Basil and company ended up staying for the night because of Kurdva's persuasion. Iliana and Ione got to sleep but Basil, Xander, and Cyrus had to walk around with Kurdva. The Emperor wanted to introduce them to his close aides, whom he had a lot. It didn't end until it was four in the morning. By that time, none of the three men wanted to sleep anymore.
The sunrise came a few hours later. The three men were the first to stand before the palace's gate. They waited for the two female Pacifers, accompanied by Kurdva. Many of Kurdva's close aides wanted to accompany them too, but Basil rejected them politely. He didn't want those rowdy people to surround him anymore.
"Everyone likes you. Ha-Ha-Ha!" Kurdva exclaimed as he patted Basil's back. "They say they had never seen such a powerful human in their life. They can't stop praising you, mate. You have captured their hearts!"
