“I am sorry.”

Ian bowed his head.

Just a short while ago, he had been officially anointed as the crown prince. However, he was bowing towards someone other than his father.

“Please your head, Your Highness.”

Irene responded in a gentle voice and rested her hand on his arm. Ian slowly raised his head and gazed into her eyes. Although she was smiling, he could see the faintest of tremors in her eyes.

“I would deploy all the griffons of the empire and head to the Pendragon Duchy if I could, but I cannot.”

“I know. I am very well aware.”

Irene comforted him with tears glimmering in her eyes.

It was just as he said.

The Pendragon Duchy was recognized as a kingdom by the emperor’s authority. At the same time, it was a proclamation by the emperor stating that the Aragon Empire would not intervene in any matters of the Pendragon Duchy. As such, Ian was helpless.

The imperial army could not enter the land of Pendragon without an official request from Duke Pendragon, who was enthroned as King Pendragon. The emperor had shown the utmost courtesy by specially allowing the imperial castle’s griffon unit to accompany her brother and Soldrake back to the duchy.

“I am sorry…”

Ian continued to apologize, and Irene shook her head in response.

“I am already yours, Your Highness....