Sol frowned slightly when he realized that Milia had managed to approach him without triggering any of his senses.
Maybe it's because I'm still not used to my powers, he thought.
It was possible. He had only recently awakened his mana and was still learning to control it. Even so, he didn't want to make excuses.
"Sol, you awakened?!" Milia exclaimed in surprise as she quickly closed the door behind her.
"Yes," he replied calmly with a smile. "It happened this morning, during a discussion with my teacher."
"That's incredible!" Milia said joyfully as she hugged him. Her happiness made Sol's earlier suspicions fade a little. He smiled and returned the hug.
"Thank you. It means a lot," he said.
After a short moment, Sol gathered himself and took a deep breath. Something about Milia still didn't sit right with him. Once she left, he tapped on the mirror beside him seven times — a secret signal he and Edea had developed.
This code meant "observe me." Edea, who could monitor the magical tower, would now be watching.
Sol didn't truly believe Milia meant him harm, but he also knew it was wise to be cautious. Feeling the faint presence of Edea's awareness, he turned to Milia and said seriously, "Milia, I think we need to talk."
He already had suspicions about her identity, but he wanted to hear the truth from her directly.
"I want you to answer honestly," he said firmly. "I'll only ask once, and I'll believe whatever you say. But if I ever find out you lied to me, I won't be able to trust you again."
Milia looked uncertain, thinking deeply about his words. She realized he must have sensed something after his awakening — perhaps some ability that sharpened his perception. Still, she knew Sol well enough to understand that he wouldn't ask such a question without reason.
Finally, she smiled softly and said, "I would rather die than harm you in any way."
Sol exhaled in relief and smiled. "I'm glad to hear that."
Milia tilted her head curiously. "That's all? You're not interested in who I really am?"
"There's no need," Sol replied with a warm smile. "You've always been my shadow."
She raised an eyebrow slightly but didn't deny it. "How did you figure it out?"
"I didn't have much to go on," Sol admitted. "But I always wondered who my shadow was. From your movements and the way you carried yourself, I guessed you were trained — maybe an assassin or a spy."
Milia smiled faintly. "You've grown up, Sol."
Still, something puzzled him. "If you're part of the Crown's Shadow, why does my aunt, Lilith, seem unaware of your identity?"
Kneeling before him respectfully, Milia said, "I am Milia — one of the five Fingers, and leader of the Hand Division of the Crown's Shadow. Our loyalty lies with you, Sol. You are the rightful king. Lady Lilith, for all her strength, is only a substitute. There are things she can never be allowed to know."
She went on to explain: the Crown's Shadow had three divisions — the Feet for foreign affairs, the Eyes for intelligence and espionage, and the Hands for covert operations. Her division was responsible for eliminating threats in secrecy.
Sol listened quietly, though her near-religious devotion made him uneasy.
Sensing his discomfort, Milia softened her tone. "I'm sorry. I've wanted to tell you for a long time. Serving you has been one of the greatest honors of my life."
Sol sighed. The revelation stirred mixed feelings — gratitude, confusion, and a hint of worry. Still, he smiled slightly. "There's a lot we need to discuss, but I have a meeting with Camelia today. We'll talk afterward."
Milia looked disappointed but nodded respectfully. "I understand."