In the still and cool starlit night, only the faint sound of crickets could be heard outside the palace. Elexon's soft footsteps echoed down the deserted corridor. Carefully, he opened the door to Reina's room and stepped inside. The sight before him stopped him in his tracks.
On the bed, Yosan and Lia lay together, embracing each other in peaceful sleep. Yosan's face looked so calm, while Lia curled up at his side, a small smile on her lips.
Elexon approached slowly, not wanting to disturb the peace. His hand reached out and gently rubbed Yosan's head, then moved to Lia's hair, stroking it lovingly. His heart felt warm and heavy at the same time. Guilt washed over him as he remembered the wounds he had inflicted on Yosan until the man fell ill and was unconscious for several days.
"Forgive Uncle," he whispered barely audibly. "Uncle just want to make sure that you really deserve to be with Reina, Yosan."
Elexon's gaze softened, filled with regret and pride. He continued in a low voice, as if speaking to himself. "For Uncle, Reina is like your own biological daughter. Uncle just want her to find the best match, someone who can accept not only her strengths but also her weaknesses."
Elexon took a deep breath, holding back the emotions that slowly enveloped his heart. "Someone who loves her with all his heart... and takes care of her without hesitation."
He rubbed Yosan's head once more, then looked at Lia who was peacefully sleeping. Those two figures had now become part of Reina's life, and inevitably, part of her life as well.
"uncle know, Reina is far from perfect. She's not like most women out there who might better fulfill your expectations."
"However, with her strength, courage, and indefatigable spirit, Reina is not one to sit idly by, hoping for protection, or waiting to be guided. For she is a figure who can stand tall, even on the battlefield."
Elexon paused for a moment, gazing at the two figures lying in front of him with a soulful heart, accompanied by images of the memory of how Reina led the troops to seize power of Lumina many years ago.
"However, you still chose her Yosan. Seeing how you love her, Uncle realized something. Not only do you see her strengths, but you also accept her flaws, just as she accepts yours. That is true love. Love that knows no conditions."
Elexon took a deep breath, holding back the emotions that were getting the better of him. "I'm grateful that you've finally forgiven her and are willing to be with her, with Lia."
"I know it's not easy, and there may be many who doubt your relationship. However, seeing how sincere you are and how you fight for their happiness, even if it means giving up a part of yourself, makes me sure of one thing...."
Elexon stopped his sentence for a moment. The tears he had been holding back finally fell, wetting his cheeks. He could no longer hide his feelings.
"That you are the one who deserves all of this," he continued in a trembling voice. "Uncle feels at ease, knowing that Reina will be in good hands. And Lia... she's lucky to have you, too. You've been a light to them both."
In that quiet night, Elexon felt certain that everything was on track. He had found the answers he had been looking for, and his heart felt lighter. Yosan had proven himself, not only as a patient and loving man, but also as a partner Reina could trust.
"Thank you for coming to bring happiness to Reina and all of us, and forgive Uncle for his mistakes."
After saying those words, Elexon stood back up. He looked at Yosan and Lia one last time before taking his leave, leaving the room with slow steps. That night, under the stars, Elexon felt that his heart was much lighter.
He knew that all his struggles, mistakes, and doubts had not been in vain. Yosan had proven himself, not only as a worthy partner for Reina, but also as a man with true love.
And for the first time, Elexon is truly convinced. Reina and Lia were now in good hands, with a man who would love and protect them unconditionally.
Elsewhere in the palace, Reina was still busy in her study, with Harzel and Nils helping to finalize important documents. Reina looked exhausted, but her resolve remained unwavering. She massaged her temples and let out a long sigh.
"Beile still hasn't returned?" she asked Harzel who was standing nearby.
"Not yet, Your Majesty," Harzel replied as he glanced at Nils. "He is still on his way to collect data from the people as per your orders."
Reina only gave a small nod, her gaze blank for a moment before returning to stare at the document before her. Her mind drifted, somehow remembering Yosan and Lia.
Elexon, who was now outside Reina's study, stopped in front of the door. He watched Reina through the small crack in the slightly open door. His gaze was thoughtful, but he did not enter, just stood there, like a silent guard to make sure everything was still going well. She let her gaze linger on Reina who looked so busy and determined, even though the woman looked exhausted.
Reina's every movement, word, and step exuded an incredible resilience. His mind drifted back, remembering everything that had happened. From Reina's struggle, to her courage, to the sincere love the woman gave to everyone around her, especially to Yosan and Lia.
After the conversation he had moments ago with Yosan, Elexon felt a little calmer. He knew, despite his doubts, that the relationship between Yosan and Reina was something truly sincere. Yosan had shown that he was not only a man worthy of Reina, but also someone who would guard and protect her, even when the world out there was not in their favor.
Elexon closed the door quietly, not wanting to attract attention. He sighed heavily, his head looking up at the beautiful night sky, before walking back to his room.
Reina, who was tired but still trying to finish some of the paperwork, finally stood up from her seat. She looked at Harzel and Nils who had also been enduring fatigue since earlier, then gently asked them to rest immediately.
"I'm going back to my room to rest, you two get some rest too," Reina said in a soft voice, though the fatigue was evident in her eyes. "If you see Beile, tell him to deliver the report tomorrow only."
Harzel and Nils looked at each other, then nodded. They knew very well that Reina often prioritized work over rest, but they also knew how important it was to take care of her health.
"We will, Your Highness," Nils replied. "Have a good rest."
Reina simply nodded, then walked over to the window to enjoy the cool night breeze, giving a little peace to her already full mind. In the silence of the night, she felt she could momentarily let go of the burdens that had been choking her.