After saying those words, Kallian turned and walked toward his carriage.
"Uncle… are you going home?"
Denian grabbed the edge of Kallian's clothes with an anxious face.
Kallian bent down and gently patted his head.
"Do you remember what you once said to me?"
Denian tilted his head in confusion, so Kallian continued with a faint smile.
"You said that even if you don't have a father, you would take care of your mother for your father's share too."
It was something Denian had said while Kallian had lost his memories and was living in the cabin.
At that time, Kallian had only thought the child was mature and admirable.
But now, saying those words made his chest feel tight and painful.
Still, Kallian chose to do what he could for Denian and Yuliana.
"From now on, you must protect your mother."
Denian, still too young to understand the deeper meaning, only tilted his head again.
"Grow up well."
Yuliana instinctively realized—
Kallian was saying goodbye to Denian.
It was what she had wanted.
She had planned never to meet him again, to hide the fact that he was Denian's father.
And yet…
Watching Kallian say farewell to his son made her chest ache.
The unfamiliar pain made her press her hand against her heart and stand frozen.
Kallian stroked Denian's head one last time and slowly stood.
For just a brief moment—
He looked at Yuliana as if engraving her into his memory.
Then he turned without hesitation and boarded the carriage.
As Kallian climbed in, Denian sensed something was wrong.
"Uncle! You'll come see Denian again, right? We'll see each other again, right?"
Yuliana quickly grabbed Denian's shoulders before he could run toward the carriage.
"Denian, it's dangerous."
Kallian hesitated for a long moment before answering.
"…Yes."
After that one word, the carriage departed.
While Denian stared blankly at the carriage disappearing into the distance, Yuliana bit her lip tightly.
Kallian never looks someone in the eye when he says something he cannot keep.
And just now—
He had been staring straight ahead, not at Denian.
At the Imperial Palace
"So… Yuliana is unwell."
After hearing Lloyd's request, the Emperor stroked his chin thoughtfully.
Lloyd, bowing respectfully, added,
"Yes, after yesterday's incident, it seems she is both physically and mentally exhausted."
The Emperor already knew what had happened.
Yuliana's son had gone missing, causing chaos in the palace.
"I see. That's understandable. You and Yuliana must have suffered greatly."
"It is thanks to Your Majesty's soldiers that everything ended safely."
The Emperor looked down at Lloyd carefully.
The head of Valdormer had risked his life to save his ex-wife and a child born from another man.
Would a man like that start a war with Heister?
"Something I'm curious about," the Emperor said.
Lloyd raised his head slightly.
"That child, Denian… is he truly your son?"
Lloyd remained silent for a moment.
Then, meeting the Emperor's suspicious gaze calmly, he answered,
"I was with Yuliana from the moment that child was in her womb until he was born."
Then firmly:
"He is my son. I value him more than my own life. If I had to give my life for him, I would."
The Emperor, knowing Lloyd's cold personality, looked surprised.
For a man who normally showed no interest in others to speak like that—it did not sound like a lie.
He had also heard through informants that Yuliana and Kallian had not been on good terms while she lived in Valdormer.
And Denian's appearance—
Too gentle and beautiful to resemble Kallian.
His silver hair matched Lloyd's.
The Emperor laughed lightly.
"I asked a foolish question. So, what was your request again?"
Lloyd bowed.
"I wished to report that we would return to Silverstel slightly earlier for Yuliana and the child."
The Emperor sighed.
"The heir of Heister and the head of Valdormer have already left early because of war. If you leave too, it will embarrass me, since I personally invited you."
Lloyd stiffened.
The Emperor smiled kindly.
"I will send my imperial physician regularly to Silverstel. I will also assign soldiers to guard the palace strictly."
Lloyd felt something was strange.
Then the Emperor added meaningfully:
"Did you not say you wished to protect Yuliana from Valdormer? Once Kallian defeats Heister, do you think he will simply leave her alone?"
Lloyd said nothing.
"He may kill her… or take her as spoils of war."
Lloyd's face turned pale.
In war, it was common for the victor to claim spoils.
The thought that Yuliana might become one made his fists clench.
"Perhaps Valdormer's next target will be Silverstel."
The Emperor smiled slowly.
"As long as you remain by my side, I will support you fully. So stay until the banquet ends."
Then casually added,
"Of course, Yuliana as well. If she returns to Silverstel early and gets kidnapped by the head of Valdormer, wouldn't that be troublesome?"
At the Emperor's gentle tone, Lloyd bowed deeply.
"Thank you for your consideration."
Later
Lloyd returned with an answer I had not expected.
"Just three more days. After that, the imperial banquet will end. Please endure it until then."
His pleading voice made my expression turn cold.
I even suggested that Denian and I return first—
But Lloyd refused. I didn't know what the Emperor had told him.
Thus, on the fourth day of the banquet, I was forced to attend again.
As Lloyd led me by the hand toward the hall, I decided that tonight, after he fell asleep, I would escape the palace with Denian.
Not only because of my promise to Kallian—
But because if the Emperor truly intended to harm us, we had to leave as soon as possible.
Unaware of my thoughts, Lloyd seemed relieved that I came quietly and smiled as he guided me inside.
As soon as we entered the magnificent hall, everyone's eyes turned toward us.
Then the Emperor and Empress approached from the center.
It was rare for them to personally welcome guests, so even more attention focused on us.
"Oh! I heard you were unwell. I'm grateful you came."
The Empress warmly held my hand.
"Don't overdo it. Enjoy briefly and rest. The child must still be shaken."
"…Yes."
I forced a smile and bowed.
As the Empress stepped aside, the Emperor approached and gently took my hand.
I froze at his sudden touch.
"My Empress told me. You have suffered greatly."
As his fingers slowly stroked the back of my hand, chills ran up my arm.
I glanced at the Empress—but she was speaking to another noblewoman.
Lloyd was bowing and seemed not to notice anything strange.
Maybe I was just being sensitive.
Trying to believe that, I carefully pulled my hand away and bowed.
"I apologize for causing concern."
The Emperor smiled meaningfully.
"Concern? Think of this as your home… as family. Be comfortable."
Then—
His gaze moved from my face… down to my neck… and lower.
I could not misunderstand that look.
It felt like a snake's tongue brushing against my skin.
And I froze in horror.