The next day, Ishira woke up early in the morning. The maid helped him get ready, dressing him in formal attire, even though he kept his face hidden behind his hair.

Just then, Yue walked into the room.

"Hey, Ishira! Come to the hall," she said, teasingly. "Wow, not bad for a young boy!"

She took his hand, and together they made their way to the hall, where the family and other guests had gathered. As they arrived, Ishira noticed how crowded the hall was. People were scattered everywhere, as it was a party to celebrate Yue turning 18 years old.

Standing quietly against the wall, Ishira was approached by a girl.

"Hi! What's your name?" she asked. Ishira remained silent and did not reveal his name, but he recognized the girl as Mia, who was from the North—a place known for its cold weather.

At that moment, the king entered the hall.

"Happy birthday, Yue! Welcome to adulthood! It looks like you can get married now!" he exclaimed, laughing. "Let's find a suitable man for you here, hahahaha!"

Yue watched her father, feeling both pride and embarrassment.

The party began, with everyone in the hall wishing her a happy birthday, but Ishira remained quiet and observant. Yue glanced at him; he simply smiled in response as two young men approached her to chat.

Suddenly, Mia came up to Ishira and asked him to dance. He stayed silent, but she didn't take long to pull him onto the dance floor. As they danced, Mia asked Ishira, "You know Yue, right? Who are you, really? What's your relationship with her?"

Mia continued to press him for answers, but Ishira merely looked at her, giving her a subtle sign to drop the subject. However, Yue caught a glimpse of them dancing and rushed over.

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"Don't take my servant, Mia!" she said, visibly upset.

"Why not, Yue? I love taking what you have, my pretty cousin!" Mia replied with a smirk.

Mia then leaned in toward Ishira and whispered, "I will make you mine," before walking away.

Yue turned to Ishira, confused. "How does she know you? We haven't even been together at the party. Damn that girl! She keeps getting in my way," she fumed. Suddenly, Ishira gently ruffled Yue's hair, causing her face to blush. She quickly swatted his hand away. "I'm not a child anymore!"

From a distance, the queen observed and approached them. "Hi! What are you two doing? Why does my daughter look sick?" Yue, feeling flustered, quickly ran away. The queen smiled and called Ishira to meet her later that night, wanting to discuss something important. Ishira nodded in agreement.

The party continued smoothly.

At midnight, when everyone was asleep, Ishira made his way to the queen's chamber, where she was having a drink. The queen invited him to sit beside her.

"Ishira, it's been quite a while since we last met," she said. Ishira was taken aback; he hadn't expected her to remember him.

"Don't be scared; it's been five years since we last saw each other. I know you even if you hide your face," she reassured him. "How have you been?"

Ishira spoke softly. "I've missed you, Your Majesty. I'm sorry for hiding all this time."

"It's been a long time since we were in the orphanage, but I have a request regarding Yue," Ishira continued. The queen watched him with an amused expression. "I know your skills are exceptional and surpass everyone else I know, but you can't use them if someone notices you, correct? The country isn't doing well; war may break out soon. Can you protect Yue better than anyone else?"

"I can't accept that request, Your Majesty," Ishira replied.

"I'm too old to be saved, dear. As someone you love the most, please accept this request and act in silence. I know you care for Yue because she resembles me. Please protect her, especially as my time draws near," the queen implored him.

Ishira remained silent for a moment before nodding his head in agreement.

He left the room, then suddenly disappeared the next day.

Yue was left searching for Ishira, but she found a letter instead.

"I'm sorry, Yue, for leaving you like this. Please wait for me, even if it takes a while. Thank you for everything you've done for me."

Yue held the letter tightly, . She couldn't help but wonder what had compelled Ishira to leave so suddenly. The promise to return felt like a fragile thread connecting them, and she was determined to hold on.

at that moment, all she could think about was the warmth of their last moments together. The memories flooded back, contrasting sharply with the emptiness now surrounding her.

"I will wait for you, Ishira. No matter how long it takes." .