"Tap..."
Heavy footsteps drew nearer through the long, dark passage. Arcadios reached out and pushed. The door creaked open, and brilliant light stabbed toward him, making him briefly close his eyes.
"You've come, Colonel Arcadios." Before he even crossed the threshold, a lovely, melodious voice drifted softly out from within.
Once his eyes finally adjusted to the sudden brightness after the darkness, he raised his head and looked inside.
A woman with sorrow on her face sat quietly in a chair. When he opened the door, she glanced up at him, the sadness in her expression easing slightly. She nodded to him and said softly, "Come in."
He silently nodded in salute and stepped through the doorway, closing the door behind him.
It was a room—a very spacious room, decorated with extraordinary splendor.
In that vast, sumptuous room, there was no one besides the woman who had already been there and Arcadios, who had just entered.
He walked slowly over and stood before her. After a moment of silence, Arcadios opened his mouth. "Your Highness, I..."
"There's no need. I already know what happened. It wasn't your fault..." Before he could finish, the woman—the princess he had addressed, Princess Hisui of the Fiore Kingdom—shook her head bitterly and sighed. "We all underestimated his resolve to protect those dear to him. Or perhaps I should say... this was only to be expected..." Her voice was steeped in helplessness.
"I was simply too useless, Your Highness," Arcadios said reproachfully. "I'm deeply sorry I couldn't ease your worries. As your subordinate, I failed to fulfill my duties and responsibilities. I'm truly ashamed! If only I could have been of more use—"
"Please don't say that, Sir Arcadios!" Princess Hisui interrupted him firmly. She frowned, clearly displeased. "Everyone has things they can accomplish within