Comment by Introvert on Introvert

Philomel spoke calmly to Emperor Eustis. She admitted that she had spoken too harshly before because her emotions had taken control of her. Even though she could not forgive what he had done seven years ago, she still cared about him and wanted him to be happy. She believed that things would get better, especially if his missing daughter could be found. Philomel then decided to return the Solar Flare Ring, a special ring the emperor had given her. She gave up her rights to it, and the ring magically disappeared from her finger and returned to the emperor's hand. She explained that she wanted to start a completely new life and could not do that if she kept things that reminded her of him. The emperor was heartbroken. He asked if she was really leaving no matter what he said or did. Philomel, holding back tears, apologized and said goodbye. She then left with Leguin. She did not look back because she feared her feelings might change if she did. As she walked away, she remembered a rainy day from her childhood when she had begged the emperor not to cancel a festival and later became sick from standing in the rain. This time, however, the situation was different. Years ago, she had been the one rejected; now it was the emperor who was left behind. It was the second time she had said goodbye to him. After she left, the emperor sat alone in his study, completely soaked from the rain. He ignored the concerns of his attendants and listened to a report from a spy he had secretly placed in the Great Temple. The spy had been searching for a way to remove the foreign soul that had taken over his daughter's body, but no solution had been found.

The emperor ordered the search to continue even though he already knew it was probably hopeless. He felt exhausted and helpless because every attempt to save his daughter had failed. Later, the temporary chancellor informed him that Count Polan was seriously ill and needed more time to recover. The emperor agreed and told him to spend as much time as needed with his family, recognizing how much the count had sacrificed while serving him. Finally, after everyone left, the emperor found himself completely alone. He looked at a portrait of his late wife, Isabella, and sadly confessed that he had failed to protect their daughter. He also regretted failing to protect Philomel, the girl he had raised. He placed the Solar Flare Ring on top of Isabella's portrait. Then he opened the drawer further and took out a revolver and put it on his temple with finger on the trigger ready to shoot.