Darkness fell once again. Sporadic voices could be heard, but it wasn’t easy to open my eyes and escape the swamp-like slumber.

When I opened my eyes, it was dawn. I tried to get up and tossed my body. Then, someone cast a shadow over me.

Idriche?

“Oh, my Cecilia. Are you awake? Would you recognize who I am?”

No.

“…Terminus.”

“Oh my goodness. Yes, that’s right. You’ve finally come to your senses. I was worried because you didn’t wake up for days.”

I couldn’t wake up for days?

What happened?

Trying to recall the events made my head throb.

“If it’s difficult, don’t try to remember. It’s better to rest now.”

Terminus gently placed his hand over my eyes.

I closed my eyes comfortably as if following his words, but inside, I was actively trying to remember. Something must have happened.

Memories replayed slowly.

Ah, I went to the royal palace. I went there, inhaled hallucinogenic smoke, and Idriche…

My heart sank heavily.

“What about Idriche?”

I opened my eyes abruptly. Without feeling the pain in my body or caring about my sore throat, I scanned the room.

But Idriche was nowhere to be seen.

It’s strange. There has never been a time when Idriche wasn’t by my side when I was in pain like this.

Terminus raised the corner of his mouth.

What could this mean?

“Well, Idriche is currently absent.”

“Where is he?”

“I’ll tell you later. Rest for now.”

“But…”

As if Terminus had no intention of answering me any further, he stood up from his seat.

“Don’t worry too much about Idriche. He’ll be back soon. And even if it’s nursing, I can handle it alone at the highest level. I’ll bring you something to eat. Just wait a little.”

Terminus grinned.

Terminus nursed me as promised, providing me with everything I needed. He prepared easy-to-eat meals made from the finest ingredients for every meal and allowed me to take a stroll in the garden sitting in a wheelchair to enjoy the sunlight during the day.

Thanks to him, it was difficult for me to stand alone at first, but now I could even walk on my own.

As soon as I could walk comfortably, I went to take care of those who were injured and died in the palace that day. We, who had experienced the same pain and tragedy, shed tears together as soon as we met.

“Cecilia, I’m glad you’re safe.”

But not everyone was like that. Some people, especially those who were injured because of Idriche, did not let me in and drove me away.

It was not incomprehensible. Although we were in a situation where we attacked each other, the fact remained that Idriche had caused fear to everyone that day… And fear was not easily forgotten.

Among them, the leader of the mole tribe, Talfinis, went so far as to reconsider the alliance with Idriche and left.
“Do not spare economic support until their bodies and minds are fully healed.”

“Yes, I was providing support as instructed by Idriche.”

Upon Zeroth’s words, I looked at him hesitantly. Idriche had not returned so far, and neither Zeroth nor anyone else had brought up the topic of Idriche to me.

“Zeroth, do you really not know where Idriche is?”

“Yes, I apologize, but I don’t know. He left silently on his own…”

I bit my lip.

In fact, I seemed to know why he left.

Dream-like memories had surfaced a few days ago.

The moment in my memory was entirely dark. Whether it was dark because it was night or if my vision hadn’t recovered, I couldn’t tell.

However, I vaguely knew that Idriche was in front of me.

“Why… are you crying?”

I wanted to ask, but my throat hurt so much that I couldn’t utter a word, as if swallowing a blade.

Idriche, who had tears staining his face, silently wiped my face. A strong tremor was felt from his touched fingertips.

“Don’t say anything. It’s enough since you’re awake now.”

In his choked voice, I felt like my tears would follow suit. Whispers of comfort reached my ears.

“I’m sorry, Cecilia. Don’t forgive me.”

No. It must be a dream.

Idriche wouldn’t leave me. He promised never to leave my side.

But despite my faith, Idriche had not returned for a long time, and his tear-stained face became clearer and clearer.

⭐️⭐️⭐️

Perkop and Ozar sat facing each other at a long dining table, slicing meat. The cold faces of the two seemed eerily similar.

Perkop, who had been silently eating throughout, put down his utensils and wiped his mouth. It signaled the end of the meal. Ozar quickly set down my knife as well. Servants swiftly cleared away the remaining food. In no time, all traces of the meal were wiped clean.

“Was it well-resolved this time?”

Perkop’s slow voice inquired.

“Yes, those who witnessed the cruelty of that white tiger’s nature won’t be able to stay together any longer. After seeing him tear apart and kill our alliance and witnessing that, the weak molekin animals will all have fear towards him.”

“Foolish creatures. Why crawl up to the palace even to Atigra… It’s good for us, but it’s ridiculous. If they don’t have enough trust to entrust their lives to each other, the alliance is just a momentary thing. What’s the actual response?”