* * *

Both Baek Yigang and I were dressed in simple black uniforms devoid of any ornamentation.

It seemed to hint at the solemn atmosphere in which the coronation would begin.

On the way to the main hall of the Imperial Palace, where the ceremony would take place, news came that Piel, imprisoned in the underground dungeon, had regained consciousness.

Since the demon was still attached to him, there was no way we could simply release him.

Under Ian’s supervision, it was decided to escort him to a temple in another empire, where they would extract the demon from him—or so they planned.

At the very least, Piel would no longer be a threat to us.

However, since the whereabouts of the enhanced Aquila were still unknown, we resolved to continue the investigation.

As expected, the coronation proceeded in an exceptionally reverent and silent atmosphere.

“Your Majesty, congratulations on your ascension.”

Normally, the ceremony would end with a boisterous chant of cheers, but since it had been less than a day since the previous emperor’s death, all such pompous formalities were omitted.

Because of this, the nobles, caught in the winds of shifting power, could do nothing but offer their quiet congratulations in their black attire before withdrawing.

The event was small, the air still. It was so quiet that if anyone dared to whisper, their voice would carry effortlessly through the hall.

I had worried that someone might raise complaints, citing Baek Yigang’s reputation as a tyrant, but thankfully, no one objected to his ascension or expressed any fear.

Rather…

“The Second Prince aimed for the throne and committed treason? How unspeakable.”

“How fortunate that the Crown Prince safely ascended the throne.”

“With a war hero as our emperor, neighboring countries will think twice before meddling with Pendium.”

“The most suitable person for the throne has ascended. Pendium will surely flourish under his rule.”

The story shared with the public conveniently omitted the part about the demon.

Piel was now simply known as a criminal who had sought the throne through treachery.

The nobles, who had learned that the poison powder scattered in the palace was also Piel’s doing, wasted no time in unanimously praising Baek Yigang.

It was only natural now that the direction of power was clear.

Hearing the positive murmurs, I found myself glancing toward Baek Yigang.

The large amethyst embedded in the golden imperial crown atop his head was an exact match for the color of his eyes.

Not all threats against him had been eliminated yet.

Even so, I had done it—I had finally made Baek Yigang emperor with my own hands.

Now that he was emperor, it was time for me to receive my reward.

‘Baek Yigang’s gratitude…’

Just thinking about it made my heart race.

A genuine thank-you from him would be more valuable than any reward from any other protagonist.

After all, I had worked harder for this than I ever had before.

The brief coronation ended quickly.

Normally, this day would have been filled with grand festivities, but the circumstances were anything but normal.

By the time the sun was still high in the sky, every event had concluded.

The late emperor’s funeral was also kept brief, likely to accommodate the coronation.

And so, today, everyone divided their time fairly between joy and sorrow.

But my moment of reflection was short-lived.

As soon as the funeral ended, Baek Yigang hurried off to the office.

He didn’t even wait for the guests to leave.

“Wait, what? You’re going to the office? Why?”

“I told you yesterday. Be prepared for how busy I’ll be.”

Of course, I remembered. He had warned me to prepare.

But I hadn’t expected it to apply starting today!

“Your Majesty, I don’t think you realize this, but on the day of the coronation, you’re supposed to rest—”

“It ended early, didn’t it? Are you trying to nag me?”

His faint smile made it clear he wasn’t going to change his mind.

Fine. If he wants to work, who am I to stop him?

Especially now that he’s the emperor.

“Forget it. Who am I to argue with the emperor? Besides, history books are full of advisors who died for speaking their minds.”

And so, I was dragged along to the office.

The emperor’s office was several times larger and more luxurious than Baek Yigang’s previous one.

It felt more like a massive villa than an office.

The fact that it came complete with a bed and a bathroom said it all.

“Your Majesty, it’s your first day as emperor. You can afford to take it easy. All urgent matters have already been handled,” Philip, who had been promoted from crown prince’s aide to imperial aide, suggested cautiously.

Baek Yigang tilted his head slightly.

“What’s gotten into you?”

“Well, it is a special day. And besides, I believe Lord Dowoon also looks rather restless.”

Philip’s dark eyes narrowed as they shifted to me.

Not wasting the opportunity he offered, I quickly spoke up.

“Sir Philip is right. Your Majesty, I’m suffocating.”

I flopped dramatically onto the desk, stretching out my arms in exaggerated surrender, and awkwardly addressed him with formal speech.

Baek Yigang chuckled and rose from his seat.

Looking out the window briefly, he turned back to me with a simple reply.

“Fine. Let’s go. It seems like the right time.”

What? I thought he’d just ignore me and go back to work.

Afraid he might change his mind, I quickly swung the office door open.

“What does my one and only advisor want to do? Shall we take a walk in the palace garden?”

“Yes, that sounds perfect.”

“Cheong Dowoon, just speak normally. Formalities don’t suit you.”

His sharp gaze glinted like a predator’s as he warned me.

One wrong move, and I could feel a smack coming my way.

“How can I address the emperor informally? I’m just an advisor.”

“If necessary, I’ll create a law. Advisors may speak informally to the emperor. Does that satisfy you?”

His absurdly serious response made me uneasy.

If he wanted to pass such a ridiculous law, no one would dare oppose him.

“I… Wow, the sunset is beautiful.”

Feigning nonchalance to shake off the chill on my back, I turned my attention to the sky.

Baek Yigang followed my gaze, a soft smile on his lips.

That smile—so captivating I couldn’t look away.

Truly, Baek Yigang was the most beautiful person I’d ever seen. Especially when he smiled.

We stepped outside, strolling leisurely through the garden. As a gentle breeze tickled my skin, I glanced at him and spoke.

“Congratulations on becoming emperor. Looks like all your dreams have come true.”

As soon as I finished my somewhat sudden statement, the unfair contract I had signed when I first arrived here reappeared in my mind.

The parchment, having fulfilled its purpose with both parties meeting the conditions, began to fade, glowing with a white light.

And with that, my tasks were truly complete.

“You’ve done well. Your efforts were remarkable.”

Baek Yigang replied in a soft tone, a faint smile gracing his lips.

Lately, I’d been seeing him smile—however faintly—more often.

“At times like this, isn’t it customary to say thank you?”

It was all truly over.

He had become the Emperor, and I had fulfilled all my obligations.

Now, it was time to return home.

“Tha—”

Thump!

Gasp! I… I covered Baek Yigang’s mouth without thinking…!

Baek Yigang’s eyes widened in shock as he stared at me, utterly baffled.

Of course, he would be.

I’d just told him to thank me, only to shut his mouth when he tried.

“Well… you know, maybe we can talk about it later. We’re still in the middle of a walk, so let’s finish that first.”

If I hear his thanks, the possession will break automatically.

At the very least, I’d like enough time to say a proper farewell… so…

I want to stay like this, just a little longer.

Baek Yigang overlapped his hand on mine, still covering his mouth.

The cold chill of his touch spread over the back of my hand, and despite myself, a laugh escaped.

Since when had this cold, heartless schemer begun to stir my heart like this?

Even in moments that were so trivial, I found myself inexplicably glad.

Was that why?

When he opened his mouth to thank me, a strange feeling overcame me—a mix of the thought that I might never see him again and an unshakable unease.

Baek Yigang gently took my hand in his and, with a calm expression, pressed a light kiss to the back of it.

“You look like you’re about to cry. All I meant to do was say my final goodbye.”

“…What?”

What the hell was he talking about?

Final goodbye?

Had he figured out that I was planning to leave?

No, that was impossible.

Not even Baek Yigang could know that.

Then… what did he mean?

As I furrowed my brows, trying to make sense of his words, the sky, painted a vivid sunset red, began to darken ominously.

The black speck that had been swirling faintly among the orange clouds started to grow, eventually plunging the entire world into a pitch-black night devoid of moonlight.

The moment the deep darkness swallowed everything, obscuring even a hand’s breadth ahead, Baek Yigang released my hand.

* * *