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As the questioning came to an end, the elderly gentleman released a deep, weary breath, his tone turning grave. "Have you found the answers you sought? Do you now accept that all this was done for Athena, or is it remorse that's gnawing at you?"

Emmett remained silent, instead mumbling to himself as if ensnared by his own jumbled thoughts.

"Grandfather... I see it clearly now. My feelings for Athena run so deep... If she were to return, I'd do anything..."

The old man reached out to touch Emmett's brow, finding it hot with fever as he'd expected. With a somber expression, he instructed for Emmett to be taken back to his quarters, his body frail and feverish.

As he watched Emmett being escorted away, the elderly man felt a surge of conflicting emotions, his heart burdened with both grief and acceptance.