Her breathing became rapid, her tone carrying an unmistakable... greed and desire.
"Your... spirit essence."
"Although Flamelle has hidden it well, although you have controlled it well, all the intelligence I've gathered over these six years points to the answer I desire."
The young Hydral cocked his head with a quasi-smile, "What are you referring to?"
His repeated feigning of ignorance did not displease the Empress; instead, it excited her even more.
"Possibility!"
The figure behind the curtain almost lifted the semi-transparent veil, the Empress declared with utmost fervor and excitement:
"The possibility... to transcend this despair!"
Ansel sipped his drink, sighing softly, "But I don't have that capability, Your Majesty, you overestimate me."
"No, you do, it's just that it comes at a cost unknown to me... a very great cost for you. Otherwise, you would have already helped Flamelle achieve a breakthrough."