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I collapse to my knees as relief washes over me, the weight of stress and fear draining from my body.

I’m so glad… so incredibly glad…

At some point, Flute vanished without any of us noticing. We aren’t exactly friends, and honestly, I’d prefer to avoid demons altogether. Still, I wish I could’ve thanked her.

Afterward, I escort Annabelle to the guest room. We talk for a little while, then I return to my own room.

I change into lighter clothes and head out again, making my way to Olivia’s room.

Inside, I see her resting peacefully. Her breathing is no longer weak and shallow as it was before, confirming that the curse is truly gone.

“Olivia…”

I mutter her name softly, standing beside her bed. My eyes catch a glimmer at the corner of her eye—a single tear sliding down her cheek.

“…Mother…”
“…”

She whispers the word in her sleep, and I instinctively clench my fists.

The bond she shared with her mother was deep and unwavering. Having to fight someone who looked and moved like her, even knowing it was a fake, must have been devastating.

Olivia… She’s been my savior, my anchor, and the person I love most. “Olivia, thank you…” I murmur, leaning closer. “…for loving someone like me.”

I gently press my lips to hers, feeling the warmth of her breath against mine. I wish I could stay like this forever. But I can’t. When I pull back, I notice her hand clasped around mine. My heart races in panic, thinking I might have woken her, but I realize she must have done it unconsciously.

“I’m sorry…” I carefully release her hand and leave the room, the lingering warmth of her touch still on my skin.

The mansion is quiet as I step outside into the cool night air. I walk toward the main gates, my resolve firm, when a voice stops me.

“You’re going, then?”

I expected this. Fan Yen is too perceptive not to have noticed.

“Yes.”
“Olivia will be sad.”

I know that. She’ll be sad, furious even, and maybe she’ll hate me. But still…

“In the end, I can’t think of anything else I can do.”

Dominic’s target is Olivia’s body, and he’ll come for her again. He’ll use that again—the thing that wears Ophelia’s face.

When that happens, Olivia will once again have to fight something bearing the image of her mother. It will scar her—physically, emotionally—and taint her memories of Ophelia forever.

I can’t let that happen. I won’t let that happen.

“Take care of Olivia for me,” I say.
“I will,” Fan Yen replies. “But don’t expect me to vouch for you.”
“That’s fine.” Whatever Olivia’s reaction, I’ll accept it.
“Here, I was told to give you this.”

I turn, surprised, and barely manage to catch a black ball flying toward me. It’s a spool of Steel Silk.

“It’s a special delivery from Aria,” Fan Yen explains. “She said it should ease your worries.”

Of course. Aria must’ve figured out my plan too. I really can’t do anything without them knowing.

“Also, take this along with you.”

I look to the side, where a large figure emerges from the shadows of the mansion.

“Erika…”
“Shaa,” she hisses softly.

She must have followed me, determined to join me.

“Alright. Come with me.”
“Shaaa!”

Turning my back to the mansion, I finally leave for good. Erika follows behind me, silent and resolute.

It’s going to be a hard fight, but I have to do this. I’ll kill Ophelia¹.

Everything feels like a blur in my mind. The only vivid image is my last opponent.

Mother.

She passed away years ago, but somehow she stood before me again. I told myself it was a fake, yet as the fight went on, the line between truth and illusion blurred. I did my best to stay strong, but the pain was unbearable.

“Olivia, thank you,” I hear a voice.

It’s Natalia.

Then I feel something soft against my lips. She kissed me. The conscious part of my mind recognizes this, yet it doesn’t feel as joyous as it should. Something about it feels… heavy.

“I’m sorry…”

Her voice echoes faintly in my ears, tinged with sadness. Natalia? Why do you sound so sad? Wait. No. Don’t go. Please! Stay with me!

“Natalia!!” I reach out, but my hand grasps at nothingness, passing through the empty air.

“…Ah…” It takes me a moment to realize I’m awake. The sunlight streams through the window, bathing the room in soft warmth.

“…Was it just a dream..?”

Yes, it must have been. Just a bad dream.

I try to stand, but my knees give out, and I collapse back down. My entire body feels weak—not just exhausted, but completely drained of mana.

I crawl toward the wall for support, using it to weakly drag myself out of my room.

I want to see Natalia.

I only feel safe when she’s by my side. She’s probably going to scold me for moving around in this condition, but… I don’t care.

Ah, right. I should apologize to her too.

I’ve gotten mad at her so many times for recklessly throwing herself into danger and for wanting to sacrifice herself. But now that I’ve been in a similar situation, I understand. When I was in that moment, I didn’t think about anything but protecting her. That must’ve been how she felt every time.

I’ll apologize.

And then I’ll tell her that I love her, that I want her to always stay with me, and that we’ll face everything together.

Right, Natalia?

I reach her room and push the door open. But she’s not there.

I wasn’t really thinking straight when I came here. It’s daytime—of course, she wouldn’t just be lazing around in her room. She’s probably busy with house chores.

“…Yeah, that must be it…” I mutter, trying to convince myself. But then my eyes catch something on her bed. I know I shouldn’t invade her space, but my unease drives me forward. I waddle closer, struggling to confirm what I’m seeing.

Sadly, I was right. It’s a neatly folded maid uniform, and resting on top is the brooch with a red gemstone—the mark of a Servant.

“…!”

My breath catches in my throat as I stare at the sight, my heart sinking. I know exactly what this means. I’ve known Natalia long enough to understand her thoughts. She’s trying to shoulder everything on her own again².

That clumsy, self-sacrificing kindness—it’s what made me fall in love with her. But right now, it’s what I hate the most.

My vision blurs as tears swell, distorting everything around me.

“Natalia… Natalia…”

I call her name softly at first, my voice cracking with desperation. But there’s no reply.

“Nataliaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa³!!!”

I scream her name with every ounce of strength I have, but the silence that follows is crushing.

I want to chase after her. I need to chase after her.

But my body betrays me. I don’t have the strength to take another step. I collapse onto the bed, gripping the uniform as tears stream down my face. The emptiness she’s left behind feels unbearable⁴.

1. Robinxen: So, she is acknowledging it’s a true resurrection inwardly?
2. Robinxen: If the author was just a tiny bit better at setting this up!
3. Robinxen: This would have been a true emotional moment if they were!!!
4. Robinxen: Still, a good build up to a climax.

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