Chapter 1

Unbelievable.

‘What is this…?’

Ines stared down at the file in her trembling hands, her face filled with confusion. The letters on the page shook along with her hands.

She frowned as she read the horrifying contents once again.

Inside the file were records of the serial murder victims who had shocked the Delphius Empire over the past year—their information, the methods of their deaths, and gruesome photos of their bodies. Photos that no one but the police should have been able to access.

What made it even worse was that everything was organized neatly, in the same meticulous manner that matched her husband’s habits.

Slowly lifting her head, she looked into the safe where she had found the file. Inside were blood-stained gloves, weapons, and strange tools she couldn’t even name.

“Urgh—!”

The faint smell of blood still lingered. Ines gagged, clapping a hand over her mouth as she staggered to her feet.

Her head spun.

She couldn’t believe it—no, she didn’t want to believe it.

Her husband of two years… was a serial killer.

Tap.

Just then, footsteps echoed behind her. Ines flinched, trying to turn around, but he was faster.

Before she could scream, a damp cloth pressed hard over her mouth.

“……!!”

The sharp chemical smell burned her nose, making her eyes water as she struggled desperately.

‘Who is this?!’

She thrashed with all her strength, but the man’s grip on her from behind was unyielding. His breath brushed her ear as he whispered low.

“It’s useless, Madam.”

“……!”

The unfamiliar voice froze her in place. There was a chilling menace in it, and terror rushed through her.

‘This man… he came to kill me.’

Her chest heaved with fear. The fumes invaded her lungs, and she coughed violently, her vision blurring.

“Bear it for a little longer. I only wish to lessen your suffering.”

His voice slid against her ear again.

Ines clawed desperately at his hand, her nails scraping deep into his skin. But the man only chuckled darkly.

“Keuk, keuk… I’ll make sure to tell Duke Elmenhardt that his wife’s final moments were this miserable.”

Kallion… what about Kallion?

Her husband’s face flashed in her fading mind.

Which was worse—the man strangling her now, or her husband, the serial killer?

A useless question… but the thought made her fear deepen. There was no one she could rely on in this moment.

“Blame the Duke.”

And then—searing pain exploded in her side.

Her breath caught as agony forced her body to fold forward.

“Urgh… kuhk…”

Her side burned as if on fire. Droplets of crimson blood dripped steadily onto the floor.

Nothing made sense anymore.

The man released her, and Ines collapsed to the ground with a heavy thud. Trembling, she stared upward as he spoke again.

“Duke Elmenhardt must learn what suffering truly is.”

Suffering?

Would her husband even blink at her death?

Even now, she could only imagine his cold, rigid face—just like the portrait hanging on his office wall.

A bitter laugh almost escaped her.

At least, in her final moments, she had learned the truth—that her husband was a monster.

Otherwise, she might have pitied him.

“…Ugh… kuhk…”

Her killer’s voice broke into a mournful sob.

Why cry now? Was he suddenly afraid? Regretful?

Her vision darkened as pain tore through her side. At least, she thought dimly, the end would not drag on.

Ines Elmenhardt died that way.

“Madam?”

A voice called her.

Ines opened her eyes.

She blinked at the cutlery in front of her. Startled, she forced a smile and lifted her fork.

“Ah. I was just… lost in thought.”

Her maid, reassured, gave a small bow and stepped back.

“Then please enjoy your meal. Call if you need anything.”

“Thank you.”

Ines poked at her tomato half-heartedly. The moment the maid left, she put her fork down again.

“Haa…”

A trembling sigh escaped. She raised her hand and pressed gently against her side.

The pain still lingered there. She could still hear the man’s sobbing voice, still feel the hot, sticky blood seeping down her body.

‘How… how is this possible?’

She had died. And yet, everything was as it had been.

The sun shone. The estate was neat and quiet. The Delphius Empire was at peace.

As if nothing had ever happened.

But she knew better.

After days of confusion and restless thought, Ines had reached a conclusion.

She had returned—exactly one year before her death.

‘Was it just a dream?’

No. A dream couldn’t feel this vivid, this real. She remembered everything too clearly.

All she could do was accept it. A second life had been given to her, and she had no choice but to live it.

“Madam, forgive the interruption, but there is something I must tell you.”

It was Stanley, the butler of the Elmenhardt estate, bowing respectfully.

Ines quickly picked up her fork, pretending to eat, and looked at him.

“What is it, Stanley?”

“As you may recall… today is the day the Duke returns.”

Ines caught the concern in his eyes.

Of course. She had been asking too many questions lately—basic things about time, the estate, daily events. He must have thought the Duchess had lost her mind.

‘It wouldn’t be strange if they thought something was wrong with me.’

She smiled gently and nodded.

“Of course I remember. That’s why I asked for the bedroom to be prepared so carefully.”

Relief washed over Stanley’s face. The old butler’s mustache lifted as he smiled broadly.

“Ah, yes! I only came to report that the maids have just finished tidying the Duke’s chambers and office.”

“It must have been difficult after a whole month away. Make sure they are rewarded properly for their efforts.”

“Thank you, Madam.”

He bowed deeply and left, his earlier worry gone.

The moment he disappeared, Ines lowered her fork again. The food remained untouched.

‘My husband is coming back.’

The thought alone brought the stench of blood to her nose. She felt sick, her stomach churning.

Why had she been sent back to this time?