The chamber had quieted. The fire had dimmed.
Nebi's soft footsteps disappeared into the corridor beyond the throne hall, leaving behind a trace of dry parchment and candle wax in the air.
Leonhardt didn't move.
His fingers tapped the armrest of his throne with soft, rhythmic precision, thinking.
That final line still lingered, coiled in the back of his mind.
"Only that you entrust me with the memory of your reign."
He leaned against Asuka while squinting his eyes, trying to understand what it meant. Though she wasn't wrong in asking him, it was quite surprising.
But she was bold to assume.
A soft scrape broke the silence. He didn't look up.
Asuka strolled back into the light.
She hadn't left with the others.
Her tail swayed lazily behind her, that familiar smirk curling across her lips as she moved straight to the throne—not with hesitation, but the comfort of someone who'd already claimed a seat.
Without asking, she climbed onto the armrest, legs draping across his lap.
