Sophien fell asleep, and Keiron, in his knightly bearing, watched over her. Though she had clearly collapsed as if fainting, tormented by anguish, Sophien's face was more peaceful than ever before. Because of this, Keiron did not yet know if she had broken free from her restraints or been liberated from a destiny given by God.0

However, to Keiron, the Empress's knight, his lord's face was, at least for now, peaceful—devoid of distress or apprehension and brimming with confidence—with the smile on her lips clearly defined.0

"Your Majesty, that is a smile you have never once revealed," Keiron muttered.0

Sophien's smile was subtle and radiated mere contentment, neither too intense nor too slight—a humble smile, as unadorned as any ordinary human on this continent and as beautiful as a wild flower swaying by the roadside…0

“... Who is it?”0

At that moment, a voice came from behind, prompting Keiron to turn and see Epherene, who had rushed back to the Sanctuary.0

"Oh?!" Epherene murmured, her eyes widening as she looked at Keiron and Sophien on the floor.0

"Epherene?" Keiron said, taking Sophien onto his back.0

Epherene swallowed hard and nodded.0

"You have done well," Keiron added, gesturing toward Yulie within the cylinder.0

"Oh, about that..." Epherene mumbled, her fingers fumbling at her neck.0

"Knight Yulie does deserve to live a better life."0

Keiron's words were, at the very least, not empty words.0

"... Yes," Epherene replied, giving a stiff nod.0

"Well, see to Yulie's condition without delay, and for any future requirement arises, speak to me," Keiron said, drawing a miniature knight figure from his armor and placing it on the table.0

“… Is that you, Knight Keiron?”0

“That is correct.”0

"But why did Her Majesty come here to this place?" Epherene asked with a nod, and then the most fundamental question surfac...0