I opened my eyes groggily and flinched as I lifted my head.
When did I fall asleep?
The doctor had told me that Kallian's injuries weren't life-threatening, but for some reason, I hadn't been able to leave his side.
It was probably because of gratitude… or guilt.
I was trying to rationalize it to myself when I suddenly felt someone's gaze on my face.
Without thinking, I turned toward it—and met Kallian's eyes, watching me quietly in the darkness.
Startled, I forced myself to speak calmly.
"When did you wake up?"
Kallian gently curved his lips into a smile.
"Since you started calling my name in your sleep."
Clearly a lie. I frowned.
"If you can joke, then I guess I didn't need to worry."
I stood up to leave, but his hand softly caught my wrist.
"I have something to say. Sit down."
His unusually serious tone made me look at him again.
Something felt different.
He felt heavier somehow—like standing before an ancient, deeply rooted tree.
But he wasn't the same man as before he lost his memories either.
The man without memories had been immature, knowing only love.
The man before that had been selfish, sharp, and domineering.
This Kallian was neither.
Facing someone I'd never seen before, I sat down with an unfamiliar expression.
After watching me quietly for a long time, he finally spoke.
"Even if I ask you to return to Valdormer with Denian, you won't listen, will you?"
So nothing had changed after all.
I frowned.
"We already finished this conversation."
"..."
I pushed his hand away from my wrist.
Contrary to what I expected, he released it without resistance.
Seeing him lower his head—whether hurt or deep in thought—I added carefully,
"I truly appreciate you saving me and Denian. I waited here to thank you. But…"
After a brief pause, I continued firmly.
"Just because you're our benefactor doesn't give you the right to force your choices on me. My decision hasn't changed."
He stayed silent, head still lowered.
"If that's all you wanted to say, I'll be going."
As I stood, his voice stopped me.
"I won't ask you to come with me anymore."
I turned back in surprise.
He looked up at me with desperate eyes.
"If you're truly grateful that I saved you and the child, then please grant me just one request."
Suspicion crossed my mind.
But he gave a bitter smile and continued,
"They say even the wishes of the dead are granted. Surely you can grant one request from your benefactor."
I sighed softly and turned back toward him.
"What is it?"
If he asked again about leaving together or taking Denian, I planned to walk out immediately.
But what he said was unexpected.
"Leave the imperial palace immediately. Take Denian and go."
I was momentarily speechless.
"That's my request."
Did he want me gone from his sight?
Just days ago, he'd been unable to let go of me or Denian—and now he was changing his words so easily?
Suppressing my irritation, I replied calmly.
"We were going to leave anyway once the banquet ends."
Kallian shook his head firmly.
"No. It has to be now. I'll prepare a carriage. Leave as soon as you can."
Now I was genuinely annoyed.
Telling me to leave the palace out of nowhere?
Was he bothered by gossip following us?
If that were the case, why had he hovered around us in the first place?
I wasn't someone who moved just because he said so.
Clenching my fist, I looked straight at him.
"I'm not your subordinate who moves at your command."
He rubbed his face awkwardly.
His complicated expression made me frown.
"I know it's uncomfortable for both of us, but let's keep public and private matters separate. If we just avoid each other during the banquet—"
He cut me off, letting out a deep sigh with his face buried in his palm.
"I'm saying this for you and Denian. The imperial palace is too dangerous."
I stared at him, confused.
"What… do you mean?"
His expression turned grave.
"…You must not trust the Emperor or the Empress."
I frowned.
At first, I'd doubted their kindness too—but after Denian disappeared, the Empress had stepped in as if it were her own matter.
I'd even been moved by her concern. She'd come to comfort me herself.
"On what basis are you saying that?"
He hesitated, lowering his gaze.
Watching him, I sighed and turned away.
"I'll pretend I didn't hear that."
Suddenly, he grabbed my hand tightly.
"Yuliana, please…"
His eyes shook with fear.
Even the hand holding mine trembled.
I froze at this unfamiliar sight.
Clutching my hand, he pleaded in a broken voice.
"I won't dare ask you to come with me. Just… please listen to this one thing."
"..."
"It doesn't matter where. Just run far away—somewhere the Emperor can't find you."
"..."
"This is my only request. My only plea."
I couldn't understand him.
Why he was trembling like someone terrified.
Why he looked at me with such sorrowful eyes.
When I stayed silent, he leaned his forehead against the back of my hand.
Like someone praying, he bowed his head and silently sobbed.
The man who had always seemed so large now shook like a frightened child.
And strangely, my chest ached for no clear reason.
"I don't want to lose you… please…"
Something hot and wet slid across my fingers.
He clung to my hand as if letting go would send him straight to hell—yet the grip itself was weak, easy to escape if I wanted.
What are you so afraid of?
What do your words even mean?
I couldn't begin to guess.
But one thing was clear.
He was terrified.
"What do you mean… you don't want to lose me…?"
Still pressing his face to my hand, he breathed unevenly.
Then, in a suppressed, trembling voice, he whispered,
"The Emperor will try to kill you and Denian."
"What are you talking about?"
After hesitating, Kallian finally cried out—begging, almost screaming.
"I saw it with my own eyes, Yuliana. You and Denian being killed by the Emperor… again and again… dozens of times."
"What are you—"
His shoulders shook like a wounded beast.
He lifted his head, eyes red, tears streaming down.
"Yuliana… I'm a regressor."
A single tear slipped down beneath eyes drowned in countless emotions.