It was early in the evening. The door to the Emperor's private chambers opened quietly, and a serious-looking middle-aged man entered and greeted the ruler of the nation with his hands tucked in his sleeves and a deep bow. The Emperor was currently sitting on a couch with a few papers on his lap and raising a cup of wine to his lips.

"You summoned me, Your Majesty?"

The Emperor took a small sip of wine and looked up from his papers.

"Ah, Gaoshun. Yes, indeed. I wanted to know how Zuigetsu is doing now. Your last report was three days ago."

With a wave of his hand, he indicated to the aide to come closer. The latter bowed once more and obeyed.

"Unfortunately, the young lord still doesn't have his memory back. But he is trying hard and does everything in his might even though it brings him pain. A lot of pain," Gaoshun replied calmly. It was not the first time he said such words.