Chapter Text
Before the moon reaches the middle of the sky. Until the bird flies into the vast kingdom. Everything cannot be accomplished alone. The moon and the bird are like me, who couldn't have climbed to the top if only relied on talent. I need some auxiliary.
. . .
By sacrificing the flesh and blood of others?
Then how? Since I can't rely on my deformed talent, just a drop of blood, a lump of flesh, it would be worth what ‘That Master’ promised to give me.
. . .
How can you believe that sacrifice only requires one drop of blood?
What ‘That Master’ demanded might have been an entire ocean of blood.
Is it truly worth what you've lost to never get back, Master?
Ssoo-ik —!
Lifeless eyes arose from an endless slumber with the sound of metal falling against the side of his body. He awoke to darkness and the strong smell of copper in his nostrils. The blurry image was turned upside down by the head lying on its side, resembling a paralyzed person. Long blonde hair spread out on the cold, damp floor. The young man abnormally opened his mouth which was still strewn with blood. Nothing but silence spoke out.
When his eyes grew accustomed to the darkness, the sharp dagger revealed itself. He looked at the weapon that had awakened him from his dream and reached out with his left hand to grab it. But just reaching at arm's length, his wrist was pulled back, and the sound of the chain jerking. His other hand was chained to heavy metal, making it difficult to move.
“That dagger could be used to cut off my hand…”
The iron shackle surrounding his wrist was too strong. Thus, the only way out is to sacrifice himself for freedom. He tried to gather his strength and crawl towards the sharp object. But the chains around his neck and ankles did not allow the prisoner to go very far.
I can't slit my neck.
The prisoner struggled against his restraints until his consciousness faded and he lay exhausted. So, he turned to examine his condition, which was horrible to look at. His white long-sleeved shirt was tarnished by dirt and dried blood stains. The midnight vest with a vermilion lapel was torn as if it had been slashed by a sharp object. Dusty pants are far from clean. The coat, the pitch-black cravat, and the cornflower brooch were lost without a trace. The only treasure left was a silver ring embedded with garnet worn on his left pinky finger.
Chains all over my body like this...I probably won't be able to escape.
At that moment, the dark blonde man resigned himself to his fate and no longer tried to escape. Suddenly, a clamorous sound prevented his consciousness from fading away. He glanced over the bars of the prison and saw a tall figure dressed in pure white like a sect's priest on the other side. One hand holding a candlestick. His other hand held the wooden club he had used to knock on the cage just moments before.
“Have you accepted your fate? I am watching the shameful struggle with great interest...Count Frederick,” protested the young priest.
“Frederick? Who do you mean...” he asked with empty eyes.
“It’s you. Have you forgotten even your own name? Even better...”
I am Frederick?
The first fragments of memory dripped into the dry well. Causing his skull to hurt so severely that he had to hold his head in agony. Frederick clenched his jaw. Not wanting to listen to the effusive words of the priest
“Purifying the sins of the past 33 days would have better results than expected. You lost all your memories with the iniquity of your soul. If you wish to revive the past, you shall. But knowing your own grave sin is worthless. Because when the dawn comes, you will be sent to the execution ground anyway.”
“I have never done anything wrong,” he insisted.
“That's because you don't remember. There are only a few moments before dawn, please continue to repent your sin with your hollowness. Or if you can't wait patiently. Then take that poisoned dagger and cut your own throat. Demon like you can choose the way to die.”
Frederick clenched his fists until his knuckles were pale white. He stared at the disciple of God with murderous intent. “Soon...my knight will surely come to help me out of this wild place. Then I will slit your throat.”
“A dead person cannot be resurrected. You should know this best, shouldn't you...?”
Already dead?
He grinned, hiding his doubts. “Don't frighten me, Priest. How could such a masterly knight die?”
“...” The other party couldn't help but look at him pitifully. Eventually, he cut off the conversation. “Keep your mind still and pray to Him one last time. I will come back again to take you to the execution stage.”
The light from the candlestick suddenly flickered along with the charitable man. The count's fake smile slowly faded as darkness returned to his view. He had no memories left except his name and his guardian knight. Yet, inside his chest, he felt anguish for no reason.
“How could my knight die…That's nonsense.” Frederick laughed as though it were a child's trick. But his eyes were indescribably heartache.
“How could everything in my life disappear...” His strength was nearly gone, as was his consciousness. Just thinking about the knight who was everything to him made him weak. There was no other way but to lie down on the freezing ground, waiting for his execution.
He coughed up black blood.
.
.
.
How much more do you have to lose before that's enough?
Until it's satisfied.
So, when will it be satisfied? Master, you are trading everything for nothing. There's no light at the end of this corpse-strewn tunnel.
Don't call me Master, please...Lord Antonio. I am Frederick, who has been with you since an innocent age. Please don't look at me like that and act like we're distant people...
Then let go of that unconscious child...Master.
.
.
.
“Don't hate me...my heart can't take it.”
His faint voice delirious spoke into the emptiness. This heart was so lonely. Filled with empty that cannot be filled. Before Frederick could open his eyes to found himself bound. He could hear the voices of two people having an uninterrupted conversation. From a whisper, it became louder and louder, until now it was crying beside his ears.
The deep voice that addressed the interlocutor as ‘Master’ was his guardian knight. And he himself is the Master. They have preserved the essence of music side by side for over a decade. Until recently, the two turned to subverting the meaning of talent among themselves. Dusty piano wedge. A violin with only one string remaining. The duo's song was isolated in silence when one of them betrayed Euterpe and converted to the darkness.
Loyalty never brings the sweet aroma of success. A goddess or a god would be impotent if they could not change the destiny of just one person. Master lost faith and lost his talent ever since as his family wished to exterminate him to honor someone exactly like him.
What a sad news. My youngest son, Frederick Kreiburg, has passed away from a life-threatening illness. On behalf of his father, I am deeply moved and mourned for him.
But my audiences, from now on his ‘twin brother’ standing beside me will take over Frederick's responsibilities. Don't worry, he is also a talented musician...
“Is that why I have to live like this…” His memories were damaged, shattered into tens of thousands of pieces like a mirror. No matter how hard he tries to revive it. Hundreds of billions of fragments were hopeless to piece together. Some were blurry, some were blind. He couldn't remember anything at all.
Except for that memory of Crescent Knight that was still clear. The Count remembered every detail without missing a piece. According to the priest, he lost his memory due to the 33-day purification ritual. It probably wasn't completely erased. Because he still remembered his exquisite face, lunar silver hair, passionless eyes, dulcet voice, and everything about Lord Antonio unforgettably.
The ritual probably affected my brain quite a bit. But as long as I engrave Lord Antonio in my heart...I will never forget him, never.
But what is the value of remembering the man I love on one side?
Because soon I will die.
The light in his eyes dimmed as he accepted his fate. The chains around his neck, his two hands, and his feet were a bond to keep him away from death. But it holds him back even further from freedom. Since he couldn't even just pick up a dagger and stab himself, he would have no choice but to wait for his execution.
Frederick held the silver garnet ring on the finger of his left hand and let out a faint smile. The mist of memories opened the first chapter of the beyond wildest dream story told by a knight and a noble. Since he could only remember this one tale from the past. There is perhaps no other Epilogue Prior Perishment that is more fitting than this one.
“We first met on the day I threw my life away into a pond...”
Yesterday was still painful. A fifteen-year-old boy abandoned everything and escaped from the cage of a silver bird, whose song, no matter how melodious it is, is deafening to its owner's ears. Instead, the twins who were just silent were praised and raised to the altar. Throughout the injustice he faced, he forced himself to live his life as someone who was never good enough. Never felt at peace. There is only a calm pond on how many times he gazes, it always brings him a sense of tranquility.
He loved the still waters and desired to sink to the bottom to be one with peace forever. That full moon night, Frederick weighted his body against a rock, hoping to dive to the deepest. The water was calm and cold as expected. The tranquility rapidly took his breath away yet he didn't struggle. He sank until he saw the angel of death waiting to welcome his soul at the bottom. But then a white angel snatched his body to the surface of the water before he could die as he wished.
‘You've finally recovered...I thought you would never recover and I had to play the violin to pay my last mourning.’
‘Why do you help me...I'm about to die.’
‘How old are you?’
‘Fifteen’
‘You have only seen the Blue Moon phenomenon five times in your life...I heard that in another three years, the moon will be bigger and more beautiful than any you've ever seen before. The Blue Moon occurs every three years and each time is never the same. Wouldn't it be better if you waited to see that wonderful lunar phenomenon one more time?’
The Moon Disciple who saved his life from the waters was about ten years older than him. He had seen the Blue Moon phenomenon many times. He had experienced the wonders of nature more than he could imagine. But Frederick, at the age of fifteen, had no desire to reap any further miraculousness since meeting Lord Antonio.
Because Lord Antonio is the most precious phenomenon that if he dies, there will be no chance of seeing him again forever.
That was the first time he encountered the meaning of life. He wanted to live for Lord Antonio and had always thought of him from far away since the full moon night. The other party was a towering and slender man. His skin was as soft white as snow amidst the setting sun. Hair as pristine pale as the silver moonlight. His lips always wore a charming smile that, if he were a nobleman, would melt the hearts of every noblewoman. It could be said that Frederick was fortunate that he was not a wealthy nobleman. But he was a knight who swung his sword and killed his enemies while playing a soothing violin.
Beyond the waters that Frederick loved, he probably loved the nonchalance in those irresistible eyes. Fascinated by the way the knight slaughtered the thieves. Taking off the blood from his sword and looked at them pitifully. He still remembers the fluttering feeling in his heart when he secretly stalked him. In his heart, he desperately wished for Lord Antonio to plunge the tip of his sword into his heart with an indifferent look. Or else, he would have to come to his side no matter what.
Count Kreiburg believes in fate, but power can make his life as he desires faster than heaven. When he was still in power, he asked his father for a guardian to protect him wherever he performed music. Three days later, the man of the moon he had dreamed of immediately knelt and pledged allegiance. Lord Antonio was an independent knight and settled down with his family without hindrance. From then until the present, more than fifteen years. They are therefore considered to be the closest and most familiar people.
However, during the past year, there must have been some fluctuations that he couldn't remember. So, the two separated and went in different directions and he was about to end his life in this prison, helplessly, without the family that he once loved and respected. Only the memories of important person remain that circulate like haunts. Frederick smiled bitterly, not knowing what happened earlier. Yet, he felt unreasonable regret for the things he had done.
‘A dead person cannot be resurrected. Shouldn't you know this best?’
He choked out another black blood clot.
“I have never done anything wrong...”
That's because you don't remember.
“I didn't…” His vision became blurry. He saw a faint pool of pitch-black blood that had been vomited out.
If he fell asleep, he couldn't know if he would wake up in the same place, the execution stage, or never wake up again. But the little strength and consciousness that remained forced the devil to give up in the end.
.
.
.
Is it truly worth what you've lost to never get back, Master?
What have I lost to the point of no return? You know that I have nothing left to lose. This ritual is my only salvation and I must accomplish it.
Take a look around you and think carefully first...Maybe you will lose your last resort. Losing your talent even more than before. Or you may lose me and never come back...
.
.
.
Bang—!!
The prisoner was startled by the violent rumble. He looked around, his heart pounding. The sound that woke him from his slumber this time was no longer from the deadly weapon. But it was a brick wall of a cage that was cracked and gaping. And that thunderous sound came from heavy bricks falling on the floor. The hole was wide enough for him to slip through and escape. Still, the mysterious traces of decay continued to spread more and more.
Every frightening noise. Every bit of vision of the outside world became clearer. His dark eyes glowed with the moonlight that shone into the cage. Opening the way to light and stimulating stagnant hope to struggle again. The way to escape was in front of him. Frederick tried to escape from his chains. The shackle has been tried to unlock. Both slammed the metal restraints onto the ground causing damage. But every effort was in vain and only sapped his strength.
The wall was undermined by the undefinable until a full moon painting fully revealed the canvas. He saw the moonlight not far away, yet beyond the reach of these chains. Despair and vengeance overwhelmed his chest until the young man slammed the barrier holding his wrists on the ground, he screamed in rage.
“Let me out!!!”
Frederick screamed like a maniac. Even though the only way to escape was in front of him, he couldn't escape. Depression returned, forcing his weary body to lie down and wait for death while the sound of the wall breaking and the sound of dozens of footsteps still be heard. The priests were aware of the thunderous bang and aimed to take him to the execution as quickly as possible.
“Hurry up! Don't let that hellish creature escape!!”
Bang—!!!
The barrier to the outside world had completely collapsed. The gusts of wind rattled his ears, but he could still hear the roar of the priests coming closer and closer. He could hear everything, see everything. But with no way to escape, he chose to embrace the end. A strong lunar ray shone on his entire blasé body. Suddenly, every chain that bound him was shattered into useless scraps of iron. Frederick opened his eyes and looked at his wrists, and ankles, and touched his naked neck that had been released from its restraints. He turned to watch the moon floating in the sky.
“Moonlight...?”
“He has broken free from his chains!”
There's no time for questioning.
The Count quickly grabbed his dagger, forced himself to his feet, and limped towards a gap in the wall. Seeing a towering figure with moon-white hair, blurry due to his fading consciousness. He didn't think anymore. Just held hands with a mysterious person and looked down at the steep ground, as if this prison was built on the edge of a cliff. There was a waterfall not far away. But if he misses, he will fall down and undoubtedly die. Frederick began to tremble from the height as the man beside him tightened his grip. This was the only way out that he didn't want to risk the most. But the door of the cage that had been unlocked dispelled all fear. They held each other's hands as tightly as they could before jumping down together.
The group of priests who saw the sight of the prisoner jumping to his death were at their wits' end.
“What was he thinking about on a cliff this high and jumping to his death like that?” one disciple wondered.
“Does this mean that our mission has been accomplished? Lord Murphy.”
The owner of the name, who had a pure white appearance contrasting with his soot-black hair, moved his hands behind his back—replied the disciples in a cold voice.
“Even the chains couldn't take him away. Just by jumping off a cliff, he will be safe... Don't be careless and slip up again. You all know that ‘Demon’ cannot die that easily.”
Wild honey silk spread out like vines that burrowed into the rock by the waterfall. His whole body was soaked from the water and blood that drenched all over the rock pillow. Crescent Knight looked at the blood on his hand and the unresponsive man. His master was not a strong swimmer, so it was his duty to hastily help him up. But is it already too late?
“Master…Frederick…” Strong hands touched his pale, still-warm face. He was still breathing, but it was so faint he could barely feel it.
“...” The expressionless eyes began to dim as the other party still lay motionless like a dead person.
Death was a common thing that the knight who saw things perish every day were accustomed to. Death is just passing away and no longer feel any concern. Just being a past that floats aimlessly. Perhaps Frederick had become such a thing without realizing it as he did.
“Cough—!”
In just a moment, his master suddenly recovered and choked on the water he accidentally ingested. His misty, watery eyes stared straight at his cold savior before he immediately sat up until his consciousness blurred. The heart that had stopped pumping blood for a long time came back to life. Frederick did not know if this vision was reality or a dream, so he said the holy name with a trembling voice.
“Lord Antonio...”
“You've finally recovered, Master.”
“It really is you…” Tears filled his eyes as he saw that everything in his life before him was real. Two wrists with red marks from the chains reached out to touch him. But his head, which was dizzy from blood loss, made him collapse.
Lord Antonio caught him before he fell down, exhausted again. He heard the sound of heavy breathing.
“You've come back...come back to me...”
“We have to get out of here,” he said in a low voice.
“Where are we going…to my tower?”
“I already have my destination.”
With that, the Count's wet body floated into the arms of the knight who didn't give him a chance to question. The closer he was, the more the coldness gnawed at his heart. However, he rested comfortably on his cold skin because from now on they would never be separated again.
The knight carried him through a forest where time seemed to never have existed. All that time, drowsiness came back to take over and make his consciousness completely cloudy. He would have fallen asleep and never woken up if it weren't for Lord Antonio's voice to keep him awake along the way.
“Don't ever fall asleep...Frederick.”
Frederick may have blurred vision from losing so much blood. But the gentle smile that adorned Lord Antonio's lips was so soothing
He hasn't smiled at me for so long...
At the cabin in the forest
Amid the forest and under the starry sky, there stood a small wooden cabin. The silver moon glowed softly, illuminating the night like a second sun, providing light for the creatures of the night. Despite being there for some time, the visitor had not seen any animals. Instead, there were only grassy bushes and tall branches swaying in the gentle breeze. Late at night, the air is naturally freezing. But the warmth of the bonfire that had been lit would keep him warm until the cold was forgotten.
Frederick sat hugging his knees, looking enchanted at the flickering flames of the fireplace. As he was born into a noble family, he had never been allowed to do anything on his own until he got used to it. Unlike Lord Antonio, who was talented and virtuous in all things. Frederick couldn't even cut wood or start a simple fire. If he had to suspect, this cozy cabin was built by Lord Antonio himself, from the foundation to the roof.
Although it was not as opulent as Kreiburg Mansion, he found himself drawn to the simplicity of the cabin's furniture and decor. In one corner, there was a white futon, and beside the window lay a wooden table with various objects scattered about. The small bookcase filled him with joy upon seeing it. In addition to these, there was an empty shelf for vases, an armor stand, a white violin, and so much more that he couldn't take it all in one night.
Lord Antonio took off his armor and hung it up, followed by his white crescent mask with a golden pattern, and then stripped his clothes. Frederick buried his face in his knees. Even though they've been together for more than fifteen years, some things are still unwonted.
. . .
“Master.”
The person who was nudged raised his head to answer. A set of clean clothes was handed to him.
“Hurry and change your clothes. Your clothes are drenched, you'll catch a fever.”
“I can wear your clothes?”
The knight shook his head and smiled in response. “This is yours. I think the size would be a perfect fit. As for the clothes you take off, I will wash them for you.”
Kindest as always. “Thank you very much...”
With that, Frederick began to peel off his black vest and white shirt. The dirt, torn marks, and blood stains were so numerous that it was worrying. He had no idea how the priests had tortured him for 33 days because when he woke up his memories were gone. The only thing he can remember is this Guardian Knight who picked up his dirty clothes and gazed at his bare, white-spotted body without loathing.
“The mark on your neck.” Cold fingertips touched skeptically the red, bruised mark around his neck, like someone who hung a rope on their neck.
“I had a chain around my neck when I was there for 33 days. It was so uncomfortable that I couldn't breathe... From now on, I won't dare wear anything that strangles me again.”
“Both the wrists and ankles must have been chained as well.” He scanned his eyes, taking in every detail. Those red marks have alike origins.
And that faint cut on his wrist…is still there.
“At that time, I thought of using a dagger to help me escape. But that also meant I had to cut off my hands, my feet, and my own throat. Fortunately, I don't have to do that.”
Frederick flashed a blank smile. Make eye contact with the savior who is buttoning his shirt. Lord Antonio was silent at that sentence, yet his brows visibly furrowed.
Your unsympathetic never changes...but my love for you never changes either.
. . .
A thick blanket covers his broad shoulders, and he hugs himself for warmth. While the owner of the cabin arranges things before stopping by the cooking stove.
Lord Antonio turned and said “You have been locked up in prison for several days and you probably haven't eaten anything. I still have some ingredients left. Whatever you want to eat, tell me.”
Frederick tried to recall all the tortures he had suffered. He couldn’t remember whether he ate food or sipped a drop of water during that time. When the last meal he was given. Indeed, he had probably forgotten the taste of food as well.
However, he did not feel starved or even have the slightest appetite.
“I'm not hungry.”
“But you haven't eaten anything for 33 days.”
The Count was stunned and the knight stared at him with suspicion. This time, his brows furrowed even more than when he saw the traces of the chains.
“I must have been so starving that I forgot about my hunger...” He smiled frivolously to cover up his doubts about his physical condition.
“Even so, you should get some nutrition for yourself. You've lost blood. If you don't eat anything, you'll faint again. Let me boil some beef soup for you.”
“Please eat first. I really can't…”
“...”
They ended up eating nothing that night.
The sparks of fire that erupted were soothing to hear. A middle-aged man with hair down to his ankles sat with his eyes closed while listening to the sounds of nature. Felt the pure magic power slowly flowing into his empty spirit jar, bringing him back to life. He hummed in delight at the magic cascading through him before being silenced when the figure lying on his lap said,
“All the time I was imprisoned in that mortal abyss...where have you been?” "Frederick said in a low voice as if he was talking to himself.
Lord Antonio's hand that was running through his hair suddenly became as frost as ice.
“Is it difficult to say?”
“Don't you remember where I went?” he asked in return.
“I haven't told you yet that I lost my memory because of those priests... When I woke up, I didn't remember anything at all. Even my name was forgotten. So, I don't know where you've gone.”
“I went...to a faraway land. It was freezing and barren that not a single tree could grow. Even a city dweller would be arduous to find. I stayed there for a while and then returned because I knew you were in danger.”
“Then why did you go to such a distant and arduous land?” The questioner stared at him curiously.
The responder looked away from him and explained, “Because it is the path before I can return and help you. Some people chose to remain on that path indefinitely, but it's not what I wanted. That's why I disappeared.”
He listened to the reason but it remained unclear. Several parts seemed to have been omitted to keep the answer concise. That didn't help Frederick comprehend the situation any better. But how someone who loves with all their heart cannot trust the one who reigns their heart? Even if the other party deceives him, he still believes it with all his heart.
“Yet, in the end, you came back and saved my life. The matter of your disappearance is no longer important. As long as you are with me...”
Crescent Knight felt a little uneasy in his heart as he looked down at his master who was smiling, pretendedly this world had never had a nightmare before. He pitied that empty smile and felt guilty for being dishonest. But sometimes it is better to forget than to remember.
“You have saved my life repeatedly. No matter how close I’ve come to death, you’ve always been there to guide me back. If the opportunity ever arises, I would be honored to return the favor and save your life as well.”
“Do you really want to save my life?” He gently ruffled the hair of the man on his lap.
“Well, you helped me when I was drowning twice. You saved me from my family who wanted to exterminate me. Even tonight you helped me escape execution. My life has always depended on you. It might be time for me to save your life and make your life depend on me alone.” Frederick chuckled.
Lord Antonio let out a smile at the impossible thing.
For some things, it's probably best to just forget about it.
“It's very late at this time. Get some rest, Master.”
“So, it's time to sleep.” The younger one pulled the blanket over himself and held his pale hand into snuggle, longingly for warmth.
But it wasn't warm at all.
Frederick touched his frigid palm. “Why...your hands are so cold?”
“It's because of the cold weather.”
“But at least there should be a little bit of warmth... You're freezing, right? Would you like me to cover you with my blanket? I'm not that cold.”
Lord Antonio dissuaded the other party from giving him the only blanket in the cabin. “It's not necessary. As a knight, I can endure the cold. You'd better keep yourself warm.”
The other man nodded, yet before falling asleep, he still didn't forget to say goodnight.
“I love you so much. Just want you to know...”
“...”
The beloved one didn’t say anything in response as usual. Frederick had been telling him how much he loved him every night for fifteen years. If ever there was a night when he didn't express his love or see his beloved, he would become anxious and have nightmares. Since the master was poisoned with white wine by a member of his family and nearly died. He had fled to an abandoned tower on the outskirts of the city and didn't trust anyone except Lord Antonio, who had been living with him for over a decade. Lord Antonio was therefore like an anchor of the mind, a trusted confidante, and the only man he loved firmly.
Frederick perhaps thought he was unsympathetic and heartless. Lord Antonio wants to argue that the other party has been wrong. He had always wanted to confess his feelings since his 25th birthday. If the person he loved hadn't changed for the worse like that...
I might have an unsteady heart.
But can a person truly love someone who takes the lives of others for their own gain?
'I have no one left. Father, mother, brother, and others all want to get rid of me. No one wants to listen to my songs anymore... What is the value of a life without people praising it?'
'You still have me together. Shall I stay with you and be an audience of your performances from now on? Don't mourn over those people, my master. You are worth infinite...'
The abandoned tower was their last refuge and home. They had to hide from the Kreiburg family's sight. Burying themselves so others believed he was dead, as the news announced. Frederick's 20th and Lord Antonio's 33rd years were spent wandering in a world that would never be the same. From nobleman to former fallen musician. From knight to everything in one's life. They only had each other, so they could only embrace and comfort the weeping one, fearing that they would lose their last light.
'Don't leave me...I have only you left.'
How could I abandon the one I love?
If it weren't for...
. . .
'What the hell are you doing? Stop stabbing that man! Put down the knife now!! I told you to stop now. Frederick!!!'
'Don't even think about stepping foot into my ritual circle. Back off!!'
'He's dead already, enough for you!!! And what is that other corpse next to him?! Have you lost your mind, Master?!”
'Yes, I'm insane! But just a few more corpses and I'll be perfect. Faultless. I will become a composer whose talent will be praised! So don't get in my way!!!'
. . .
An ocean of blood surged every time the knife was plunged into the lump of flesh. Splashing across the face that yearned for talent, erasing the former appearance of the once dignified composer. Lord Antonio tried to stop the ritual consistently. But every time the Count, in a state of mindlessness and tears streaming down his face, would point his weapon at him like an enemy, with the corpses of sacrifices strewn in the background. Sometimes, he was seen strangling a mysterious man while crying non-stop. He shed tears almost to the point of blood, yet he never stopped his hand from getting blood from those people.
'I hurt so much... So devastated.'
If you are hurt, why don't you release the weapon that hurts others to death first?
Please, Lord. At that time he had thought of ending everything by ending Frederick's life. Set him free from agony. But the dying cries that he heard every night stopped that thought. Thus, he graciously gave him a chance by hoping that the other party would repent. And that kindness was the trigger that escalated everything until it became an ultimate crisis.
I have no desire to take the life of the one I love. Yet perhaps, I wish that if I had against my heart back then...
You wouldn't have to live in such suffering like this.
“Antonio...Lord Antonio?”
Crescent Knight, who had been absent-minded for a long time, suddenly regained consciousness when a warm hand touched his cheek. The past life caused him to fall into a trance and not be aware of his surroundings. He didn’t know when the Count, whose hands were previously covered in blood, came to sit with his head on him and watch the sunset together.
“What are you thinking about?”
“It's just an old story, don't pay any attention to it.” He gazed away.
“Is it about me? If so, please tell me about it. Since I woke up that night, I can barely remember anything about myself.”
Frederick caressed his pale cheek, his eyes pleading. The other man looked into those pair of eyes harrowingly before holding his warm hand.
“Maybe...the fact that we can't remember the past at all is ecstatic. No need to remember either good or bad. Live in the present. Live with ourselves today. I think it would be best for you.”
I can't tell him those nightmares.
“So you're going to let me live like this without any memory...?” He took his hand from Lord Antonio's and touched his neck, which was wrapped in white cloth to cover the bruises from the chains. “What an adrift thought.”
“Let go of your past, Master.”
“We have been hiding in this cabin for a week now. You never told me anything. Always evasive. I guess my past isn't memorable at all, right?”
The older man spoke through gritted teeth. “Let's live in the present. Thinking back to yesterday is useless. Is the past so important to you that you wanted to know it so pathetic?”
His silver moon eyes glowered involuntarily. Frederick froze at the harsh tone of his voice.
"It's...it's important." His first tears fell. “I just want to remember myself, that's all.”
A wave of agony rushed straight into his bloodless heart to widen pain. Lord Antonio saw the susceptibility flowing down his cheeks and couldn't hold himself back from embracing him. When they were close, the sound of wailing became louder and pitiful. His strong hands rubbed his trembling back as he apologized.
“I'm sorry, I was wrong, Frederick... One day, when I'm ready, I'll tell you everything. I promise, please don't be desolate...”
“That’s hurt...”
After hearing that, he loosened his arms. The master held his heart with a trace of sorrow filling his chest. Each word that was spoken through sobs was shattered.
“I’m in so much pain. Do you feel the same pain in your heart as I do...?”
The white-haired man nodded.
Pain to death
“But you don't want to tell me right now, that's fine...I can always wait. I'm talented at waiting, you know that?” He said with a forced smile, quickly wiping away tears.
His lips smiled, but his eyes didn’t. Lord Antonio had been trying to heal him and make him smile in both eyes and lips for decades, but he had failed. Now there's another opportunity. He wouldn't let it go to waste.
Long pale arms wrapped around the body of the despondent eyes owner. Hug him tightly and whisper in a soft voice.
“I will certainly tell you someday. But you've been living in a lonely cabin for a week now... Do you want anything or do anything? You’re so distressed”
“Is there anything I want?” Frederick repeated in a quiet voice. “I have finished reading every book. The flowers next to the cabin had all withered. I don't have any passion for playing music either...”
“So...shall we go back to the tower together?”
The knight stopped blinking at those words. His original purpose was to bring Master to live in a cabin in the middle of the forest, away from the people, until he expired. But once said, one shouldn’t be dishonest.
“I agree.”
The Count smiled broadly in delight. He wrapped his arms around the other man's neck, a lively voice said.
“We will be leaving at dawn tomorrow! You must be the one to guide me back.”
“Sure, everything.”
I came back to you again for this very reason...