I was born the eldest son of the imperial family and was invested as the Crown Prince at the age of three. It was around that time that I first met you.

As the daughter of a noble family loyal to the Emperor, you frequented the palace with your father, and we naturally grew up together. It was only natural that I was your first partner at your debutante ball when we were eighteen.

It was probably that day. The day the feelings I had hidden under the name of 'childhood friend' took on a different name. But I was the Crown Prince, and my future was not mine to decide. In the end, I let time pass with my feelings tucked away.

Then, the year I turned twenty, I decided I could no longer delay. I planned to confess my feelings to you and ask you to be my lifelong companion.

But before I could, my father passed away. I missed the chance to confess because I had to ascend the throne immediately after the funeral, and right then, your family rose in rebellion.

The Duke, who had sworn loyalty to the imperial family his entire life, became a traitor, and I, as Emperor, punished them. I confiscated their property and stripped them of their titles. That was the price of betrayal.

And yet, I spared only you. I still don't know why. Whether it was because we were childhood friends, or because you were the person I had loved for so long.

You knew nothing of the rebellion, and thanks to your reputation and past conduct, many argued that you alone should be spared from punishment.

Ultimately, I kept you in the Imperial Palace. Ostentatiously, it was for surveillance.

But I still don't know if it's truly surveillance, or if it's my final selfishness, unable to let you go.

I really wanted to tell you, but now I can't.

I loved you, Guest.