The sudden embrace caught Kael off guard.
His body stiffened instantly.
Warmth.
Firm.
Unwavering.
It took him a second to realize—
It was Reinhardt.
"I'm sorry…" Reinhardt's voice came low, close to his ear. "I can't cover for you this time."
There was something unfamiliar in his tone.
Regret.
"But I want you to know…" Reinhardt tightened his hold slightly. "…I am always on your side."
Kael said nothing.
Slowly, hesitantly, he lifted his hand and patted Reinhardt's back.
A quiet response.
But enough.
Reinhardt pulled away.
His hands remained on Kael's shoulders, gripping them as he looked directly into his eyes.
"That man is dangerous," he said firmly. "Do not trust him too easily."
Kael blinked.
The warning was clear.
Too clear.
He glanced slightly to the side, recalling the earlier reactions—Robert's tension, the shift in Elric's expression.
"…Why do all of you seem to dislike him?" Kael finally asked.
Reinhardt paused.
For a brief moment—
He forgot.
Kael had lost his memories.
"…Ah."
A soft exhale left him.
"I'm sorry," Reinhardt said, releasing Kael's shoulders. "I should explain."
He stepped back and sat on the nearby sofa, leaning slightly forward.
"So… when you say 'all of us'…" he tilted his head, a faint smirk forming, "…you mean Robert as well?"
Kael nodded quietly.
Reinhardt's smirk lingered—but it softened, touched by something heavier.
"Then… I suppose I should start from there."
Reinhardt rested his elbow against the armrest, his hand brushing lightly over his lips.
"…Did Robert ever tell you about his mother?"
Kael nodded again.
He remembered.
But only fragments.
Nothing detailed.
Reinhardt gave a small, distant smile.
"We grew up very differently," he began. "My mother… was a princess from another kingdom."
His gaze lowered.
"Robert's mother… was a commoner."
Kael listened carefully.
Then frowned slightly.
"…What does that have to do with Theodore?"
Reinhardt's fingers paused.
For a moment, he seemed hesitant.
But then—
He spoke.
"The Valdran family…" his voice turned quieter, colder, "…was involved in the conspiracy that led to both of their deaths."
Silence.
Heavy.
Kael's eyes widened slightly.
"…Did I know this?" he asked.
Reinhardt nodded.
"You did."
A faint smile followed.
"But you never treated him differently because of it."
Kael stayed silent.
"…You rarely interacted with him," Reinhardt continued. "You were always at war. And when you were present… you simply remained neutral."
There was a hint of admiration in his tone.
"You didn't let personal grudges cloud your judgment."
Kael lowered his gaze slightly.
That was… the past me.
Reinhardt leaned back.
"I suspect his visit is related to the Demon Cult," he added. "There have been movements near the southern islands."
At the mention of the Demon Cult—
Kael's fingers tightened against his knee.
John.
The memories flickered.
Pain.
Despair.
His jaw tensed.
Reinhardt noticed.
But he didn't press.
"He may seek your advice," Reinhardt continued calmly. "Or your support. His forces are struggling."
A brief pause.
"…You can use this."
Kael looked up.
"For an alliance," Reinhardt said simply.
Kael remained silent for a moment.
Thinking.
Processing.
Even without his memories—
He understood.
"…I'll try," he said quietly.
Reinhardt smiled.
Genuine.
He stood up and gave Kael's shoulder a firm pat.
"That's enough."
Then, more seriously—
"Remember. Do not let him know you've lost your memories."
Kael nodded.
"Answer what you can," Reinhardt added. "And let Elric or Albert speak when necessary."
Reinhardt turned toward the door.
His guards were already waiting outside.
But just before stepping out—
He stopped.
"…Kael."
Kael looked at him.
"…Do you still intend to search for the orphanage children's parents?"
The question came unexpectedly.
Kael blinked.
"…Do you have any clues?" he asked.
Reinhardt gave a small, almost helpless smile.
"The records are… incomplete," he admitted. "It may take time."
Then—
His gaze sharpened slightly.
"…What if, during that search…"
A pause.
Subtle.
"…you find your own?"
Kael's brows knitted.
The thought—
It had never truly crossed his mind.
"…I don't know," he answered honestly. "Why are you asking?"
Reinhardt's expression shifted.
Back to that familiar, unreadable smirk.
"Just curiosity."
Nothing more.
Nothing less.
But his eyes—
For a fleeting second—
Held something else.
Something he chose not to say.
"Take care, Kael," Reinhardt said finally.
And then—
He left.
Leaving behind silence.
And questions—
That had only just begun.
-----------------------------------------
After Reinhardt's departure, the atmosphere within Delcra Castle shifted almost immediately.
What had once been calm turned into controlled urgency.
Servants moved swiftly through the corridors, their footsteps echoing softly against polished floors. Orders were whispered, decorations adjusted, and guards repositioned. Every detail had to be perfect—yet subtle enough to conceal a truth no one outside was meant to know.
The Emperor had been here.
And now—
The Guardian of the South was coming.
-----------------------------------------
Kael stood by the window of his chamber, watching everything unfold below.
Servants rushed across the courtyard.
Guards lined the pathways.
The gates had already been prepared.
All of it—
For one man.
Theodore Valdran.
Kael's gaze remained steady, but his fingers tightened slightly against the window frame.
A faint ache pulsed behind his temples.
It had started not long after Reinhardt left.
At first, it was dull.
Now—
It lingered.
Persistent.
He exhaled slowly.
It's still bearable…
But he knew—
If it worsened at the wrong moment—
-----------------------------------------
The door opened softly.
Elric stepped in.
Without a word, she walked toward him—
And wrapped her arms around him from behind.
"What did Reinhardt tell you?" she asked quietly, her voice close to his ear.
Kael's shoulders relaxed slightly at her touch.
He placed his hand over hers.
"…Nothing much," he replied. "Just advice."
His voice remained low.
Calm.
But not entirely convincing.
Elric gently pulled back, her hands sliding to his arms before she moved to face him.
Her fingers lifted to his cheek, brushing lightly across his pale skin.
"You still look pale," she murmured, studying his face. "Should I greet him instead?"
There was hesitation in her voice.
Concern.
Kael shook his head immediately.
"No."
His answer came firmer than before.
"I am the lord of this castle," he said. "If I don't greet him myself… he will suspect something."
Elric held his gaze.
Searching.
Weighing his condition.
Then she sighed softly.
"…Then do as we practiced," she said. "If you don't know how to answer, let me or Albert speak for you."
Kael nodded.
"…Alright."
-----------------------------------------
Her hand moved again—this time to his hair.
She gently brushed the strands aside.
Then paused.
Her brows furrowed slightly.
"…Your hair."
Kael blinked.
"What about it?"
Elric tilted her head, studying more closely.
"The black strands…" she murmured. "They're increasing."
Kael allowed her hand to remain there.
"…Robert told me before," he said slowly. "It means my mana is recovering."
He remembered it vaguely—
That conversation.
The first sign.
Elric's expression softened.
"…That's a good sign," she said quietly. "Your mana was completely depleted before. If it's returning…"
Her voice carried a faint warmth now.
"…Then maybe your strength will return too."
Kael said nothing.
But he didn't pull away.
Slowly—
He leaned forward.
Wrapping his arms around her.
Resting his head against her shoulder.
Elric blinked in surprise.
Then laughed softly.
"That's sudden," she teased gently.
Her hand moved to his head, patting it lightly.
"It's alright," she whispered. "You can do it. I'll always be on your side."
Kael stayed silent.
The pain—
Sharp.
Sudden.
It stabbed through his head again.
Stronger than before.
But he didn't react.
Didn't move.
He only buried himself deeper against her—
Hiding it.
Waiting—
Until it passed.
A knock broke the moment.
They separated.
Robert entered.
His steps paused mid-way.
His expression turned awkward almost instantly.
"…Am I interrupting?"
Elric's face flushed faintly.
But Kael—
Did not release her completely.
His arm still rested lightly at her waist.
"Is he here already?" Kael asked calmly.
Robert blinked.
Then nodded.
"We've sighted the carriage bearing the Valdran emblem," he said. "It has already passed the front gate."
The room fell quiet.
Kael nodded once.
Slow.
Composed.
"I understand."
He released Elric then—
Finally.
But his expression had changed.
The softness—
Gone.
Replaced by something steadier.
Controlled.
"…Then let's go."
Elric glanced at him briefly.
Robert too.
Both of them saw it.
The shift.
Not a weakness.
No hesitation.
But something else—
A fragile resolve.
As Kael stepped toward the door—
The pain pulsed again, faint but present.
And deep within—
The memory of red lingered.
Waiting.
But for now—
He walked forward.
To meet the man who could unravel everything.
-----------------------------------------
The great doors of Delcra Castle opened with quiet grandeur.
The evening air slipped inside as Theodore Valdran stepped forward, his presence immediately drawing the attention of every servant in the hall.
They bowed in unison.
"Welcome, my lord."
Behind him, his assistant followed closely, carrying documents and maintaining a measured pace. Theodore did not respond immediately. His sharp eyes moved instead—observing.
Scanning.
The marble floors.
The banners.
The servants' formation.
Everything was—
Perfect.
As expected of Delcra.
Then—
Footsteps.
From above.
Theodore lifted his gaze.
At the top of the staircase stood Kael.
Beside him—Elric.
Both composed.
Both calm.
Both watching.
Theodore's expression remained neutral as he stepped forward and bowed.
"Good evening, Your Grace, Archduke of Delcra," he greeted with polished courtesy. "I wish you well."
Kael stood still for a brief second.
His expression was blank.
Then—
He took a slow breath.
And smiled.
A practiced one.
"I wish you well too, Viscount Valdran," Kael replied evenly. "It has been some time since we last met… I believe five months."
Theodore straightened.
"Yes," he said simply.
His eyes remained on Kael.
Watching.
Measuring.
Searching.
Alive. Standing. Composed.
So the rumors… may not be entirely false.
"I apologize for the sudden visit," Theodore continued. "My journey brought me near Delcra, and I thought it proper to greet the Empire's only Archduke."
Kael held his gaze.
For a fleeting moment—
Something stirred.
Familiar.
Unclear.
"…Then allow us to welcome you properly," Kael said. "You must be tired from your journey. Dinner has been prepared."
A polite invitation.
Flawless.
Theodore inclined his head.
"I appreciate your hospitality."
-----------------------------------------
The dining hall was lit warmly.
Candles flickered gently, reflecting off polished silverware.
Kael sat at the center.
Elric at his right.
Theodore and his assistant sat across from them.
The atmosphere was calm—
Too calm.
Every movement was controlled.
Every gesture measured.
Even the sound of utensils felt deliberate.
Theodore was the first to break the silence.
His gaze shifted toward Elric.
"You seem quite… present here," he remarked. "I had thought the Northern Gate remained under constant threat."
Elric met his gaze without hesitation.
"My forces are more than capable of handling it," she replied smoothly. "And I see no issue in being here."
A slight pause.
"…After all, we are engaged."
There was a faint sharpness beneath her tone.
A quiet warning.
But Theodore did not react.
"I see," he said calmly.
Then his eyes moved back to Kael.
"But still… you are not yet married."
A deliberate pause.
"When do you intend to conclude your engagement?"
The question hung in the air.
Kael's hand stilled slightly.
A faint ache brushed against his chest—
Unwelcome.
Unfamiliar.
But he endured it.
His smile did not falter.
"I intend to stabilize Delcra first," he answered calmly. "You are aware of its condition after the war. Even after five years… the scars remain."
Theodore studied him.
Then nodded slowly.
"A reasonable priority."
A faint smile touched his lips.
"Then I shall have more time to prepare an appropriate wedding gift."
The meal continued.
Course by course.
Until finally—
Dessert.
And silence again.
Then Theodore straightened.
His attention returned fully to Kael.
"There is, in truth, another reason for my visit."
His tone shifted.
Subtle.
But clear.
"It concerns the Demon Cult."
Kael's eyes flickered slightly.
"…They have grown more active," Theodore continued. "More aggressive."
He leaned forward just slightly.
"I would like to hear how you handle them in the Western lands."
A test.
Kael knew it.
Reinhardt had predicted it.
He steadied himself.
Recalling the reports.
The strategies.
The patterns.
"…We reinforce patrol routes near the borders," Kael replied. "Given our proximity to the former Demon Kingdom, we monitor movement closely and intercept early."
His voice remained calm.
Controlled.
But Theodore's eyes narrowed slightly.
Hesitation.
Just a fraction.
"I see," Theodore murmured.
Then—
He moved.
A step deeper.
"But I was under the impression that you personally oversaw operations at the Western Gate."
A trap.
Clean.
Direct.
Elric's fingers moved beneath the table—
Lightly pressing against Kael's hand.
A signal.
Let me handle it.
Kael blinked.
Just once.
Then remained silent.
Elric turned her gaze toward Theodore.
Composed.
Unshaken.
"Well," she began smoothly, "you are aware that Delcra is currently involved in the merchant route project."
Her tone was steady.
"His Grace has been occupied with administrative duties. It is only natural that he cannot be present at the gate at all times."
A faint smile formed.
"And Delcra's forces are more than capable of handling such threats."
Theodore watched her closely.
Every word.
Every pause.
Every breath.
Then—
He smiled.
"I see."
A beat.
"My apologies. The Southern lands are not deeply involved in that project. I must have overlooked it."
But his eyes—
Did not soften.
Not entirely.
Because the doubt—
Still remained.
And the game—
Had only just begun.
-----------------------------------------
The night deepened.
Within the study hall, the discussion continued—calm on the surface, yet layered with quiet tension beneath.
As Guardians of Emestrild, Kael and Theodore exchanged views on governance, trade routes, border stability, and the rising threat of the Demon Cult.
Every topic—
Measured.
Controlled.
Every answer—
Carefully chosen.
Kael spoke with steady composure, recalling reports, strategies, and policies. His voice did not falter, his expression did not crack.
But beneath the table—
His hand tightened.
Knuckles whitening.
The ache in his head had grown sharper.
Persistent.
Like something pressing from within.
Still—
He endured.
Theodore, across from him, observed closely.
Occasionally, he slipped in questions—
Sharp.
Unexpected.
Designed to test.
Kael answered each one with calm calculation.
Not once did he hesitate long enough to expose weakness.
Yet—
There was something else.
Each time Kael looked at Theodore—
A strange feeling stirred.
Familiar.
Unsettling.
As if—
He had seen him before.
But not like this.
Not as the man sitting across him.
Something deeper.
Something buried.
Eventually, the discussion ended.
Theodore rose.
"I appreciate your time, Your Grace," he said with a courteous bow. "I look forward to further cooperation."
Kael inclined his head.
"You are always welcome in Delcra."
With that, Theodore and his assistant withdrew, escorted to the guest wing.
The moment the doors closed—
Silence returned.
Heavy.
Elric turned to Kael, a faint smile forming.
"You did well," she said, pride clear in her voice. "You answered more than half of his curiosity. Good jo—"
Before she could finish—
Kael's body faltered.
His hand shot to his head.
He staggered, catching himself against the edge of the table.
"Elric—!"
She rushed to him immediately, supporting his shoulder.
"Kael, are you alright?"
He didn't answer.
His breathing uneven.
"Don't tell me…" her voice tightened, "…you've been enduring this the whole time he was here?"
Kael shook his head weakly.
Then forced a faint smile.
"I'm fine…" he whispered. "Don't… make a sound… He might still be nearby…"
Even now—
He was thinking about appearances.
About suspicion.
Elric's chest tightened.
"…You're impossible," she murmured softly.
But she understood.
Slowly, she pulled him closer, one hand cradling his head.
A soft glow formed in her palm.
Warm.
Gentle.
"I hope this helps," she whispered.
The pain eased.
Slightly.
Kael closed his eyes.
And when he opened them—
He was no longer there.
The blood lake.
Endless.
Silent.
Cold.
Kael stood alone once more.
"Elric…?"
No answer.
Then—
A figure.
Not far ahead.
Dark.
Featureless.
Unrecognizable.
Yet—
Familiar.
Kael's breath faltered.
His body trembled.
The figure moved.
Slow.
Deliberate.
Closer.
Closer—
Until it stood right before him.
Kael's eyes widened—
He gasped.
The world snapped back.
His body jerked.
Breath ragged.
He was lying in bed.
Darkness.
Faint light from outside.
Night… or dawn?
He blinked, disoriented.
A damp cloth slid from his forehead as he pushed himself up.
Beside him—
Robert sat slumped in a chair, asleep.
Did I… faint again?
The memory flickered.
The office.
Elric.
Then—
Nothing.
Kael turned his gaze toward the window.
A faint glow of dawn crept in.
"…Morning already…"
He tried to stand.
Slowly.
Carefully.
But the moment his feet touched the ground—
Pain surged again.
Sharper.
His body faltered.
He collapsed to his knees beside the bed.
The noise woke Robert instantly.
"Master—!"
He rushed forward, kneeling beside Kael, gripping his shoulders firmly.
"You can't get up so suddenly!" Robert said, panic slipping into his voice. "Does your head still hurt?"
Kael turned toward him slowly.
"…Did I faint again?" he asked weakly.
Robert nodded.
"Yes… You collapsed right after Lady Elric brought you back to your room."
Kael exhaled slowly.
"…Did the Viscount notice anything?"
Even now—
That was his concern.
Robert's lips pressed together.
"It's fine," he said. "We made sure he didn't notice."
Kael closed his eyes.
The figure.
The familiarity.
And Theodore—
That strange, lingering feeling.
Robert helped him back onto the bed, adjusting the pillows carefully.
He picked up the damp cloth and gently pressed it against Kael's forehead.
Silence settled again.
Then—
"…Robert."
His voice was barely above a whisper.
Robert paused.
"Yes, Master?"
Kael hesitated.
It was rare.
For him to speak like this.
"I… felt something strange," he said slowly. "When I saw Viscount Valdran…"
Robert frowned slightly.
"…Strange?"
Kael nodded.
"…Familiar."
A pause.
"I feel like… I've seen someone… with the same presence as him."
His brows furrowed.
"But I can't remember."
Robert leaned back slightly in his chair.
Thinking.
"…I don't recall you ever being close to him," he said honestly. "Even in the past."
Kael looked at him.
"Then… he's just someone I know?"
Robert nodded.
"Most likely. He has always been a major figure in politics—even before His Majesty ascended the throne. You would have known of him."
A small pause.
"But you were never involved deeply in politics back then. That's probably why you don't remember much."
Kael fell silent.
Still—
Something didn't feel right.
Robert watched him carefully.
"For now," he said gently, "focus on recovering."
"I'll inform Lady Elric to cover for you today. And perhaps Lord Albert can stand in your place if necessary."
Kael didn't argue.
He couldn't.
The pain still lingered.
Heavy.
Persistent.
He lay back, allowing Robert to continue tending to him.
But his mind—
Remained elsewhere.
The blood lake.
The black figure.
And that night—
Five months ago.
It's the same…
The same presence…
What are you trying to show me?
The question echoed—
With no answer.
Yet.