After a few weeks of regular treatment, Yosan's condition began to show significant progress. Her once weak body is now slowly regaining its strength, although it has not fully recovered. Her face no longer looked pale, and a faint smile often graced her lips, making those who cared for her feel relieved.
That night, Yosan's room was quiet. Reina had just left the room after confirming Yosan's condition, giving him a gentle kiss on the forehead before leaving to continue her unfinished tasks. Lia, who was usually a faithful companion, had also gone ahead to her room to rest. Now, only silence accompanied Yosan, who sat leaning against the bed with a small book in his hands.
The door to the room opened slowly, the sound of its hinges barely audible. Elexon appeared from behind the door, his steps light and quiet. Seeing Yosan awake, he paused for a moment, as if to make sure his presence was not intrusive.
"Uncle?" called Yosan softly. His eyes shifted from the book he was reading, aware of the presence of another person in the room. In that questioning tone, there was warmth, but also a hint of confusion, seeing Elexon just standing still, as if he was observing something seriously.
Elexon stepped over, took the chair in the corner of the room and sat near Yosan's bed. He observed the young man carefully, looking for signs of fatigue or discomfort on his face. However, all he found was calmness and warmth.
"How are you today?" asked Elexon finally, his voice low but full of concern.
Yosan gave a small smile. "Much better. My body is starting to feel lighter, and I can even do some small activities."
"Though often still with the help of others," he continued with a faint smile. "Like right now, for example, I can already read by myself and without feeling as tired as before."
Elexon nodded in understanding, his heart feeling relieved to hear that answer. His gaze fell on the book lying on Yosan's lap. A classic fictional story about a queen who goes back in time to change her destiny and live happily with her family, defying the world that opposes her. The book had been a bestseller a few years ago and was often the talk of the town.
"You seem to like books a lot," Elexon said suddenly, his tone full of concern. "Does your love for books match your love for Reina?"
Yosan gasped for a moment at Elexon's sudden question. The smile that had previously graced his lips slowly faded, replaced by a serious expression. He stared at Elexon for a moment before answering in a firm yet soft voice, "No, Uncle. My love is more than anything," she said in a firm yet gentle voice. "I love Your Highness more than my own life... and so does Lia."
Elexon paused, watching the young man before him who seemed so sure of his words.
"Books are just an escape," Yosan continued, his gaze returning to the book on his lap. "They took me to another world when I didn't know how to deal with the real world. But Reina... she is my real world."
She looked at Elexon with eyes full of sincerity. "Every heartbeat, every breath I have, I dedicate to protecting and loving her, Uncle. Even if it means I have to sacrifice everything."
After a short pause, Yosan smiled faintly, his eyes slightly misty at the mention of Lia's name. "And Lia... she's part of that too. We don't just love His Highness. We promise to be a place where she can go home, without feeling alone."
Elexon bowed his head for a moment, as if thinking about something. His gaze softened as he looked back at Yosan. The young man's words were not just a promise, but a sincere statement born of deep love.
Elexon still stared at Yosan silently for a while, before finally letting out a long breath, as if preparing to reveal something he had been holding in for the past few days.
"Yosan," he called, his tone serious yet gentle, his eyes looking straight at Yosan. "I want to apologize for how I treated you earlier."
Yosan, who had been staring at Elexon in silence, frowned in confusion. He then closed his book that was on his thigh, giving his full attention to Elexon. He could feel the weight of the words that were about to come out of the man's mouth.
"That pain... was never Uncle's goal. I just wanted to make sure that Reina was in good hands," Elexon continued.
Elexon wanted the best for Reina. It was enough for her to live in the shadows of darkness. Her dark past was filled with more suffering than happiness. Elexon felt responsible for making sure Reina had a happy future. He also promised Athena to take care of Reina, whom he considered his own child.
Yosan was silent, not answering immediately. He could see the sincerity in Elexon's eyes, something he rarely found before. After a moment, he sighed and smiled slightly.
"I understand your feelings, moreover it seems that you already consider His Highness as your own family, and you just want to protect him and make sure His Highness is in good hands."
"Perhaps when Lia grows up, I will do the same."
Yosan's words made Elexon's heart feel warm. However, his guilt remained. He reached out, grasping Yosan's hand tightly.
"You're better than Uncle thought, Yosan," Elexon said in a slightly trembling voice. "Hearing you now, how you love Reina and Lia with all your heart, makes Uncle even more certain that they are in good hands, with you."
"You have proven yourself to be more than what Uncle expected. And for that, I thank you."
Yosan nodded slowly, a sense of relief enveloping his heart. All this time, he felt the relationship with Elexon was a little awkward, but tonight, he felt a different warmth.
"Uncle," Yosan said softly, "I also want to thank you. Even though the way was hard, what you did has made me realize how precious Reina and Lia are in my life. I will continue to take care of them, no matter what happens."
Elexon patted Yosan's hand gently, a faint smile appearing on his face. He felt calmer now, as if the burden that had been crushing his heart was slowly disappearing.
"I believe in you, Yosan," Elexon said finally. "And I will always be here, supporting you."
A comfortable silence surrounded them for a moment. Time passed without them realizing it. The cold night breeze began to blow softly through the windows of the room, bringing with it a soothing silence. Elexon glanced at his pocket watch and realized that it was already late.
He let out a long sigh before finally standing up from his chair. "You can't stay here too long," he said in a calm tone, but there was a hint of worry in his voice. "Reina will probably be back soon. I'll take my leave, Yosan."
Yosan gave Elexon a puzzled look, but he tried to understand the man's intentions. "So what, Uncle? Wouldn't His Majesty not mind seeing you?"
"Did something happen, Uncle? You also only see me when no one else is around," Yosan said quietly, trying to compose his own understanding.
"You also only see me when everyone has left. As if you're avoiding something... or someone?" Yosan continued, his tone showing concern.
Elexon shook his head slowly, his expression turning slightly grim. "Nothing serious, it's just that... Uncle hasn't been able to see Reina for some time."
Yosan nodded, although he still did not fully understand what Elexon meant. "Alright, Uncle. I won't force you. But, if there is anything I can help you with, please do not hesitate to tell me."
Elexon smiled slightly, appreciating Yosan's kindness. "Thank you, Yosan. You've done more than enough. Just by taking care of Reina and Lia with all your heart, it already means a lot to Uncle."
Elexon patted Yosan's shoulder gently and stood up. "You don't need to escort Uncle. Don't forget, you're not alone. If anything happens, Uncle is always there for you."
"Okay, Uncle. Be careful on the road," Yosan said as he looked at Elexon's back who stepped towards the door.
Elexon turned his head, gave one last smile, then said, "You too, Yosan. Take good care of yourself."
As the door closed, Yosan looked at the night sky through the window, even though he was still lying on the bed. A feeling of warmth and renewed determination came over him. He knew that no matter what happened, he would take good care of Reina and Lia, just as he had promised.
That very night, Elexon was completely convinced that Yosan was the right person for Reina and Lia. As he left the room, his heart felt lighter than before.