HDBMTD 02

Chapter 2

“Ah… ha…”

I wanted to say something to Nocturne, but all that came out of my mouth was dry ash.
Maybe I’d inhaled too much smoke.

“Are you awake? Just hang in there. Help is on the way.”

Instead of turning my head, I rolled my eyes and looked behind Nocturne.

A huge fire was devouring the enemy stronghold, its red tongue flicking hungrily.
The leader of Cambiata must be nothing but ashes by now—finally gone.

The enemy who kept blocking the empire’s path was completely destroyed.
That alone made me feel relieved down to my bones.

…Though I was in the same state too, which was a bit unfortunate.

“Don’t close your eyes, Ariadna!”

As soon as my eyelids started to droop, Nocturne yelled.
His voice was strangely warm, almost cheerful.

“You remember, right? We said we’d get married after this was over. Let’s have a huge wedding. I’m ready to sell off my family estate if that’s what it takes to make it grand enough for the next emperor’s bride.”

…What is this man saying?

The House of Bendrix had a long history and was considered a national treasure.
He wanted to sell that off for a single event?

The absurdity of it jolted my eyes wide open.

And then—I saw something shocking.

“…Hngh.”

Nocturne was crying.

His dark blue eyes shimmered like the night sea, filled with tears.
I’d never seen him cry after becoming an adult.

Now might not be the time to say this, but his wet lashes and reddened eyes looked heartbreakingly beautiful.

I didn’t help that poor orphan boy just out of kindness after all.

His battle uniform was torn and broken, exposing his bare shoulders and thighs as he cried.

It looked like a painting—but with the burning buildings behind him,
I really wished he’d stop being so dramatic and just run away already.

“I love you, Ari…”

Nocturne showed no sign of moving.

‘No way… he’s not thinking of dying here with me, is he?’

“Don’t worry. I’ll stay with you until your very last breath.”

…He is, that fool.

I wanted to use my psychic ability to push him away—
But no power came.

No feeling below my neck.
Maybe even my core was broken.

While I struggled to get him away, a soft voice fell over my head.

“If you’re not here… then I have no reason to live…”

I know.

That’s what I’ve always been afraid of.

I looked up at him.
Honestly, I didn’t need to use psychic powers to move someone as kind as Nocturne.

I smiled weakly and moved my lips.

‘Avenge me.’

No sound came out.
But Nocturne would understand, even if I only mouthed the words.

‘Carry on my will…’

In truth, whether he avenged me or not didn’t matter anymore.

But to him, my last words would mean everything.

Maybe it would give him a reason to live.

Nocturne—my eternal flame.

If I had more time, I would’ve stayed by your side.

Over his shoulder, I looked up at the sky.
Despite the black smoke rising from explosions and fire,
the sky was still piercingly blue.

I hope you’ll be like that too.

That even my death, and every hardship that follows,
won’t cast a single shadow over your life.

Nocturne, they say there’s no pain in heaven.

Is that really a good thing?
Without pain, would happiness have any meaning?

It sounds so boring.
To bear that boredom, I’ll probably replay every memory I had in life—
like the elderly do.

I only lived to 23.
I’m worried I won’t have enough stories.

So bring lots with you.

Happy memories, memories of love…

I won’t ask you to bring the painful ones.
Even if you fall in love with someone else, that’s okay.

I just hope your pain is small. Maybe that’s the way I love.

And when we meet again someday,
tell me—with a drink in hand—how dazzling your youth was,
how peaceful your old age became,
how wise you grew.

I’ll keep waiting…

Nocturne’s face slowly blurred, then disappeared entirely.
I felt something warm fall on my cheeks—his tears.

I couldn’t hear his voice anymore.

I’m sorry… that I was happy to see your face as my last memory.

“I want to become the perfect princess people dream of.”

That was my childhood wish.
Maybe that’s why I feel regret—dying as a princess, right before my coronation.

Still, I believe my life was a blessing.

I had enough.
I saw so much.

Even took down our greatest enemy.

The empire will now have a smooth path forward.

I have no regrets.

Only one final wish:

That my death won’t hurt the ones I love too much.

That everyone can be happy.

And with that prayer from the bottom of my heart—

I ended my perfect life.