TOOCM | Chapter 002

Episode 2

Three months had passed since escaping the underground.

Kaiden tended to Reina’s meals every day.

It was treatment far too generous for a princess of a fallen nation.

Everyone whispered about Reina.

Just because she couldn’t see didn’t mean she couldn’t hear, yet they spoke without restraint.

“At this meeting too, His Majesty dismissed the vassals’ calls to purge Princess Reina. What is it about that plain princess that he protects her so?”

“Could he have feelings for her?”

“No way. It’s probably just pity. I heard she was locked underground for ten years. They say she’s not even in her right mind.”

“Either way, if this continues, His Majesty will be in trouble. The nobles’ opposition is fierce.”

Even while serving her, they were subtly hostile.

She didn’t need sight to know. The emotional hues of those looking at her were icy cold.

But Reina didn’t care.

Not a single word of their sharp remarks was wrong.

She was the mastermind behind the former Emperor, a notorious villainess.

A sinner with no right to protest even if sent to the guillotine.

Thus, the one who understood Kaiden’s actions least was Reina herself.

“You can eat meat starting today. Don’t leave any; finish it all.”

Kaiden handed Reina a plate of sliced meat and a fork, speaking firmly.

As she ate the food he provided in silence, her conscience pricked her.

The humane treatment, received after so long, warmed her heart.

At the same time, guilt surged for being the one who ruined him.

As he said, her body had improved significantly.

But she wasn’t far from death.

Reina instinctively knew her end was near.

And that she could use her power one last time.

When Reina idly raised and lowered her fork, Kaiden spoke.

“If you have something to say, say it. Don’t fidget in front of the meat.”

“I have a question.”

“Why so serious? As long as it’s not about killing you, I’ll listen, so speak freely, Princess.”

“Why are you kind to me? I heard from a maid. They say everyone wants me purged.”

“…”

The atmosphere around Kaiden turned subtly cold.

He let out a heavy sigh and said,

“I’ll have to tell them to watch their mouths around you. They made you hear nonsense.”

“Please answer. If it’s because of my power…”

“Princess Reina.”

Unable to listen further, Kaiden cut her off.

Reina flinched at his seemingly angry tone.

Softening slightly, Kaiden said irritably,

“I’d prefer you didn’t treat me like the former Emperor.”

“…”

“I want nothing from you. And I certainly have no intention of killing you.”

“Why…?”

“Because I feel like it. There’s no other reason.”

Kaiden’s clear answer sent tremors through Reina’s heart.

It was a first. Someone showing her unconditional kindness.

Not an action to gain something, but simply because he wanted to.

She didn’t fully understand, but it felt like him.

“I see.”

Reina lowered her head, a faint smile forming.

The ground, long trembling with unease, finally stilled.

At some point, dark spots began spreading through his aura.

Now, his light was so consumed by darkness that its original glow was gone.

Reina knew this aura well. It was the aura of death.

In that moment, she knew what she had to do.

She wanted to return something precious to Kaiden.

Even if it meant exhausting her last shred of vitality.

He had already lost so much because of her.

It could be atonement for her sins, and that was fine.

She wanted to expend her remaining life for the great Emperor who showed kindness to a villainess.

Not a bad ending for a notorious villainess.

Reina finished every piece of meat.

As Kaiden, satisfied, took the empty plate, Reina grabbed his hand.

“What? Want more?”

Reina shook her head at his question.

She felt his gaze, as if asking why.

With sincerity, Reina said,

“Thank you. Because of you, I’m no longer afraid of death.”

“For just a meal? That’s awfully simple for a princess.”

Misinterpreting her meaning, Kaiden chuckled.

Reina gave him her first bright smile and said,

“It’s not simple at all. You’ve given me more than I deserve.”

“You’re making me embarrassed. That’s enough, Princess.”

As Kaiden muttered awkwardly, trying to pull his hand away, Reina gripped it tighter and said,

“For the last time, I’ll use my remaining power to bless you fully.”

Since my life is nearly over anyway.

Swallowing her unspoken words, Reina smiled faintly.

Sensing something off, Kaiden froze.

“For the great king.”

Reina bowed her head and kissed the back of his hand.

With reverence, she poured all her remaining vitality into the blessing.

“May you achieve what you desire.”

At that moment, her divine beast, a crimson light, surged toward Kaiden.

The bird, always glowing blue, burned red for the first time.

“Princess!”

With Kaiden’s final cry, Reina embraced death.