Because Luke did not allow Lenn to invite her, Aria’s only option was a letter.

“But I can’t write the details on paper as they are.”

It wasn’t merely a concern about the possibility of secrets being leaked.

In reality, ‘it wasn’t written.’

As when she tried to reveal herself as Elodie in front of Lenn, there was a restraint when attempting to write anything related to paper.

A curse.

At that time, she couldn’t fully grasp the joy of someone genuinely recognizing her.

However, as she experienced the restriction as if she were paralyzed when trying to do something, Aria’s mind was pierced by that word like a needle.

“Why am I even alive?”

In truth, before, she thought vaguely that Luke might have done something.

But it was strange.

First.

If Luke had really attempted something and succeeded, at least to that extent, Aria should have been recognized as Elodie.

Instead, not only did Luke not recognize her, but he even openly threatened her. If there were any doubts, he couldn’t have acted like that.

Second.

The existence of the curse.

“Luke wouldn’t do something harmful to me.”

If she really came back to life through Luke’s magic, there shouldn’t be such a curse.

However, in the second case, the possibility that this curse was not intentional on Luke’s part couldn’t be ruled out.

Anyway, resurrecting the dead was a magical feat. Although more than half a century had passed since black magic disappeared from the entire continent, one thing was certain.

Black magic always demanded a price.

Aria absentmindedly held and opened her hand. It felt natural, as if it had been hers since birth.

But when she thought of it as the body of a deceased person, no, the body of a deceased friend, her heart sank.

Suddenly, she had a thought.

“Is she really dead?”

Elodie believed that she entered this body thanks to Aria’s death seven years ago.

There was no damage to the body.

But death is always sudden. For example, acute alcohol poisoning…

And also…

…

Actually, when she thought about it, it was strange.

A woman in her late twenties suddenly dies one day. It’s true that it’s not an absolute zero possibility, but it’s an extremely rare occurrence.

“…”

Perhaps… really, just perhaps.

“Is there still a possibility that Aria is alive…?”

Aria, who uttered her thoughts, was shocked by what she said and covered her mouth.

It was an absurd assumption.

Aria’s body is here, and she fully occupies it. Her consciousness is entirely that of Elodie, not Aria.

So if Aria is alive, she has either possessed the decaying body ‘Elodie’ or…

Still alive in consciousness, observing and being aware of all of Elodie’s actions and thoughts.

Either way, it was horrifying.
Moreover, in the latter case, she could move her body as she pleased and even choose death.

Even if she resented Aria, who betrayed her, she didn’t want to receive such a terrible punishment.

She just wanted to ask for the reason.

Why did it happen?

And then, perhaps… she would face the judgment of the law.

But all of it was a meaningless assumption.

The real sinner who should receive the judgment of the law disappeared, leaving only Elodie Riscianthus wearing that shell.

Aria collapsed onto the changed bed in the room. A thick sense of depression gradually corroded her mind. It felt like she would disappear into the swamp of sticky emotions.

All because Bonita was not there.

Except for a very brief period of time after being possessed by Aria, she spent all 24 hours a day with Bonita. Even when Bonita wasn’t there, someone else was mostly by her side.

Being alone like this was lonely.

Thoughts of death came to her.

Gradually, her body cooled, her vision blurred, and the pain that had tormented her entire body just moments ago became dull, like a lie.

Then her eyes closed.

The faint hearing that remained until the end was just the sound of the wind. In the middle of the night, when Luke happened to be away, there was no one for her at the end.

Aria unconsciously started scratching her neck. Cold sweat covered her whole body. Her body was getting cold.

It happened in an instant.

Anxiety and fear grew unconsciously, swallowing her up.

Her breathing became rapid. Instinctively, she opened her mouth wide to desperately seek oxygen.

At some point, the incoming air was blocked. It was a symptom of hyperventilation.

Long fingernails dug into the delicate neck.

A few streaks of red blood flowed down her hand and neck. Red marks were left on the white cotton blanket.

“Ah… Ahh… Huk, cough…”

Her whole body tingled. Due to heightened sensitivity, she could feel her heart pulsating distinctly, as she squeezed blood from her veins.

If someone could see Aria’s current appearance, they would have been shocked and immediately called for a doctor.

However, fortunately or unfortunately, Aria was alone now.

Not feeling well, she had dismissed all the servants and explicitly forbade them from entering without permission.

Her vision flickered.