The Core of the Universe

When he opened his eyes… the first thing he felt was pain.

His muscles ached. His chest burned.It felt like his entire body had been shattered.Even the light stung his eyes."Am I… still alive?" he thought.

Slowly, the world began to come into focus.

This place… was Lily's house.

The room was dimly lit.Shapes moved in the shadows—Blurry at first, then slowly taking form:

• King Ruthgard, arms crossed, standing by the window.

• Elizabeth, quiet and still, standing beside him.

• Captain Tharion, near the door.

• Lily, sighing, one hand on her hip.

• And the swordsman—head lowered, quietly ashamed—leaning against the wall.

At that moment – Elizabeth whispers to the King.

She tilted her head slightly, glancing up at him with cautious eyes.

"Father… believe me. Zeoth is a good person.If he's not allowed to come with us… I'll run away again.Farther this time."

The King didn't turn to her.But his eyes dimmed, ever so slightly.He said nothing—Instead, he looked toward the swordsman.

"During the fight… did you feel anything strange?"

The man stepped forward and bowed his head.

"My King…It felt like I wasn't facing a human.More like… a projection of something far greater.But in the moment he struck me… I felt that he was holding back—Trying not to hurt me.If he had fought seriously…I don't think I'd be standing here.I acknowledge his potential."

The King took a deep breath.Then turned to Zeoth, whose eyes remained only half-open.

Finally, he faced Lily.

"He's coming with me.Inform his family.From now on, he'll live in the capital…and remain at Elizabeth's side."

Lily nodded.Her voice was tired, but firm.

"This child's power… is already beyond me.It's better he learns under elite mages in the capital."

A sparkle lit up in Elizabeth's eyes.She couldn't hide her smile.She rose slightly on her toes, leaning closer to Zeoth's bed.

And Zeoth… finally opened his eyes fully.

The first thing he saw—

Was a pair of silver strands, glowing softly in the candlelight.Eyes like dawn.A beauty that took his breath away.

Elizabeth.

Her expression was tired, but full of warmth.

And from his lips, the words slipped out:

"So I guess… I died.And they sent Elizabeth as my angel, huh?If so… this might be the best way to go."

Silence.

No one knew what to say.

Elizabeth's face turned crimson.Her eyes widened.Her heart forgot how to beat.

"D-Did he just say that?Does that mean…he likes me too?Is this real?Or am I dreaming too much!?"

Suddenly—

The King spoke, voice raised:

"This is not a dream, Zeoth.Mind your words."

Zeoth froze.

Like a statue.

Two seconds of paralyzed silence.

Then—

He turned to the King.

And blushed.Bright red.His face lit up like fire.

"A-A-AA I MEAN!! ELIZABETH—I JUST MEANT THAT UH—SHE'S… MY BEST FRIEND—AND I MEANT—SEEING HER…BEFORE I DIED—WOULD BE NICE—BUT NOT THAT NICE—I MEAN—NO—WAIT—!"

He flailed, stuttering wildly as he tried to sit up.His arms waved around in panic.His voice cracked.

Elizabeth covered her mouth with her hands.But her smile… was unmistakable.

Her eyes shimmered.

And then—A quiet giggle escaped her lips.She turned her face to the side,but couldn't stop the soft laughter.

Even the King chuckled.A weight seemed to lift from his shoulders.

Captain Tharion raised an eyebrow…but even he smirked.

Lily sighed, shaking her head slowly.

"Still the same boy…"

Finally—

Zeoth scratched the back of his head in embarrassment.But then… he laughed too.

And for a short while—The room was filled with warm laughter.

But peace like this…never lasts long.