When Khan opened his eyes, haziness filled his mind. That lack of immediate clarity was unusual for him, proving how exhausted his mind had been. Still, the fog quickly dispersed, restoring his usual incredible awareness.

The soft sensation under Khan's head made him smile. He looked up, finding a loving face glancing back at him. Monica had guarded him all night, and her fingers promptly resumed their caresses upon his awakening.

"Morning, dear,

" Monica whispered.

Khan lifted himself, sitting on the thick cape. A groan escaped his mouth, and a chuckle followed when Monica hugged his back. She even kissed his neck before nestling on his shoulder.

"Feeling better?

" Monica asked.

Khan reached for his shoulder to immerse his hand in Monica's curls. He actually didn't know how he felt. He still grieved for his father, and Lieutenant Dyester's speech resonated in his mind. Khan had much to consider, but the tiredness had vanished, at least.

"How long did I sleep?

" Khan wondered.

"Longer than you've slept in years,

" Monica revealed.

"It's almost dawn.

"

Khan groaned again, stretching his neck while keeping Monica's head still. His body hadn't needed much rest since the transformation, but his mind was another matter. The last period had been excruciating, explaining the need for those additional hours of sleep.

"I need to change,

" Khan sighed.

"That drunkard burned my clothes.

"

"He's lucky he didn't lose his hands,

" Monica scoffed.

"Weren't you glad he helped me?

" Khan laughed.

"You slept,

" Monica pouted.

"I can be angry now.

"

Khan laughed harder, gently pulling Monica's hair and turning his head. A confident smirk expanded in his view, which he promptly sealed with his lips. Then, he tried to stand up, but Monica grabbed his arm, stopping him.

"Dear,

" Monica called, adding strength to her pull. Khan tried to turn, but Monica was faster, jumping on his lap and pushing on his shoulder.

"Your soon-to-be wife had to endure your breath on her legs all night,

" Monica continued as Khan lay down.

"She needs proper care now.

"

Needless to say, Khan and Monica arrived late to the arena, but no one complained. Bret's death justified any delay on Khan's part, and his presence at the tournament was always better than his absence.

The fights started but failed to attract the main tower's attention. Many wanted to check on Khan, and some had heard about the ruckus in the caves area.

"The rumor is that you blew off some steam yesterday,

" Tlexicpalli commented.

"I wish I could have watched the battle.

"

"It was a personal matter,

" Khan explained shortly.

"I would request your assistance if I wanted something more challenging.

"

"I'm at your service, Prince Khan,

" Tlexicpalli announced, excited.

"I can only hope you eventually feel that need.

"

"On that topic,

" Lord Exr intervened.

"We started the preparations for the Feast. Blue Shaman, your absence won't be tolerated.

"

"I won't miss it,

" Khan promised.

"It's something I look forward to.

"

Khan's answer pleased the two Thilku Lords, and even the other guests nodded internally at his livelier behavior. He looked infinitely better compared to the previous days, but only Monica knew the truth.

Khan felt better, but his mind continued to review Lieutenant Dyester's speech. Jokes aside, he was right. Khan had become a leader, but part of his mindset had yet to evolve. He still thought like a soldier or an individual who lacked the power of a massive organization.

That was a core part of Khan's nature, mostly fueled by his desire to prevent suffering for his loved ones. However, he realized he had gone overboard, and pushing it would only bring him to the breaking point. Khan couldn't allow himself to crumble, and his organization would benefit from his deeper understanding of his status.

Nevertheless, Khan was sort of lost. He knew the theory, but implanting it into his mind was a different matter altogether. His very instincts had to evolve, and imitation was his only available path for now.

The terrace's guests had many important and lofty figures, but only the Thilku Lords embodied what Khan needed to become. He had already acquired part of Lord Exr's knowledge, but proper conviction in it had yet to arrive. Also, Lord Exr was a former soldier. Khan's main target had to be Lord Rsi.

Of course, a single day wouldn't cut it. Khan's relationship with Lord Rsi had just started to improve, so it would take time to discover more about his character and learn about his mindset. Except for occasional conversations, Khan didn't interact much with the alien, and the night's arrival forced him to attend to a different task.

The quadrant had become overcrowded, and some guests joined the tournament late, worsening its already chaotic state. Yet, the Nognes family's soldiers were ready for worse, so they met no problems escorting Cora and Amber to the encampment's main building.

The soldiers also relayed specific messages, granting the two women some autonomy. They could choose to reach their destination together but eventually opted for privacy.

Khan stood inside one of the building's halls when its entrance opened. Cora timidly crossed it, and seeing Khan's alien appearance again made her ignore the door closing behind her

back.

"Hey,

" Khan called, walking around the many couches to reach Cora.

"Hey,

" Cora responded, still half-dazed by Khan's attire. She knew her ex-boyfriend was still there, but finding him was far from easy.

"I'm sorry for yesterday,

" Khan announced once he stood face-to-face with Cora.

"Actually, I'm sorry for many things.

"

Khan was always busy, and his ability to keep up with old friends was awful. He could go months or years without replying to calls or messages. Moreover, Cora had found out about his new relationship from Monica's public interview, which was quite shameful.

"Don't worry,

" Cora reassured, smiling and shaking her head.

"I know you went through a lot and still are. Time must not be on your side.

"

"It isn't,

" Khan sighed.

"Still, I should have told you about Monica. Finding out like that

was-.

"

"Miss Solodrey looks wonderful,

" Cora interrupted,

"And you look happy with her. I'm glad you could find someone like her.

"

There was a tinge of sadness in Cora's mana, but Khan couldn't connect it to their past relationship. She seemed to be over him, to which he could only be thankful.

"I wouldn't have done anything if she ...,

" Khan said, taking a break to find the right words,

"If she wasn't Monica.

"

"I know,

" Cora exclaimed, her smile brightening.

"I know how you are. I truly know now.

"

Cora realized something and lowered her gaze, seemingly ashamed. She didn't want to discuss that topic during Khan's mourning period. She only wanted to make sure he was okay.

"What was that?

" Khan questioned. He obviously didn't miss that odd reaction or the change in Cora's mana.

"It's nothing,

" Cora promised.

"You should only worry about yourself, especially now.

"

"Cora,

" Khan called.

"Despite everything, we are friends.

"

Cora lifted her gaze. Khan's vague concern created a moment of weakness, but Cora kept her

priorities straight.

"Do you promise me that you are okay first?

" Cora asked.

"I am okay,

" Khan promised.

"It's a rough period, but I'm dealing with it.

"

"That's good,

" Cora nodded, leaning back until her shoulders hit the hall's wall.

"What is it?

" Khan asked.

"Don't take this the wrong way,

" Cora announced.

"I've understood what you said back then.

I now know why you had to take a different path.

"

Cora's gaze lingered on Khan's attire. The crown, the red cape, the bone armor, the pelts, and

the war paint were foreign elements that didn't belong to the human world. However, they fit

Khan perfectly.

"The moment I saw you walk among nobles, aliens, and more, I knew,

" Cora continued.

"You could have never stayed on Reebfell. You didn't belong there.

"

Khan knew Cora had avoided talking about other issues. The assassination attempt, the

slaughters, and more had long since become public, and Cora probably couldn't bear

exploring them, so Khan didn't press her.

"I'm sorry,

" Khan said.

"Don't apologize,

" Cora exclaimed.

"I'm grateful for what we had, and you'll always be my

hero. You'll always be the one who saved me on Istrone.

"

Khan felt the urge to scoff, but only a faint smile appeared on his face. Cora was exactly as he recalled her, and he felt glad the world had failed to corrupt her.

"You have always been too good with me,

" Khan commented.

Cora shook her head but didn't say anything. She smiled at Khan, but a sad understanding

eventually dawned upon her. They were friends, but a barrier had formed between them.

"I'll get Amber,

" Cora announced.

"She is outside.

"

"Sure,

" Khan nodded, watching Cora open the door. A figure quickly replaced her, immediately creating a different atmosphere.

"Prince Khan,

" Amber called as the door closed behind her.

"Should I bow?

"

"Professor Teldom,

" Khan replied.

"You should know how to greet a noble.

"

"I also know that Noble needed my help to fill out reports,

" Amber pointed out.

"That noble is still grateful for your help,

" Khan said.

Silence fell but only lasted for a second. Amber soon giggled, affecting Khan and making him

smile, too. She also lacked Cora's shyness, so she stepped forward, warmly hugging Khan.

"How are you?

" Amber asked as Khan patted her back.

"I'm doing better,

" Khan explained.

"That's good,

" Amber commented, breaking the hug and stepping back to get a clear view of

Khan.

"Do I even have to comment on your clothes?

"

"It was necessary,

" Khan sighed.

"It's a long story.

"

"I bet,

" Amber uttered.

"You had it hard, didn't you?

"

Khan shrugged his shoulders but didn't say anything. Too much had happened since his

teaching period on Reebfell. Even if he wanted to, he didn't have the time to tell that

immense story.

"What about you?

" Khan changed the topic.

"Still in Reebfell, taking care of Cora?

"

Amber's confidence faltered. She diverted her gaze before regaining her composure.

However, looking at Khan told her he had noticed something.

"Amber?

" Khan called, his eyes seemingly brightening as he looked deep into Amber's soul. Her mana was strange, hinting at something that made Khan frown.

"Amber, what happened with Cora?

" Khan questioned, his intense stare pushing Amber to the

breaking point.

"We were drunk!

" Amber shouted.

"And it's your fault for hooking up with such a public

figure. I only wanted to comfort her! I swear!

"

Khan's brain froze. He couldn't even blink at that revelation, but his curiosity was starving.

"Amber?

" Khan repeated.

"It was just the night after Miss Solodrey made the interview!

" Amber claimed before

lowering her gaze.

"And ... And the following month. And the week after. And maybe

yesterday.

"

"What about the smart and knowledgeable man?

" Khan questioned.

"How should I know?

" Amber groaned.

"It just happened. Before I knew it, I was thinking

about how soft she was.

"

"She is indeed soft,

" Khan nodded, earning himself a glare.

"Jealous much?

" Khan chuckled.

"Don't joke about it,

" Amber complained, pacing left and right with her head lowered.

"Both

our families have expectations. It's not something they can allow.

"

"Allow?

" Khan repeated, and Amber froze on the spot. Something heavy had fallen on her

shoulders, but she noticed she could still lift her head. Khan didn't move, but his chilling presence filled the room.

"Who must allow what?

" Khan asked, stepping forward to reach Amber.

"That word doesn't

exist anymore.

"

Amber should have been terrified, but her mind instinctively realized that the chilling sensation didn't target her. It had a defensive vibe, warming her up and making her feel protected. Something told her Khan would support her no matter what.