Back to the shelter

The soldier lets out a laugh as Kora falls onto Emili's shoulder. The blood stains Emili's clothes. Just as he is about to stab Emili, a blade goes through his chest.

It was Prince Loki.

"Normal citizens should be in the shelter. I'm afraid I can't keep this a secret from your father, Emili."

"Prince Loki...I mean, your highness, I-I'm so sorry…I was just really worried about Dan--"

"This isn't acceptable. Next time I find you getting yourself in danger, I may have to consider changing Dan's position."

"No! Please, I promise this won't happen again."

Emili holds Kora in her arms and pleads with Prince Loki to save her.

"I am willing to receive any punishment but please spare her and Dan! It was all my idea to come here after all..."

Another soldier comes this way and Loki turns to kill him.

"Just bring her back to the shelter first. The medics will treat her. You will receive your punishment from your father."

"Thank you!"

Emili rushes back to the shelter, carrying Kora.

After some time, Emili arrives at the shelter and spots her father. She runs to the medic while struggling to carry Kora and signals her father to come with her. The medic treats Kora's wound and stops the bleeding by wrapping the wound with bandages.

"She is alright now. Just remember she has to keep her cut away from water for at least a week. If she wakes up or feels uncomfortable, let me know right away, okay?"

"Yes, I'll keep that in mind. Thank you."

The medic nods and leaves to treat the other patients in the shelter.

"So, Emili...I would like an explanation," Ken says as he places Kora onto a soft material.

"Do you know how worried I was when I came back with the food to find both of you gone?? But I was more horrified to see your friend wounded when you two came back. From your expression...I'm guessing her wounds are related to you?"

"Y-yes...It's all my fault. I wanted to go check Dan's safety. I couldn't help but worry about his safety! And then the Defus-"

Ken sighs. "Emili, you know Dan doesn't like it when you put yourself in danger too. He is a soldier. He has the ability to protect himself. You, on the other hand, cannot protect yourself let alone anyone else."

Emili starts to tear up a little.

"You're right, father. It's all my fault that things ended up this way...I only cause trouble. I am a terrible person, aren't I?"

Ken hugs Emili and comforts her.

"You are not a terrible person. You are the most precious person to me. Although you make these mistakes that frustrate me... I can't bring myself to hate you even a bit. When this young lady recovers and wakes up, make sure to apologize to her sincerely, okay? I'm sure she will understand...Well, hopefully, she will."

"Dad, you seriously are bad at comforting people haha."

"Ahem! Young girl, you are still getting punished! Do not talk back to your father!"

"Yes sir!"

Ken smiles as he sees her daughter slowly returning to her usual self again. Then, he looks at her with a more serious expression. He crouches down and puts his hand on her shoulder.

"Listen, Emili. I don't want you to end up like your mother. Promise me you won't take any more risks."

Emili nods with a sad expression on her face.

"What if she didn't come to save you? Things would have been different. You won't always be this lucky. Please, think more about Dan...about me before making such reckless actions. I can't risk losing another precious person to me again. *Sighs* You could have been killed, like your mother..."

Emili stays silent. The mood has become depressing and awkward for Emili.

"This is the last time I will help you keep silent from Dan. I hope there will be no next time...for I fear I won't be able to deal with this situation as calmly anymore."

"Yes, father...thank you."

"I guess our topic has grown a little too serious. Are you hungry? Try some of the soup that I brought for you girls...although it might be cold now."

Ken hands Emili the soup. She drinks some of it but doesn't finish it.

"I don't really have the appetite to eat...I guess I'll leave the rest for Kora."

"No, eat as much as you can. I will go get her new soup when she wakes up. You haven't eaten much after all."

Emili doesn't say anything. She continues to drink her soup and eat in silence.