Open the Vault

"How strange."

For an instant, the breathing coming from beyond the mask grew unsteady.

It was as though he were looking at Celine through the filter of memories from the past.

Ahem-

The Emperor, having cleared his throat, stepped away. His footsteps gradually faded.

Was I being too sensitive to such a minor reaction?

Come to think of it, he hadn't said anything in particular to Celine. He hadn't pressed her with questions or raised any particular doubts.

I forcibly swept the distracting thoughts from my mind.

There was no need to jump to conclusions about the Emperor's mood and needlessly fuel my anxiety.

"We shall now hold the honors ceremony under His Majesty's direction."...