"My son…" Emperor Rael regarded with even greater respect than he had before, "you have returned."
"Yes, Father," Rui replied as he entered the room, approaching his father's desk as he took a seat opposite him across the messy table. "I have… handled my personal business."
Emperor Rael's expression softened with a hint of melancholy. "…It seems that it didn't go well."
Rui's eyes darkened a little bit.
"…I'm sorry about what happened to her," Emperor Rael offered his condolences. "She sounded like a wonderful person from everything I have heard. I can sense the depth of your love for her in how far you have gone to protect her. I only wish I could have met her."
"…I wanted to introduce her to everybody as well," Rui closed his eyes. "And I will. I have faith that she will return."
Emperor Rael studied his son carefully up close.
