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Chapter Text

It's hard to reason why I am here. But I just know that being with me beloved is fine for me. Ah, of course. He asked me to take a walk together. It's weird. It's weird how my body feels weak and that I can't remember things correctly even if I heard them right now. I can only find myself standing because of the warmth of my beloved's hand. It somehow keeps me alive and well.

The night was decorated with stars. But the moon seemed to not come today either. Or is it my view that is so blurry and dark? I don't think I can keep my eyes open, so I decide to close them up just for a second.

"Why are you so weak? It's not like you."

As I hear my beloved's voice, I can feel my heart flatter but still it doesn't feel right to answer it. So I give a low laugh, that doesn't go over a few seconds. I cannot keep my eyes open for now. Even walking takes too much of my energy. I put my head to his shoulder gently. Leaning to his arm. Kaelus stopped for a moment, turning his head towards me with a visible worry. Even if I can't see his expression, I can still imagine him. Looking at me with a little frown and thinking for a moment.

I hear him mumble, taking the words out of his mouth that just makes my ears ring. Have I been eating less? My, the feeling of this feels too familiar.

***

Just on a moment, he looks at Hestia with the eyes of worry. He repeats his question once more, slightly more louder.

"Hess? If anythings bothering you, you can say it."

As he feels her grip on his hand loosen up, with his eyes going wide he find himself rush to try and catch the falling girl. Kaelus' arm wraps around her waist and slowly kneels next to her. Putting his hand to her cheek, he starts speaking.

"Hess..! Hestia..?"

Unable to let the words out of his lips, he begans to panic when she does not responds. Taking her to his arms, he rushes inside from the door.

...

It still feels hurtful. Seeing the duchess laying on the bed, unconscious. Kaelus, who has his head lay on the bed next to her head was shaking on the chair he sat on. Refusing to stop holding Hestia's hand when the physician examined her carefully. He was scared. Of a lot.

He thought Hestia was thinking too much about not having a prophecy but he was too ignorant on forgetting that she had told him she saw darkness after falling. That it might be death that cause her to stop having prophecy. It had been almost a year when she told that.

It was just too early...

Too early...

He felt sad, guilty for forgetting it, angry at this situation. It was unfair. Of the thing that she must die right after when there is no prophecy left for her to give. But, there is hope. As long as she continued on living. Until she wakes up, he won't leave her side. He didn't know what he would do if Hestia dies. So he sat there, watching her while she was laying on the bed. Even while her chest rose and fell*, Kaelus couldn't help but think of the worst.

(*Even though she was still alive)

It was Hestia who made the hope rise inside him.

She was the one who took him out of the darkness into the light even if it meant she had to sacrifice something.

For the last year, she was basically the reason he got out from the cage he was put into.

"My lord... Why don't we leave the rest to the physician so that she can take care of the duchess more carefully? Maybe air will ease your mind..."

Uros offered to the duke, keeping his voice quiet. The butler never thought he'd saw his lord in this situation once again. The duke seems to be stuck watching her face, not caring about anything else.

"She doesn't even move..."

The butler's eyes widened as he heard Kaelus speak. One small hope that rised inside Uros began to fade at the meaning of the sentence. Even if it was hurtful, it was still true. The duchess didn't move, flinch or did anything other than staying still.

The grip he held on her hand slightly tightened. Burying his face to the pillow her head was close to. Sighing, he let go off her hand; standing up but being unable to look away.

Uros' eyes lit up, carefully opening the door for Kaelus.

"After you, my lord."

Kaelus turned back and walked out of the door, hesitantly. As if every step he took were a punishment for leaving her. Uros waited for the duke to go out and he took a one last look at the physician, giving a hopeful look at her to keep the duchess safe. The physician nodded in response before the door was closed.

Uros quickly walked after the duke, can't help but notice that Kaelus was also unaware of where to go at this moment. It seemed he was confused and not sure where to go other than being next to Hestia. An uneasy feeling washed over Uros. He was happy when the day Lady Hestia, the adopted daughter of Baron Ella, came to save the marquis. And right now, by only a year so far she was an angel that saved his lord from being tangled in this cruel fate.

"My lord, it's very late at the moment. You should get sleep; knowing your concerns, the physician will stay by her side unless something happens."

The butler said, coming to open the bedroom door of Kaelus. Keeping his eyes on the duke, he could see the way his mind was somewhere else. But it wasn't hard to get him inside his bedroom. Kaelus sat on his bed, looking down on his hands that clasped eachother. Uros took it as a sign and closed the door behind him, leaving the duke inside the room by himself.

Chapter Text

Right at the morning time, it was time to go of course. The negotiation was nothing to be ignored. So the preparations have been made carefully for it. Nothing can be ignored. Maids and butler's have been preparing the carriage for the Duke. Nothing can be ignored. And the last thing is to get the Duke ready. Nothing can be ignored!

...

Where is Duke Kaelus?

Uros looked inside the room as the Duke wasn't there at all, his bed looked as if nothing slept on it and the room was as fresh as a newly fresh room. Like nobody slept there. With the small bit of the worry, one thing came to Uros' mind that made him look down. Of course... His lord would be staying next to the duchess because of what happened. He sighed, closing the door behind and walking towards her lady's room. Where she was in a sleep that god knows when she'd wake up. Poor physician, she must be very surprised to see his lord stay there the whole night.

Uros came inside the room, knowing that if he knocked; he would be just refused. He saw Kaelus on the same position as the day before, the statement also goes for Hestia too. She didn't seem to move an inch. The duke didn't look away from her face. Uros can see that Kaelus got sleep but not enough of it.

Then, Kaelus sat up from his seat. Looking at Uros and walking towards him. Raised the letter in his hand to the butler.

"If she wakes up. Give it to her. Do not read it."

The duke spoke, his voice seemed to be weak to speak. Almost whispering as if his voice would wake her up and disturb her. The butler made a quick nod at him, speaking. "Yes, my lord." Uros gave a bow as the Duke left the room.

He raised himself up and looked at the physician. His face was filled with worry as he exchanged looks with her. It seemed even the physician didn't know anything about the sudden unconsciousness of the duchess, which made things even worse. He slowly walked closer to the bed, opening the cabinet door just next to the bed and placing the letter on there. He didn't look inside of the note but can see the dried tears on it.

Uros knew how much duchess meant for her husband. It was all thanks to her, even for a moment he wouldn't go down second to thank her for everything.

There is something that bothers him. She can die. Why wouldn't she? But before all of that, he made sure not to tell anything to his lord so he wouldn't be surprised or feel even worse by it. And if anything like that happens, Uros will know it first to inform his lord.

Uros quickly came out of the room, closing it slowly from behind and rushing to help his lord with the last things before he enters the carriage.

***

The word speak easily. It wasn't something that shouldn't be expected. But it spread almost too fast. There were too many letters to the mansion, too many people wanting to check up on the duchess and too many rumors. Of course, even Uros did not know the reason for this so he also had an ear on the rumors. It seemed too understandable on some rumors, and it seemed to give too much worry into other people too.

He only let one person enter. That is. Because it's his Majesty, the crown prince. He came to check up on the duchess with the royal doctor. Her Majesty, the crown princess, visited. But kept herself from entering the room duchess was laying in. Helios didn't spoke about it or spoke with Diana there.

Only said a few words, 

'If anything happens, inform me first.'

The request wasn't that odd. Duchess Hestia was the wife of Helios' dear childhood friend. Who almost felt like a family to him. It seemed like, these days will be as bad as before Hestia, who was just the daughter of Baron Ella in that time, came to save his lord.

Uros was still too surprised. She was still alive, somehow. Someway. She kept on living. Peaceful like it was the story of the Sleeping Beauty. Waiting and waiting endlessly for the right time to come for her.

Yet nobody knew why, how or when she'd wake up.

It has been days since the Duke was dealing with the negotiations and the duchess was in the endless sleep. And the tension never changed.

***

It feels...weird. Being unable to move and only seeing the darkness.

I was supposed to die..! Yet... I don't feel dead? It just seems like everytime I try to open my eyes it only shows the darkness around me. I want to feel the light, I can feel myself reaching it but in the end. Something just swallows all my strength on this.

This time was different. When I opened my eyes, not only was everything in a blurry shape; but my ears were ringing too. Running and hurrying. Shouting and yelling. Wow... Was it too loud or was it just me? I could hear someone calling for me. It wasn't my beloved. I wouldn't even want him to see me like this, I feel miserable in this state. The voice was familiar. But I couldn't quite catch it.

'Duchess! Please try your best to stay conscious..!'

If only it was that easy, if only it was that easy for me to stay in touch with the people surrounding me. Gently and carefully (as if it's a fragile glass they are taking care of) putting me into a comfortable position. The fresh air filling the room immediately and the feeling of a glass placed on my lips, encouraging me to take at least a few sips of it.

But I can't.

I just-

Can't.

My body feels so weak that it's probably a miracle that I can open my eyes the slightest. It feels as if I was revived from the death. Come back into this world just to suffer the minutes of my living. And it's horrifying. How do I even live, how am I still alive? With the only wish of my beloved to be fine while I cannot be there for him, I stop myself from seeing the blurry figures by closing my eyes.

Chapter Text

The news got to the palace in no time and by a few days the crown prince got the news of Hestia's condition. It was upsetting and in this situation Helios was worried about the couple. Kael was here because if that woman. Because she had stood up in front him and Diana just for Kael. Kael was lucky to have Hestia. Helios does owe her for that, even if he does not appreciate her actions.

Diana, eventually came to the room as Helios was sitting there with a paper on his hand. Her expression showed her curiousity and discomfort of the summoning. Before she can ask about anything, Helios took the paper and held it towards her. Diana stared at the paper for a moment, then took the paper. Staying at her position before her hand clenched on her side.

"Heli... Why did you give me this..?"

She spoke, her voice didn't sound that much gentle. More like frustrated, confused and displeased by the news. The paper was simple, showing the news of the Duchess' situation at the moment. But Diana couldn't help but be confused on why would Helios give her the news when he knows what Hestia was like to her. Diana was frustrated by this. By the fact Helios had to give it to her, specifically on private.

After a short while of waiting, Helios sighed. Speaking with a low voice.

"I plan on visiting the Duchy. I also plan on both of us going there."

Diana stood there, dumbfounded. Was helios serious about this? After everything? For her, this was embarrassing. This was just humiliating. But she knew that if Helios was to go alone, the rumours would say about how heartless was the crown princess. Diana shouldn't drop things to the bottom.

So, she has to follow it.

Whether she likes it or not.

***

Diana was the first to be inside the carriage. Waiting for Helios to come back. Being here was different. She'd usually be happy in the past while being here. Diana didn't mind it at first but the way the eyes were on her was a discomfort. Their eyes weren't shining with admiration but rather, their eyes were sharp. As if she was a criminal inside there.

It was one of the reasons that she went to the carriage early. She sat down, carefully watching outside. The sky was open and the air was fresh. And a smile curled up on her face. Even at this time. The smile turned into a smirk as she held both her hands together. Closing her eyes and speaking.

"God is still on my side. God is judging her actions. God will be on my side no matter what. You might've thought you won, Hestia. But I won. Kael is free from that witch."

She mumbled, the smile on her face just as big as she continued to speak longer. She opened her eyes after a while. She had also prayed for Kael to be safe on the negotiation. God was still on her side after all. There was nothing to be scared about. Everything would go well.

Just a moment later, Helios arrived at the carriage. Entering and sitting on the opposite side. Looking at Diana silently. Diana's smile faded slightly at his face. She looked away. Her face gave a place to a frown and the couple stayed silent. That was until some time passed by and the crown prince thought about speaking.

"It seems like the duchess will be staying at her bed for a long while. May god protect her."

He said, ignoring eye contact with her and focusing outside. Diana on the other hand, looked directly at him and mumbled back the words to Helios.

"May god protect her... And Kael."

She added, feeling almost proud of her for saying it as she closed her eyes. Helios did not say a word. She can realize what they both do might effect their relationship. It already did, it was all Hestia's fault. If it wasn't for her... They three would've been still friends. Kaelus, Helios and her. Still would've been friends together like the past..!

But since the day she came to Kael's life, she was making them more distant. Right now, Diana had a chance to make things better like before. She can change it. She can fix things to better. When Kael comes back, she will fix everything. Gain her friends once again, gain back her reputation to live happily ever after.

***

The next day went peaceful, Diana as usual was walking around the halls with the smile of her's that would make a heart melt. Being the former heroine, she was used to people giving her that genuine smile on the way. She liked it. With her maid by her side to accompany her. She stumbled across a butler that had a letter in his hand.

Her eyes suddenly went to the letter as her smile fell with the familiarity of the seal. The duchy? Why would they send a letter so quickly? Did Hestia recover? She cannot contain her curiousity that was showing on her expression. She put on a smile and called.

"Excuse me, I'll take the letter from now. I was just about to visit Helios after all."

She spoke as if nothing was ever wrong and it was enough to make the butler a bit more comfortable. The butler held out the letter while bowing to her as Diana took the letter and looked at it up and down. Whatever this news are, she seemed to be displeased with it.

Diana started to walk away from the butler to the office of the crown prince. In her mind, she has to be fine. God was on her side after all. There could be nothing wrong after all this effort of her. And when she entered the office, she didn't spoke. Only gave the letter to her husband.

Helios, seemed a bit surprised by the letter. And a bit horror. Diana couldn't help but be a bit pleased by his expression. Does that mean Hestia did not wake up? Perhaps. Even though she knows the result of the duchess dying, was it really a bad thing that she wanted her to be bedridden for longer?

Chapter Text

It was... Horrifying. Almost as if seeing a dead person come back to life but then die right at their own hands. Nearly every servant was there, shocked and frozen at their lady's unconsciousness. The physician gently layed the duchess on the bed once again. Letting her rest. One servant comforted each other as they slowly, one by one went out of the room. Both of the physicians and the head butler was left inside the room. As the last servant closed the door behind, imperial physician spoke.

"I cannot believe my eyes. It seemed like almost a curse. Or a torture."

He sighed, seeming to be worried about the health of the duchess. Taking a step towards the bed, his hand carefully pressed on the wrist of the unconscious woman. And then at her neck. Checking the pulse. His eyes fell. His body seemed to freeze on the spot. Then, he sighed once again. Looking back at Uros.

"I believe the duchess won't be able to make it. A few more days or less. Her pulse is getting slower."

The physician froze on the spot. Looking at the man as if he said something crazy. Her hand carefully pressed on the same spots. Even listening to the heartbeat but of course. She didn't speak. Seems like her want to argue with that fact was gone.

Uros, who looked even more surprised on the fact was just. Speechless. Not moving even the slightest. Head butler put his head down. His eyes searching for something that maybe he even did not know.

"Is there..."

"?"

Uros started to speak. Choosing his words correctly by taking his time. Not wanting to say something wrong.

"Is there anything we can do? Is there anything that can be done to stop this possibility?"

Uros was worried on the way that things would end up as. Everything happened so fast that nobody was able to figure out what was happening really. But if there was a way to make things better. He'd be on his way to do as best as he can.

But the way both physicians looked at eachother made him even more nervous at this moment. Was it so bad and impossible? Was there really no way?

"Unfortunately, when we don't know what the cause is; we cannot tell anything by chance. Unless she wakes up again but like I said, there isn't really a way to wake her up by ourselves."

The physician spoke as the other nodded with a sigh.

The fate was decided. The duchess. She was gonna die one way or another. Uros sighed. Even at this moment, writing back to the crown prince about this will be hard to describe. He doesn't know if he'd be able to write it to his lord at all.

The butler gave a nod to the two physician. Leaving the room with closing the door from behind. Seeing the servants around there in a circle like hawks, waiting for good news. But from the expression Uros gave. It was understood that it wasn't a good one. But the opposite instead. Can he hide it really? He didn't know how long but he was gonna keep this as a secret as long as he can.

The servants once again left to go back to their own work as Uros went to grab a piece of paper and write to the crown prince Helios.

The letter was quite short but it was understandable. It didn't need to be long. It just had to tell the problem instead.

'Your Highness, The Crown Prince,

As you know about the health of the Duchess Hestia, we got an unfortunate chance of her lady dying in the next few days. Unless she wakes up, there seems to be no way for her lady to recover.

Sincerely,

The Head Butler, Uros'

Uros sighed. Leaning back on the chair he sat at and rubbing the bridge of his nose. He could've looked around on the books to find a similar sickness that is like what the duchess is suffering from. But with the both duke and duchess being absent, he can't move away from his seat it seems.

Sealing the letter, there was only one thing left to do with it.

***

"Is there something wrong, Heli?"

Diana spoke, her voice being low to not show her pleased sight. It was easy to see his horror on the letter. Something happened to the duchess. She knew it, but what happened did made her curious. So the crown princess waited patiently for Helios' answer.

Crown Prince, who didn't speak at first looked at Diana in the eyes and just looked back at the letter. Not even speaking but instead letting her take the letter and read it as he held it towards her.

Not expecting this reaction from her husband, Diana took a step forward and reached for the letter. As the letter wasn't wrong, she read it easily. Her eyes widened and she swallowed. Though hearing the news of someone dying was bad, for Diana it was like seeing the white flag of the opponent country.

She couldn't show her opinion about it, so she kept quiet and handed back the letter to him.

The silence was deafening at this point as things were more annoying. She knew how Helios was like, afraid of the person you love die? It almost felt hurtful because he was her husband! He was supposed to stay by her side but he was already gone from her side. Only she knew, when Hestia isn't on their way anymore. They'll be friends once again. Nothing, nothing bad will happen.

It'll be the same as before.

The god will stay by her side.

Kael will be by her side.

Everyone, anyone will once again be by her side.

It wasn't a selfish desire. Isn't it what she deserved?

"I'll be heading to my room now, Heli."

She didn't wait for him to answer. It didn't seem like he would answer anyway. So, she left the office. Going to her room. The walk wasn't long. And as she entered. She gave a long sigh.

"Ahhhhhh."

A smile curled up on her face. A relief.

Chapter Text

The duchy was cold in that day. The place that would usually be warm and happy was silent. As if abandoned. It was a hard time for a lot of people. And was tried hard to be stopped a lot.

In the end, Uros knew what would happen. But didn't open his mouth to anyone other than the Crown Prince himself. Even when other nobles went by and went back, he kept his silence. Did it felt like such a crime while hiding this from his own lord? Yes. Indeed it did.

Though, it was because the Duke might come soon. As he sent a letter to the duchy. But it shouldn't be opened by anyone. If it's sent for his wife, it should be opened by the Duchess herself. Even if she was dying and had no chance of living a few days later.

But the rumors would not stop there, the nobles did talk about this matter as it was a hot topic at the moment. People were concerned and also curious. It was only human for them to think that way. Wasn't a crime. And it wasn't wrong to think. Make assumptions. It was the way they work their mouths.

***

Sitting on the carriage, it felt different. Kaelus knew why, he knew why it felt so different from the silence inside; he knew why it so different when he didn't see her infront of him. Even though the negotiations were a success. It didn't felt that tempting. It didn't felt right to feel happy.

But, being on his way to see her. Was making him the happiest man alive. Hoping to see her smile once again, to hear her voice. Oh, how he missed her. It almost felt like the both sides were being tortured by this. And he wanted to get away from that torture, once and for all.

He looked out of the carriage. The familiar style of houses matching with the language spoken meant him home. Felt like he was closer to his happiness. If he could, he would've already skipped going to the imperial palace. Being the Duke, it seems you can't do a lot. But it was enough for him if his Majesty let him refuse the imperial dinner.

It still did not ease his rush. He wanted to go as fast as he could at that moment. It's not like he can't.

***

It's cold. It's too cold. But, why?

It's still dark in here. Like a void. But it only just got cold. Why now?

***

There was a look of horror on the faces inside the room. Alas, the time has come. And there was nothing that could've been done after all. The silence inside the room was enough to hear the cries that came from outside.

It's surprising, is it not? That a woman, who just a year ago was no one familiar to anyone inside the duchy. And now, there were cries of people because of her death. It's nothing that could have be seen easily. There was no one to blame on this matter.

Uros, who looked down to the floor so that he can avoid the other faces; thought about the matter. It was the day his lord would come. And it won't be easy. It can't be easy.

The Imperial physician bowed his head as he spoke.

"I will take my leave now, don't feel the need to report it to his highness, the crown prince. I will do it myself."

Even though only being here to help the recovery, it was frustrating not being able to do something. But he understood from all the expressions of this people, none of them can report this to the crown prince without any tears. And perhaps doing that would be a hard mission too. But seeing a loved one die is just a part of the world. With the simple nod of the head butler, he took his leave out of the duchy.

***

Helios knows that Kaelus will be arriving here first. But what would his reaction be once he hears the news from him?

He did not give the news to Diana for reasons. And he talked to his Majesty, the Emperor to let Kael go to the duchy as soon as he got the news. When he arrives, Helios will have to take a responsibility. It's not that he isn't happy the negotiations did go well. But he knows the society will figure things out when they realize the Duke did not come to the Imperial Palace first. And knowing about the health of Hestia, they'll figure it out. It wasn't a matter to be kept as a secret. But it will have to be hidden just for this moment and only.

And by the time the carriage with Kaelus inside arrived, he welcomed him with a bitter smile. As the Duke stepped out of the carriage, he raised an eyebrow. Why would the Crown Prince welcome him outside just by his carriage? It was confusing and plus a bit different of him to act like this.

"To the small sun of the Great Empire."

Kaelus greeted him, which Helios only reacted with taking a step forward and holding him by the shoulder. Duke's eyes widened slightly and looked right at the man who seemed to hesitate on his words. After the short eye contact of the two old friends, the silence was cut off.

"Your high-"

"Hestia is dead, Kael."

And with the words coming out of his old friend's mouth, Kael cracked the questions in his mind. His eyes stayed wide for a moment and just looked at Helios as if he was crazy. Just then, Helios took a step back from him.

"You have the Emperor's permission to go. I believe that's the most I can do right now. I- sigh. I'm sorry, Kael."

The Crown Prince bowed his head with almost frustration for not being able to do something. He didn't even want to see his friend's expression. He can imagine it, but he can't bare to see it for himself.

The silence was deafening between the two. And it seemed as if neither of them can break this silence. Or even say a word at this point. Only the sound of a footstep was heard and Helios raised his head at him friend. Who seemed to be in loss of words.

All the Crown Prince did was just show the carriage nearby.

Chapter Text

Duchess Hestia, the day on her death. Just suddenly stopped breathing. Even the physicians had no answer on the sickness or any reason to blame this on. On her death bed, all she did was stay motionless. And to stop living. The society talked about this matter a lot. This also making the country a bit more nervous as the rumors of the Emperor's health and the news of Duchess' death combined now.

People sent letters to the duchy. Praying for the duchess to be happy in heaven.

He didn't open any of them. He didn't even read the ones that came to congratulate the negotiations.

It wasn't that he didn't want their praying. But, he was trying to find a reason. Trying to find something to blame it on. Was that it? Was it all just like that? Because she wouldn't give any prophecies anymore, did that mean she had no reason to live this life? Did the god really had to take everything he loved so easily?

Kael crouched near the bed, he didn't want to touch it. It felt like it would also dissapear if he were to even feel the sheets of it. He reached for the drawer and took out the letter he had left for her to read. It didn't even had a single scratch on it for him to think she had read it.

He didn't thought she'd read it to be honest. It isn't that he wanted her to read it perhaps. He would've rathered to tell it to her himself. But could've never tell it to her. It was amusing wasn't it?

"Hestia..."

He spoke after a long time, the moment he said her name; he felt a tear fall from his eye. Even with no feeling at the moment, he cried. Looking at the letter he wrote.

"In another world, I wish to be with you. Don't forget me, I could never forget you."

He read the letter. Two sentence, that meant just enough of his emotions. If he could, he'd pray to god to take his life as well. But, no way. His life was saved by Hestia. The very person who owned his life. The very last thing she left for him to take care of. If he didn't take good care of it, he knows that it would make her sad wouldn't it?

How could god do this to him? It didn't felt fair. He lost his parents, just when he was a child. He lost his friend, because of his love. Because of the women he once loved. And now, he lost his wife. Who he couldn't even be there on her last breath, to hear her last wishes.

Kaelus' eyes rolled away at the thought of a memory, a quick frown. Diana. She came to the duchy to inform her sadness about Duchess Hestia's death. But right after that, inviting him to the palace to ease his mind? Of course, he refused the offer. Though, he could feel that if Hestia heard it she'd be making a face of confusion and annoyance. It almost made him smile just thinking. Seeing her so angry on his behalf.

It was almost... comforting...

He sighed, everything she did was. All her efforts. And all her reactions. It all seemed to make him feel better in some ways. He still couldn't believe it. Just a year ago, on the edge of killing himself. A woman, but not just an ordinary woman. A woman who had the most confidence to break inside his house, entered his room and stopped him from suicide. Just proposed to him, even while knowing his feelings towards Diana at that moment.

He felt blessed now, just meeting her. Like some guardian angel fallen from the heavens. A prophet, daring to use her powers on him. A woman, who gave him too much care but never wanted it back. Is that why?

"Because of your death...?"

He asked himself. Almost expecting an answer. She knew her death, she said to him about her death. He felt guilty for forgetting it. He could've listened more carefully when she said she didn't got any prophecies before he left for the negotiations.

But for the moment, he felt like being silent was the best thing he could do right now. Probably the only thing he can do is this...

After a few seconds, a knock was heard from the door. He didn't answer but behind the door, Uros asked him. As if he knew he was inside the room all along.

"My lord, would you like to have some tea to help you relax? Even a little bit."

Tea? It sounded nice to his ear.

But, right now. While looking at the bed that was just near him. He felt like something else could do that part for him. And he found himself smile, even though another tear fell.

"I think. I'll go with coffee this time."

***

Hm? What... Is this?

My body, that was hurting in that moment. Just felt tired, nothing else. No hurt or no pain.

...No... This can't be... Can it...?

I opened my eyes nervously, expecting the same view after my death. But. Why. Why am I seeing the modern furniture...?

This did not feel right.

I didn't even get to take Kaelus' revenge...!

"So...why...?"

I should feel great. After 3 years inside the novel, I returned to my home. My real home. So, all this that I am feeling should be good for me. Shouldn't it!? Then tell me.

Why is my hand shaking while holding my phone? Why is it shaking uncontrollably while tears are forming on my eyes?

My phone. Yeah, I fell asleep while reading the novel didn't I? I opened the phone. Ah, the date. The same year before I went inside the novel. I haven't forgotten the password even after 3 years, so I opened the lock to find the novel infront of me.

...What can I expect? The end is still the same. But, it didn't felt like I was just dreaming. I felt everything. The rage, the sadness, the fear. Even pain.

I didn't feel like reading it anymore. It felt useless. If my favorite didn't get his own happiness, then what?

I closed my phone, raising myself from my bed to look at my counter. Oh, a dirty coffee cup. I really read this novel too many times.

...

"I think I'll learn to make some tea this time."