Chapter 136 – Child of the Devil

The child of the devil.

My ears were ringing, and I couldn’t hear a thing.

I gazed up at the night sky from the window of my own room, the same as it was a year ago.

The night breeze felt cool and refreshing.

I’d never even imagined Kirika belonging to someone else.

From childhood, he’d always been by my side. I’d taken it for granted that he’d love me forever.

The starry sky I’d watched with Kirika. The paths we’d walked together. The days we’d laughed side by side. The happy times we’d shared.

Every moment had been special.

Tears made the stars shimmer and shake.

I wanted to apologize to Kirika. I wanted to tell him how much I wanted him back.

I love Kirika. That’s why I want to be with him.

I remembered it then. Something from when I was very, very young.

The day Marie and I were splashing around in the water, and we first met Kirika.

I’d accidentally splashed a passing Kirika and froze in panic, but he just laughed.

I thought he’d be mad, but in a strong voice, he said, “Don’t worry about it.”

From that day on, Kirika stuck in my mind, and I kept finding excuses to go see him.

When Marie said my first love was Kirika, why hadn’t I remembered?

How could I have forgotten all this time?

I poured my heart out into a letter for Kirika.

——————————————————

To Kirika,

I’m sorry for suddenly leaving at the end of last summer.

I wanted to be like Marie, so I went to get a dress.

I was so thrilled at the time that I wasn’t thinking straight.

I had no idea it was the neighboring kingdom, and I regret following along so lightly.

After that, I got caught up in an incident and couldn’t contact anyone. I’m truly sorry.

But being apart made me realize something.

I can’t go on living without you, Kirika.

I love you even more than before.

Please forgive me.

Lily

——————————————————

“Tomorrow, I’ll go deliver it. Stars above, please bring Kirika back to me.”

I wiped away my tears and made a wish on a twinkling star.

The next morning, I rose early and headed out to see Kirika.

“It’s gonna be hot again today, huh.”

Even though it was still morning, the sunlight was intense, scorching my skin.

With the bento for Kirika and the letter I’d written last night in hand, I walked toward his house.

I’d even made breakfast properly. I hoped Dad and the others would forgive me soon.

“Good morning!”

The villagers looked startled at my greeting and waved back.

Come to think of it, I’d never greeted anyone before. I only ever talked to them when I needed something.

I was finally realizing just how selfishly I’d lived my life.

Naia had taught me all sorts of ways to interact with the servants. I’d learned plenty in the classroom too.

I’m glad I spent over half a year there.

But I absolutely hated the idea of losing Kirika because of it.

“Kirika, you there?”

I hesitated to knock and called out in a small voice.

“This is a problem.”

Kirika opened the door with an annoyed look and quickly shut it behind him, as if hiding what was inside.

He wouldn’t even let me in anymore.

No, don’t cry.

“Kirika. I’m sorry.”

I shoved the bento and letter into his hands and ran off.

I couldn’t bear to see that face any longer.

It was the first time he’d ever directed such an irritated expression at me.

That alone made me understand just how much I’d been loved all this time.

I glanced back.

Serena was coming out of Kirika’s house, talking with him.

Stop. Don’t take Kirika away from me.

Terror rooted my legs in place; I couldn’t move.

I stopped right there and sank into a squat.

“Lily.”

Kirika’s gentle voice came from above me.

When I looked up, there he stood, holding the bento and the opened letter.

“Kirika…”

As I slowly stood, Kirika held out the bento to me.

I stared down at it and unconsciously murmured, “Why?”

“Lily. Serena and I just started dating. I read your letter and get the situation, but it’s too late.”

Kirika spoke to me kindly, like he used to when gently scolding me.

He took my hand and made me take the bento back, then said with a sorry look, “Please stop doing things like this.”

“Why? We were engaged.”

“You threw me away back then, Lily. I was hurt plenty. I’ve finally gotten back on my feet and found someone I love. You need to move on too.”

With that, Kirika turned his back and headed home.

And there, ahead of him, stood Serena.

My ears were ringing, and I couldn’t hear a thing.

Kirika had bid me farewell, and my heart felt utterly hollow.

Now my days were just spent ghostwriting letters at the town hall.

Even if someone spoke to me, the words went in one ear and out the other. I simply transcribed them onto paper.

“Thanks as always, Lily. You eating properly?”

The old lady had brought snacks she’d made just for me.

“Thank you.”

I wasn’t really sure, but I took them and forced a smile.

No one had come for ghostwriting since morning. Being busy was easier.

The villagers and town hall staff all told me to take a break.

Dad said I didn’t need to go out anymore either.

I happened to glance out the window and saw a little girl in a pretty light blue dress walking toward the blessing room with her parents.

Drawn like a magnet, I stepped outside and unconsciously chased after the figure that reminded me so much of Marie back then.

“Marie. Help me.”

I entered the small church building and was enveloped in cool air.

I saw the girl’s back as she opened the small door and entered the blessing room.

Ah, nostalgic. Just like back then.

“Hey, that’s my daughter right now…”

The anxious father’s voice trailed off.

It’s fine. I won’t do anything.

I just want to see Marie.

I reached for the door in front of me.

A black-clad holy knight suddenly appeared, grabbed my arm, and my vision cleared.