Isabel's longing for Iver was so intense that she did not even need to say a word. Her watery gaze alone was enough to make Iver's heart soften.
Yet no matter how reluctant Isabel was to part with Iver, she was no longer the little girl who could selfishly rely on him.
She buried her face in Iver's collarbone and breathed deeply, taking in his scent. Her somewhat cold hands slipped through the sleeves of Iver's robe and wrapped around his back. Her fingertips gently brushed his spine, intently tracing the shape of his backbone.
Only after her arms synchronized with Iver's skin, which was far hotter than an ordinary person's, did Isabel reluctantly let go of him.
"Go, my knight."
Isabel spoke softly as she reached out and straightened Iver's collar. "Go and do what you want to do.
"But remember... no matter what happens, take care of yourself first.
"No one in this world has to become a savior. But you, Iver—you alone are my savior. I only hope that my savior can remain safe and sound... That is the wish I made upon the stars."
"I will, Your Majesty the Queen."
Iver lightly kissed Isabel's lips and spoke in a low voice.
Then Iver reached out and touched his own heart, as if giving Isabel a knight's salute.
As a warm current surged into his heart, holy mana dispelled Lord of Scales and Feathers' hypnosis. Iver opened his eyes and awoke from the dream.
The two Pope Guards, along with Mu and Zhu Tang, were guarding him at his side.
"How long was I asleep?"
Iver asked at once.
"Only half an hour."
Zhu Tang took a silver pocket watch decorated in an Iris style from his chest, glanced at it, and gave the exact time. "Twenty-five