However, Ophelia did not look back.

Her stubbornness was so strong that she would not give in even once. It was enough to drive one mad. Idren pushed away the man’s hands gripping his shoulders and choking his neck.

The rough grip came off more easily than expected. Soon, Idren could understand why.

It was because ‘that thing’ inside Netepel Runtalis was clutching its head and screaming.

“No! This is my body! It’s mine!”

Though weakened, it was still a human voice.

Idren pushed away the writhing Netepel Runtalis and ran after his wife. It was then that he heard the chilling voice that seemed to scratch his spine.

“Going to Ophelia? That won’t do.”

And Netepel Runtalis leaped past him with bizarre movements no human could make. The eerie gesture sent chills down his spine involuntarily. Idren wished desperately that Ophelia would avoid him even now.

But through the flames, Ophelia was staring at them with her blue eyes.

With a dagger in one hand, Ophelia watched Netepel rushing towards her.

He had now shed his human appearance. His face was strangely distorted, and his legs were splayed in a way unlike any bipedal creature.

Behind him, Idren ran shouting.

“Get out of the way!”

Ophelia ignored what was probably the most desperate wish of his life.

She was sorry to Idren, but she had something to protect.

For that, she could momentarily ignore her husband’s terror.

Netepel leaped at her with his face contorted by something that could be either ecstasy or greed dripping from it. Ophelia did not avoid his gaze but met it head-on as she quickly raised her arm. She plunged the dagger into the center of the man’s chest as he rushed towards her.

It would have meant her neck being twisted if she failed, but fortunately, the surprise attack succeeded.

As if he hadn’t expected her to act this way, Netepel opened his eyes wide in disbelief.

“Ophelia, after all I’ve done for you, how could you… to me…”

Staggering back a couple of steps, Netepel reached out to her. His hand, streaming with smoke and fluid, was charred black.

He mumbled in a hoarse voice.

“You’re not this kind of person.”

“No.”

And Ophelia approached him. Grasping the dagger embedded in the man’s chest, she twisted it with all her might. The blade buried deep under the skin slowly turned, making a crunching sound. It was the sound of muscles and organs being torn.

She faced her enemy, who was gasping with his mouth agape.

“I am this kind of person.”

Time and experiences had indeed changed her.

But even that changed self was entirely her own. Thinking, deciding, and acting for herself, without any addition or subtraction.

No matter how someone might want to see her in their own way, that fact remained unchanged.

Ophelia grasped her childhood friend’s chest with both hands, he still looking at her with disbelieving eyes. She spoke with sincerity.

“Netepel, I despise you so much. You’re insufferable, disgusting, and repulsive.”

So I wish you would just die like this.

Gripping his collar tightly, Ophelia pushed him with all the strength she could muster. The well was right behind Netepel.

Netepel fell backward, his eyes still wide open. Not taking her eyes off that sight, Ophelia pulled at the trace of blood vessel she had worn around her neck. The silver thread connecting the blue jewel broke with a slight pain.

Throwing the royal heirloom over the villain falling underground, Ophelia made a wish.

“Let’s never meet again.”

At that moment, it began to rain.

It was a downpour.

The flames that had surrounded them began to extinguish with agonizing sounds. Smoke and ash sprayed in all directions along with the rainwater pouring from the sky.

As she blankly stared at a sight she had never encountered in her life, Idren grabbed her forearm. With his mouth tightly shut as if thoroughly angered, the man threw her over his shoulder.

Ophelia remained docile as the man carried her, holding her tight with the will to prevent her from escaping, taking large strides. She had just thoroughly vexed him, so it seemed dangerous in many ways to provoke him further.

Idren only put her down when they reached the minimal shelter from the rain under the castle gate. Ophelia noticed soot on his face. She supposed her own appearance wasn’t much different.

“Are you hurt anywhere?”

She was worried, but Idren shouted angrily.

“What do you think you’re doing!”

“Well, I didn’t mean to…”

As she stammered an excuse, Ophelia slightly frowned. Should she say it was intentional? Usually, when one plans and acts, it’s intentional.

But making Idren this upset wasn’t part of the plan, was it?

It was then that Idren, glaring at her with a face flushed red, stretched out his arms.

As she was suddenly embraced by him, Ophelia realized. This man was truly frightened. His whole body was trembling.

Suppressing all sorts of emotions, Idren growled.

“You are truly the worst kind of woman.”

But for saying such things, he was holding her too tightly.

She didn’t know what to say. Held immobile in his embrace, Ophelia hesitated. Not waiting for her, Idren lamented in a cracking voice.

“How did I end up… falling in love with you…”

She had heard these words before, but the situation was different now. Ophelia quickly replied.

“I can’t take that back.”

“Is this the time for such words?”

But if not now, when would be the time to say such things?

Originally, precautions should be mentioned as they come up. In the blink of Ophelia’s eyes, Idren shouted without even showing his face.

“You are so selfish! You only feel satisfied when you do everything as you please, and you toy with people knowing how pretty and talented you are…!”

“I’ve never toyed with anyone.”

“Just listen!”

It was impossible to know how many years of resentment were contained in those sharp words. Sensing that a misspoken word could seriously upset him, Ophelia closed her mouth.

The words continued.

“Not content with neglecting me for years, you make me do stupid and foolish things at the drop of a hat, and now you put me through this emotional turmoil?”

Didn’t he once say that just being loved was enough? Each syllable was filled with force. Ophelia was surprised that he could nitpick like this.

She apologized in a slightly smaller voice.

“I’m sorry.”

“Is being sorry enough? How could you think of doing such a thing alone?”

His plan didn’t seem much different either. Suddenly, such an indignant feeling rose up.

But picking apart every little thing wasn’t a virtue of a spouse.

To maintain a peaceful married life, one must not forget the essence even when fighting.

Of course, right now it was less of a fight and more of Ophelia unilaterally receiving a scolding – she didn’t want to think of it as being scolded – from Idren, but that premise remained unchanged.

So Ophelia emphasized the most important fact that penetrated their relationship.

“But you love me, don’t you?”

“It’s worse that you do this knowing that!”

Even though she was held so tightly that she couldn’t see his face, she felt like she saw eyes brimming with tears. Feeling a bit of conscience-stricken, Ophelia admitted.

“I’m a failure as a wife.”

“Completely, a failure.”

His mouth said such things, but his arms didn’t let go. It was a lovely contradiction.

He said she was a failure, but in reality, in a marital relationship, even if all qualities were lacking, it was enough if just love was fulfilled.

So Ophelia found the man who was just listing reasons for her inadequacy to be simply lovable. Because it was no different from a confession that he couldn’t help but love her despite all those reasons.

But revealing this fact too blatantly would embarrass him, so Ophelia phrased her words a bit indirectly.

“Will you give me another chance?”

“…Don’t tease me.”

“I’m not teasing.”

It wasn’t exactly teasing, but it wasn’t completely not teasing either. Clearing her throat softly, Ophelia said.

“Cut me some slack. It looks like I’m going to be stuck with a tearful husband for life.”

“Such words, only after you’re really caught…”

So Ophelia unwrapped the man’s arms from around her waist. She pulled his hand, making it envelop her own, and she said.

“See? I’m caught.”

“…Even now, you’re toying with me…”

At this rate, the conversation would never end. To defuse the situation, Ophelia kissed him. Despite having been so angry, Idren was again docilely receiving it.

Parting her lips, she confessed.

“I can’t promise I won’t act selfishly.”

She wasn’t confident she wouldn’t do the same thing if such a moment came again.

As long as she loved this man, she would try to save her lover even against his will.

So love and selfishness were bound to go hand in hand.

“I’ll try not to cause you emotional distress… but it probably won’t be easy.”

Unlike her, Idren was a sensitive person, so she might unintentionally hurt him.

She added a fact she had almost forgotten. Ah. I can’t stop the stupid and foolish things either.

“It’s because you made the foolish choice to love me that we could come this far.”

Therefore, Ophelia hoped he would continue to be unable to get over her. She wanted him to listen to her words and have his heart race at her actions.

Because all men would be like that in front of the woman they love.

Then she too would gladly participate in those foolish acts.

But rather than explaining all this in detail, it was better to emphasize one other thing. Ophelia said.

“But I can promise to treat you well from now on, will you forgive me?”

“I won’t be swayed by such words…”

But for saying such things, his face was already softening, wasn’t it?

“Give me one more chance.”

And Ophelia added a condition her partner would likely appreciate.

“I’ll truly love you.”

I’ll cherish you, adore you, and leave all the good and beautiful things for you.

Unable to refuse even those words, Idren wiped his reddened eyes and said grumpily.

“There won’t be a next time.”

“I understand.”

“I’m not just saying that. If you think I’ll be this easily swayed next time…”

The more he tries to make such threats, the less effective they seem. Does this cute man know that?

Such a thought suddenly crossed her mind, but Ophelia decided not to tell him the truth. Sometimes, certain truths are most valuable when known only to oneself.

Instead, she opened her arms towards her husband who was lovable even when angry.

“I understand, so stop talking and hug me.”

Idren complied with her request, sniffling. Embracing her husband’s still warm body, Ophelia asked.

“We’ve made up, right?”

“…Yes.”

That was enough. Satisfied with the conclusion, Ophelia closed her eyes.

The sound of pouring rain was just like music.