– The information I obtained using my ability… was yours, Elizabeth! – Evo said with a hint of guilt.
Elizabeth looked slightly surprised.
If someone asked whether she was upset, the answer would be no. She trusted Evo to keep her secrets, even though soon enough everyone would discover the truth once she took the throne as Empress.
– So… you know about my secret? – she asked, even though she already knew he did. Still, she wanted to hear it from his own mouth.
Evo leaned forward slightly, lowering his head, his hands resting on his knees. He looked troubled, but there was nothing he could do now.
– Well… when I saw your surname, I immediately realized you were part of the imperial family… and if I had to guess… maybe… the imperial princess? – Evo spoke hesitantly, though it was the conclusion that made the most sense.
Elizabeth, seeing the bitterness on his face, quickly stopped him.
– No, no, Evo… please, lift your head. – Her voice was gentle, soothing him.
She didn't want to see him like that.
Not the Evo she knew—proud, steady, calm.
Besides, he had just shared a huge secret with them as well. It would be hypocritical of her to be angry over this.
Evo let out a quiet sigh and forced himself to calm down.
He, who had promised never to bow his head to anyone, was doing exactly that now…
But he didn't regret it.
– I should only lower my head before those who truly deserve it… – he murmured to himself, then raised his gaze to meet the beautiful elf's eyes.
The woman in front of him undoubtedly deserved his respect.
A woman of integrity and gentle character, who had always treated Evo kindly… even keeping his secret the day he awakened the element of time.
She could have told someone. It wouldn't have caused her any trouble.
She could have even benefited from it.
And yet, she kept it to herself.
That was why, among many other small reasons, Evo admired this kind-hearted elf so deeply.
– I truly didn't want to look into your information… but at that moment, it was necessary. – Evo murmured as he finished the last of his tea.
Ilytrha, who had remained silent while the two spoke, asked if Evo wanted more tea.
He refused politely and returned his attention to his instructor, who seemed eager to understand when he had used his ability on her.
To be honest, she already had a guess.
The most likely moment was…
– When that monster attacked the ship… – she murmured, holding her chin as she looked down.
Evo gave a weak chuckle.
– Haha… you're right. – He answered while looking toward the window, where birds rested quietly on the branches of a tree outside.
After a few seconds of silence, he continued.
– I wasn't confident I could kill that monster myself… and if I hesitated too long, it could've caused even more damage to the ship.
Elizabeth nodded, and Evo went on.
– Unfortunately, my abilities either consume a massive amount of mana… or leave me completely exhausted within seconds. So we had to eliminate it as quickly as possible.
Then, the one who had been staring out the window turned back to meet her beautiful blue eyes.
He leaned against the sofa's armrest, elbow resting, chin supported by his hand.
His golden eyes, glowing softly in the dim room, shone like the purest treasure in the world.
Both Ilytrha and Elizabeth were momentarily hypnotized…
Until Evo spoke again, snapping them out of it.
– So, to make sure you could eliminate the monster quickly, I analyzed your level and abilities… and compared them with the monster's.
Elizabeth's eyes widened at Evo's speed of decision-making.
He truly had the qualities of a leader. That was undeniable.
His reasoning, judgment, and sharp analysis—combined with his abilities—made him incredible.
– You're really smart, Evo! – Elizabeth praised him sincerely.
Then the Empress, who had been silent until now, agreed.
– Indeed… your future will be bright.
Evo, unused to compliments, struggled not to blush and thanked them both.
– Thank you for your kind words. I only achieved these things thanks to the excellent teachings of my instructors and my family. – Evo smiled faintly, scratching the back of his head.
Elizabeth, now in a lighter mood, spoke again.
– You know, Evo… your guess was correct…
Evo raised an eyebrow.
– So you really are…
Elizabeth nodded, wearing a mischievous smile.
– Yes…
She stood and performed a formal curtsy, holding the edges of her dress.
– I am the princess of the Elven Empire Eldavorn… Elizabeth Eldavorn. It is a pleasure to meet you.
Formal introductions were important among nobility—even here in the Elven Continent. That never changed.
Evo, as someone from an influential family, stood as well.
He took her hand and kissed it gently, bowing.
– I greet the future brilliance and splendor of the elves. It is an honor to meet you, Princess. – Evo said gallantly.
Both women flushed red.
His actions caught them off guard.
Elizabeth had introduced herself casually, but Evo took it extremely seriously.
– Th-thank you… – she murmured softly, her voice trembling as Evo released her hand and returned to his seat.
Then, both sat again.
– Evo… would you like me to tell you my story? – Elizabeth asked, her hands resting neatly in her lap.
Evo nodded.
– If you wish to share it, I will gladly listen.
Elizabeth ignored his overly polite words, though her cheeks reddened slightly.
– Then… since I was little, I…
And so she began to tell everything, starting from her childhood.
Evo listened carefully, absorbing every word.
Ilytrha listened too, gazing out the window, drifting through her own memories with a faint smile.
– So you're telling me… that your mother, who was supposedly the true Empress, left when you were young… and since then your aunt… – Evo glanced at Ilytrha, who had been lost in thought, then continued – has been occupying the position that should've been yours, after your mother lost her right to the throne for leaving? – Evo asked, surprised.
He hadn't expected to stumble into such a family drama.
It could've been the plot of an entire novel.
Elizabeth nodded.
Evo whistled internally.
Then something clicked in his mind.
– Wait… then this makes things easier for me! – Evo murmured, glancing sideways at the mature elf woman seated nearby.
– I was thinking of all the obstacles in conquering the heart of this Empress… but this news is excellent! The woman I assumed was married isn't… and her position is only temporary. According to Elizabeth, she'll only remain Empress for four more years…
Evo smiled wickedly inwardly.
– Plenty of time for me to be ready to kidnap this beautiful Empress into my arms.
While Evo plotted his sinful thoughts, Elizabeth called out.
– Aunt… you still haven't answered us.
Ilytrha made a sound, pulling herself out of her thoughts.
– Hm…
Elizabeth tilted her head.
– Why did you call Evo here?
Ilytrha, having completely forgotten, startled slightly.
The conversation had been so pleasant that she had lost track of the main reason.
– Oops… I forgot. Forgive me! – Ilytrha stuck out her tongue with an adorable expression, completely unworthy of royalty.
But it didn't matter.
Only the three of them were present, and she felt comfortable enough to be herself.
Evo, hearing Elizabeth's question, set aside his improper thoughts and focused on the Empress.
Ilytrha looked directly into Evo's eyes.
Evo returned her gaze.
They stared for a moment… until she finally spoke.
– Evo… the reason I called you is this…
As she spoke, she closed her eyes.
– Vaenys… come out.
Her voice turned majestic, entirely different from her earlier tone.
The moment her words left her lips, an energy composed of countless elements began to stir in the corner of the room.
Evo and Elizabeth turned their attention toward it.
Elizabeth remained calm, her eyes filled with nostalgia.
Evo, however, became instantly alert.
That energy…
It contained the basic elemental forces of nature and their variations, all blending together harmoniously, without chaos.
To Evo, it was absurd.
How could elements mix—especially opposing ones?
It should've been…
– Impossible… – Evo murmured.
Then, within that symphony of energy, a figure began to take shape.
A person formed, walking slowly toward them.
White robes dragged across the floor, and an elegant veil covered her features completely.
When she reached Ilytrha's side, she stared directly at Evo.
Evo's eyes widened.
– You!…