"Your Majesty, you haven't slept for days. Why don't you get some rest first...?"
Hearing the voice beside him, Guelkyniv slowly raised his head, his eyes bloodshot and his spirits utterly drained.
"Bajude, you didn't leave like Renas did?"
After seeing the Empire's bleak future, Guelkyniv had directly issued an edict allowing any Knights who wished to leave to retire of their own accord.
The Baharuth Empire would not hold them accountable for any dereliction of duty.
Of the Empire's original Four Knights, Immovable had been killed by Mathew with a single Fissure.
Heavy Bomb - Renas, the only female member of the Four Knights, had also decisively chosen to leave the Empire.
"Your Majesty, you underestimate me too much. While I may not be a match for the Kingdom Warrior Captain, nor can I defeat those Adamantite Adventurers, and I haven't even reached the Heroic Spirit realm...
"I am still a soldier of the Empire. I cannot do something as cowardly as fleeing before battle.
"Nipul feels the same way. We have already sent our families somewhere safe. As for us, we will surely fight alongside Your Majesty until the very last moment!
"After all, if not for Your Majesty promoting us despite the usual rules, we likely would not be where we are today."
Hearing Thunderclap - Bajude's words, Guelkyniv forced a bitter smile.
"As Emperor of the Empire, I have the duty to perish alongside the Baharuth Empire.
"But Bajude, you do not have such a duty. You should leave with your families.
"After all, when I promoted you as the Four Knights, I already said this.
"What I valued was your ability. As for loyalty or background, I did not care. If you wish to leave, you may do so at any time, just like Renas."