I left the hall under the mocking gazes of those around me.

  Behind me, I could still hear my sisters shouting angrily at the emperor, their voices sharp with outrage, but I ignored them. I knew the old man well enough—Gareth Valemont was not someone who changed his decisions easily, no matter who stood before him.

  To be honest, I was enraged.

  It was true that I had lived long enough to be considered a super-decrepit old man by any standard, but that did not mean I was devoid of emotion.

  I could control my emotions perfectly, ensuring they never influenced my decisions negatively—but they still existed.

  And right now, I was furious.

  As I walked through the palace corridors, a low snicker escaped my lips.

  “Ha… I can’t believe someone in this world dares to humiliate me like this,” I muttered with a dark expression. “How amusing.”

  Footsteps echoed behind me.

  When I turned around, I saw my sisters running toward me.

  “Edric, wait!” Marielle Valemont shouted, her face filled with worry.

  I stopped and turned back to them, smiling faintly as I shook my head.

  “What are you shouting for? It’s not like I’m dying, right?”

  Marielle and Sylvia Valemont stared at me in silence, clearly searching my face for anger, sorrow, or fury. They found none.

  “Big brother… are you really fine?” Sylvia asked, her voice trembling.

  I smiled gently and patted her head. “I’m fine, little Sylvia. Something like this isn’t enough to break me.”

  She let out a small sigh of relief, but her expression quickly turned serious.

  “Don’t worry, big brother. I’ll talk to Father and Mother tomorrow. I’ll make him change his decision.”

  I shook my head helplessly. “It’s useless. You know how Father is. Once he speaks, he never retracts his words.”

  “B-But maybe if you ask him nic—”

  You might be reading a stolen copy. Visit Royal Road for the authentic version.

  “Stop,” I interrupted firmly. “I will not beg him. Don’t bring it up again.”

  Sylvia lowered her head, biting her lip.

  “Father is too cruel!” Marielle snapped angrily. “To do something like this on your birthday… Does he even remember that you’re his son too?!”

  I could only smile wryly, offering no answer.

  Marielle stared at me, worry deep in her eyes.

  “What are you going to do, Edric? Are you really going there? That place is hell.”

  I curved my lips upward, speaking casually.

  “Don’t worry. We still have five years. A lot can change in that time.”

  “…Do you have a plan?” she asked seriously.

  “Who knows?” I shrugged. “I’ll find a solution eventually.”

  She didn’t look convinced, but seeing how calm I was, she slowly relaxed.

  “No matter what you do, I’ll always support you.”

  “I know,” I said softly, patting her head.

  She blushed in embarrassment but didn’t stop me. A moment later, Sylvia joined in, looking up at me with pleading puppy eyes. I sighed inwardly and patted her as well.

  After reassuring them both, I told them I wanted some time alone. They hesitated, clearly reluctant to leave me, but eventually gave in.

  Once I was sure they were gone, I continued walking.

  Should I become a demon king and annihilate the empire as revenge for my exile?

  Usurping the throne was also an option.

  Unfortunately… both sounded exhausting.

  Some protagonists from my original world lived peaceful, heartwarming lives after exile or betrayal—but that kind of life didn’t interest me either.

  …Sometimes, deciding what to do was truly troublesome.

  Lost in thought, I eventually reached my room.

  Daphne Kael was still busy with her duties at the ball, so no one helped me undress. I smiled wryly at how accustomed I had become to such conveniences, then removed my clothes and tossed them aside carelessly.

  I lay down on the bed, staring at the ceiling, my thoughts continuing to churn.

  A few minutes later, a soft knock echoed through the room.

  “Your Highness… are you asleep?”

  “Daphne?” I replied. “Come in. I’m still awake.”

  “Mmm.” She hummed softly and opened the door.

  She was still wearing the blue dress from the ball. It clung lightly to her body, damp with sweat, yet instead of diminishing her beauty, it only made her more alluring. Her dress was slightly wrinkled, likely from rushing over.

  I felt an unexpected warmth in my chest.

  She stepped inside and looked at me with worried eyes.

  “Your Highness…”

  Seeing her like that, I couldn’t help but smile.

  “Are you worried about me too?”

  She nodded timidly, tears spilling down her cheeks.

  “I can’t believe His Majesty could be so cruel… You’ve never done anything deserving punishment, yet he’s sending you to such a place.”

  “Silly girl,” I murmured, wiping away her tears gently.

  “It doesn’t matter whether I deserve it or not. He’s stronger. He has authority. That’s all there is to it.”

  “But Your Highness—”

  “Shh.” I smiled softly. “Don’t cry anymore. You’ll ruin that beautiful face.”

  She nodded and leaned into my chest.

  “I don’t understand…” she whispered.

  “Why does Your Highness suffer so much here? Aren’t you a prince too? Why are you treated like this?”

  We stayed like that for several minutes.

  Then Daphne slowly lifted her head, her dark eyes locking onto mine.

  “Your Highness… I’ll follow you wherever you go,” she said, her voice firm with resolve.

  I brushed her cheek gently and kissed her lips softly.

  “I know.”

  Her face turned crimson.

  She looked at me with unfocused eyes, her breathing unsteady.

  “Your Highness…” she whispered.

  “I want to stay with you tonight.”

  I answered with another kiss, pulling her into my arms.