The emperor has woken up and it was due to Rauv's aid as he delivered a pouch holding medicine.
It was delivered to Karin's table and she quickly apprehends what to do that day it was announced the emperor had finally woken up.
The whole empire gloried such news causing an uproar within the palace when people constantly asked to have an audience with him.
But Karin strictly dismissed those urges, as Arcus had just woken up and hadn't yet completely recovered.
"You all look worn out," Karin uttered inviting Darrion, Julian, and Rhodes into her office.
"We greet her majesty the empress dowager."
They all stood together and politely send their greetings and Karin delightfully let them sit.
To begin the report, Julian spoke up first swirling his fingers in the air and uttering a magic seal.
Magically a big portal appeared behind them and a bunch of letters and gifts fell.
"The nobles and even the citizens are frequently sending letters and gifts for the emperor."
"A lot of nobles have been pushing themselves to enter the sun palace."
Rhodes added placing lists of names at the table that Karin take to look at.
"Sorry for the trouble gentlemen."
Karin responded and the two got shy from her sweet smile. It may look the same with Darrion but it is still different in some ways.
"Is uncle fine now?" Darrion cleared his throat and asked his mother in a very casual way.
After being able to release all the emotions the mother and son had kept in their hearts, their relationship improved so much that it become strange for the people around them.
"He is yet to speak but he diligently takes his medicine and eats," Karin replied with flowers appearing around her.
"This is a miracle indeed," Darrion responded with another sweet and bright smile lighting up the room.
Knock-knock, "This is me, your majesty."
Maylene's voice immediately left Darrion's smile and Karin noticed that.
"Lady Maylene."
With an enormous smile, Julian greeted Maylene who opened the door and entered the room.
Darrion felt jealous seeing the two exchange smiles but when he met the pair of hazel eyes, she quickly bowed her head.
"I greet his highness, the prince."
Such a formal greeting stabbed Darrion's chest even though is for formalities, he cannot help but feel sad.
When Karin saw how the two exchanged glances, she asks the gentlemen to leave them be and so they did.
Downheartedly, Darrion left the office but he stood outside after telling Julian and Rhodes that he has still words to speak with Karin.
Contemplating by himself in the corridor, Darrion recalls the meetings he had with Maylene in the past.
The first time they met is nothing but ordinary and at that time he already saw how Maylene deeply treasures Yui.
Right, before he even notices her, Maylene already set her eyes on Yui and most of her days were about the two of them.
It isn't even a question to think about the closeness they have and the reason why Maylene loves Yui.
It is simply because the once lady of a noble family, used and then neglected had found a new home with her friendship with Yui.
"Ha, so stupid." He mumbled hitting his forehead on the wall when the door behind him opened.
Maylene halt her steps finding the frustrated Darrion standing in front of her but then she bowed her head and was about to leave.
Quickly, Darrion grabs the lady's wrist and speaks in a soft tone, "Can we talk?"
Maylene took a deep breath turning her head to face him but her eyes were avoiding him.
She nods her head and Darrion felt relief from her positive response.
He walk before her and lead her to the back garden of his palace and silently sat down on the bench.
A heavy silence conquered them as Darrion find any words to say when the two opened their mouth and both of them speak at the same time.
"Sorry"
Astonished, the two of them exchanged glances and got embarrassed at the same time.
"You may speak first, my lady- your highness."
Again they uttered the same words but this time the two of them laughed at the awkwardness.
"I'm sorry," Darrion said reaching Maylene's hands and squeezing them, looking straight into her eyes.
Despite knowing the differences in their status, Darrion took the courage to have Maylene by his side.
He was so confident that he could protect her however the reason why Maylene is strong enough to also face him is that she earned to be in her place.
The contributions she gain from the subjugation were due to her diligence and hard work.
Despite that, Maylene still has her insecurities and Darrion knows all of those.
The swears and insults she receives just by simply standing by his side, she bravely faced it all.
How dare he even doubt Maylene's feelings for him and even drag her best friend with his ugly greed?
"I love you."
There was a split second as if time stopped after hearing Darrion's response and finally after apprehending the words he uttered Maylene's cheeks turned red.
And both of them just got flustered.
"H-how can I even get angry if you will attack me this way?"
Maylene said turning her red face away and trying to cover it with her other hand.
"W-well I'm sorry, I just. I just don't know what to say."
Another silence drew between them but this time Darrion took all his courage to move much closer.
"I'm sorry, I got impatient."
Leaning his head on her shoulders, Maylene felt Darrion's sincere apology and thus it immediately softens her heart.
It is not that she is angry, rather she can't get angry at him at all because she is also aware that she caused him pain.
Maylene grabs Darrion's face and looks straight at them and then smacks his lips with hers.
"I got it. I'm sorry too and I also lo-
But even before she could finish her words, Darrion already conquered her lips and slowly the light went deeper.