"How do you feel? Are there still any pains?" asked Tesla, who had just finished performing healing magic on Ivy.

"I'm feeling better now, Tesla. Thank you," Ivy said with a smile.

"How could you be so reckless? If your energies aren't balanced, your life could be in danger, Iv," Tesla said.

"I'm sorry, I didn't have any other choice. I had to protect everyone in the palace. So, I used my energy to create a protective barrier and fight off the incoming monster."

"Do you know where that monster came from, Iv?"

"I don't know, but there was only one monster. It's quite strange."

Tesla fell silent upon hearing Ivy's words, her face confused. How could a kingdom be attacked with just one monster? Even if the beast was powerful, attacking with just one of them took a lot of work.

The door to Ivy's room opened from the outside, causing Ivy and Tesla to both look toward the source of the sound.
"Race."
Ivy shifted to a sitting position and leaned back.

"Are you not done yet?" Race asked.

"We are, why aren't you at the base camp?" Ivy inquired.

"Don't leave Ivy just yet, Race! Her energies aren't balanced, she could faint at any moment. The worst part is, she might not wake up again," Tesla interjected, shocking Race and causing him to drop the glass he was holding.
***
Ivy was getting perplexed by Race's continued silence. Race was engrossed in reading a book in his hands, not moving an inch from his seated position. Ivy herself was lying on her bed, sneaking glances at Race repeatedly. She wanted to open her mouth and ask her husband what was happening, but she was too afraid. Just from his expression, Ivy could sense that Race was probably angry.

Feeling thirsty, Ivy eventually shuffled and intended to sit up. She reached out to take a glass from the table. However, Ivy was taken aback when Race, whom she thought was busy reading, picked up the glass and handed it to her.

"Why didn't you tell me you were thirsty? Wasn't I right in front of you?" Race asked.

"Huh? I'm sorry, I didn't want to disturb you while you were reading. Thank you."
Ivy took the glass from Race's hand and sipped it until it was finished.

"Do you need anything else? Maybe something to eat?" Race asked again, taking the glass back from Ivy's hand.

"I'm not hungry yet."

"Alright then."

Race placed the glass back on the table and sat again, engrossed in his book. Race's behavior took aback Ivy.

"Is he mad at me?" Ivy wondered to herself.

Unintentionally, Ivy sighed heavily, causing Race to lift his head and look at her.
"Why? Is something hurting? Are you feeling pain?" Race's tone sounded panicked.

"Nothing hurts, Race."

"Then why did you sigh like that? Is your chest hurting? I'll have someone fetch Tesla right away."
Race stood up reflexively, and Ivy quickly grabbed Race's hand to stop him from leaving.

"Race, I'm fine."

Race looked at Ivy and then let out a slow exhale. He sat back down in his chair and stared intently at Ivy.
"What am I supposed to do? My heart is truly unsettled, Iv. I'm afraid of losing you."

Race lowered his head and tried not to cry. Ivy herself only now realized that Race's silence wasn't due to anger; he was distressed.

"Race."
Ivy reached out her hand and gently stroked Race's hair, causing him to look up and meet her gaze again.

"I really am healthy now. It's just a matter of recovery."
Ivy was still trying to reassure Race.

"Healthy? You say you're healthy? How can you say that? Even if you use those words, it won't instantly calm me down and make me stop worrying about you, Iv. Did you forget what Tesla said earlier this afternoon? You could faint at any moment and might not wake up again. Is that what you call 'fine'? Then if you're already dead, what would you call that?"

Race's breath was irregular, rising and falling unevenly. The man Ivy had come to love seemed to be holding back immense sadness. Ivy looked at her distressed husband and knew she had to calm him down. She gave a faint smile and then gently embraced Race's neck.

"Race, I really am fine."

"I don't believe you. I don't want to lose you, Iv. I've already lost Willingga because of my recklessness. I don't want the woman I love to leave me too."

Race held Ivy tightly and began to cry. Ivy could feel the turmoil in Race's chest, and she could sense the overwhelming sadness he was experiencing.

"I won't leave you alone, Race. Trust me!"

"I trust you, but I don't trust myself. How can I restore your energy, Iv? How?"

Race cried even harder, and Ivy, on the other hand, gave a faint smile.
"You've already helped replenish my energy just now, Race," Ivy thought.
***
In Winter's pavilion, Winter had just finished lunch and then took a few of the usual pills he consumed. After finishing, Winter took a deep breath and emptied the glass of water before him. A few seconds later, Winter's gaze straightened ahead, appearing distant.

"Crown Prince, Young Master Race is here."
The servant's announcement successfully startled Winter, who looked towards the servant.

"Race?"

"Yes, Crown Prince."

"Why is he here? Is there news about Ivy? Has she recovered?"
Winter appeared enthusiastic and stood up from his seat. He hurried out of the dining room and approached Race, sitting in Winter's pavilion.

"Winter."
Race bowed to greet Winter.

"Race, what brings you here? Is there news about Ivy?" Winter asked.

"Why is he so eager to know about Ivy's news? Does Winter really like Ivy?" Race thought to himself.

"Race, why are you staying silent?"
Winter raised his voice slightly, surprising Race, who was gazing at him.

"Ah... I'm sorry."

"It's alright! How's Ivy? Has she regained consciousness?"

"Well... she's awake. I came here to inform you about it. My stay won't be long though; Ivy needs someone by her side at all times," Race explained.

"Then why did you come all the way here? You could have sent someone, Race."

"I know, but my visit here isn't just about that."

"And?"

Winter furrowed his brow in confusion.

"Winter, can I ask something from you?"

"Ask something?"

"Yes, I want to request something from you. Haven't I never asked you for anything before? I want something now. Only you can grant this, at least just once, and do it for the sake of your cousin."

"Where are your words going, Race?"

Winter began to change his facial expression to a serious one. He could guess the direction of Race's conversation.

"Please release Ivy! I'm begging you to let Ivy go from her current position. Being the kingdom's oracle will keep endangering Ivy. Even without being the kingdom's oracle, Ivy will still protect all of us. I can assure that, Winter," Race pleaded with hope.

Winter fell silent and looked at Race, unsure how to respond. What Winter aimed to do by making Ivy the kingdom's oracle was not solely for himself; he also wanted to protect Ivy from the pressure of Race's parents and many others who knew who Ivy was.

"Winter, I'm begging you. Just this once, let this knight who always protects you ask for this simple thing. I can't live without Ivy, Winter."

To Winter's surprise, Race kneeled before him – something utterly unexpected. Winter widened his eyes in astonishment and reflexively sat down on the floor.

"What are you doing, Race? Don't be foolish!"

"I'll stay like this until you grant my request. I truly love Ivy, Winter. I don't want her in danger again like yesterday. Let me be the one in danger instead of her," Race said, still pleading.

"Get up! Don't act like this!"

Winter tried to wake up Race, but his husband wouldn't move from his position.

"Race! Winter! Duck now!"

Ivy, who had appeared without anyone noticing, suddenly ran forward and raised her hands to create a protective barrier for Race and Winter. Just then, a loud explosion was heard from the roof of Winter's pavilion.
***