I looked at Valen and let out a quiet sigh.
"Is there something you want to say?"
He stiffened slightly at being addressed so directly. For a brief moment, it seemed as if he might remain silent, choosing discipline over honesty.
But then—
He spoke.
"May I speak frankly?"
I nodded without hesitation.
"Go ahead. I don't mind."
Valen took a slow breath, his expression tightening as he chose his words carefully.
"I do not trust you," he said. "Nor do I trust your subordinate… Zareth."
There was no hostility in his tone.
Only certainty.
"But," he continued, "I acknowledge your strength."
His jaw clenched slightly, as though forcing himself to remain composed.
"Just know this," he added, his voice lowering further, "if you attempt anything against the Empress… I will not go down without making you regret it."
I smiled faintly.
"Understood."
I leaned slightly against the wall, my tone casual.
"Don't worry. Even if I don't do anything constructive… I certainly won't be doing anything destructive."
Valen studied me carefully.
For a long moment, he didn't speak.
His eyes searched my face, as if trying to peel back layers of intention, to find something hidden beneath the calm.
Eventually—
He gave a short nod.
"…That is reassuring," he said, though his expression remained guarded.
His gaze shifted toward the hallway where the Empress and Lyra had gone.
For just a moment—
The tension in his face softened.
There was something there.
Not just duty.
Not just loyalty.
Something deeper.
I tilted my head slightly.
"You should go after her."
He blinked, clearly caught off guard.
"I—"
He stopped himself.
His instincts told him to stay.
His duty told him to remain vigilant.
But something else—
Pulled him forward.
He looked back toward the corridor again.
Then at me.
Then back again.
After a brief hesitation, he exhaled.
"I will."
With a final nod, he turned and walked away, his steps noticeably quicker than before.
Not rushed.
But purposeful.
He wanted to make sure she was safe.
And perhaps—
I watched him leave before turning away myself.
There was nothing more to say.
I returned to my room and followed my usual routine.
Time passed quietly.
The castle settled into its nighttime rhythm.
Servants moved with softer steps.
Voices lowered.
The world grew calmer.
Eventually—
Night fully embraced the sky.
And I found myself in the garden.
The garden within the castle grounds was one of the few places untouched by tension or expectation. Lush greenery stretched across the space, flowers blooming in quiet harmony. Their fragrance drifted gently through the air, carried by a cool breeze.
A secluded bench sat beneath a tree.
That was where I chose to sit.
Leaning back slightly, I allowed myself to relax.
For once—
There was no urgency.
No calculations.
Just silence.
Peace.
Then—
Footsteps.
Soft.
Measured.
Approaching.
I didn't turn.
There was no need.
Sixth Sense.
Omniscient.
I already knew.
"Did you come to enjoy the flowers?"
A soft chuckle followed.
"You really are observant," the Empress said as she approached. "But yes… I did come to enjoy the flowers."
She sat beside me on the bench, her movements graceful and unhurried.
Her gaze drifted across the garden.
"It's beautiful," she said quietly. "Very peaceful."
I smiled faintly.
"I wonder if I'm observant," I replied, "or if it's just you who keeps approaching me from behind."
I turned slightly toward her.
"Even during the Hero Ceremony… you appeared the same way."
I paused, then added with a small smile,
"But yes. It's a nice place."
She blinked.
Then laughed softly.
"Ah… I've been caught."
A faint blush appeared on her face.
"Perhaps I do have a habit of approaching you from behind," she admitted. "Though I assure you, it's not intentional."
She leaned back slightly.
"It just happens."
Then, with a playful glint in her eyes—
"And during the Hero Ceremony, it was purely coincidence."
I raised an eyebrow slightly but didn't press further.
Instead, I asked,
"Are you enjoying your stay so far? Though it's only been a few hours."
She stretched her arms lightly, her posture relaxing as she leaned back.
"It's been… interesting," she said.
Her golden eyes shifted toward me.
"Your castle has a certain charm."
Then her lips curved slightly.
"And the company is more entertaining than I expected."
I tilted my head.
"Oh? And what exactly is entertaining?"
She smirked.
"For one… watching Valen try to remain composed while clearly wanting to stab Zareth."
She paused, her tone light.
"Of course, purely out of professional concern."
I chuckled.
She continued,
"And then there's you."
Her gaze lingered.
"A Lord who gained loyalty by accident, commands terrifying power… yet sits in a garden drinking fruit juice like a philosopher."
Her eyes gleamed faintly with amusement.
"You are… quite unpredictable."
I shrugged lightly.
"Maybe."
I leaned back slightly, looking up at the sky.
"But the night is beautiful."
The wind brushed gently against the leaves, carrying the scent of flowers.
"I couldn't help myself."
She followed my gaze, tilting her head upward.
"Indeed," she murmured.
"The stars are especially bright tonight."
For a moment—
Neither of us spoke.
Then she turned her head slightly, looking at me from the side.
"Though I don't think the wind is the only reason you're here."
I blinked.
"What other reason could there be?"
Her smile widened slightly as she turned to face me fully.
"Perhaps… you were hoping for unexpected company."
Her eyebrow lifted slightly.
"Athough I doubt you expected to find the Empress herself here."
I laughed softly.
"No one here would casually come to keep me company."
I gestured vaguely toward the castle.
"They are either busy… or unwilling to get too close."
I paused.
"A Lord carries power."
"Not just as a ruler… but as a Powerhouse."
My gaze returned to the garden.
"Most people aren't comfortable around that."
She grew quiet.
Her expression softened.
"I understand," she said.
"There is a loneliness that comes with power."
Her voice lowered slightly.
"But… you do have people around you, don't you?"
"Your subordinates. Your butler."
I smiled awkwardly.
"I didn't say I don't have people who could keep me company."
I shrugged lightly.
"I just don't see the need to disturb them when they're busy."
She chuckled softly.
"Then consider me your exception."
She leaned back again, her gaze drifting upward.
"After all… you did say the night was beautiful."
Her voice softened slightly.
"Why not share it with someone?"
I nodded.
"Yes."
For a moment—
We simply sat there.
Side by side.
Under the quiet sky.
Neither speaking.
Neither needing to.
The night stretched on, calm and undisturbed, as the gentle wind carried the scent of flowers and the faint rustle of leaves.
And for once—
Neither the Empress nor the Lord spoke of power.
Or politics.
Or war.
Just—
Silence.
Shared.
The gentle voice of a maid came
"My lord, dinner is prepared."
I glanced toward the Empress and gave a small smile.
"Looks like it's time for dinner. Perhaps I can have some company."
The Empress noticed the maid as well and inclined her head slightly.
"It would seem so."
She rose gracefully from her seat, smoothing her dress with effortless elegance.
"Well then," she said, a faint smile forming on her lips, "shall we proceed to the dining hall?"
I stood as well.
"Of course. Allow me to guide you."
She let out a quiet chuckle, clearly amused by the formality.
"Please," she said lightly. "Lead the way."
She fell into step beside me, her presence calm yet commanding. There was a quiet curiosity in her gaze, as if she were observing everything—not just the surroundings, but me as well.
We walked through the corridors of the castle, the soft glow of enchanted lamps illuminating our path. Servants stepped aside as we passed, bowing respectfully. The atmosphere was calm, almost serene, a stark contrast to the tension from earlier.
Soon, we arrived at the dining room.
The doors opened, revealing a long table set with precision. The arrangement was elegant without being excessive—fine cutlery, neatly placed dishes, and a subtle fragrance of prepared food lingering in the air.
I gestured toward a seat.
"Please."
The Empress took her place with practiced grace, her movements smooth and composed. Her golden eyes swept over the table, taking in every detail. After adjusting her dress slightly, she leaned back, appearing at ease.
A faint smile curved her lips.
"This is quite a lavish arrangement," she said. "I must say, your hospitality is impressive."
I took my seat opposite her and smiled.
"We can't have our guests leaving unsatisfied."
She rested her chin lightly on her hand, her gaze fixed on me.
"Oh?" she said, her tone teasing. "And here I thought the infamous Monster Lord wouldn't concern himself with such trivial matters."
She reached for her wineglass, swirling its contents lazily.
"Yet you seem… attentive."
I took a slow breath.
In.
Out.
No point reacting to that nickname.
"I am attentive," I replied simply.
With that, I began eating.
She observed me for a moment before picking up her own fork.
"Well, that much is clear," she said.
She took a delicate bite, savoring the taste before speaking again.
"Not bad at all. Did your chef prepare this?"
Her lips curved slightly.
"Or did you personally oversee the menu?"
I laughed.
"My chef," I replied. "I'm not particularly skilled in this area. All I know is how to eat."
She chuckled softly.
"So, a man of simple tastes."
She took another sip of her wine, watching me over the rim of her glass.
"No wonder you seemed perfectly content drinking fruit juice in the garden."
I shook my head slightly.
"I simply don't like wine."
That caught her attention.
She raised an eyebrow, clearly surprised.
"You don't like wine?"
She took another sip.
"A Lord who doesn't care for such things… that is unexpected."
Her gaze lingered on me, curious.
"But I suppose it suits you," she added. "You have an air about you."
I raised an eyebrow.
"Really? I'm not intellectual at all."
She laughed softly.
"Perhaps 'intellectual' is too strong a word."
She tilted her head, studying me.
"How about… philosophical?"
There was a playful glint in her eyes.
"You strike me as someone who sits alone in gardens, contemplating the meaning of life."
I shook my head.
"I don't do that either."
I continued eating as I spoke.
"Life is too short to spend time thinking about life."
I glanced at her briefly.
"Just live it."
She paused, clearly not expecting that answer.
Then she chuckled again, this time with a hint of surprise.
"How pragmatic."
She leaned back slightly, her expression thoughtful.
"Most people spend their lives searching for meaning… purpose… legacy."
She took another sip of her wine.
"And yet, you simply decide not to dwell on it."
Her gaze sharpened slightly.
"I suppose that's why you don't care much for wine either. You prefer to live in the moment."
I shook my head again.
"It's not that I don't care."
I set my utensil down briefly.
"I just don't like it."
I shrugged lightly.
"If I did, I would drink it without hesitation."
She smirked at that, leaning back in her chair.
"Interesting."
Her golden eyes gleamed with amusement.
"So you only do things you enjoy?"
She tilted her head slightly.
"No matter the expectations placed upon you… or the consequences that follow?"
Her voice carried a quiet challenge.
Not aggressive.
But probing.
She was trying to understand me.
To define me.
And perhaps—
To see where I would draw the line.
She took a slow sip of her wine, her golden eyes studying me over the rim of the glass.
"You seem to be a man of simple values," she said, her tone thoughtful. "But don't mistake simplicity for weakness. It takes a strong will to defy norms and conventions."
I smirked faintly.
"Strong will?" I replied. "It's more like most people don't have the ability to judge a Lord of the Coalition of the Twelve Lords."
She paused for a moment, then nodded slightly, acknowledging the truth in my words.
"Indeed," she said, lowering her glass. "Your position grants you a certain… immunity."
Her lips curved into a subtle smile.
"Or perhaps impunity would be a more accurate term."
She raised her glass slightly, as if making an unspoken toast.
"You have earned both respect and fear. And with that comes the freedom to act as you please."
I nodded casually.
"Exactly."
There was no need to deny it.
That was simply how the world worked.
Power defined freedom.
Nothing more.
Nothing less.
We continued speaking for a while, our conversation drifting from one topic to another without any real direction. There was no tension now, no sharp edges like before. Just a quiet exchange between two people who understood the weight of their positions.
Before I realized it, my meal was finished.
I glanced down briefly, then let out a small breath.
"Looks like the food is gone," I said. "Didn't even notice when it happened."
I looked at her with a faint smile.
"Our conversation wasn't particularly deep, but… it was good."
The Empress chuckled softly, placing her glass down as she finished her own meal.
"Not every conversation needs to be profound to be enjoyable," she said.
She leaned back slightly in her chair, appearing content.
"Sometimes simplicity is far more refreshing."
Her gaze shifted toward me, a faint smirk forming.
"Thank you for the meal… and the company."
I nodded.
"I suppose this is where we part for tonight."
She rose gracefully from her seat, smoothing out her dress with practiced elegance. Her movements were fluid, composed—every action carrying an effortless authority.
"Indeed," she said softly. "It's getting late."
She paused for a moment, her golden eyes locking onto mine.
There was a flicker of curiosity in them.
"Before we part…" she began, "may I ask you one more question?"
I raised an eyebrow slightly.
"Hm? Sure."
She stepped closer.
Not too close.
But close enough for the faint scent of her perfume to drift toward me.
It was subtle.
Refined.
Not overpowering, yet impossible to ignore.
"You've said you have simple tastes," she continued. "That you do what you like, without concern for what others think."
She paused, her gaze sharpening slightly.
"But with all the power and freedom you possess… there must be something you truly want."
Her voice softened.
"Something you desire more than anything else."
She tilted her head slightly.
"Am I wrong?"
I chuckled.
Then answered without hesitation.
"I want to live a long life."
For a moment—
She froze.
It was subtle.
But noticeable.
Clearly, that wasn't the answer she had expected.
"...A long life," she repeated quietly.
Her eyes lingered on me, searching.
Then she asked,
"That's… all?"
This time, my tone shifted.
Serious.
Calm.
"Yes."
I met her gaze directly.
"This power—whether political or personal—exists for that reason."
I paused briefly.
"In this world, the weak get crushed."
"They don't get a say in how they live."
My expression remained steady.
"So don't mistake it for a simple desire."
"It isn't."
There was a brief silence.
Then—
She nodded.
Slowly.
Understanding.
"You're right," she said.
"In a world like this, survival itself is a struggle."
Her gaze softened, though her expression remained thoughtful.
"Your desire for a long life… is not simple."
"It's a declaration."
"A refusal to be powerless."
She fell silent again for a moment, studying me.
Then she spoke once more.
"But… there's something else."
Her eyes narrowed slightly.
"Something you're not saying."
I chuckled lightly.
"It's a secret."
Her lips curved upward, clearly amused.
"A secret, hm?"
She took a small step back, crossing her arms loosely.
"You're only making yourself more interesting."
She tilted her head slightly, observing me.
"And here I thought I was beginning to understand you."
I shrugged.
"I'm easy to understand."
Then added calmly,
"It's my circumstances that make me complicated."
She let out a soft laugh.
"Easy to understand, yet complicated by circumstances?"
She shook her head slightly.
"That sounds like a contradiction."
Her smirk deepened.
"But I suppose that only makes you more intriguing."
Her gaze lingered for a moment longer.
"Whatever this secret is… it must be important."
I nodded.
"You're not wrong."
Then added,
"But it's not something I can share."
I gave a slight nod of acknowledgment.
"So you'll have to forgive me."
She held my gaze for a few seconds before nodding in return.
"Very well."
Her voice was calm now.
"I respect that."
She paused.
Then added quietly,
"We all have things we choose to keep hidden."
But her eyes—
Still held curiosity.
"But…" she continued, a faint smile returning, "I have a feeling I'll find out eventually."
I paused for a moment.
Then replied,
"Maybe."
I turned slightly, glancing toward the open night beyond.
"Or maybe not."
I looked back at her.
"The future is uncertain."
Then I said calmly,
"Good night."
She smiled faintly.
There was something different in her expression now.
Not amusement.
Not curiosity alone.
Something softer.
"Good night," she replied.
Her golden eyes met mine one last time.
"May the future grant you the life you desire."
She gave a graceful nod.
Then turned.
Her dress moved with her, the fabric flowing softly as she walked away, her figure gradually fading into the dimly lit corridor beyond.
I watched her leave.
Then exhaled quietly.
The night returned to silence.