After returning to my room, I changed into a more practical military outfit, suited for our upcoming expedition. As I adjusted my gear, the door opened quietly and Raelia stepped inside. Her expression was strange—almost unreadable.
I looked at her with curiosity before approaching and wrapping my arms around her. She remained motionless, as though hesitant to speak. The silence stretched for a few moments until she finally murmured, in an uncertain voice:
— "Jonady, are you sure you want to go to Mount Lustfor?"
Her question caught me slightly off guard. Raelia wasn't the type to voice doubt or concern so openly. I watched her for a moment before gently asking:
— "Are you afraid something will happen to me?"
She lifted her head slightly, her orange eyes meeting mine.
— "Y-Yes… Jonady, we don't know what awaits us there. You know, no one in Ednia has set foot on Mount Lustfor since my ancestor Roland Ednia, and none ever returned alive. The Highbeasts… we'll be on their territory. They may be far more dangerous than the ones we faced in the Forest of Izulte."
I nodded, acknowledging her words.— "I'm aware."
But she wasn't finished.
— "Also… if we succeed, others will surely try to enter their territory. That could lead to poaching—and unnecessary losses."
I gently patted her head, a confident smile on my lips.
— "Don't worry. Back during the succession crisis under King Ouroboros, such a risk would've been real… But since my coronation, those days are far behind us. With Kaylen, we've worked hard to improve the lives of our people. We revitalized the economy, restored employment, and ensured our citizens' wellbeing."
Raelia stared at me for a moment, then slowly nodded.
— "You're right… You'd already thought of all that."
A soft sigh escaped her before she added, more quietly:
— "I'm just scared you'll leave me…"
Surprised by her words, I gently took her face in my hands and gazed into her eyes.
— "Raelia Ednia, listen to me. There is no world where you exist and I am not by your side. I promised you… and I always keep my promises."
A tender smile formed on her lips, and before she could reply, I sealed her lips with mine. The kiss, filled with passion and emotion, seemed to freeze time.
When it ended, Raelia buried her face in my chest, blushing, and whispered timidly:
— "I love you…"
I gently stroked her hair and replied with an amused smile:
— "And I love you even more."
When we stepped out of my room, Kaylen was already waiting, his sword in hand. Beside him stood Nilyna, Sylena, and Gilbert—all geared up for the expedition.
Gilbert gave a slight bow and declared formally:
— "Your Majesty, we're ready."
I nodded, a shiver of anticipation running down my spine.
— "Good. Let's move out… To Mount Lustfor."