SUPREME AWAKANED SENSE

They looked at each other for a few seconds, memories flooding back. Then Tilda broke the silence, her voice low and urgent.

"Don't keep the emperor waiting. But we need to talk. Alone."

He nodded, his heart pounding wildly.

"I'll find a way," he promised. "Where can I find you?"

"In the imperial garden," she replied calmly, giving him a small smile before leaving him alone with his thoughts.

Nox watched her go, his mind swirling with questions and memories. What was she doing here? And why did she seem so… different?

Despite his desire to find answers to every question, he first had to finish his meeting with the emperor.

"Why in the world did he call for me?" Nox wondered as he entered the throne room.

…

As they made their way toward the imperial gardens, Tilda's personal guard kept throwing her questioning glances every two minutes because of her flirtatious behavior just moments earlier.

"Tiffa, stop looking at me with those eyes."

"My lady, do you realize you just took a man in your arms?" she asked, eyes wide in disbelief.

"Yes, yes, I know. Now that I think about it… isn't Nox a little too handsome?" she replied with a smile.

"Don't change the subject, my lady. It is inappropriate for someone of your status to behave like that in public. Many eyes are watching you. You represent—"

"Tiffa, it's fine. Please don't dramatize everything. Nox is… forget it," she sighed as they neared their destination.

Tiffa was like Tilda's best friend, so she was very close and a bit too protective of her.

…

Nox stood tall before the emperor, with a proud posture and eyes fixed on the sovereign. The emperor, an imposing man with a grey beard and piercing eyes, looked at him with both interest and a disguised hint of mischief.

"Ah, Sir Nox," said the emperor, his voice deep and authoritative. "I called you here to discuss your mission. Do you need equipment or anything specific? Even though you made no request, as sovereign, I must ensure the safety of all."

Nox bowed slightly.

"Thank you for your concern, Your Majesty. Then, I would like to request some defensive artifacts for my team."

The emperor nodded, a small smile on his lips.

"Consider it done, Sir Nox. You are powerful and possess a strong sense of responsibility. That is why I chose you, and no one else, to lead this mission."

Nox hesitated before speaking.

"Your Majesty, I feel we are too few for a mission of this scale. Could other guardian units from the empire join us?"

The emperor raised a brow, intrigued.

"I understand your concerns, but do not worry. You will certainly have reinforcements, Sir Nox."

Nox took a deep breath.

"Understood," he said.

The emperor nodded thoughtfully.

"I'm glad you understand. Earlier, your counterparts from Erian arrived. You will soon become comrades-in-arms. Go to the imperial garden and meet them," he recommended.

Nox smiled, a glimmer in his eyes.

"Thank you for your guidance, Your Majesty."

The emperor nodded again, a faint smile curving his lips.

"You and the princess…" He stopped, then concluded: "Stay focused on your mission."

Nox bowed slightly, grateful.

"Rest assured, Your Majesty. I will not disappoint you," he said before leaving the throne room.

Once outside, he let out an exasperated sigh.

The emperor, whether he wanted to or not, could not deceive him. The mission was clearly some kind of trap—he was now sure of it.

"What is he plotting? Maybe my chance to leave the empire is finally within reach," he thought.

Nox had always wanted to leave his empire, and that desire had only grown stronger after meeting Tilda.

"What does she want to tell me? Is she in trouble because of me? Could Tilda be in danger?" he wondered as he made his way to the imperial garden.

…

Nox walked through the palace corridors, his heart pounding. Not only because of Tilda, but also because of the emperor's schemes.

He reached the imperial garden, a peaceful, quiet place he enjoyed.

The guardians of the Empire of Erian were already there, chatting amicably. There were about thirty of them.

What surprised him was that all the members of his own unit were present as well.

"Another one of the emperor's tricks?"

As he looked for Tilda, one of his unit members approached him:

"Captain, we're waiting for your instructions."

"Instructions? When did you receive the order to come here?"

"Very early this morning, Captain. Is there a problem?"

"No," he replied, still searching for someone with his eyes.

"You're looking for the head of the Erian delegation, aren't you? There are two of them. The man and the woman over there," he added, pointing at the ones he assumed Nox was looking for.

Glancing in that direction, Nox's eyes met Tilda's—and the eyes of a young man standing beside her.

"Oh… thank you," Nox said as a spike of jealousy stung his chest.

He headed toward Tilda and the young man, his heart pounding even harder.

He couldn't believe Tilda was with someone else, not after what they had shared.

He quickened his pace, his gaze locked on the young man smiling at her.

When he reached them, he stood firmly before them, his cold gaze fixed on the young man.

"Tilda, I see you're in good company," he said, his voice slightly sarcastic.

"That is not how you should address a member of the royal family," Tiffa cut in, trying to correct Nox's rustic behavior.

Indeed, Tilda was part of Erian's imperial family.

And even if she was not from the main branch and not an heir, she was still Tilda Erianys, princess of the Empire of Erian.

Tiffa disliked the familiarity Nox showed toward Tilda.

But unfortunately for her, Nox had no interest in her remarks and ignored her completely.

Tilda turned to him, surprised by his tone.

"Nox, this is Johan," she said, pointing at the young man. "He's a renowned mage from Erian."

Nox examined Johan with a scrutinizing look. He didn't know what to think of this young man who seemed so close to Tilda.

"Johan, this is Nox," Tilda continued. "A… friend."

Nox nodded, still staring at Johan.

He didn't know what to think of him, but he was determined to find out his intentions toward Tilda.

"Nice to meet you," Johan said, extending his hand.

Nox hesitated for a moment before shaking it, his grip firm.

"Likewise," he replied in a neutral tone.

"Hmm."

Although he was a mage, Johan was rather well-built, which was rare.

Tilda looked at the two men, feeling the tension rise.

"Nox, I think we need to talk," she said, placing a hand on his arm.

Nox nodded, his gaze still on Johan.

"Yes, I think that's a good idea," he said, following Tilda away from the young man.

"Nox," she said, her voice soft and melodious, "I didn't know you were so jealous."

Nox looked at her, his heart beating even faster.

Ever since the day she helped him during an accident in Erian, he had fallen in love with her.

Tilda was a somewhat secretive woman, loyal, and because of that Nox never really knew what was on her mind.

But he was ready to do anything to protect her.

"What do you want to tell me, Tilda?" he asked, his tone slightly brusque.

Tilda looked at him with a serious expression.

"Nox, you know… after last time," she said, a bit hesitant.

"I think I'm pregnant."