"Jericho," King Leohart said softly, standing. "I cannot express how relieved I am to see you alive… About what happened—to you and your father…"
He fell to his knees.
"Your Majesty—please, don't!" Jericho cried, trying to lift him.
"Let me finish," the king said. "I was not myself. My memories of that time are fractured, but the truth shattered me. I ended the lives of my dearest friend and his son. It destroyed me—and my kingdom suffered because of it."
He bowed deeply.
"I do not ask for forgiveness. I only ask that you act on whatever feelings you hold toward me. Only then can I accept them."
Jericho stared for a long moment—then knelt as well.
"Uncle Leo… I hold no resentment toward you. None. But I understand your pain."
He smiled gently as he helped the king stand.
"My request is simple: complete my father's final work. His dream. You know it as well as I do."
King Leohart's eyes widened—then softened.
Diplomatic unity… peace with the Demonoids and Drakziels…
A laugh escaped him—light, relieved.
"Yes… of course. His dream."
"I can't carry it myself anymore," Jericho said. "But you can. And I know he would be proud."
King Leohart embraced him once more, lighter than he had felt in years.
"Thank you, Jericho. I will see it through. Always."
Together, they left the room.
⸻
After a few hours had passed, Erica, Alice, and William regrouped in Jericho's room before dinner. They had changed and freshened up, preparing to join King Leohart for the evening meal.
The three of them sat on the couch, while Jericho remained standing near the window as they went over everything that had happened.
Alice began by recounting how she escorted Commander Vetra to retrieve Princess Clover. She described Clover's research chamber as something completely out of this world, marveling at both the equipment and Clover herself. She praised the princess as an incredible person—then quickly apologized to Erica when she realized Clover truly was exactly as Erica had described.
That earned a shared laugh.
Alice then moved on to their encounter with Pyon. She described him as utterly cruel, completely devoid of sympathy, and terrifyingly powerful—even while severely injured. With a relieved sigh, she thanked Erica once again for saving their lives.
Finally, Alice spoke about the twins.
She explained how Ace and Spade awakened their abilities right before her eyes—far more intensely than previously described. The soul energy within them was overwhelming, shockingly refined, and alarmingly powerful.
"In fact," Alice added, "their soul energy is almost on par with my own."
Jericho and the others stared at her in disbelief.
"It was a day filled with tragedy," Alice concluded, "but also filled with astonishing surprises."
Jericho exhaled slowly.
"You did exceptionally well, Alice… all of you did."
Then his expression darkened.
"I, on the other hand, almost got Erica killed because of my weakness."
The others exchanged worried looks and tried to lighten the mood, urging him to explain.
Jericho told them everything—how he froze when he saw Jace, how his hesitation nearly cost Erica her life, and how ashamed he felt afterward.
William crossed his arms thoughtfully.
"To be honest, Jericho, that reaction was expected," he said calmly. "That was your brother. Your only surviving family."
He glanced at Erica and Alice.
"If seeing him didn't affect you, I'd be deeply concerned. Frankly, I might've had you arrested—because I wouldn't trust you anymore."
The room froze.
"WILLY!!"
"WILLIAM!!"
Erica and Alice shouted in unison.
"What?" William replied flatly. "I'm only stating the truth."
Jericho stared at him for a moment—then burst into laughter.
The tension shattered instantly. The others stopped their bickering and smiled as relief washed over them.
"I suppose you're right, William," Jericho admitted, still chuckling.
William shrugged. "Of course I am."
Jericho's expression grew serious again—this time with resolve.
"Thank you… all of you. I promise I won't falter again. I'll protect you, just as you've protected me."
They returned his smile without hesitation.
After a moment, Erica spoke up.
"So… how did your conversation with His Majesty go?"
Jericho smiled softly.
"Uncle Leo hasn't changed—and I was grateful for that. But the guilt he carries… it's heavier than mine ever was. He couldn't forgive himself, no matter what I said. He didn't want forgiveness—he wanted atonement."
He paused.
"So I gave him something meaningful to hold onto. I asked him to see one of my father's greatest dreams through to completion. Something I can't focus on right now."
A small smile crossed his face.
"That finally eased his heart. And honestly… he deserves that peace."
Erica nodded warmly.
"I'm glad you healed too, Jericho."
Jericho hesitated.
"And… there's something else. I think I awakened a new ability."
William groaned dramatically.
"Oh come on. How much power is enough for you? And you still don't understand restraint. Looks like my workload just doubled."
Erica ignored him completely.
"What ability?" she asked eagerly.
Jericho scratched his head.
"When I was confronting Jace… it felt like I could sense your thoughts. Not hear them directly—but feel your emotions and understand what you were thinking through them."
Alice nodded thoughtfully.
"Some form of emotional telepathy."
"Exactly," Jericho said. "I'll need to investigate it further when we return."
{"This must be the ability Lord Desmos said I'd awaken soon"}… he thought. {"I'll need to see him."}
Just then, a knock sounded at the door. A maid informed them dinner was ready and that their presence was requested.
They acknowledged her and made their way out.
⸻
At the grand dining hall, all prominent figures were present.
Host Nation – Unified Nation of Warmark
King Leohart Von Warmark
Duke Konrad Von Warmark, Prime Minister and Lord of the Capital
Crown Princess Diamond Lillian Von Warmark
Second Princess Clover Tio Von Warmark
Third Princess Spade Stella Von Warmark
Prince Ace Alexis Von Warmark
Guests
Emperor Oni Riko Kosuke of the Kingdom of Kosuke and his aides
Holy Kingdom of Righteous
King Gustavious Von Righteous
Crown Princess Erica Von Righteous, Commander of the Holy Knights
Vice Commander William Grey
High-Ranking Knight, Alice Von Hidenham
And lastly…
Jericho Von Menssai, former heir of the Dynasty of Menssai—
one of the central figures that brought them all together.
⸻
They all sat together to enjoy their meal.
The dishes served were a rich assortment of cuisines—from each of their nations, as well as delicacies from the smaller states scattered across the human continent. Laughter rang through the hall as they ate and drank together, doing their best to wash away the panic and lingering tension left behind by Jace's invasion.
For a brief while, peace returned.
After the meal, the heads of the respective nations gathered separately from the others, sharing drinks and quiet conversation. It didn't take long for them to notice King Leohart's mood—lighter than anything they had seen since the war three and a half years ago.
They immediately understood.
Jericho had spoken with him.
And in doing so, had finally lifted the crushing guilt and regret Leohart had carried for years. The realization brought them no small amount of relief.
Meanwhile, the younger members of the gathering grew more acquainted with one another.
Princess Diamond expressed open—and rather overwhelming—joy at finally meeting Jericho in person. Her enthusiasm left him visibly flustered and completely confused the rest of the group. Princess Clover buried her face in her hands in embarrassment as her sister continued unabated.
Diamond eventually broke away and embraced Princess Erica warmly—the two having been long-time friends.
Clover, however, stood quietly to the side.
She noticed how naturally close Jericho seemed with Erica… and Alice. Even her sister hovered near him with ease. As she watched them laugh together, an unfamiliar tightness formed in her chest.
After a while, Jericho finally managed to excuse himself. The noise, the attention, the emotions—it was all still too much. He slipped away toward the gardens for some air.
Clover's eyes never left him.
Taking a steady breath, she followed.
⸻
Jericho stood at the entrance of the garden maze, gazing up at the night sky. Stars stretched endlessly above him, calm and distant.
"You're still uncomfortable with large crowds, I see… Princess Clover."
Her breath hitched.
"{He still remembers that?!}"
She smiled softly before stepping forward.
"H-how did you know it was me?" she asked, genuinely surprised.
Jericho turned toward her.
"Before today, I wouldn't have," he admitted. "But now that I can sense soul energy, it's easy to tell when someone with it is nearby—hostile or not. Unless they're extremely skilled at concealing it."
He stepped closer as he spoke.
Clover found herself staring at him—his calm expression, his familiar presence. Her silver hair swayed gently in the breeze as the distance between them closed.
Her heart skipped.
She quickly looked away.
"S-so… does that mean I also possess soul energy?" she asked, desperate to regain composure.
"Of course you do," Jericho replied with a light laugh. "And it's impressive. I shouldn't be surprised—it is you, after all."
Clover turned her face aside, trying—and failing—to hide her smile.
"Princess Clover."
She looked back up at him, meeting his gaze.
"It truly is good to see you again," Jericho continued. "You've changed so much. You've become even more beautiful than I remember."
He smiled gently.
"You're a woman now. And since returning… I've seen your influence across the continent. When I learned it was your doing, I wasn't surprised. I always knew you were incredible."
His expression softened.
"I'm proud to be acquainted with someone like you… Princess Clover."
Clover's face turned so red it looked like steam might burst from her head.
"P-please… just call me Clover," she said quietly. "We're old friends, aren't we?"
Jericho blinked, then smiled apologetically.
"Of course. I'm sorry… Clover."
Her expression shifted—softening, growing heavy.
"I'm… really glad you're alive, Jericho," she said, her voice trembling. "When I heard you were killed… I was devastated. I lost all motivation. Everything felt meaningless."
She exhaled shakily.
"But then… I remembered our conversation from long ago. It gave me the strength to keep going. I wanted to carry out both our dreams—to let your memory live on through them."
She stepped closer—then rested her head against his chest.
Jericho froze in shock.
"I haven't felt this happy in a very long time," Clover whispered, tears slipping free. "I'm so glad you're here again… with me."
Jericho smiled softly and wrapped his arms around her, holding her close.
"Thank you for worrying about me, Clover," he said gently. "Don't be sad anymore. I'm here—and I'm not going anywhere."
He held her just a little tighter.
"Let's guide the world into a new age together… just like we talked about back then."
Clover released a long, relieved sigh as she slowly pulled away.
⸻
Back inside, Erica, Alice, William, and Princess Diamond continued their conversation.
After a moment, Erica noticed something missing.
"…Where's Jericho?" she asked, scanning the room.
Princess Diamond hesitated—then smiled nervously.
"Oh—um—I saw him head toward the leaders. I think he just wanted to speak with them for a bit."
Erica nodded thoughtfully.
"I see… and Princess Clover?"
She sighed. "She really hasn't changed. Sitting around and chatting is probably the last thing she'd want to do."
"Y-you know my sister well," Diamond replied, glancing toward the doors.
{Good luck, Tio}, she thought with a wide smile.
⸻
They stood together in silence for a while, both gazing up at the star-filled sky.
After a moment, Clover spoke—her voice soft, but steady.
"Jericho… may I ask you something?"
He turned slightly toward her.
"What is your relationship with that princess… and the lady knight?"
Her tone was calm, but the look in her eyes betrayed curiosity—mixed with unmistakable jealousy.
Jericho stiffened.
A cold sweat ran down his spine.
"W-what do you mean, Clover?" he asked, far more nervously than he intended.
She studied him closely.
"You seem very close to them," she said. "Anyone watching would assume you were already engaged."
{She's terrifyingly perceptive…}
Jericho swallowed.
"Well—no. I'm not engaged to either of them," he said quickly. "It was… brought up once. But I didn't accept it."
He braced himself for her reaction.
"I see," Clover replied quietly.
Jericho let out the breath he'd been holding.
"Have either of them told you how they feel?" she continued. "Or was it something that simply… appeared out of nowhere?"
Jericho thought for a moment.
"…No," he admitted. "We're just good friends. Nothing like that is happening. So yes—it came out of nowhere."
Clover looked relieved—yet her hands trembled slightly at her sides.
"…Why do you ask?" Jericho added, confused now.
She took a deep breath.
Then another.
"I wanted to be the first to say this to you," she said.
Her voice shook—but she didn't look away.
"I love you, Jericho."
The words hung in the air.
"I always have. From the first time we spoke, you became my inspiration—everything I worked toward, everything I became. I wanted nothing more than for you to acknowledge me… so I could stand beside you."
She stepped closer.
"I want you to always be proud of me—just as I am of you. I have never felt this way about anyone in my entire life. Only you."
Jericho couldn't move.
"I don't want an answer," Clover said softly. "All I want is for you to know how I feel. To know that, no matter what you choose… you will always have me by your side."
She met his frozen gaze.
"These are my true feelings, Jericho. And they are all yours."
Before he could respond, she leaned forward—
—and pressed her lips gently against his.
Jericho's eyes widened in pure shock.
When she pulled away, he remained utterly still.
"C-Clover—!"
He touched his lips, as if trying to confirm what had just happened.
She smiled—warm, confident, radiant.
"I'm done holding back," she said. "I lost you once. This time, I don't plan on losing you again—to death… or to another woman."
She turned, pausing just long enough to glance back over her shoulder.
"So prepare yourself, dear Jericho. You're no longer dealing with The Golden Mind, Clover."
Her smile sharpened.
"From now on… you face a woman in love."
She began walking back toward the castle.
"I have a new goal now," she added lightly. "Changing the world… and taking care of you myself."
Then she was gone.
Jericho remained where he stood—alone, stunned, heart racing.
{What… just happened?}
He stared at the path she had taken, barely breathing.
{I can't sleep like this… I need to clear my head.}