His expression softened with concern.
"I wonder where he has gone. It has already been weeks since he escaped from prison. Yet not a single report has reached the court." He shook his head helplessly. "Did he leave the Empire? Or is he still hiding somewhere inside it? I just hope… wherever you are… you're safe."
The room fell silent again. He leaned back into the chair and gazed at the ceiling for a while before speaking once more, this time with more determination in his voice.
"But then again… I have to do this. This is the only way I can become worthy of standing beside Kiara."
He paused, staring at the wooden beams above him.
"Becoming a Duke isn't simply about status. It gives me authority. It gives me responsibilities. And most importantly… it gives me far more freedom than becoming a vassal king serving the Leon Empire."
A faint, almost shy smile appeared on his face.
