King Michel's relaxation room appeared serene, with only King Michel and Lord Milano, Race's father, present. They were enjoying herbal tea, accompanied by the chirping of birds on the terrace.

"This tea is exquisite," Lord Milano remarked after placing his teacup down.

"Yes, it's the latest blend from the palace's chef. Only you may drink it with me," King Michel replied.

Lord Milano smiled thinly and nodded his head slightly. "Thank you."

"You're welcome," King Michel replied.

They both laughed together, often spending time alone like this. After a while, they fell silent, each lost in their thoughts. King Michel cleared his throat, making Lord Milano look at his younger brother.

"What's on your mind?" Lord Milano asked as if he knew King Michel wanted to ask something.

"May I ask something?" King Michel said.

"Since when have I forbidden you from asking many things of me? Just ask, King Michel!" Lord Milano replied.

King Michel smiled and took another sip of tea. "If it's just the two of us, can you call me by my name like we used to when we were children, Kak?" King Michel asked.

Lord Milano laughed, then shook his head slightly. "No, even though we're siblings, you still have to show respect to me, whether there are others around or not."

King Michel fell silent and looked at his elder brother. "No wonder Race is always polite and dependable. He takes after you, Kak."

"Tsk, no! He doesn't take after me at all. His heart is so tender, and he can't stand to see the people he loves hurt," Lord Milano deflected.

"Isn't that just like you? You used to cry the most when I was hurt when we were kids," King Michel said.

Lord Milano widened his eyes in surprise, although it was true. Lord Milano was slightly disbelieving that his younger brother still remembered everything. He then took another sip of his tea, dispelling the sudden awkwardness. Shortly afterward, Lord Milano looked back at King Michel.

"You mentioned you wanted to ask something?" Lord Milano inquired.

"Ah, yes." King Michel smiled, and then his gaze turned serious within seconds. "Why do you want Ivy dead, Kak? Isn't she your chosen daughter-in-law?" King Michel finally asked the unexpected question.

"Why do you think that, King Michel?" Lord Milano asked, avoiding King Michel's question.

"Don't evade it, Kak! I know about the Maknola wood powder from the west." Lord Milano was shocked now, widening his eyes as he looked at King Michel.

***
Race had just finished changing into his full knight's attire. Today, there will be a horse racing competition. Race was ready with all his equipment while Ivy was pacing back and forth near the window. Since last night, she had been receiving bad omens about Race. Ivy needed clarification about how she could make Race withdraw from the competition. Race had said that even though he wouldn't receive any prizes because he was the leader of all the knights in the east, he still had to participate to assert his presence.

Race, who re-entered Ivy's room because his wife hadn't come out yet, furrowed his brow in confusion when he saw Ivy looking anxious. Race walked closer to Ivy and held her hand, which she hadn't noticed.

"What's wrong?" Race asked.

Ivy stopped pacing and looked at Race. "Race," she called out, sounding desperate.

"What's wrong?" Race repeated his question while gently holding Ivy's cheek.

Ivy waited to answer. She just looked at Race with teary eyes. "Hey, I'm asking you, Iv!" Race's behavior once again made Ivy snap out of her thoughts. She hugged Race without command, although she had trouble with Race's iron-clad knight's attire.

"Iv?"

"Can't you cancel your participation in the horse race?" Ivy asked with a trembling voice.

Race realized that Ivy had seen something. Race smiled and gently stroked Ivy's hair. "Did you see a vision about me?" he asked.

Ivy nodded her head, answering Race's question briefly. "Then you don't want me to participate?" Race asked again.

"Yes," Ivy replied.

Race laughed softly and tightened his embrace around Ivy. "I can't, Iv. I have to participate in this race. I promise I'll be fine. So don't use your magic just to help me! I heard from Tesla that you've been using a lot of your energy because of the protective curtains you've set up at all the festival locations."

"But how can I not help you? You're my number one, Race."

"I know, but I can take care of myself. Don't worry!"

Ivy sighed deeply and then released her embrace on Race. She looked at him with tear-filled eyes. "I saw you getting hurt. Your head was bleeding, your leg was broken, and..."

"And what?"

Ivy didn't respond immediately; she started crying now and bowed her head. "I don't want that to happen to you, Race."

Race sighed deeply and hugged his wife again. "Consider what you saw as a warning, so I can be more careful. Isn't that right? Now, stop crying! We need to leave soon," Race said, trying to calm his wife down.

Ivy didn't respond to anything. She continued to cry and hugged Race even tighter.
***
The horse racing event was about to begin. Ivy stood beside Winter and Race, who were both prepared with their horses. Ivy kept gripping Race's hand, not wanting her husband to go. Race laughed softly, seeing Ivy's behavior. He forcibly let go of Ivy's hand, making her look at him.

"Race."

"Yes, it's time for me to go to the starting line," Race informed Ivy.

Ivy wanted her husband to refrain from participating in this competition. She couldn't bear to see Race hurt. Seeing Ivy's forlorn expression, Winter sighed deeply and suddenly removed his red bracelet. He then forcefully placed the bracelet on Race's wrist.

"Winter!"
Race and Ivy called Winter's name simultaneously.

"Quiet! Since I'm with Ivy now, you need this more. Because this bracelet can protect me, doesn't that mean it can protect you too, Race?" Winter looked at Race after finishing placing his red bracelet on Race's wrist. Ivy heaved a deep sigh, not agreeing with what Winter had said. Ivy had specially made that bracelet for Winter, and the magic she recited was specifically for him.

"Thank you, Winter. Please watch over Ivy for me!" Race requested, then briefly looked at Ivy.

"Okay, you just relax!" After bidding farewell to Ivy, Race walked toward the starting line with his horse. Ivy continued to watch her husband until he was pretty far away. Winter glanced at Ivy, then sighed deeply.

"Stop looking all the time! We can see Race from there!" Winter said and forcibly led Ivy to the specially provided seating area. Ivy occasionally glanced at Race, even though her steps followed Winter's.

"Just holding your hand makes me feel safe, Iv," Winter thought.

"Please protect Race," Ivy thought.
***