I didn’t want to beat around the bush and lie, just because it’s difficult and hard to accept.

But being honest wouldn’t necessarily solve this problem either.

In the end, I chose to tell only part of the truth.

“I… came from the future.”

The expression that appeared on Hades’ face at that moment is one I will never forget. He looked like he was checking if I had gone insane.

I sighed. He was so shocked by me saying just that; what would his reaction be if he knew the whole truth?

I vowed never to utter the full truth and continued.

“I’m not crazy, I know exactly what will happen in the future.”

“What future?”

Leto, who didn’t seem as shocked by my declaration as Hades, became quiet. It looked like he was pondering the new information. I turned to Hades with a faint smile.

“A future where Hades is unhappy.”

A glint appeared in Hades’ eyes.

“You came to save me?”

It was a huge misunderstanding, but I didn’t deny Hades’ words. Maybe, just maybe, I wanted to believe that myself.

That everything I did was for Hades.

That it was my destiny to be with Hades.

Hades grabbed my hand and kissed me. Warmth blossomed at the spot where his cold lips pressed. I swallowed my dry saliva. In front of Leto…!

“…Angelica. Well, your name might not be Angelica, but I’ll call you that anyway.”

Luckily, Leto spoke, and at the same moment, Hades let go of me.

“What’s my future like?”

I spoke with all my sincerity, hoping my true feelings would somehow reach Leto.

“You become a hero who kills the Demon King and saves the empire.”

“…”

“Everyone praises Leto, and you live happily ever after with your loved ones. For the rest of your life.”

“No.”

Leto shook his head.

“This time, I don’t even have allies. They all left me. They followed that guy Altair!”

I clenched and opened my eyes.
Somehow, Leto kept regressing, and Altair roamed in Leto’s body. It was unexplainable how two Letos existed, but the reality was undeniable.

“He’s just a fake using your appearance.”

I kicked the corpse of the fallen impostor Shuzhechin with my foot.

“Like… a monster.”

Leto let out a groan.

“I just wish it would all end. I’m sick of all this!”

I took advantage of his moment of weakness to ask a question.

“So why didn’t you use the Devil’s Eye? If you used it, something could…”

“You think I haven’t tried?”

Leto’s face twisted menacingly.

“I failed! Even the Devil’s Eye failed!”

He took large steps toward me. Hades put his arm out in front of me for protection, but Leto paid it no mind.

“One warning for you, lady from the future.”

He smiled wickedly. I was chilled by the evil grin coming from a good person.

“You aim for the Devil’s Eye to go back to the future…”

Hades stiffened. So did my face. I softly touched his arm, but it was not enough to alleviate his tension.

“It’s useless. That damned thing only grants wishes in this world, this time. And I always wake up in the same forest! Far too often!”

Leto’s words shook my entire body. A severe headache assaulted me, almost causing tinnitus. I closed my eyes tightly.

Now I knew that even if I obtained the Devil’s Eye, I couldn’t return home.

But more heartbreaking was the fact that Hades had also realized the truth.

That I had intended to kill the Demon King not to save this world, but to return to the world where I originally belonged.

That I had cornered Hades with just that selfish thought…

“I’m sorry.”

Only after my voice echoed did I realize I was crying.

Once aware, big tears streamed down my cheeks. I didn’t bother wiping them.

Wiping my tears was a luxury at this moment.

“I really am sorry.”

“…Angelica.”

Hades looked down at me slowly. There were no signs of wavering or horror in his gaze. It was as steady as ever.

“Don’t cry.”

His rough hand gently wiped my tears away.

“I’ll grant your wish even if it costs my life.”