The Empress listened quietly as Lucas spoke, her gaze steady, taking in not just his words but the state of him, the balance within his energy, the clarity in his presence, and when he finished, when his gratitude settled between them, she gave a faint nod, her expression softening just slightly, enough to show that his recovery was not just expected, but something she was genuinely relieved to see.
"I'm glad you're well," she said calmly, her voice carrying a quiet warmth that did not often surface. "That is the least I could do."
She paused briefly, her eyes holding his.
"After all, you are the reason I reached this stage," she continued, her tone measured, but not dismissive of what had passed between them. "Without your help… I would not have broken through."
