The room was dim—quiet enough that even Robert's shallow breathing echoed faintly. Shadows pooled in the corners of the infirmary chamber, the sunlight barely passing through the curtains. Robert sat propped against his pillows, hands resting weakly on the blanket covering his lap.
Jaesper had warned him repeatedly not to move.
Not to strain himself.
Not to do anything beyond breathing.
But resting felt more like punishment than recovery.
Robert had always been at Kael's side—preparing breakfast, guiding him through training, fussing over his clothes, standing behind him like a shadow. But now, confined to this bed for days, silence was the only company he had.
Loneliness crawled beneath his ribs.
He curled his fingers over his chest, where the dull ache throbbed—a constant reminder of the lingering poison.
-----------------------------------------
Reinhardt stood at the doorway of his room, leaning against the wooden frame as if he had been there for a long time before finally speaking.
"I heard about your condition," he said. "Are you sure you want to keep doing this? Pretending we hate each other?"
His tone was flat, emotionless.
But Robert knew better.
Reinhardt had come here not as the Emperor—but as a brother.
Robert lifted his gaze and managed a gentle smile.
"It was what I want," he replied softly. "You keep doing what you have to do… and I keep doing what I have to do."
Reinhardt stared at him. The silence stretched, heavy.
"It's fine, Your Majesty," Robert added, voice steady. "I will never regret this."
He knew the truth—that behind Reinhardt's violence and cruelty toward the world was a heart that used to be soft. A heart that had been carved into steel.
Reinhardt's expression didn't change.
"Then don't come haunt me when you die," he muttered, still without a smile.
He didn't say another word.
He stayed until Robert drifted into sleep, then slipped out of the room as silently as he came.
-----------------------------------------
The door creaked open.
Robert looked up instantly—and his eyes widened, brightening like a child's.
"Master Kael…"
Kael stepped inside carrying a tray. Not a servant. Not Reinhardt.
Kael.
He walked slowly but steadily to Robert's bedside, white hair brushing his cheek, pale skin still showing hints of fever. Robert attempted to rise, but Kael lifted a hand, gently signaling him not to.
"Master Kael… I'm sorry that I left my duty…" Robert's voice was soft, almost trembling—but his eyes, despite their exhaustion, were shining with relief. "What are you bring…?"
His gaze fell on the tray.
Coffee.
Kael placed it on the side table and carefully imitated the motion Robert always used when preparing a cup.
Robert let out a small laugh—warm, breathy, almost disbelieving.
"I thought you'd be traumatized after drinking poison."
Kael blinked, then lifted the cup and offered it to him.
"I made it. I'm sorry if it was bitter."
The softness in Kael's tone made Robert's throat tighten.
He accepted the cup with both hands and took a slow sip.
The taste—familiar, nostalgic, slightly too strong—made him smile.
"It's been long time I didn't taste this."
Kael silently sat beside him, watching him drink as if making sure he was truly awake.
When Robert lowered the cup, Kael spoke again, gentle but firm.
"Take a few days off. Rest."
Robert froze.
Then he shook his head quickly, panicked.
"No, I can't do that. Who will attend you? I can't let the other servants prepare your days—especially when we must hide that you lost your memory."
Kael kept staring at him.
Robert swallowed, gripping the blanket.
"I'm your butler… your assistant. I can't let anyone else take this job from me. It's an honor to serve you."
Kael blinked slowly.
Then he lifted a hand and touched Robert's—carefully, gently.
Robert flinched at the unexpected warmth.
Kael tapped his hand softly.
"Then get better. I miss your coffee."
Robert laughed—but the sound trembled, a mix of happiness and heartbreak.
He lowered his gaze so Kael couldn't see the sadness gathering at the corner of his eyes.
He only had a limited number of years left.
He wanted to serve Kael forever.
He wanted to protect him forever.
But his body wouldn't allow it.
He forced a smile.
"Master Kael… what are you going to do from now? You're an Archduke now. A Guardian of Emestrild. I don't think you can waste time like how you did at Vaelthorn Mansion anymore, right?"
Kael's hand paused.
He lifted his head slightly, and something heavy flickered in his red eyes.
"I… don't know… Maybe I just need to follow the flow…"
But the moment the words left his lips, Kael's expression shifted—subtly, almost imperceptibly.
He realized something.
He would no longer live under the same roof as Elric.
Elric…
Her promise.
Her gift.
Her tears.
Her kiss.
Robert blinked. He didn't know what exactly Kael was thinking, but he could feel the shift in mood.
Robert lifted the cup again, holding it close.
"Then I will guide you," he said with a proud smile. "I'll try to get better faster so I can help you. Don't worry—that field was my specialty."
Kael's gaze softened. Relief—not spoken but visible—washed over him.
They continued talking until the sun dipped behind the horizon, warm orange filling the room.
For the first time since the poisoning, the air felt peaceful.
The shadow of death that had lingered above them finally thinned.
Just for this moment…
they could breathe.
-----------------------------------------
The moon hung high outside the window, casting pale light over Robert's sleeping figure. His breathing was soft, fragile—like the flutter of a candle flame in wind.
Kael gently pulled the blanket up to Robert's shoulders, making sure the cold night air would never reach him. Robert had always been the one to take care of him—brewing his coffee, preparing his clothes, guiding him through a world he barely understood.
Tonight, for the first time, Kael tried to take care of him.
He moved awkwardly, unsure if he was doing it right, but he still tried—folding the blanket the way Robert always did, closing the curtains the way Robert taught him, checking the room one last time before leaving.
If I didn't give him that cup… he wouldn't be like this.
The guilt pressed deep into his chest.
With careful steps, Kael slipped out of Robert's room, closing the door silently so as not to wake him.
When he reached his own chamber, the lanterns were already lit.
Elric stood inside—waiting.
She turned when the door clicked shut. "Are you already fine?" she asked softly, relief flickering across her features when she saw Kael walking on his own.
Kael nodded and walked toward her.
"So you met Robert?" she continued. "What did he talk about?"
"I told him to take a few days off…" Kael murmured.
Elric exhaled. She knew the secret of Robert's weak heart—knew he shouldn't be moving at all—but Robert insisted Kael must never find out. "He needs proper rest," she said. "After two days, we'll return home."
Kael looked up at her.
Elric smiled, but there was a thin sadness beneath it.
"You will return to Delcra Castle," she said softly. "We will live separately."
Kael froze.
"We won't share the same roof anymore," she added with a gentle laugh that didn't reach her eyes. "I think you already knew that."
Kael's chest tightened.
He didn't understand the feeling… but it hurt.
"You're an Archduke now. You have a land to rule. Don't forget how I used to cry for you, okay?" she teased lightly.
Kael just stared at her.
Elric slipped her hand into her pocket and pulled out a small velvet box.
"Didn't I promise you a special gift if you did well during the ceremony?" she said.
She opened the box.
Two rings gleamed inside—matching pair, the metal dark and elegant, set with small crimson stones that reflected Kael's eyes.
Kael blinked.
Elric picked up the larger ring and reached for his hand.
Without hesitation, Kael offered it.
She slid the ring onto his finger, her smile softening. "I'm glad it fits you."
Kael lifted the other ring and gently took Elric's hand.
She startled at the sudden movement.
He slipped the ring onto her finger.
"Thank you…" he whispered.
Her breath caught.
Her hand trembled.
"No," she whispered. "It's me who should thank you. For staying alive… for fighting."
Her grip tightened around his fingers.
"Please don't get sick. Don't get hurt. Don't get poisoned. Just… be safe. That's my prayer for you."
Kael stared at her, eyes soft and warm.
"I'm sorry," he murmured. "For making you worry."
Her gaze shook.
"I'm weak," Kael continued quietly, "but… I'll try. I'll try not to make all of you worry. This is my promise."
Elric's eyes widened. Slowly—hesitantly—her lips curved into a smile.
Their hands intertwined, fingers fitting together naturally.
Kael didn't let go.
Neither did she.
"It's beautiful, isn't it?" she asked, lifting her hand to admire their matching rings.
Kael nodded, a faint shy smile touching his lips.
"Will we live separate lives after this?" he asked, voice barely above a whisper.
Elric shook her head. "Don't worry. It won't be for long. Since we're engaged, we'll meet again often." Her eyes brightened. "Maybe I should build a mansion near your border? Our lands are neighbors."
She laughed softly.
Then Kael leaned in.
And kissed her.
Elric gasped softly in surprise, but her eyes fluttered closed, her hands rising to cup his neck. The kiss, at first gentle—almost fragile—deepened as Kael's hand slid to her waist, pulling her closer. Their breath mingled, warm and desperate. Her fingers threaded through his white hair, her lips parting.
Their tongues met.
The room spun.
Somehow, they stumbled backward—Elric's knee hit the edge of the bed, and both of them fell onto it, Kael hovering above her, breath uneven, eyes dark with emotion he didn't yet understand.
Her face burned red.
So did his.
Kael leaned in again—slowly, drawn by instinct and warmth—but Elric lifted a trembling hand.
"Kael… I don't think we can go further," she whispered, breathless. "You're still recovering."
Kael froze.
He hadn't realized how far his body was willing to move without thinking. If Elric hadn't stopped him… he would've lost control.
He sat up, flustered. Elric pushed herself up too, both of them flushed, unable to meet each other's eyes.
Her heart thumped wildly. She pressed a hand against her chest.
Then she shifted closer—slowly—until she sat directly in front of him, their faces only inches apart.
Elric lifted his hand.
Then guided it to her chest.
Kael jolted. "I thought you want to stop—"
She shook her head quickly, cheeks burning. "Just… touching. Tonight, only touching." Her voice trembled. "Next time… when you're fully recovered and ready… we can go further."
She smiled shyly.
Kael's eyes widened.
Then—unexpectedly—he let out a soft laugh.
Elric froze.
It was the first time she had heard him laugh—truly laugh—since he woke up from the coma.
"Tonight," she whispered softly, "I want to sleep in your arms…"
Her fingers curled into his clothing.
Kael nodded gently.
He lay down, pulling her with him.
Elric rested her head against his chest, listening to the heartbeat she had feared losing. She pressed a soft kiss to his exposed collarbone. Kael's arm wrapped around her, holding her close, sharing warmth.
The room was quiet—only the soft rustle of sheets and the distant hum of night wind seeped through the open window. Elric rested her cheek against Kael's collarbone, feeling the warmth of his skin and the steady rise and fall of his breath.
She pressed a slow kiss to his collarbone, her lips lingering just a heartbeat longer than necessary.
Then another.
Then she lifted her head and brushed her mouth along the side of his neck.
Kael shivered.
A soft, breathy sound escaped him—half sigh, half moan. The warmth of her touch made his fingers curl around the fabric of the sheets.
Elric gazed at him, cheeks flushed, eyes heavy with emotion.
"Kael…" she whispered, her voice trembling with longing. "Touch me."
Kael blinked, breath uneven.
He hesitated—not out of fear, but because this closeness was unfamiliar… precious… fragile.
Slowly, very slowly, he lifted his hand.
His fingertips brushed her neck first, tracing a slow line upward to her jaw. Elric's lips parted with a soft gasp.
He stroked her cheek, brushing away strands of silver hair before tucking them behind her ear.
Her smile grew faint—but warm.
Kael leaned in, pressing the lightest kiss against her ear. She let out a soft sound, half-laugh, half-moan.
He froze.
"Elric… is that okay?" he whispered, voice low and rough.
She nodded quickly, her breath warm against his neck. "More… just like that."
He obeyed.
Kael lowered his head and kissed along the delicate skin beneath her ear. Elric's breath hitched sharply. Her fingers dug into his shirt as her body trembled.
"That… Kael—"
Her voice broke, and Kael felt her pulse flutter beneath his lips.
He trailed down to the side of her neck.
His kiss was soft—gentle—but she still flinched, her back arching ever so slightly.
"Here…?" Kael whispered.
"Yes…" she breathed.
He kissed her again, slower this time. Elric let out a small, helpless moan, her hand sliding into his hair.
Encouraged, Kael moved lower—toward the exposed skin above her collarbone.
His lips traced gentle circles, soft and reverent.
Each kiss left her trembling.
"Kael…" Her voice quivered as he kissed her again—deeper now, but still careful.
Her hands cupped his face for a moment, guiding him. "Don't hold back… just touch me."
Kael swallowed, eyes darkening with something tender and aching.
He shifted forward, their legs tangling under the blanket. One of his hands slid from her cheek to her shoulder, fingertips brushing the edge of her clothing. She shivered at the contact.
His other hand hesitantly slipped to her waist, resting there as if asking permission.
Elric's breath hitched.
"You're trembling…" she whispered, brushing his cheek.
Kael's lips hovered just above her collarbone.
"I… don't know what I'm doing…" he admitted quietly.
Elric smiled, soft and warm. "It's okay. I only want your touch… nothing more."
Kael closed his eyes for a moment, steadying himself.
Then he lowered his head again.
He kissed the center of her collarbone gently, then again—slower, warmer—letting his lips linger. Her breath stuttered. Her fingers curled into the back of his shirt.
He pressed one more kiss, softer than all the others.
Elric's voice cracked. "Kael… that feels…"
She didn't finish.
Her body told the rest.
Kael's lips traveled slowly along the delicate skin above her heart—never rushing, never pushing past the boundary she set. Every movement was tender, uncertain, but full of emotion.
Her hands trembled as they slid down his arms.
He kissed her again—just below her collarbone—before moving up, kissing the hollow of her throat.
"Kael…" she whispered, voice thin and breathless.
His hand moved from her shoulder down to her waist again, pulling her closer until their bodies fit together naturally under the blankets. Their legs intertwined, warmth shared freely.
Elric's forehead pressed to his.
"You're gentle…" she whispered, brushing her thumb along his jaw. "I like that about you."
Kael stared at her—really stared.
His voice was quiet, almost shy.
"Elric…
Tell me if I do something wrong."
She smiled, brushing a soft kiss to his lips. "You're perfect."
He kissed her back—slow, sweet.
After a while, she rested her head on his chest again. His arm wrapped around her instinctively, pulling her closer.
Her breath warmed his collarbone as she whispered, "Sleep with me like this."
Kael nodded softly.
"…Okay."
She curled into him, burying her face against his chest.
Kael's hand slid into her hair, stroking gently.
Her arm wrapped around his waist, holding him like she might lose him if she loosened her grip.
The night air cooled the room, but between them, there was only warmth.
No more fear.
No more poison.
No more nightmares.
Just the quiet sound of their breathing.
Holding each other.
Safe.
Together.
Eventually, her breath evened, and her body relaxed fully into his.
Kael pressed a small kiss to the top of her head.
"…Elric."
She didn't stir, but he whispered anyway—soft enough only the moon could hear.
"Thank you..."
Then he pulled her close and let sleep take him, their hearts quietly beating in sync beneath the silver light.