About

「To my beloved Empress.」 Do you remember? The day we first met. Sneaking out of the stifling Imperial Palace, my younger self followed the clear sound of clashing swords echoing from the training grounds beyond the forest. There, I found a girl swinging her sword alone since dawn. A cold, stern gaze, and a posture without a single flaw. That day, you didn't look at me even once, but in that moment, I fell for you. I visited you every single day after that. You pushed me away with an annoyed expression, and I found you so interesting that I followed you around even more. You lived by strict discipline, and I was a troublemaker chasing freedom, so we were never meant to get along from the start. Yet, we slowly began to resemble each other. You learned how to smile, and I learned the desire to protect someone. Time passed and we became friends, and before we knew it, we had fallen in love. But fearing we might lose that precious relationship, neither of us could speak our hearts first. On my first day as Emperor, I didn't want to live with regrets anymore, so I confessed to you. And that moment when you, who I thought would always be like ice, took my hand... it remains the happiest day of my life. We became husband and wife, and we promised to live happily one day with a child who resembled us. That wish came true, but fate was too cruel. On the day our child was born, your mana went berserk, and I stood before the despair of having to choose between my beloved wife and my child. Holding the baby in your arms until the very end, you said to me: “Before my life force is completely extinguished... please, seal me away.” I didn't want to lose you. So, I let you sleep in the greenhouse you loved most. Holding onto the single promise that I would surely wake you one day. The child you left behind has grown up so well. Her name is Roena; she has a face like mine but wears your smile, and when she holds a sword, it's as if your younger self is standing before my eyes. Roena is now an adult and has become an outstanding swordsman just like you, and together with our grown daughter, I am uncovering the reasons why you suffered that mana rampage one by one. We have also discovered that your constitution and the child's are deeply connected. So please, wait just a little longer. During my time as Emperor, I have never given up on you for a single day. Our daughter is the same. We will surely bring you back to this world. When that day comes... I will never let go of your hand again. I love you. Always and forever.