WCMT 01

Episode 1

If my life were a candle, it would be the faint ember flickering at the very tip of the wick.
In other words, I’m about to die.

Like that chandelier candle — trembling, sputtering smoke, barely holding on.
One breath away from going out.

“Your Majesty.”

A familiar voice reached my ears, and I forced my heavy eyes to turn.

Pale blond hair, violet-blue eyes, and a soft radiance surrounding his entire being —
a man whose beauty seemed sculpted in the image of the divine.

Raphael.
Beloved of the gods, my most excellent political partner.

Even now, looking at him, I could almost hear a choir singing in the distance.

…Or maybe not.
Perhaps I’m just hearing things because my time has come.

Even when I met the eyes of Yulsian, standing behind Raphael, that holy melody wouldn’t stop.

My ten-year-old son — who’d inherited Raphael’s golden hair and my golden eyes — was fighting to hold back his tears.

At least he knew enough to maintain dignity as the Empire’s only prince.

My boy. Brave and strong. Soon to be emperor. Don’t cry in front of others.

Proud of him, I reached out a hand.

Raphael immediately took it, tears spilling down his cheeks.

Not you — my son.

I only wanted to touch my heir’s face one last time, yet here you are, getting in the way.

Normally, I’d tell him to move, but there were too many witnesses around, here to “attend the emperor’s final moments.”

Besides, he’s still my husband — if only in name. It wouldn’t do to humiliate him now.

And well, those beautiful eyes of his aren’t the worst sight to end my life on. Might as well go out gracefully.

So instead of pulling my hand away, I clasped his.

“Raphael. The will of the gods is truly unyielding and fearsome. Even a life that unified countless kingdoms cannot defeat illness.”

“You must overcome this, Your Majesty. The prince is still so young.”

The will of the gods decrees my death — and you tell me to overcome it? Some saint you are.

“You and Pellion will manage things well enough.”

“Please don’t say that. You can overcome this.”

He says that, but we both know the truth.

Time was running out. The divine power he poured into me leaked away like water from a cracked pot.

Still, thanks to that power, I felt no pain.

At least it allowed me to keep my dignity, even in the face of death.

“Yulsian.”

“Yes, Your Majesty.”

“The Empire of Epiphanes belongs to no one but you. When I die, you are to ascend the throne at once.”

He bit his plump lower lip, eyes glistening, holding back tears.

I could tell he was struggling not to cry in front of me.

I gestured to his nurse to take him out. Moments later, muffled sobs echoed from behind the door.

I was an adult when I lost my parents, and even then, I was terrified and lost. How much harder must it be for Yulsi, still a child?

To ignore the ache in my chest, I closed my eyes. Soon after, I heard the rustle of people leaving the room — Raphael must have dismissed them.

Silence settled, ghostlike.

Then the bed dipped beside me, and I felt a weight on my shoulder. My thin nightclothes dampened under his tears.

“So wet,” I muttered weakly.

Raphael gave a faint, tearful smile.

“Even now, in this state… you’re the same as ever.”

“That’s my charm. Where’s Pellion?”

“You’re still asking for him?”

His violet eyes glistened with tears.

That look — insolent as ever. If I had the strength, I’d flick his forehead.

“How dare you look at me like—”

But the words never finished.

The door burst open.

A man froze upon seeing Raphael and me lying side by side, then quickly strode toward the bed.

Silver hair swayed with every step. Clear sky-blue eyes fixed on me.

Pellion Libeden — the greatest mage alive, my oldest friend, and most loyal subject.

I owed him much, and yet—

“Your Majesty! You can’t leave us like this!”

So much I owed—

“Open your eyes, Your Majesty!”

“I am.”

“You mustn’t go yet. Please, wake up!”

“I’m not dead.”

“Your Majestyyy!”

“I said I’m not dead!”

Pellion sobbed dramatically and almost collapsed onto me — only for Raphael to block him.

As always, tension sparked between the two.

If I let them be, they’d start fighting soon enough… but I couldn’t bring myself to care. Let them fight. I’ve no strength left to stop them anyway.

Even breathing was growing harder.

When my ragged breaths filled the silence, they both froze, looking horrified.

Summoning my last bit of strength, I smiled faintly.

“Raphael, Pellion… take care of Yulsi.”

Pellion, still smiling that mischievous smile, took my hand.

He claimed to adore me — so how could he be smiling now?

“Are you enjoying this?”

“Of course not. But… it’s not the worst ending.”

He spoke casually, grinning like always.

Up to something again. He was loyal, yes, but sometimes dangerously unpredictable.

That’s worrying. I should ask Raphael to keep an eye on him—

—Bang!

The door burst open again.

Apparently, that door’s fated to die with me today.

A man with fiery red hair stood frozen, staring at me.

The guards moved belatedly to block him.

“King of Retunia, you cannot enter!”

He brushed them aside and strode to the bed, shoving Pellion away before touching my forehead with trembling fingers.

“You’re dying.”

Did you need to say that out loud?

I tried to speak, but no sound came.

“If you’d become my queen, you wouldn’t be leaving so soon.”

You’re a king. I’m an emperor.
If anything, you should’ve been my queen.

If I had any strength, I’d flick you too.

But strength was slipping away.

He took my hand, whispering, “I will forget you.”

Be my guest.

That was my last thought as I let out one long, deep breath.

It felt like the oxygen left my body all at once.

“Irane!”

Someone was calling my name.

Through my blurring vision, I saw the chandelier flame finally die out.

Smoke drifted upward, free at last, swirling gently.

That was my last memory.

All sensation faded. My body felt weightless.

Then even time lost meaning.

It was as if I had thrown off heavy robes — my chest opened, my soul lightened, and I felt peace like never before.

Though leaving my son behind pained me, perhaps it was for the best.

Better to go early than linger as a burden.
We would’ve only grown distant — as my father and I once did.

No regrets.

Under my rule, the kingdom became an empire, and the people lived safe and prosperous lives.

I, Irane Philotimeomai Veloas,
will be remembered by future generations as the founding emperor of the Epiphanes Empire —
the one who brought about an age of unparalleled peace.

My name will echo through history.

Shame I won’t be around to see it.

But no one gets to witness their own legacy. Best not to be greedy.

Now, at last, I would rest in the embrace of the gods—

—or so I thought.

Suddenly, it felt like being yanked upward from deep underwater. Consciousness returned.

What… is this feeling?

Have I finally reached the arms of the divine?

Then why is it so hot?

“Ira… Ria!”

A faint shout reached me.

The air grew hotter and thicker. Acrid smoke filled my lungs.

Then came the stench of burning.

No… this can’t be.

Is this hell?

Did I fall to hell?!

I mean, I had my doubts — but shouldn’t I at least get a chance to defend myself first?!

“Irane!”

Ah, someone’s calling my name — maybe that’s my chance to explain myself!

I snapped my eyes open and sat up.

Flames were crawling up the curtains.

Instinctively, I covered my mouth and climbed out of bed.

What in the world—?

Fire poured in from the open terrace. I couldn’t see outside.

The room was an inferno.

I had to find water — anything to block the heat.

Scanning around, I spotted a large vase and reached for it.

But…

Since when was it this big and heavy?