The Emperor’s nod confirmed the shocking news. Kirine’s lips pressed together, her mind reeling. Vincent Holy. The name echoed in her head. He was the only true friend who had stood by her during the darkest days of her life, after her mother’s passing. A gentle soul who never once frowned, no matter how irritable or sensitive she became.
As the shock began to settle, Kirine stood motionless, her gaze fixed on nothing. Ares, who had been observing her, furrowed his brow slightly.
Ares had never seen Vincent Holy, but the mere mention of his name sent a shiver down his spine. It was as if a cold, venomous snake had slithered up his back, leaving a trail of unease. Yet, something else troubled him even more.
Why does she look so… sentimental?
Ares watched Kirine, his discomfort growing. Her crimson eyes, cast downward, held a longing that unsettled him.
“Ares, control your temper around the Pope,” the Emperor warned.
“As long as he doesn’t provoke me,” Ares replied, his bluntness oblivious to the tension.
“This insolent fool!” the Emperor exclaimed, his voice laced with exasperation.
“Anyway, you must keep your memory loss a secret,” the Emperor continued.
“Understood,” Ares replied.
“Good. Now, take Sasha and leave.”
With a nod, Kirine and Ares escorted Sasha out of the audience chamber. Even as they left, Ares couldn’t shake the unsettling feeling that lingered within him. Kirine, still in a daze, was barely aware of her surroundings.
The Pope…
Vincent had always possessed the qualities of a future Pope. His kindness, selflessness, and unwavering dedication to others had earned him the respect of many. But now was not the time to dwell on his ascension.
How am I supposed to hide the fact that I’ve lost my memories from him?
Vincent, while kind and gentle, was also incredibly perceptive. Keeping such a secret from him would be no easy feat. I just know he’s going to figure it out.
Why had he chosen to visit now, when she couldn’t even remember him, making everything so much more complicated?
A murmur from nearby caught her attention.
“Isn’t that the Captain of the Royal Knights?”
“And next to him is the Head of the Imperial Magic Department.”
“The child between them…”
“Oh my, is that their daughter?”
“How adorable.”
Noticing the growing crowd and hearing their whispers, Kirine glanced around. People were standing back, discussing them. Feeling self-conscious, Kirine and Ares quickly grabbed Sasha’s hands and hurried away.
***
“Wow, I’m so exhausted,” Kirine groaned, collapsing onto the sofa. Ares followed suit, their bodies heavy with the day’s tension. Thanks to the Emperor’s early dismissal, they’d escaped the palace sooner than expected.
“At least there’s an educational facility in the palace,” Kirine said, sinking deeper into the cushions.
“Yeah. It would’ve been nice to know that earlier,” Ares replied, nodding.
“Better late than never,” Kirine said, though her tone was tinged with disappointment. Everything that had happened today felt surreal.
“How do you know the Pope?” Ares asked suddenly.
“Vincent and I…” Kirine began.
“Vincent? You’re on a first-name basis? You two must have been pretty close, huh?” Ares’ overly affectionate tone annoyed Kirine, and she abruptly cut off the conversation.
“What’s with the sudden sarcasm?” she asked, frowning.
“No idea,” Ares replied curtly before storming out of the room.
Kirine laughed in exasperation. “What’s his problem?” she muttered, her amusement turning to annoyance as Ares slammed the door behind him.
***
The palace buzzed with talk of Kirine, Ares, and their daughter, Sasha, the next day.
“Did you see yesterday? The Captain was holding his daughter like this,” one person said.
“Of course I saw. The love was practically dripping from his eyes.”
“Her name is Sasha, right? I thought she’d be cute, but seeing her in person, she’s even more adorable.”
“She looks so much like her father.”
“Really? I actually think…”
The happy family scene brought smiles to everyone’s faces. Yet, amidst the onlookers, one person stood out with a sour expression.
“What do you mean ‘actually’?” they asked.
“Nothing, never mind,” the other replied, waving their hand dismissively. They didn’t want to stir up trouble. She doesn’t look like him at all.