back. She pushed down her displeasure — he was her guest, after all — and walked to take her seat across from him.

"Greetings, Lady Cornelia," Rhian said, placing the teacup back on the table.

She gave him a slight nod. "May I know the reason for your visit, Prince Rhian?"

"I came to see you before I leave this kingdom," he replied, his eyes meeting hers directly. "After all, I've recovered fully — thanks to your treatment and care, Lady Cornelia."

"I did what I was supposed to do as a healer," she replied curtly, her tone devoid of politeness. "I wouldn't have minded if my patient left without bothering to meet me. In fact, it would've saved me time."

It was clear to Rhian — she was not pleased by his visit.

"I know you're not happy to see me here," Rhian began, his tone calm but sincere, "but I had to come. I'm not sure that, after I leave this kingdom, I'll ever get the chance to return. After all, I don't have a long lifespan like you — I can't afford to wait for a future meeting."

He looked at her steadily. "I had no other choice but to express my gratitude while I still have the time… even if you didn't want me to."

Cornelia realized — once again — that whenever this man spoke with reason, she had no words to refute him.

"And…" Rhian continued, "I wanted to apologize for my disrespectful actions. Toward a lady like you, it was unacceptable. I hope you'll forgive me."

Seeing the sincerity in his eyes, Cornelia found no will to respond with her usual coldness. Instead, she said quietly, "I hope you return home safely."

"I will," he said with a faint smile. "I can't waste the effort you put into healing me."

He stood, understanding it was time to leave. "By human standards, I've probably lived half my life already. And the remaining half is nothing compared to the long lives of supernaturals… but I will cherish it — with gratitude to the one who brought me back from the brink of death." This соpy соmеs frоm соntеnt оn

"I do hope you live long," she said softly.

He nodded and reached into his pocket. "There's something I want to give you. There may not be another time for us to meet."

He walked over and held out a small, palm-sized rectangular wooden item.

"I enjoy wood carving in my free time," he explained. "It's made of sandalwood — it also keeps the air around pleasant."

Cornelia hesitated for a moment, but with Rhian waiting patiently, she had no choice but to accept it.

She examined the finely carved wooden block, her fingers running over the intricate design: a serene mountain, a flowing river, trees… and a long-haired woman sitting on a rock by the riverside.

It was delicate, elegant — clearly crafted with immense time and care.

This must have taken him many days to carve with such precision…

As she was still absorbed in examining the wooden carving, she heard him speak again.

"I also wanted to say something else."

She looked up at him, only to meet his steady gaze as he said, "You're the first woman I've ever liked… the one who stole my heart."

Cornelia parted her lips, likely to scold or shut him down — but before she could speak, he gently placed a finger over her lips.

"Let me finish," he said softly.

She immediately stepped back, distancing herself from his touch.

Rhian continued, his voice calm but filled with emotion. "I know I don't qualify to have these feelings for you. But I had to confess — because I don't know if we'll ever meet again. I don't even dare ask you to accept what I feel. You have a long life ahead, centuries more, while I'll be gone in just a few decades."

He looked at her sincerely. "I can't be selfish and impose my feelings on you. So, you don't need to be agitated by what I said. I just… I only wish for you to find happiness — with someone who can walk alongside you for those multiple centuries."

He paused, then added, "And I have no way to repay you for saving my life. But if, in the future, you ever need anything from this human — if it's not too late and I'm still alive — you can come to me."

He offered her a faint, warm smile. "I won't take up more of your time. Take care."

Then he turned and walked away.

Cornelia remained frozen in place, the carved gift still in her hand, her gaze lingering on the man who had just left.

He'd said so much… yet she had nothing to say in return. Nothing but a silent, unspoken goodbye.

She returned to her room in silence, her thoughts tangled with unfamiliar emotions.

Sitting down on the edge of her bed, she looked again at the gift in her hand. She brought it close and breathed in the soothing scent of sandalwood — the aroma strangely calming.

She stared at the finely carved piece for a long while, then gently placed it on her bedside table.

'I hope we won't ever meet again. If we meet, that means there is something bad had happened to someone.'