Episode 9
“W-wait a minute!”
I grabbed the blanket tightly and shouted.
Both Bastian and the physician turned to look at me.
“I don’t think we need to get my memories back! I’m perfectly healthy right now!”
Whatever it takes, I have to stop my insane brother from meeting that monster Kalis.
“That sorcerer sounds dangerous, right? There’s no need to go that far for a few memories!”
“Amel.”
“What matters more is that I’m here, with you, B–Bas… brother! Being home is enough for me, right, Doctor?”
I gave the physician a desperate look — please, please agree with me!
But Bastian was faster.
“My dear sister, Amel.”
He sat down on the edge of the bed and gently tucked a strand of my hair behind my ear. The touch was soft — too soft.
“You’ve always worried about others first.”
“……”
“Even now, you’re worried about me instead of yourself.”
No, I’m literally trying to save my own life, thank you very much.
“But you don’t have to do that anymore. No matter what anyone says, you’re the most precious person in this family.”
His expression was tender, even emotional.
…Okay, this man has completely misunderstood everything.
“Um, B–Bastian, what I meant was—”
“Don’t worry. I’ll bring the sorcerer to you no matter what it takes.”
Then his blue eyes flashed dangerously.
“Even if I have to cut off his hands and feet.”
…Mom, he’s officially lost it.
***
Later
“Tell His Majesty that I’ll visit soon.”
“Yes, Your Grace.”
No matter how desperately I begged, Bastian’s decision was firm.
Watching everything go downhill so smoothly, I started to think—
Maybe I should write my will now.
Yes, that might be a good idea.
How should it go?
Farewell, everyone. The pitiful Amelia Cedric has thrown off her chains and left this world before she could even find freedom. She dies a shrimp caught in a whale fight. Her only sin was being born into the wrong family. Please pray for her peace.
P.S. Jera, I swear I’ll come back just to pull out every strand of your hair. You wretch.
…Yeah. That sounded about right.
While I was mentally drafting my will, Bastian spoke up gently.
“Amel, what are you thinking so hard about?”
At some point, he’d sent the doctor away and returned to sit by me.
“Oh—nothing!”
I definitely couldn’t tell him I was composing my last words.
Bastian smiled and patted my head. His large hand covered my crown completely.
“Don’t worry so much.”
“……”
“This brother of yours will handle everything.”
And that’s exactly the problem!
“Haha… sure.”
But a powerless commoner like me could only smile.
Bastian looked at his watch, frowning slightly.
“Ah… I have to go back to the main building. There’s something urgent waiting.”
He sounded genuinely disappointed.
“Then you should hurry.”
Yes, please hurry.
“I’m sorry. I should be staying by your side.”
“It’s fine, really.”
“I’ll come straight back once it’s handled.”
No, you don’t have to. Please, don’t.
Oblivious to my silent prayers, he stroked my cheek several more times.
“My sister is so kind-hearted.”
I could tell — this man completely misunderstood everything.
He clearly thought all my rejections and protests earlier were signs of my sweet concern for him.
“Get some rest. If you need anything, tell me right away.”
“Okay, Bastian.”
“Good. I love you, my sister.”
He kissed my forehead lightly and finally left the room.
Only when his footsteps faded away completely did I collapse backward onto the bed.
“Ahhh, finally, I can breathe again.”
He’d been draining my energy the whole time. I felt exhausted down to my core.
“Life…”
I muttered weakly.
“How did my life end up like this?”
First Bastian, and now the apocalyptic Kalis?
“…Please, just let me survive this.”
I gazed at the shining sun and prayed sincerely.
***
Meanwhile — Western Continent, Artella
Once called the “unknown land,” now known as the “land that never falls.”
In the middle of that mysterious, purple-hued continent stood a single, gray fortress.
Built thousands of years ago, it had never once been invaded — the unbreakable domain of the western sorcerer.
The castle’s steward, Rowe, was enjoying another peaceful day, tending to his secret collection of demonic succulents smuggled in from the underworld.
“Ah, my dear Alexander. You drank blood yesterday, and your leaves look so lively today. How adorable.”
Rowe’s red eyes curved gently as he hummed, touching each pot lined up by the window.
“Maybe I should repot Pinky tomorrow?”
He hummed cheerfully and picked up a tiny flowerpot—
BANG!
The massive stone door burst open with a thunderous noise.
“Lord Rowe!”
A gigantic man — one of the giants — rushed in, pale-faced.
Rowe’s expression soured instantly at the noise. His sharp gaze turned toward the end of the hall.
“Ten, how many times have I told you to stay quiet in the castle? How many times must I remind you that our master is sleeping?”
“S-sorry! But it’s urgent!”
Seeing Ten’s panicked face, Rowe sighed deeply.
Honestly, this castle couldn’t stay peaceful for even fifty years straight.
What was it this time? Another group of idiots looking for trouble?
“So, which kingdom is it this time? The ones who wanted to drive the sorcerer out and take over the west?”
“No, sir.”
“Ah, then maybe some overconfident heroes camping outside again?”
Even those “heroes” had quieted down after the great treaty three hundred years ago. Humans never learned, honestly.
But Ten shook his head again.
“N-no, not that either.”
What? Not heroes?
Rowe carefully set down the flowerpot in his hands.
“Stay right here, my dear Pinky.”
He smiled warmly. The flower — eight petals tipped with tiny fangs — snapped viciously at the air.
“…Ah, I see. Maybe some backwater king sent another plea for help? Humans do love to beg for mercy right after they try to invade.”
“N-no, not that either…”
“Then what is it!”
Rowe snapped, his long white hair whipping around.
Ten flinched, eyes wide as saucers.
Rowe froze a beat later, realizing he’d raised his voice.
“Ah. I didn’t mean to shout…”
He glanced nervously toward the castle’s center and shut his trembling eyes.
Phew. Almost woke the master.
Rowe took a deep breath to calm himself, then opened his eyes.
“…All right. Tell me what’s going on.”
“W-we found that human!”
“Hmm?”
Rowe blinked in confusion—then his face twisted in shock.
“What?!”
Ten’s voice trembled as he shouted,
“It’s true! It’s that human’s aura — without a doubt!”
