“For me, quality over quantity.”

San tapped Biyeon’s shoulder as if he was brushing off some dust. Suddenly, San frowned. Biyeon’s small fist was stuck in his side.

“…”

The emperor looked back at the two who were gently ribbing each other and playing around. He then smiled and nodded. The two bowed to show their respects before exiting the door.

The emperor waved his hand. The two slowly turned around and walked away while holding hands. Soon, the woman’s head tilted towards the man’s shoulder.

Beside them, a group of servants and maids followed alongside and behind San and Biyeon.

The emperor’s eyes were fixed on their backs for a long time. Until the light faded away from their bodies and the darkness swallowed up their human form… this was the highest form of courtesy the emperor paid to the two great humans who would become the ‘representatives of humankind.’

‘For this world's future… and to the strangers who are willing to face a terrible fate that this world has given them…’

***

“I’ve never been so surprised in my life.”

“Me too. It was terrifying.”

The emperor and Hanyoung stepped outside the conference room. Having stayed up all night, the emperor had visible black circles under both of his eyes.

However, his...