Emotions do not arise independently without memory. Moreover, if memory exists, it is inevitable that emotions, whether large or small, follow.
In other words, the combination of memory and emotion is akin to the fundamental unit that constitutes human consciousness.
And only when this is fully preserved can it be said that the human mind possesses continuity.
“…….”
Seongjin opened his eyes with a clarity of mind he hadn’t experienced in a long time.
It had been ages since the memories and emotions his soul had experienced seamlessly connected to his physical body. Thus, while lying on the floor, he ruminated over the memories from just moments ago with a renewed sense of awareness.
‘Father… the atmosphere was somehow different from usual. He answered my questions directly and in detail.’
The Holy Emperor was generally sparing with his words, but occasionally, when circumstances allowed, he would provide Seongjin with detailed explanations, as he did now.
A prime example would be the spectacular self-harm show he experienced after drinking medicinal tea previously.
‘And I was the same. I was able to ask Father about the part that had been constantly bothering me lately without any hesitation.’
It was the same that day.
On the day Seongjin expressed the embarrassing anxiety he had been suppressing all along, the Holy Emperor had countered with,
‘-But have you thought about this? Why didn’t you ask me this earlier?’
This time too, Seongjin candidly confessed to him the feeling…