Rosena and Yerhan went straight to Illian and apologized sincerely.
They felt sorry for showing a bad side to the child, who would be most affected by his parents.
Illian stared at the two of them, and replied, ‘It’s good then, if you’ve reconciled,’ with a face that was unlike a child.
Time flew by so quickly, and soon there was only a few days left before Yerhan left the capital.
Since there wasn’t much time to be together, Rosena and Yerhan remained faithful to each other during that time.
Sometimes the two of them went for a walk without doing anything all day, and then ate together at every meal.
It was a brief moment, but she could feel the feeling of genuine happiness.
She wished she had realized it a little earlier. But they both knew that even if they regretted it, they couldn’t turn back time.
While spending a happy time together, Rosena slowly prepared to leave.
If Rosena divorced Yerhan, she would be free because she was no longer a member of the royal family, but it was not the case for Illian. There was no other way than to sneak out of the Imperial Palace with Illian.
She did some preparations in secret but it progressed step by step.
Shortly after lunch, Rosena came down to the dining room. She was thinking of bringing snacks to Illian and Yerhan. It was okay to order a servant, but she wanted to give it to him herself to see his face.
“Thank you, Federer.”
Rosena smiled broadly at the prepared snack. Illian’s favorite cookies and pecan tart, which Yerhan often eats, were prepared.
As Rosena liked it very much, Federer laughed, saying that he was only doing his job.
“Your Highness will eat the pecan tart, right?”
“Oh, I’m going to bring this to Yerhan.”
Federer, who was laughing at Rosena’s words, blinked.
“Thank you. They’ll both love it.”
But Rosena left the dining room without seeing Federer in bewilderment.
Rosena immediately went to Illian and brought him warm milk and cookies.
The way he chewed the cookies stored in both cheeks was like a squirrel.
After Illian finished eating all the snacks, Rosena went to Yerhan.
Stuck in his office, he was busy with one thing or another because he had only a few days more before he left.
As Rosena knocked on the office door, she heard a voice from the invite telling her to come in. Rosena said as she opened the door.
“I brought you snacks.”
Upon hearing her voice, Yerhan reflexively got up. Next to Yerhan stood a large man named Crayle, whom she had seen before.
“Why don’t you ask a servant…”
“I wanted to bring it myself. To see your face.”
Whatever was so good about Rosena’s words, Yerhan smiled, to the point the corners of his eyes were bent.
In an atmosphere where the sweet scent of flowers seemed to flow out at any moment, Crayle slowly retreated.
“I didn’t know there were guests. I should have brought some more snacks.”
“Oh, no. I’m so full…!”
When it bothered Rosena, Crayle answered immediately.
Yerhan looked at Crayle at once, then turned to Rosena again.
“That’s a relief. Then I’ll get going.”
“I will come to you as soon as the work is done.”
Yerhan seemed to want to spend time with Rosena right now. But putting things off would reduce the time he spends with Rosena at night.
Rosena left the office behind the two of them. Now, Rosena was also going to have her snack time.
Rosena, who had been thinking about having a snack while enjoying the air at the backyard after a long time, realized that she had something to ask Yerhan.
Rosena headed back towards the office.
The door to the office was slightly open, perhaps because Rosena had not closed it. And through the crack in the open door, the sound of words could be heard.
“You hate it so much, and yet you force yourself to eat it…”
Crayle’s voice stopped Rosena.
“Let’s just pretend you already finished it.”
What does he mean?
Curious, Rosena peered inside through the gap from the open door. She saw Yerhan having a staring contest with the tart with a very serious face.
Holding the fork with trembling hands, he ate the tart as if he was eating gruel.
Just by looking at his face, it was like he was eating something terrible, not edible.
Yerhan, who had barely taken one bite, answered with a sigh after drinking a lot of water.
“She gave it to me, so of course I should eat it.”
“Just confess that you can’t eat sweets…”
Rosena’s eyes widened.
He can’t eat sweets? Until now, they always ate dessert together at snack time…
“Ah….”
Rosena realized it late. Yerhan was being considerate of her.
He forced himself to eat because he feared that she would feel embarrassed if he refused dessert.
Rosena, who had been leaning against the wall for a moment, slowly lifted her back. She was sorry and thankful, but at the same time she felt that she was indifferent to him.
Rosena swallowed the words she was about to say and turned around slowly.
Since she found out the truth late, she shall ask to remove all the sugar from his snacks from now on.
***
Yerhan set the fork down on the empty plate.
As if he had fought the battle of a lifetime, he sighed heavily.
No matter how many times he rinsed his mouth with water, the sweetness did not disappear at all.
As soon as Yerhan put the plate aside, Crayle held out the papers that had been pushed aside.
Yerhan thought for a moment as he was processing the paperwork.
Soon after his exile, the knights of Tiriad would be officially disbanded. But it was only externally. In reality, it would be different.
The knights had already sworn to Yerhan for the rest of their lives, so they planned their future together.
When the crown prince tries to take over the knights of Tiriad, the knights would have already disappeared.
“You took the hard road.”
Knights could gain honor and wealth by entering under the crown prince. But they decided to follow Yerhan instead of the easy way out.
Crayle kept his head down and didn’t say anything for a moment.
“….I will follow you for the rest of my life.”
Crayle raised his head slowly, trembling, but gave an answer full of determination. Then Yerhan put down the pen and looked at Crayle.
“Isaac and Yelvin said the same thing.”
“Those brats also…”
“There is nothing I can do for you. Will you still stay by my side?”
“Of course.”
When the answer came back without hesitation, Yerhan smiled softly. Crayle’s eyes blinked at his rare smile.
“I need your help.”
Yerhan finally brought up the subject.
Putting the paper and pen aside, he tapped the desk with his fingers and continued.
“In order to significantly raise the level of the soldiers on the side of Haylor, a knight with moderate skills will not be enough.”
At Yerhan’s next words, Crayle moved his neck.
“So I’m going to entrust you with that task, how about it?”
Crayle stood tall in surprise, then immediately knelt down on one knee.
“If you leave it to me, I will do my best.”
After hearing the answer, Yerhan picked up the pen again. The sound of the sharp nib scraping the paper quietly filled the office.
“Who’s supposed to be in charge of Her Highness’ escort?”
“Isaac and Karlan decided to take charge of the escape.”
“Are the two of them coming to Haylor when the mission is over?”
“No, they will stay in the capital and carry out their missions. We have to look into the situation here as well.”
It was not enough to overthrow the imperial family with only Haylor’s power. It was like hitting a rock with an egg.
Yerhan needed supplies, troops, and justification to support the rebellion.
This time, several nobles showed interest in Yerhan.
They were a group that did not fall over even if the emperor and the Duke of Eloa condemned Yerhan. But they did not openly reach out to Yerhan. There was no benefit in supporting Yerhan, who would soon be leaving on exile.
But Yerhan thought that was enough. If he showed them the possibility that the rebellion would be successful, they would soon come over to him.
Until now, the imperial family had oppressed the nobility too much to strengthen the imperial power.
They should be able to let go and accept criticism in moderation, but even that was being busily suppressed.
The emperor and crown prince, who cared only about the outside without knowing that the inside was rotten, would soon be severely damaged by the internal forces.
And that would be the day when Yerhan would overthrow the imperial family.
Yerhan put the pen down completely.
“There are not many days left before my departure.”
He murmured to himself and looked out the window. Autumn came in full force and the sun was setting faster than before.
A chilly air from the north struck the office window.
Yerhan closed his eyes for a moment at the thought that he had to leave this place in a few days.
It hadn’t been long since his heart connected with Rosena’s, but time flew by so fast. Even if it was for a brief breakup, he did not know when he would be able to reunite with her. It could be a year or a few years.
Everything was unpredictable, but one thing could be guaranteed.
He knew that his feelings for Rosena would not change no matter how other things change. Rather, his heart for her grew bigger over the past 7 years, it never got smaller.
He wasn’t as nervous as he used to be when he imagined he’d be separated from her in the future.
Yerhan thought that he should pack plenty of stationery.
***
Time passed quickly, and the day came when Yerhan left for Haylor.
Early in the morning, unlike the other palaces, everyone was awake at the Third Prince Palace. Even those who stayed awake through the night without being able to sleep gathered in front of the palace without showing any signs of fatigue.
It wasn’t dawn yet, so it was dark all around.
A carriage, which was too shabby for a royal family member to ride in, stopped in front of the palace, and the knights of the imperial family guarded it.
Yerhan, dressed in plain clothes, stood in front of Rosena.
Rosena, unable to sleep because they had been talking all night, reached out and touched Yehan’s hand.
They had a long night together, but it was just a pity. When the sun rose over the mountain, it was time to say goodbye to him.
Rosena looked up at Yerhan, thinking that it would be better if morning did not come to this world.
Even in the dark, a strong light as bright as his blue eyes was flowing.
Rosena’s lips twitched. Now was her last chance.
She might regret it later, but she didn’t know what to say.
“Take care of yourself.”
In the end, Rosena uttered the words dozens more times.
“I hope you are not sick and stay healthy.”
Yerhan kissed Rosena’s forehead. No matter how much they kissed, it was just sad and lacking. This thirst would continue until the two were reunited.
Yerhan turned his gaze to Illian, who was standing next to Rosena.
Compared to when they first met, Illian had grown a lot. It felt like yesterday when he was worried that he might not see him and bump into him because he was so small, but time flew by so quickly.
Yerhan recalled his first meeting with Illian for a moment.
At first, they fought a lot over Rosena. It was not strange to say that their relationship was not of a father and son, but a cat and dog.
Yerhan was sorry for not being able to properly express his affection for Illian. He regretted belatedly that he should do better while he was with him.
“Take good care of your mother.”
Yerhan stroked Illian’s head. Normally, Illian would give off even a tiny bit of hatred for him, but he was quiet today.
Yerhan, who looked into the eyes that resembled Rosena’s, loosened the scabbard he was wearing around his waist.
The sword he had been using for several years was one of Yerhan’s most treasured items.
He held out his sword to Illian. Then Illian blinked and looked at the scabbard and Yerhan alternately.
“Take it.”
At Yerhan’s words, Illian carefully reached out and took the sword. It was a little too big for a young Illian to wield, but one day, the day would come when he could freely wield this sword.
“Don’t neglect the swordsmanship class even there.”
Illian nodded instead of answering. Yerhan, who stroked his head again, slowly straightened his back.
Suddenly, a dim light came running from far away.
The morning sun strode up the ridge and began to illuminate the surroundings.
The world, which had been filled with darkness, began to regain its color. The cold morning wind receded as if chased away by the sun, and it was completely open.
Everyone said nothing. Even though she was prepared for the already decided parting, she couldn’t believe this moment was real.
Rosena looked at Yerhan calmly. She was wondering what to do if she cried, but it was better than she thought.
Maybe it was because she had the belief that they would meet again.
The imperial knights, who were watching from behind, approached the front.
“We have to go now.”
Even with the words of the knights, Yerhan’s gaze did not depart from Rosena.
It would be nice if roots form by his feet and stick to this place.
Yerhan was thinking about it for a moment, but Rosena couldn’t stand it and rushed over and hugged him.
Then, naturally, she found his lips and kissed them. The heat that had been cooled by the cold wind returned.
Yerhan hugged Rosena’s waist and shared a kiss. The lips that were slightly bitten and released were filled with regret.
Yerhan looked at Rosena with trembling eyes and whispered to Illian.
“Goodbye.”
Illian nodded and answered.
“I will be waiting. Dad.”
Yerhan’s eyes widened at the word ‘dad’.
Hearing the word dad for the first time, he made a very unfamiliar face.
Illian always called Yerhan ‘you’ and drew a line. Perhaps Illian has now recognized Yerhan as his father.
“I didn’t expect the word ‘dad’ to sound so good.”
Yerhan, who muttered to himself, smiled at Illian. Then he realized he really had to leave and started to walk slowly.
The knights opened the carriage door. As Yerhan got into the windowless carriage, the coachman grabbed the reins.
The door closed and the carriage began to roll with a rattling noise.
The imperial knights who would escort him to exile also rode on horseback.
Rosena and Illian watched as the carriage slowly moved away.
And when the carriage completely disappeared, Rosena let out a gasp that she had swallowed.
She felt like her legs were going to collapse at any moment because her legs lost strength, but she endured it to the end.
Rosena whispered while hugging Illian tightly.
“We’ll see each other again soon.”
Those words were also repeated inwardly.
Rosena and Yerhan went straight to Illian and apologized sincerely.
They felt sorry for showing a bad side to the child, who would be most affected by his parents.
Illian stared at the two of them, and replied, ‘It’s good then, if you’ve reconciled,’ with a face that was unlike a child.
Time flew by so quickly, and soon there was only a few days left before Yerhan left the capital.
Since there wasn’t much time to be together, Rosena and Yerhan remained faithful to each other during that time.
Sometimes the two of them went for a walk without doing anything all day, and then ate together at every meal.
It was a brief moment, but she could feel the feeling of genuine happiness.
She wished she had realized it a little earlier. But they both knew that even if they regretted it, they couldn’t turn back time.
While spending a happy time together, Rosena slowly prepared to leave.
If Rosena divorced Yerhan, she would be free because she was no longer a member of the royal family, but it was not the case for Illian. There was no other way than to sneak out of the Imperial Palace with Illian.
She did some preparations in secret but it progressed step by step.
Shortly after lunch, Rosena came down to the dining room. She was thinking of bringing snacks to Illian and Yerhan. It was okay to order a servant, but she wanted to give it to him herself to see his face.
“Thank you, Federer.”
Rosena smiled broadly at the prepared snack. Illian’s favorite cookies and pecan tart, which Yerhan often eats, were prepared.
As Rosena liked it very much, Federer laughed, saying that he was only doing his job.
“Your Highness will eat the pecan tart, right?”
“Oh, I’m going to bring this to Yerhan.”
Federer, who was laughing at Rosena’s words, blinked.
“Thank you. They’ll both love it.”
But Rosena left the dining room without seeing Federer in bewilderment.
Rosena immediately went to Illian and brought him warm milk and cookies.
The way he chewed the cookies stored in both cheeks was like a squirrel.
After Illian finished eating all the snacks, Rosena went to Yerhan.
Stuck in his office, he was busy with one thing or another because he had only a few days more before he left.
As Rosena knocked on the office door, she heard a voice from the invite telling her to come in. Rosena said as she opened the door.
“I brought you snacks.”
Upon hearing her voice, Yerhan reflexively got up. Next to Yerhan stood a large man named Crayle, whom she had seen before.
“Why don’t you ask a servant…”
“I wanted to bring it myself. To see your face.”
Whatever was so good about Rosena’s words, Yerhan smiled, to the point the corners of his eyes were bent.
In an atmosphere where the sweet scent of flowers seemed to flow out at any moment, Crayle slowly retreated.
“I didn’t know there were guests. I should have brought some more snacks.”
“Oh, no. I’m so full…!”
When it bothered Rosena, Crayle answered immediately.
Yerhan looked at Crayle at once, then turned to Rosena again.
“That’s a relief. Then I’ll get going.”
“I will come to you as soon as the work is done.”
Yerhan seemed to want to spend time with Rosena right now. But putting things off would reduce the time he spends with Rosena at night.
Rosena left the office behind the two of them. Now, Rosena was also going to have her snack time.
Rosena, who had been thinking about having a snack while enjoying the air at the backyard after a long time, realized that she had something to ask Yerhan.
Rosena headed back towards the office.
The door to the office was slightly open, perhaps because Rosena had not closed it. And through the crack in the open door, the sound of words could be heard.
“You hate it so much, and yet you force yourself to eat it…”
Crayle’s voice stopped Rosena.
“Let’s just pretend you already finished it.”
What does he mean?
Curious, Rosena peered inside through the gap from the open door. She saw Yerhan having a staring contest with the tart with a very serious face.
Holding the fork with trembling hands, he ate the tart as if he was eating gruel.
Just by looking at his face, it was like he was eating something terrible, not edible.
Yerhan, who had barely taken one bite, answered with a sigh after drinking a lot of water.
“She gave it to me, so of course I should eat it.”
“Just confess that you can’t eat sweets…”
Rosena’s eyes widened.
He can’t eat sweets? Until now, they always ate dessert together at snack time…
“Ah….”
Rosena realized it late. Yerhan was being considerate of her.
He forced himself to eat because he feared that she would feel embarrassed if he refused dessert.
Rosena, who had been leaning against the wall for a moment, slowly lifted her back. She was sorry and thankful, but at the same time she felt that she was indifferent to him.
Rosena swallowed the words she was about to say and turned around slowly.
Since she found out the truth late, she shall ask to remove all the sugar from his snacks from now on.
***
Yerhan set the fork down on the empty plate.
As if he had fought the battle of a lifetime, he sighed heavily.
No matter how many times he rinsed his mouth with water, the sweetness did not disappear at all.
As soon as Yerhan put the plate aside, Crayle held out the papers that had been pushed aside.
Yerhan thought for a moment as he was processing the paperwork.
Soon after his exile, the knights of Tiriad would be officially disbanded. But it was only externally. In reality, it would be different.
The knights had already sworn to Yerhan for the rest of their lives, so they planned their future together.
When the crown prince tries to take over the knights of Tiriad, the knights would have already disappeared.
“You took the hard road.”
Knights could gain honor and wealth by entering under the crown prince. But they decided to follow Yerhan instead of the easy way out.
Crayle kept his head down and didn’t say anything for a moment.
“….I will follow you for the rest of my life.”
Crayle raised his head slowly, trembling, but gave an answer full of determination. Then Yerhan put down the pen and looked at Crayle.
“Isaac and Yelvin said the same thing.”
“Those brats also…”
“There is nothing I can do for you. Will you still stay by my side?”
“Of course.”
When the answer came back without hesitation, Yerhan smiled softly. Crayle’s eyes blinked at his rare smile.
“I need your help.”
Yerhan finally brought up the subject.
Putting the paper and pen aside, he tapped the desk with his fingers and continued.
“In order to significantly raise the level of the soldiers on the side of Haylor, a knight with moderate skills will not be enough.”
At Yerhan’s next words, Crayle moved his neck.
“So I’m going to entrust you with that task, how about it?”
Crayle stood tall in surprise, then immediately knelt down on one knee.
“If you leave it to me, I will do my best.”
After hearing the answer, Yerhan picked up the pen again. The sound of the sharp nib scraping the paper quietly filled the office.
“Who’s supposed to be in charge of Her Highness’ escort?”
“Isaac and Karlan decided to take charge of the escape.”
“Are the two of them coming to Haylor when the mission is over?”
“No, they will stay in the capital and carry out their missions. We have to look into the situation here as well.”
It was not enough to overthrow the imperial family with only Haylor’s power. It was like hitting a rock with an egg.
Yerhan needed supplies, troops, and justification to support the rebellion.
This time, several nobles showed interest in Yerhan.
They were a group that did not fall over even if the emperor and the Duke of Eloa condemned Yerhan. But they did not openly reach out to Yerhan. There was no benefit in supporting Yerhan, who would soon be leaving on exile.
But Yerhan thought that was enough. If he showed them the possibility that the rebellion would be successful, they would soon come over to him.
Until now, the imperial family had oppressed the nobility too much to strengthen the imperial power.
They should be able to let go and accept criticism in moderation, but even that was being busily suppressed.
The emperor and crown prince, who cared only about the outside without knowing that the inside was rotten, would soon be severely damaged by the internal forces.
And that would be the day when Yerhan would overthrow the imperial family.
Yerhan put the pen down completely.
“There are not many days left before my departure.”
He murmured to himself and looked out the window. Autumn came in full force and the sun was setting faster than before.
A chilly air from the north struck the office window.
Yerhan closed his eyes for a moment at the thought that he had to leave this place in a few days.
It hadn’t been long since his heart connected with Rosena’s, but time flew by so fast. Even if it was for a brief breakup, he did not know when he would be able to reunite with her. It could be a year or a few years.
Everything was unpredictable, but one thing could be guaranteed.
He knew that his feelings for Rosena would not change no matter how other things change. Rather, his heart for her grew bigger over the past 7 years, it never got smaller.
He wasn’t as nervous as he used to be when he imagined he’d be separated from her in the future.
Yerhan thought that he should pack plenty of stationery.
***
Time passed quickly, and the day came when Yerhan left for Haylor.
Early in the morning, unlike the other palaces, everyone was awake at the Third Prince Palace. Even those who stayed awake through the night without being able to sleep gathered in front of the palace without showing any signs of fatigue.
It wasn’t dawn yet, so it was dark all around.
A carriage, which was too shabby for a royal family member to ride in, stopped in front of the palace, and the knights of the imperial family guarded it.
Yerhan, dressed in plain clothes, stood in front of Rosena.
Rosena, unable to sleep because they had been talking all night, reached out and touched Yehan’s hand.
They had a long night together, but it was just a pity. When the sun rose over the mountain, it was time to say goodbye to him.
Rosena looked up at Yerhan, thinking that it would be better if morning did not come to this world.
Even in the dark, a strong light as bright as his blue eyes was flowing.
Rosena’s lips twitched. Now was her last chance.
She might regret it later, but she didn’t know what to say.
“Take care of yourself.”
In the end, Rosena uttered the words dozens more times.
“I hope you are not sick and stay healthy.”
Yerhan kissed Rosena’s forehead. No matter how much they kissed, it was just sad and lacking. This thirst would continue until the two were reunited.
Yerhan turned his gaze to Illian, who was standing next to Rosena.
Compared to when they first met, Illian had grown a lot. It felt like yesterday when he was worried that he might not see him and bump into him because he was so small, but time flew by so quickly.
Yerhan recalled his first meeting with Illian for a moment.
At first, they fought a lot over Rosena. It was not strange to say that their relationship was not of a father and son, but a cat and dog.
Yerhan was sorry for not being able to properly express his affection for Illian. He regretted belatedly that he should do better while he was with him.
“Take good care of your mother.”
Yerhan stroked Illian’s head. Normally, Illian would give off even a tiny bit of hatred for him, but he was quiet today.
Yerhan, who looked into the eyes that resembled Rosena’s, loosened the scabbard he was wearing around his waist.
The sword he had been using for several years was one of Yerhan’s most treasured items.
He held out his sword to Illian. Then Illian blinked and looked at the scabbard and Yerhan alternately.
“Take it.”
At Yerhan’s words, Illian carefully reached out and took the sword. It was a little too big for a young Illian to wield, but one day, the day would come when he could freely wield this sword.
“Don’t neglect the swordsmanship class even there.”
Illian nodded instead of answering. Yerhan, who stroked his head again, slowly straightened his back.
Suddenly, a dim light came running from far away.
The morning sun strode up the ridge and began to illuminate the surroundings.
The world, which had been filled with darkness, began to regain its color. The cold morning wind receded as if chased away by the sun, and it was completely open.
Everyone said nothing. Even though she was prepared for the already decided parting, she couldn’t believe this moment was real.
Rosena looked at Yerhan calmly. She was wondering what to do if she cried, but it was better than she thought.
Maybe it was because she had the belief that they would meet again.
The imperial knights, who were watching from behind, approached the front.
“We have to go now.”
Even with the words of the knights, Yerhan’s gaze did not depart from Rosena.
It would be nice if roots form by his feet and stick to this place.
Yerhan was thinking about it for a moment, but Rosena couldn’t stand it and rushed over and hugged him.
Then, naturally, she found his lips and kissed them. The heat that had been cooled by the cold wind returned.
Yerhan hugged Rosena’s waist and shared a kiss. The lips that were slightly bitten and released were filled with regret.
Yerhan looked at Rosena with trembling eyes and whispered to Illian.
“Goodbye.”
Illian nodded and answered.
“I will be waiting. Dad.”
Yerhan’s eyes widened at the word ‘dad’.
Hearing the word dad for the first time, he made a very unfamiliar face.
Illian always called Yerhan ‘you’ and drew a line. Perhaps Illian has now recognized Yerhan as his father.
“I didn’t expect the word ‘dad’ to sound so good.”
Yerhan, who muttered to himself, smiled at Illian. Then he realized he really had to leave and started to walk slowly.
The knights opened the carriage door. As Yerhan got into the windowless carriage, the coachman grabbed the reins.
The door closed and the carriage began to roll with a rattling noise.
The imperial knights who would escort him to exile also rode on horseback.
Rosena and Illian watched as the carriage slowly moved away.
And when the carriage completely disappeared, Rosena let out a gasp that she had swallowed.
She felt like her legs were going to collapse at any moment because her legs lost strength, but she endured it to the end.
Rosena whispered while hugging Illian tightly.
“We’ll see each other again soon.”
Those words were also repeated inwardly.
