* * *

The arrival of the healers was faster than expected. Since the commanders had already divided the knights based on the severity of their injuries, they were able to guide the wounded directly to the healers.

Among them, the highest priority was the magician. After receiving treatment from the healers first, they decided to focus on opening the Gate of Retribution.

Cadel emphasized the important rituals to the magicians and prepared to open the Gate of Retribution, while the knights checked their weapons and physical condition in preparation for the upcoming battle.

Looking down at the busy humans, Hyron and Lydon, the two father and son, moved their wings briskly as if to shake off the awkward atmosphere.

“Before we leave, what did Melphis say?”

“He said to protect you so you don’t get hurt.”

“Melphis worries too much. He should be more concerned about you, Lydon, rather than me. Were you upset?”

“No.”

Lydon was different from usual in front of Hyron. To put it kindly, he was calm; to put it unkindly, he was stiff. To Lydon, Hyron was more like a king than a father. Despite being the heir to such a king, their bond wasn’t deep.

Hyron looked at the side profile of his son, who responded stiffly, and smiled bitterly. After staring at his own red eyes for a moment, he spoke playfully.

“You can’t take your eyes off Cadel.”

“……”

“You’ve liked Cadel from the beginning, haven’t you? That child seems quite interesting to you.”

“……Yes.”

“I didn’t know you were the type of child who would beg someone in tears for something.”

With a teasing tone, Lydon’s expression flinched. He, uncharacteristically, looked flustered and lowered his gaze.

“It’s not just that he’s interesting.”

“Then?”

“Cadel is…… amazing.”

After a long pause as he carefully chose his words, Lydon suddenly turned his head to face Hyron. The face of his father, seen up close, was as gentle and serene as always.

But his gaze was different. The vacant, lifeless look, like that of a dead fish, had somehow filled with vitality and warmth. Feeling that warmth directed at him, Lydon gathered his courage and spoke.

“Cadel makes me keep dreaming. He makes me dream of the impossible, and in the end, he turns those dreams into reality. No matter how heavy the fate, he overcomes it without giving up.”

“……Impressive.”

“He’s the human I love. I’ve come to love Cadel, Father. And I want to protect the Human Realm where Cadel lives. I want to give it a future.”

His gaze was unwavering, sincere, and passionate. Lydon’s eyes were just like Cadel’s—free, dazzling, and beautiful.

Suddenly, Hyron reached out and gently patted Lydon’s head. Lydon, who had instinctively pulled back, straightened up at the gentle touch that followed.

“If Cadel is that important to you, then he must be important to me as well.”

In the quiet, soft voice, Lydon’s lips closed. He silently accepted Hyron’s hand, waiting for Cadel’s call to come.