Episode 1
Prologue
“Bring forth the wicked woman at once!”
At the executioner’s order, two soldiers roughly dragged Lapia by the arms.
She staggered forward, her steps feeble and reluctant.
“Move faster! How long do you plan to keep the nobles waiting?!”
The soldiers jabbed her back with the tips of their swords, forcing her to move.
Before long, a massive gallows loomed into view, casting a heavy sense of dread. A small crowd had already gathered—those who had arrived before her.
The Emperor. The Crown Prince. And even the Duke of Soleia, whom they had despised so fiercely.
Black hair tinged with blue. Eyes like a wild beast—bright, feral gold.
Lapia quietly fixed her gaze on the Duke before stepping up to stand before the noose.
At that moment, the crowd that had gathered to witness her punishment erupted into a chorus of jeers.
“You vile wench!”
“To think you dared attempt to assassinate a royal!”
The cruel words mixed together in a cacophony that stabbed at her ears.
“You are given one final chance! Speak—how did you infiltrate the victory banquet? Why did you try to assassinate His Highness the Crown Prince?”
None of it was true. But Lapia had no intention of defending herself.
Before being dragged here, she had pleaded again and again, saying she’d done everything to protect them—but no one had believed her. So why would they now?
But one thing was certain—she wasn’t keeping silent to protect the one who had abandoned her and run away that day.
She had simply realized that taking the blame might allow her to leave this world just a little faster.
“Answer, criminal!”
Though the executioner’s shouts continued, Lapia refused to speak. The crowd’s eyes filled with disdain.
All except for one person—Duke Soleia. His expression gave away nothing of what he was thinking.
“That insolent wench…!”
The Emperor, overcome with rage, sprang to his feet and pointed an accusing finger. The crowd below the palace wall followed suit, hurling stones in her direction.
Lapia let out a bitter chuckle.
“I’m about to die, and yet I’m relieved the stones didn’t hit me. How ridiculous.”
The executioner’s eyes flared.
“She dares to laugh on the brink of death!”
Lapia bit her lower lip.
“I’m only laughing because of how pitiful I must look.”
“I just… want it all to end.”
She was exhausted—tired of life.
And so, in this moment, she accepted her unjust punishment without resistance.
“She tried to assassinate His Highness! A crime too heinous to measure! Your Majesty, pass judgment so she meets a miserable end!”
The Emperor cleared his throat and spoke solemnly.
“Despite countless chances, she shows no sign of remorse!”
A wild roar erupted from the square below, like a mob possessed.
“She is sentenced to hang. Leave the body where it falls! Let her remain a symbol of misery even in death! This shall serve as a warning—never again shall anyone dare defy the dignity of the Imperial Family!”
“We obey Your Majesty’s command!”
A small staircase was placed before Lapia. Calmly, she stepped up and faced the noose.
“I wonder… how painful it will be.”
She bit her lip, swallowing the fear that rose.
“Still, this will be the last pain I ever feel.”
She had already endured countless torments while being exploited by them.
If she only had to endure it once more, perhaps she could finally be free.
A soldier readied her final moments.
The executioner asked, “Any last words?”
Lapia shook her head.
“Tch. So stubborn.”
Annoyed by her unwavering composure, he scowled and spat curses.
“Remove the platform!”
She had resigned herself to die. But her body betrayed her will—instinct rebelled.
“Die! Hurry up and die!”
The more she struggled, the louder the crowd cheered.
“I’ve seen enough.”
A calm, low voice cut through the chaos like a blade.
It was the Duke of Soleia.
“I’m… glad you’re alive.”
She had seen him pierced deeply by a demon’s horn. To see him standing again felt like a miracle.
He had been standing behind the royals—now he walked forward.
The Duke looked up at Lapia, her face contorted and tear-streaked, and spoke:
“Is this truly necessary?”
Without hesitation, he drew his sword and slashed the noose.
Thud!
Lapia’s body dropped and rolled across the ground.
She gasped, mouth wide, trying desperately to catch her breath.
“Duke Soleia! What do you think you’re doing?!”
“Are you defying His Majesty?!”
The Emperor and the executioner shouted in outrage.
The Duke stepped between them and Lapia, as if shielding her.
“Defiance? I would never. I simply found it unsightly.”
He glanced back at the woman collapsed on the ground.
“If she must die…”
Why?
Lapia thought she heard hesitation in his voice.
“Maybe I really have gone mad.”
Letting out a bitter laugh, she forced herself upright.
Then she knelt. And as if it were planned, the Duke turned to face her.
“Wouldn’t something quicker be more merciful?”
But despite his words, hesitation was clear in his golden eyes.
When Lapia offered a small smile, perhaps to reassure him, his jaw tightened.
Only for a moment. Then, in the blink of an eye, he thrust his sword into her left chest.
Thuck!
No one could stop it in time.
Lapia slowly raised her head.
“Tha…nk you. For… killing me.”
With just those few words, hot blood poured from her lips.
She smiled faintly, raising her eyes to meet his.
“You really are… a good person.”
At that, a slight frown creased the Duke’s brow.
“You… know me?”
“…Not really.”
Her strength rapidly drained. Her vision blurred, dimmed.
And then—
Fwoosh!
Blue flames erupted beneath her feet.
Startled, everyone jumped back.
“Your Majesty, please retreat! That wicked woman may have cast another spell!”
The Emperor, the Crown Prince, and others fled.
But Duke Soleia didn’t move an inch. As if determined to witness her final moment.
“I only hope this brings you a little peace.”
Lapia looked calmly into his golden eyes and smiled.
“Thank you… truly.”
If only it had been you who found me that day… If only I had met you instead… what would my life have been?
With unspoken words and a gentle smile, she watched as the flames curled like lotus petals and enveloped her completely.
As the fire consumed her, Lapia closed her eyes—
—seeking eternal rest.
Summary
