Chapter 127
The Imperial Knights who had been moving alongside Sethian soon led Remines away in secret, their faces grim. Regardless of his royal status, they served only the Emperor, and without questioning anything, they silently obeyed the command as if they had no need to know the reason.
Remines was taken to the underground of the Magic Tower. The area, filled with Idelo’s Flower, a poisonous plant infused with mana, was already nearly prepared as a magical domain for extracting the vitality of the two royal heirs.
Once the domain was complete, their vitality would be fully extracted, one by one, using the magic stone embedded in the Crown Prince’s brooch. Both of them would age rapidly, deteriorating into lifeless corpses, but to the outside world, the news would only speak of two unfortunate princes who perished in an accident while on an external mission.
The magic circle for dimensional travel was already finished. Once the vitality extraction and the domain were completed, most of the preparations would be done.
What remained was the living spirit.
As the Imperial Knights moved further away, Sethian turned to look at Renoc, who stood behind him. Though his face visibly showed exhaustion, his eyes were as sharp and clear as ever as he met Sethian’s gaze.
Even though Renoc alternated shifts with Kirsty to shadow Sethian for half of the day, it was by no means an easy task. To stay by his side, never disturbing him while remaining constantly alert under an overwhelming sense of tension that felt like needles piercing his entire body—it was an immense challenge. At times, he even thought it would be easier to spend an entire day rolling around on a battlefield, risking death.
It wasn’t just Renoc and Kirsty who felt this oppressive atmosphere.
The sinister rumors about the new Emperor had already spread throughout the Imperial Palace.
The Empire’s grandest celebration, the coronation of the new Emperor, was abruptly held in an unprecedentedly simple ceremony just a day before its scheduled date. It was so hastily conducted that barely anyone attended, and the entire process lasted less than ten minutes. Nobles and common citizens alike were shocked, wondering how such an informal coronation could even exist.
But within the Imperial Palace, there was no room for mere shock.
After claiming the crown through an abridged coronation, Sethian immediately began exercising his imperial authority with an overwhelming presence. He led the knights out on an unexplained mission and returned only to storm into the underground prison.
To outsiders unfamiliar with Sethian, he might have seemed like nothing more than an eccentric Emperor. But those in the Imperial Palace knew well who he was. Though his reputation had been somewhat overshadowed by the recent events involving Prince Zair, it was undeniable—Sethian was cruel, inhumanly cold.
Furthermore, it was peculiar how Prince Mendel, Prince Remines, and Princess Elina—who were all expected to challenge his succession—had seemingly accepted it without protest. No one knew the details, but rumors suggested that Sethian had already secured a powerful hold over them, one that allowed him to execute them at any moment should he wish.
And now, with the sudden purging of the underground prison and the large-scale torture of convicts, fear gripped those who heard of it. It was even said that he reviewed official documents while calmly watching the torture unfold. How could one not be terrified?
“We’re going to the underground prison.”
Renoc, who had been ruminating on the widespread rumors, instinctively checked Sethian’s expression at his words.
“Would you not consider resting, even briefly?”
“There’s no time for that.”
If he could obtain the living spirit, then at last, he could open the dimensional gate he had long desired. Whether Joo Yi-Gyeol was wandering in another dimension or had been transported to an entirely different world, he had to find and bring him back as soon as possible.
But unlike Sethian, who showed no concern for his own well-being, Renoc couldn’t help but worry for him.
“The new prisoner’s interrogation only just began. Even Lord Roa, who went to rest, won’t be back for another hour. You should take a moment to rest in the meantime.”
Renoc’s words of concern seemed to have no effect on Sethian, whose eyes gleamed sharply. As if anticipating this reaction, Renoc spoke the name that could move him.
“You should check if Lord Joo Yi-Gyeol has returned.”
Knights were stationed outside Joo Yi-Gyeol’s bedroom to catch even the slightest sound. If any noise was heard, it was to be immediately reported to Renoc or Kirsty. They were instructed not to enter unless absolutely necessary, fearing that Joo Yi-Gyeol might awaken and be startled or frightened. Of course, another reason was that if Joo Yi-Gyeol did wake up, Sethian—who had been waiting for him so desperately—would never forgive the knight who saw him first.
As expected, Sethian’s eyebrow twitched. He glared at Renoc for a moment before finally turning away.
Instead of heading to the stone tower where the underground prison was, Sethian made his way to the Emerald Castle’s bedroom. A luxurious and comfortable chamber had been prepared deep within the Imperial Palace for the new Emperor, but he had always insisted on staying in the Emerald Castle where he had lived with Joo Yi-Gyeol.
Upon arriving at the bedroom, Sethian left Renoc outside and entered alone. Thanks to the braziers placed throughout the room, the temperature was quite warm. But to Sethian, it was still a cold and empty space.
“Joo Yi-Gyeol.”
Shedding his cloak and jacket onto a chair, Sethian strode toward the bed, softly calling Joo Yi-Gyeol’s name. It had become a habit to call out to him every time he entered, but, as always, there was no response.
Perched on the edge of the bed, he gazed down at Joo Yi-Gyeol, who lay in a deep, death-like slumber. Though there was no change from when he had left, Sethian still called out again, just in case.
“Joo Yi-Gyeol.”
His eyes fixated, determined not to miss even the slightest reaction.
Slowly, he reached out and cupped Joo Yi-Gyeol’s face with both hands. The small head fit easily within his large palms, and he leaned in closer. Their foreheads touched, allowing the warmth from Joo Yi-Gyeol’s body—heated by the braziers—to seep into him pleasantly.
With his forehead pressed against Joo Yi-Gyeol’s, Sethian slowly closed his eyes.
“Come back.”
If desires could truly manifest into reality, then he wished for his call to be answered. Whether it was the golden butterfly he had never seen before or the faint traces of Joo Yi-Gyeol’s presence, anything would be fine.
“Come back, Joo Yi-Gyeol.”
He wished for his voice to reach out and grasp the one who was slipping away.
“I can’t wait any longer…”
Joo Yi-Gyeol, who had once given up on the life he so desperately longed for, had tried just as desperately to save him.
If he cared that much—if he loved him even the slightest bit—
“Come back to my side.”
Surely, this wish could not go unanswered.
* * *
Joo Yi-Gyeol didn’t know how much he had cried inside.
It had never been an easy choice, and he had wavered countless times.
Whether it was his family or Sethian, he could never place them on the same scale. No matter who he placed on one side, the scale would never tip—because they were both equally precious to him.
However, in the end, it was not them he had to weigh—it was himself.
Without even understanding his own heart, how could he have dared to place someone else on the cold, unyielding balance?
Realizing the true weight of his own feelings too late, Joo Yi-Gyeol had no choice but to make a decision. Even if he were condemned for being selfish, even if his choice hurt someone, he could no longer ignore the one desire that had remained unwavering within him.
Each time he followed the golden butterfly to meet Sethian, he had never truly considered why it continued to appear before him. Even when they reunited as he wandered between dimensions, he had only found Sethian’s guiding presence fascinating—he had never deeply analyzed the reason behind it.
—Come back, Joo Yi-Gyeol.
It was only after meeting the golden butterfly carrying Sethian’s voice that he finally understood.
The golden butterfly he had seen was sometimes Sethian’s wish. Sometimes, it was the wish of his family. Only when their desperate wishes had intertwined with his own had he been able to cross dimensions.
“You—you! Do you know any other living spirits? Huh? If you do, tell me what they desire most. If you do, I’ll get you out of here. So speak!”
Eda, trapped in the void-like space, had hounded Joo Yi-Gyeol repeatedly, her voice echoing through the endless, desolate blue expanse. However, Joo Yi-Gyeol had stubbornly kept his lips shut. Of course, he didn’t know any living spirits, but even if he did, he would never offer anything that might serve as a clue to Eda’s escape.
Deprived of magic, Eda had grown increasingly desperate as she clung to Joo Yi-Gyeol, her face gradually sinking into despair. After what felt like days, she had finally begun to lose her grip on sanity. She had mumbled endlessly about fulfilling her ancestors’ long-held wish, only to eventually vanish without a trace. Yet, her words about living spirits and their desires remained vividly in Joo Yi-Gyeol’s memory.
A desperate wish. A longing.
—Come back, Joo Yi-Gyeol.
Sethian’s wish was unmistakably clear—so clear that Joo Yi-Gyeol didn’t even need to search for the path leading to him.
‘Yeah. I’ll come to you.’
Every time the golden butterfly flapped its wings, Sethian’s voice resonated through the space. It felt like a chain tightening around him, one he could never escape—but even so, the overwhelming joy he felt made his heart race.
—I can’t bear to wait any longer…
‘I’m sorry for making you wait so long.’
—Come back to my side.
‘I’ll return to your side now.’
Standing before the faint magical barrier where the golden butterfly had led him, Joo Yi-Gyeol looked down. Beneath him, irises infused with mana swayed beautifully, as if they bloomed eternally without ever wilting.
Ordinarily, because he was tied to a false body, it was as though he had no lifespan, so he should not have been able to open or pass through the dimensional gate. However, now that he once again carried Joo Yi-Gyeol’s lifespan and vitality, it should be possible. Moreover, with the golden butterfly guiding him, he would undoubtedly be led straight into Sethian’s domain.
Wrapped in the pleasant tremor of anticipation and nervousness, Joo Yi-Gyeol slowly stepped forward, allowing himself to dissolve into the barrier.
Beyond the wall, a familiar corridor stretched before him.
The very first thing he had seen upon arriving in this world had been the corridors of the Emerald Castle. And at the end of this hallway lay Sethian’s bedroom.
The moment he realized this, an indescribable surge of emotion welled up within him.
“You were Sethian’s wish.”
Only now did he finally understand the words the emperor had once spoken.
From the very beginning, he had been called into this world by Sethian’s wish. He was that very wish, made manifest.
And Sethian, too, had been his wish all along.
Overcome with emotion, Joo Yi-Gyeol sped through the extravagant corridor, passing by the knights standing guard at the bedroom doors without hesitation. Inside, the chamber remained unchanged—braziers were placed throughout the room as if to maintain a warm atmosphere, and every lamp and candle had been lit, making the room glow as brightly as an afternoon despite the night sky outside.
Joo Yi-Gyeol approached the bed, gazing down at his own sleeping body.
Just like when his family had cared for it, the face was pale—but undeniably breathing. Without vitality, his body should have perished long ago. Yet, somehow, Sethian had kept it alive, as if desperately protecting the place Joo Yi-Gyeol was meant to return to.
The golden butterfly that had guided Joo Yi-Gyeol gently descended onto his body, as if embracing it.
The protective magic surrounding his body shattered. Flecks of faint blue sparks crackled briefly before vanishing.
Moments later, Joo Yi-Gyeol’s tightly shut eyes began to tremble.
As his eyelids fluttered open, revealing deep black irises, the same warm, contented smile that his body had once worn while with his family graced his lips once more.
Remines was taken to the underground of the Magic Tower. The area, filled with Idelo’s Flower, a poisonous plant infused with mana, was already nearly prepared as a magical domain for extracting the vitality of the two royal heirs.
Once the domain was complete, their vitality would be fully extracted, one by one, using the magic stone embedded in the Crown Prince’s brooch. Both of them would age rapidly, deteriorating into lifeless corpses, but to the outside world, the news would only speak of two unfortunate princes who perished in an accident while on an external mission.
The magic circle for dimensional travel was already finished. Once the vitality extraction and the domain were completed, most of the preparations would be done.
What remained was the living spirit.
As the Imperial Knights moved further away, Sethian turned to look at Renoc, who stood behind him. Though his face visibly showed exhaustion, his eyes were as sharp and clear as ever as he met Sethian’s gaze.
Even though Renoc alternated shifts with Kirsty to shadow Sethian for half of the day, it was by no means an easy task. To stay by his side, never disturbing him while remaining constantly alert under an overwhelming sense of tension that felt like needles piercing his entire body—it was an immense challenge. At times, he even thought it would be easier to spend an entire day rolling around on a battlefield, risking death.
It wasn’t just Renoc and Kirsty who felt this oppressive atmosphere.
The sinister rumors about the new Emperor had already spread throughout the Imperial Palace.
The Empire’s grandest celebration, the coronation of the new Emperor, was abruptly held in an unprecedentedly simple ceremony just a day before its scheduled date. It was so hastily conducted that barely anyone attended, and the entire process lasted less than ten minutes. Nobles and common citizens alike were shocked, wondering how such an informal coronation could even exist.
But within the Imperial Palace, there was no room for mere shock.
After claiming the crown through an abridged coronation, Sethian immediately began exercising his imperial authority with an overwhelming presence. He led the knights out on an unexplained mission and returned only to storm into the underground prison.
To outsiders unfamiliar with Sethian, he might have seemed like nothing more than an eccentric Emperor. But those in the Imperial Palace knew well who he was. Though his reputation had been somewhat overshadowed by the recent events involving Prince Zair, it was undeniable—Sethian was cruel, inhumanly cold.
Furthermore, it was peculiar how Prince Mendel, Prince Remines, and Princess Elina—who were all expected to challenge his succession—had seemingly accepted it without protest. No one knew the details, but rumors suggested that Sethian had already secured a powerful hold over them, one that allowed him to execute them at any moment should he wish.
And now, with the sudden purging of the underground prison and the large-scale torture of convicts, fear gripped those who heard of it. It was even said that he reviewed official documents while calmly watching the torture unfold. How could one not be terrified?
“We’re going to the underground prison.”
Renoc, who had been ruminating on the widespread rumors, instinctively checked Sethian’s expression at his words.
“Would you not consider resting, even briefly?”
“There’s no time for that.”
If he could obtain the living spirit, then at last, he could open the dimensional gate he had long desired. Whether Joo Yi-Gyeol was wandering in another dimension or had been transported to an entirely different world, he had to find and bring him back as soon as possible.
But unlike Sethian, who showed no concern for his own well-being, Renoc couldn’t help but worry for him.
“The new prisoner’s interrogation only just began. Even Lord Roa, who went to rest, won’t be back for another hour. You should take a moment to rest in the meantime.”
Renoc’s words of concern seemed to have no effect on Sethian, whose eyes gleamed sharply. As if anticipating this reaction, Renoc spoke the name that could move him.
“You should check if Lord Joo Yi-Gyeol has returned.”
Knights were stationed outside Joo Yi-Gyeol’s bedroom to catch even the slightest sound. If any noise was heard, it was to be immediately reported to Renoc or Kirsty. They were instructed not to enter unless absolutely necessary, fearing that Joo Yi-Gyeol might awaken and be startled or frightened. Of course, another reason was that if Joo Yi-Gyeol did wake up, Sethian—who had been waiting for him so desperately—would never forgive the knight who saw him first.
As expected, Sethian’s eyebrow twitched. He glared at Renoc for a moment before finally turning away.
Instead of heading to the stone tower where the underground prison was, Sethian made his way to the Emerald Castle’s bedroom. A luxurious and comfortable chamber had been prepared deep within the Imperial Palace for the new Emperor, but he had always insisted on staying in the Emerald Castle where he had lived with Joo Yi-Gyeol.
Upon arriving at the bedroom, Sethian left Renoc outside and entered alone. Thanks to the braziers placed throughout the room, the temperature was quite warm. But to Sethian, it was still a cold and empty space.
“Joo Yi-Gyeol.”
Shedding his cloak and jacket onto a chair, Sethian strode toward the bed, softly calling Joo Yi-Gyeol’s name. It had become a habit to call out to him every time he entered, but, as always, there was no response.
Perched on the edge of the bed, he gazed down at Joo Yi-Gyeol, who lay in a deep, death-like slumber. Though there was no change from when he had left, Sethian still called out again, just in case.
“Joo Yi-Gyeol.”
His eyes fixated, determined not to miss even the slightest reaction.
Slowly, he reached out and cupped Joo Yi-Gyeol’s face with both hands. The small head fit easily within his large palms, and he leaned in closer. Their foreheads touched, allowing the warmth from Joo Yi-Gyeol’s body—heated by the braziers—to seep into him pleasantly.
With his forehead pressed against Joo Yi-Gyeol’s, Sethian slowly closed his eyes.
“Come back.”
If desires could truly manifest into reality, then he wished for his call to be answered. Whether it was the golden butterfly he had never seen before or the faint traces of Joo Yi-Gyeol’s presence, anything would be fine.
“Come back, Joo Yi-Gyeol.”
He wished for his voice to reach out and grasp the one who was slipping away.
“I can’t wait any longer…”
Joo Yi-Gyeol, who had once given up on the life he so desperately longed for, had tried just as desperately to save him.
If he cared that much—if he loved him even the slightest bit—
“Come back to my side.”
Surely, this wish could not go unanswered.
* * *
Joo Yi-Gyeol didn’t know how much he had cried inside.
It had never been an easy choice, and he had wavered countless times.
Whether it was his family or Sethian, he could never place them on the same scale. No matter who he placed on one side, the scale would never tip—because they were both equally precious to him.
However, in the end, it was not them he had to weigh—it was himself.
Without even understanding his own heart, how could he have dared to place someone else on the cold, unyielding balance?
Realizing the true weight of his own feelings too late, Joo Yi-Gyeol had no choice but to make a decision. Even if he were condemned for being selfish, even if his choice hurt someone, he could no longer ignore the one desire that had remained unwavering within him.
Each time he followed the golden butterfly to meet Sethian, he had never truly considered why it continued to appear before him. Even when they reunited as he wandered between dimensions, he had only found Sethian’s guiding presence fascinating—he had never deeply analyzed the reason behind it.
—Come back, Joo Yi-Gyeol.
It was only after meeting the golden butterfly carrying Sethian’s voice that he finally understood.
The golden butterfly he had seen was sometimes Sethian’s wish. Sometimes, it was the wish of his family. Only when their desperate wishes had intertwined with his own had he been able to cross dimensions.
“You—you! Do you know any other living spirits? Huh? If you do, tell me what they desire most. If you do, I’ll get you out of here. So speak!”
Eda, trapped in the void-like space, had hounded Joo Yi-Gyeol repeatedly, her voice echoing through the endless, desolate blue expanse. However, Joo Yi-Gyeol had stubbornly kept his lips shut. Of course, he didn’t know any living spirits, but even if he did, he would never offer anything that might serve as a clue to Eda’s escape.
Deprived of magic, Eda had grown increasingly desperate as she clung to Joo Yi-Gyeol, her face gradually sinking into despair. After what felt like days, she had finally begun to lose her grip on sanity. She had mumbled endlessly about fulfilling her ancestors’ long-held wish, only to eventually vanish without a trace. Yet, her words about living spirits and their desires remained vividly in Joo Yi-Gyeol’s memory.
A desperate wish. A longing.
—Come back, Joo Yi-Gyeol.
Sethian’s wish was unmistakably clear—so clear that Joo Yi-Gyeol didn’t even need to search for the path leading to him.
‘Yeah. I’ll come to you.’
Every time the golden butterfly flapped its wings, Sethian’s voice resonated through the space. It felt like a chain tightening around him, one he could never escape—but even so, the overwhelming joy he felt made his heart race.
—I can’t bear to wait any longer…
‘I’m sorry for making you wait so long.’
—Come back to my side.
‘I’ll return to your side now.’
Standing before the faint magical barrier where the golden butterfly had led him, Joo Yi-Gyeol looked down. Beneath him, irises infused with mana swayed beautifully, as if they bloomed eternally without ever wilting.
Ordinarily, because he was tied to a false body, it was as though he had no lifespan, so he should not have been able to open or pass through the dimensional gate. However, now that he once again carried Joo Yi-Gyeol’s lifespan and vitality, it should be possible. Moreover, with the golden butterfly guiding him, he would undoubtedly be led straight into Sethian’s domain.
Wrapped in the pleasant tremor of anticipation and nervousness, Joo Yi-Gyeol slowly stepped forward, allowing himself to dissolve into the barrier.
Beyond the wall, a familiar corridor stretched before him.
The very first thing he had seen upon arriving in this world had been the corridors of the Emerald Castle. And at the end of this hallway lay Sethian’s bedroom.
The moment he realized this, an indescribable surge of emotion welled up within him.
“You were Sethian’s wish.”
Only now did he finally understand the words the emperor had once spoken.
From the very beginning, he had been called into this world by Sethian’s wish. He was that very wish, made manifest.
And Sethian, too, had been his wish all along.
Overcome with emotion, Joo Yi-Gyeol sped through the extravagant corridor, passing by the knights standing guard at the bedroom doors without hesitation. Inside, the chamber remained unchanged—braziers were placed throughout the room as if to maintain a warm atmosphere, and every lamp and candle had been lit, making the room glow as brightly as an afternoon despite the night sky outside.
Joo Yi-Gyeol approached the bed, gazing down at his own sleeping body.
Just like when his family had cared for it, the face was pale—but undeniably breathing. Without vitality, his body should have perished long ago. Yet, somehow, Sethian had kept it alive, as if desperately protecting the place Joo Yi-Gyeol was meant to return to.
The golden butterfly that had guided Joo Yi-Gyeol gently descended onto his body, as if embracing it.
The protective magic surrounding his body shattered. Flecks of faint blue sparks crackled briefly before vanishing.
Moments later, Joo Yi-Gyeol’s tightly shut eyes began to tremble.
As his eyelids fluttered open, revealing deep black irises, the same warm, contented smile that his body had once worn while with his family graced his lips once more.
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