Of course, Julian didn’t show any particular reaction. He just muttered while staring at the records.

“So then, what the hell did I see nine years ago that made me go to Arhad...? Looks like I had no idea it had anything to do with the Sacred Relic of Power.”

Apparently, Julian had the same question as Calliona, tilting his head—but of course, no answer would come.

“Well, anyway, it’s good we found some useful information.”

After setting the documents down, Julian stretched and grinned.

“I’ve more or less figured out how they steal power, and I can even speculate on the inevitable price that comes with gaining it. Using the Sacred Relic of Power probably takes time, too...”

Calliona stared intently at Julian. Somehow, she already had a feeling about what he was going to say next.

“Then, I’ll be off, Your Majesty.”

It was such a light and casual farewell—almost as if it were obvious.

He was now planning to ride straight from the palace to Arhad.

“Next time, I’ll come with Zahid.”

Julian grinned like he was heading to the neighbor’s house.

“Seems like the kid is still pissed about that whole engagement thing with Ray. Gotta calm her down again, don’t you think?”

Unlike Julian, who smiled so effortlessly, Calliona’s face was full of worry. Eventually, she let out a sigh that betrayed her true thoughts.

“...Julian... must you really go? Hm?”

“I must, Your Majesty.”

Julian lifted his brows in a soothing way.

“While our kiddo’s doing her best in her own way, we can’t just sit around, can we?”

“But still... Arhad is...”

“Even the rookie went. And my destined rival’s headed there too. I’m not about to be the only one left behind.”

The “destined rival” Julian referred to was Yuta.

Yuta had sent Julian a note that said: “Summoned briefly to the Temple by Aietar, then I’ll be heading to Arhad. Zahid will infiltrate then as well.”

“I just... I don’t want to lose you again,” Calliona said, her voice trembling. Even as she spoke, she couldn’t bring herself to keep pleading. She pressed a hand to her forehead.

“Ha... I sound so pathetic, even to myself. Honestly, I’m not even sure I deserve the throne...”

“Oh come on, Your Majesty. Since when is worrying about your subjects a pathetic thing?”

Julian spoke with smiling eyes.

“Caring sincerely about someone is a precious thing. Our kiddo said that. There’s nothing pathetic about it.”

Calliona took a deep breath.

Seeing her like that, Julian kept chattering with his usual shameless charm.

“I also feel like something big’s going to happen in Arhad, Your Majesty. So I understand why you’re so worried. It makes me feel like being loyal was worth it, now that even someone like me gets this kind of sincere concern.”

He’d grown stronger in many ways—but ultimately, he was now a completely different man than the Julian from nine years ago.

Nine years ago, Calliona had also sent Julian off to Arhad after receiving the same farewell.

She’d felt the same anxiety. The same reluctance to let him go. The same need to say something before he left.

Back then, Julian had simply turned away without many words, telling her, “You’re just someone who gives me orders.”

Now, his manner was rough, a little lacking in etiquette—but the way he revealed his true thoughts in front of her, it overlapped so strongly with the past that it felt both unfamiliar and familiar.

“Oh, right. I do have one favor to ask. If something goes wrong in Arhad, could you pass on my last words to the kiddo?”

Julian added brightly, with a faint smile.

“Tell her I’m really sorry I couldn’t remember in the end...”

He pretended like it was nothing, but his tone carried sincerity.

“I know you’re still waiting for that guy, but tell her that I cared about her just as much—enough not to lose to that bastard...”

Julian rolled his eyes, fumbling for words, then finally shrugged.

“But tell her not to be too sad. The real big brother died nine years ago, and she’s been living with a knockoff this whole time. Something like that.”

“Julian, why would you say it like that...”

Calliona tensed up without realizing it.

The way he left Rosie in her care—just like before, even if the words were different.

While Calliona struggled to say anything, Julian gave her a perfect bow.

“Thank you truly for your kindness all this time.”

Just like that day, nine years ago, when he left for Arhad.

“Then... may you remain in good health, Your Majesty.”

Julian turned his back.

Calliona staggered slightly as she watched him.

Nine years ago came crashing back.

She remembered how much she regretted not stopping him before he left for Arhad.

When she heard the news that he returned to the Noart estate barely conscious, his body battered and broken, she’d clawed at her chest in agony for having ignored all those bad feelings.

But now—it might be even more dangerous than back then.

Because unlike last time... this time, Aietar himself was in Arhad.

Julian’s footsteps echoed as he walked toward the exit of the records room.

“No...”

Calliona unconsciously clenched her fist.

“Julian, wait a moment—!”

The flash of a memory jolted Calliona into action. She bolted forward like lightning.

Even nine years ago, when she’d been told Julian had lost his memory, she’d regretted it—because she still hadn’t told him how she truly felt, and it seemed like now she never could.

She knew she couldn’t stop him. But she didn’t want to live through that same regret again.

Calliona ran. She grabbed Julian’s arm just as he was pushing open the door.

“If you’re going... at least take my feelings with you!”

Julian paused mid-step and turned around in surprise.

“...Huh?”

“Julian Noart.”

Calliona shook him without even realizing, her voice desperate.

“The truth is... I—I truly...!”

It was then—

THWACK.

“Ugh!”

Julian staggered with a grunt.

The door he had forcefully pushed open earlier rebounded and smacked the back of his head as he turned.

“What—Julian! What’s going on?!”

Calliona caught him in a panic as he collapsed.

“Your Majesty!”

One of the guards stationed at the exit came running.

The guard could only see Julian’s large frame falling toward Calliona—so in that instant, it looked like he was attacking her.

Especially since Calliona, who always remained composed, was now screaming in distress.

So without another thought, the guard struck Julian’s head with his sheathed sword.

“How dare you!”

“AAAAAAH—!”

Julian’s eyes shot wide open after the blow.

“Julian!!”

The Empress wailed and threw her arms around him.

“Ack! I—I’m sorry! I didn’t mean to—!”

The guard realized only then what a massive mistake he’d made and dropped to his knees in terror. Thinking back, if Julian had been fine, there was no way that blow would’ve landed.

“Ugh... ngh...”

Julian didn’t lose consciousness, but he clutched his head in both hands. It seemed the earlier surprise had triggered a sudden headache, making it hard for him to dodge the guard’s attack.

“Uuuuugh...”

“Julian? Julian! Does it hurt that badly? Was it that strong?! Then I’ll call the imperial physician ri—”

As Calliona babbled in a panic—

Julian’s green eyes, which had been starting to close, suddenly snapped open.

His lips moved slightly. A dry, doubtful voice came out.

“...Your /N_o_v_e_l_i_g_h_t/ Majesty?”

Calliona froze as those clear, cold eyes met hers.

Julian furrowed his brow and spoke with difficulty.

“Rosie... Rosierosie...”

At the sound of that hoarse name, Calliona’s mouth fell open.

Her voice trembled as she stammered—

“J-Julian... do you... now...”

He had definitely said “Rosierosie,” not “the kiddo.”

And no one understood what that meant better than Calliona.

Even his blank expression from moments ago had changed completely.

Ah.

Calliona flinched.

That’s right... Julian’s eyes... used to be this terrifying.

Those long, narrow eyes. Pupils void of emotion—chilling. It struck her all over again that this was the first time in nine years she’d seen that look.

“Now... Rosie...”

He winced and tried to get up immediately—but then passed out completely in Calliona’s arms.