"I… I see."
Relief blossomed over Maxi's face, and she did not try to conceal it.
Riftan cupped her cheek. "Do you dislike the thought of me leaving?"
Maxi looked up at him nervously. She was worried that she might annoy him if she told him the truth. She chose her words carefully.
"I feel… more at ease w-when you are here, Riftan. S-So do… the people of Anatol…"
"I suppose so."
A look of disappointment briefly flickered in his eyes, but the fragile expression quickly disappeared behind his usual impassiveness before Maxi could say anything.
Riftan tossed the towel around his neck into the washbasin. "I have no intention of leaving Anatol. Since I have left it unattended for so long, I plan to do my utmost to fulfill my duties to this land from now on."
"E-Even if… King Reuben summons you?"