“A psyche is an existence created by the souls of the dead. It’s better to get rid of it before it gets worse.”

Shalof had made up his mind.

The shackles poured out like a rolling wheel, restraining the creature.

“Drag that thing down.”

At the sound of a thin and immature voice, the creature turned its head abruptly.

Ah, somehow ‘it’ seemed to have seen Shalof.

Thump, thump, thump.

‘It’ began to tremble. Then, the pile of soil collapsed with a rustling sound.

[It can’t be.] [Why does she resemble a devilish woman? The tribe’s grave… the origin, the damn beginning of these cursed chains. Ah, it’s her.]

The shackles tightened.

The chains around the neck of the gravedigger bound it to the ground.

[It can’t be true.]

Bone fragments surged, and finger joints clicked.

Snap!

The outstretched arm slammed Shalof’s fingertips in front of his eyes.

As if about to touch,

The cold air emanating from that hand touched the bridge of his nose.

[It’s you.] [You.] [She has stepped on this land again. Urged by the elder……. A being that killed the tribe and bound them in the shackles of endless time is here…!]

The shackles knelt the gravedigger.

Crimson ashes scattered, obscuring the view. Perhaps the air turned red due to the flames.
Above the extinguished mansion, the day gradually brightened.

“Ah.”

Shalof groaned softly.

[Ack!]

Ah. Ah, ah!

The psyche turned into dust, scattering.

Around this time,

Somewhere, a faint breath was released.

So faint that no one could hear it.

Thick white hair resembled strands of thread. Viscount Bronte gently touched his unmoving wife’s cheek.

Why you, why you, his fingertips caught in the white hair.

A scoundrel who can die without regrets. I never knew a damn swordsman’s life would be so regretful.

Viscount Bronte embraced his wife and knelt.

“The cherry tree is not on fire.”

The Viscount murmured softly.

“If spring comes, flowers will bloom.”

“…….”

“Where did you go alone?”

Viscount Bronte pursed his lips. Ah, it was incredibly pitiful.

“I considered it my duty to protect this land on the front lines, but if I can’t protect the one by my side, how can I protect anyone?”

Thin skin was thinly scratched and scraped. In the swollen heat, bloodstains remained. ‘That thing’ must have been threatening her, even in death…

Is she dead?

“Can you feel the faint breath?”

Benjamin asked.

Soon, a thin, immature voice was heard. It was an immediate sound, as if it would cut off at any moment.

“Lady, I can’t breathe….”

The dowager struggled.

“Ah.”

Viscount Bronte trembled. Losing the sword, he touched his wife’s chest with his hand. Checking the pulse, Viscount Bronte extended his trembling arm.

The Viscount fumbled with the sword handle. His red eyes were swollen, and his lips were pursed.

“It’s okay.”

Benjamin touched Viscount Bronte’s shoulder.

“There’s no sign of demonic poison.”

“…….”

“The body was already weakened, having been taken away by the gravedigger once. It seems that the dowager’s body has become quite frail. Although the dowager’s chest looks stiff, it might be best to hurry and call for the chief physician.”

Later, Shalof touched the viscountess’s chest and gestured.

“Call for the chief physician to take care of the viscountess.”

“Ah, aah, the, the chief physician….”

The viscountess blinked her eyes sluggishly.

“My body was taken away…. Cough! Cough!”

“Are you sure?”

Viscount Bronte quickly reached out his arm.

“Call the chief physician, call the chief physician!”

The physician, who had been imprisoned, was summoned.

“Is, is the madam all right?”

“Feeling unjust, and no one would listen to her complaints, it must have been frustrating.”

“Tsk, tsk! I apologize. My lady, I realize that I have been greatly lacking in caring for you.”

The physician kneeled on the dirt floor and bowed his head.

“Stars, is the lady’s body all right? Call the lady inside! Bring her into the observatory first!”

The viscountess reached out her arm. Her thin arm seemed about to break at any moment. Viscount Bronte exhaled.

“What a long sleep you had.”

“I was blocking the front of the cherry tree. It shouldn’t catch fire. Even if spring comes, the cherry tree should bloom, but if the embers touch it, the cherry tree will die, and it won’t be able to see spring.”

The viscountess pursed her lips.

“I thought you were dead.”

“I’m not dead, so I’m here.”
The viscountess quietly lifted her arm.

“Ah… I saw it. I saw it.”

Viscountess Bronte lost consciousness after those words.

Shalof stood, gazing into the air.

“It seems the viscountess has regained stability inside.”

The soldiers and the viscount quickly reorganized the mansion.

“It’s fortunate that the fire didn’t spread to the observatory.”

“The fire was contained early. It’s a relief.”

Shalof brushed off the ash on his shawl. The black dust flew, making the air dry.

“Still, it will take some time to resolve this disturbance.”

Shalof smiled faintly.

‘Swirl.’

Shalof looked down at the lamb nestled in his arms. The lamb let out a soft breath. The white fur formed a round lump.

‘Sheep.’

Shalof gently embraced the lamb, covered in secret happiness.

“Lamb sleeps well even in this disturbance.”

“Is its hearing dull?”

“It was left alone for a long time, and I felt sorry to separate it, but I’m relieved that it sleeps well even in my arms.”

After leaving it alone in the carriage and hearing it groan, Shalof finally picked it up.

“If it’s heavy, I’ll hold it instead.”

“The guard dog howled even when the guards tried to hold it while I was sleeping. I’ll hold it.”

At that moment, a guard dog barked cheerfully from the side.

“Your Majesty. Reporting.”

Benjamin nodded as he listened to the guard’s report.

“It’s the gravedigger. It delves into the boundary between life and death, exploring the body as if it were alive. It’s true that the viscountess had her body taken away.”

“Delves into the boundary of life… Essence is similar to dark magic.”

Benjamin narrowed his eyes.

“Is the gravedigger a psyche manipulated by a dark sorcerer?”

“Yes. It usually hides under the shadows.”

“What about the shackles?”

“It’s a consequence of violating the covenant. Originally, it shouldn’t be a presence to set foot on this land according to the covenant.”

Benjamin nodded and dismissed the guard.

Shalof stood by without saying a word.

In the silent presence, Benjamin’s attention was momentarily diverted.