TNR CH 03

Chapter 3 – The Moment of Return

They say that when you face death, your entire life flashes before your eyes.

It was the same for Seriniel Berdellet.
Countless memories unfolded before her — all the short, fragile moments of her life she once thought were happy.

In those memories were Calian and Leraie.

“I love you, Seriniel. Only you.”
“Seri, you’re my dearest friend. I’d do anything for you…”

Looking at their smiling faces in her mind, Seriniel wondered—

When did everything go wrong?
At what moment did things start to twist and rot?

But even if she knew the answer, what could she do now?
The dead can’t change the past.

At least Calian and Leraie would be happy now.

Just as Calian said — their child would celebrate his seventh birthday in the baron’s mansion, and they’d live comfortably for the rest of their lives, with her mine in their hands.

They’d probably remarry soon.
And since Seriniel was gone, there would be no more connection to the Berdellet family.

Her only relative, her uncle Velles, might say something about it, but she was dead — it didn’t matter.

Yes, they would live happily ever after, without a single problem.

Seriniel stood in a dark, empty void, staring blankly into the nothingness around her.

Yes…

I’m dead.

It’s all over…

But then, the cheerful smiles of Calian and Leraie twisted — and a cruel, mocking voice echoed through the darkness.

“How could anyone enjoy living with such a disgusting woman? She was just revolting.”

But… you said you loved me.
You said you’d always stay by my side.

“There’s nothing to worry about anymore. We can finally live together — you, me, and our child. A real family.”

Then what about me?
Was I never your family? Not even once?

“You always looked down on me, didn’t you, Seri? Ever since the orphanage. Always pretending to be kind, pretending to care. You fake little saint.”

That’s not true. Not once!
You were… my friend. My precious friend…

“Look at you now, Seri. You’ve got nothing left.”

Nothing. Nothing!

Leraie’s laughter pierced through her ears, sharp enough to make her flinch.

Lies.
Everything was a lie.

They deceived me.
Betrayed me.
And killed me — as if it were the most natural thing in the world.

A soft groan escaped Seriniel’s lips. Then she slowly sank to the ground.

Her once-gentle green eyes darkened — a faint flicker of rage glimmering within them.

So this is how it ends?

Everything?

“…I don’t… want to…”

Her cracked voice trembled out through her half-open lips.

“I don’t want to die…”

Not like this.
Not so miserably.
Not so unfairly.

Her pink lips bit down hard, drawing blood. Her small hand, which had been limp on the floor, clenched into a trembling fist.

Through her tangled golden hair, her eyes gleamed fiercely — filled with the images of Calian and Leraie smiling happily.

“I won’t… go like this. Never…”

Her once-bright green eyes filled with red — blood-tears.

Lifting her head, Seriniel cried out, her voice echoing through the void — to no one, or perhaps to something beyond.

I’ll take revenge.

I’ll make them suffer like I did.
I’ll make them crumble, just like I did.

So please…

Let me live.

I don’t want to die like this!

And in that instant—

The smiling faces of Calian and Leraie cracked like shattered glass.

Darkness — deep, pitch-black and endless — swallowed everything whole.

That was the last thing she saw.

***

A sharp breath filled her lungs.

“Haaah…!”

Seriniel gasped loudly, her chest rising and falling.

Out of reflex, she squeezed her eyes shut tight — a habit formed from years of waking up to violent coughing fits that ended in blood.

But… no cough came.

“…”

Her lashes fluttered. Slowly, she opened her eyes.

Blinking in confusion, Seriniel sat up in bed.

Her hands were clean. Her dress — spotless.
No trace of blood. No pain. Nothing like the dying image she remembered.

What… is this?

What’s going on?

Just then—

Knock, knock.

“Milady, you’re awake?”

A familiar voice came from beyond the door — cheerful, warm.

“I was just about to wake you! Did you sleep well?”

It was Kina.

The same Kina who had sobbed uncontrollably at her deathbed.

Seriniel stared at her, wide-eyed, before slowly whispering,

“…Kina.”

“Yes, milady?”

“Why… why am I here like this?”

“Pardon? What do you mean?”

Kina looked puzzled.

“I… I died. I was dead…”

“Oh my goodness, milady!” Kina waved her hands frantically. “Don’t joke about things like that!”

“Did you forget? You just had a check-up the other day! The doctor said you’re perfectly healthy — even that you’ll probably have a baby soon!”

“…”

“You were so happy!”

A check-up…?

And suddenly, Seriniel remembered.

It was about six months after her wedding when she’d gone to the doctor — because she hadn’t gotten pregnant yet.

Her nights with Calian weren’t frequent, but they weren’t nonexistent either. So she’d worried something might be wrong.

And the doctor had smiled, saying exactly what Kina was repeating now:

“You’re very healthy, my lady.”

Healthy. Perfectly fine.

Seriniel’s heart pounded in her chest.

Kina said… six months after the wedding.

That meant—

She’d gone back in time.

Kina, still unaware of Seriniel’s shock, spoke again with a gentle tone.

“Did you have a bad dream, milady? You look pale. Maybe a walk in the garden would help. The weather’s beautiful today.”

She drew open the curtains.

Sunlight poured into the room, bright and golden.

Outside the window, the garden was full of colorful spring flowers.

Seriniel froze.

Her last memory had been of winter.
Snow falling outside as she wondered if she’d ever see another spring again.

Her green eyes trembled.

Back in time?
But how?

Then Kina’s cheerful voice broke her thoughts.

“Oh! Lady Leraie sent you a gift!”

Seriniel’s blood ran cold.

“What?”

“Look! Isn’t it lovely?”

Kina held up a small, beautifully crafted box.

“She said it’s a tea that’s good for your health.”

Seriniel’s lips went white.

“And she mentioned it helps with conception, too — perfect for someone hoping for a baby.”

Kina smiled innocently.

“Here, she even sent a letter.”

Seriniel hesitated, then reached out with a trembling hand. She unfolded the letter.

To my dearest Seri,

The handwriting was all too familiar. She had seen it for years.

I wanted to find something that would truly help you, and I think this might be perfect.
It’s a flower tea that helps women conceive — especially noble ladies like you, who don’t share their husband’s bed often.

Poor Seri.

The same mocking words that had echoed in her dying moments rang through her mind.

I found it just for you. I know you don’t like taking medicine, but who knows? Maybe it’ll really help you have a baby.

Did you ever suspect? That the tea I kept sending you was poisoned?

Keep drinking it every day, alright? I’ll send more when you run out.
With love — your one and only friend, Leraie.

Seriniel’s hands trembled violently.

Leraie’s mocking laughter rang in her head.

Kina smiled sweetly beside her.

“Isn’t it pretty, milady? Look at those colors.”

Seriniel stared at the tea leaves in silence.

Petals of every color shimmered under the sunlight — beautiful, delicate, and deadly.

The same poison that had killed her once before.