Chapter Text
Fire was blazing everywhere, swallowing the estate in its destructive embrace. People were running frantically, their terrified screams echoing through the chaos as they tried to avoid the flames and the harpies unleashed upon them.
From the safety of my room, I watched the scene unfold before me. It was all because of me. It was my doing. If my father hadn't instructed me to ignite this chaos, these innocent people would be safe, sleeping peacefully.
Maybe I would be asleep too, lying beside my husband. His arms wrapped around me. Perhaps we would have been lost in a passionate night, our bodies entwined in love and desire. Or maybe, just maybe, I would have announced the news. Tomorrow morning, he would have burst into the dining room, shouting the good news to Paul and Kōyō and the entire estate would be aware of it.
Maybe if I had not poisoned Kōyō a week prior, he would have told her. We would be bonding over it once again. But it was all in vain now. I had no problems with her, I kind of liked her. She had been nothing but kind to me after all.
As another anguished scream pierced the air, I whispered, "May you rest in peace," as I sent my silent prayers to the fallen. It was not my intention to harm anyone. Father was the one to blame. Father is always to blame. Always…
Father’s fault, always.
Always.
Always him.
Always his fault.
Always.
It will always be his fault.
“Yeah, always.” I whispered.
Suddenly, the door opened, revealing a tall man with fiery red hair. This man was Nakahara Chuuya, my husband. I had anticipated his arrival, knowing that he would have to confront me about my actions. Our eyes met, and we stood silent for a solid minute, the weight of betrayal and anger hanging in the air.
"Why?" His voice was barely a whisper, filled with a mix of confusion and pain.
“WHY?! WHY WOULD YOU DO THAT?!” His scream was filled with anger and betrayal, echoing through the room.
"I'm sorry," I replied softly.
What? What do you mean by 'I'm sorry'? That’s not what I wanted to say! I was prepared to reveal the truth, the twisted motives that drove me to commit such heinous acts. So why is this the only thing that leaves my lips? WHY? Why couldn't I voice those words?
"Is that all? IS THAT ALL YOU HAVE TO SAY?" His voice cracked with emotion. Tears threatened to spill down his face. "Please, Osamu..."
...
"My father..."
"What?"
"He instructed me to create this chaos. And he also told me to poison Kōyō."
His voice shattered as if the weight of the world had come crashing down on his shoulders. "Kōyō... you poisoned her?"
I nodded, tears streaming down his face. "I don't know why he desired her death, but I followed his command."
Silence hung in the air, our words sinking deep as Chuuya processed the unbearable truth. Finally, I spoke. "I'm not asking for your forgiveness. If you had killed my sibling, I wouldn't expect an apology from you."
Silence.
As I slowly approached him, I confessed in barely a whisper, "Nonetheless, I am sorry."
As if coming out of a daze, a mix of emotions flickered in his eyes as he pulled away from my touch, understanding my intentions. "I won't kill you, Osamu. I REFUSE!"
“Why not? That's what you ought to be doing. I, being the pope's daughter, committed an act that resulted in the death of a member of the ducal house. I am not immune to any punishment. And given what is happening outside, this should even become an obligation.”
I pleaded, unable to understand his mercy.
"No, no... I can't. I can't do that!" His voice broke, the pain etched upon his face. Suddenly, my hand brushed against his wet cheek, and he fell silent.
"If you don't kill me now, I will be executed, well after all the mess I caused is fixed. But I would rather have you kill me." A pause.
"Make it your wife's final wish, please."
“If that is what you want, then I'll do it.” Smiling, I felt satisfied with the results. With my eyes closed, I was prepared to be pierced by his sword. Instead, I just heard metal hitting the ground and his arms were suddenly wrapped around me, pulling me into an embrace.
"Chuuya?"
"Please, let me hold you for a moment," he whispered.
I remained silent, allowing him to do as he pleased once more, allowing him to seek solace in my embrace. And then, he spoke my name, his voice laced with a mix of love and sorrow. "Osamu."
"Yes?" I replied, my voice barely audible.
"I love you," he said, his words carrying a weight of truth I had never fully grasped until now.
"I love you too," I confessed, the words finally escaping my lips.
With one last squeeze, he let go of me and took my head in his hands. He kissed my forehead tenderly, a bittersweet farewell. And then, he took a step back.
"I'll try to make it as painless as possible," he said softly, his words piercing through the darkness.
"Thank you," I whispered, closing my eyes and bracing myself for what was to come.
But as the world faded into darkness, I awoke.