There was No One Beside Her

Teresa stood there, appearing as usual with no detectable facial expression or emotion.

Cecile, who had been observing her for a while, hesitated to open her mouth.

“Sorry. It’s my fault that you’re being pursued.”

Teresa had encouraged her to escape, and this all happened in front of Arbeuta. If luck wasn’t on her side, she could face execution at the moment of her capture.

A somber shadow fell over Cecile’s face, but Teresa spoke resolutely.

“That is not something you should apologize for.”

“…”

“I will only follow Your Majesty.”

Her response was unwavering, but Cecile’s expression remained somber. A bitter smile played on her lips as she quietly nodded.

“Okay, thanks.”

Teresa then carefully observed Cecile and asked.

“Why don’t we leave the empire right now?”

Cecile hesitated briefly before responding to Teresa’s suggestion. She pondered whether sharing everything she had experienced with the knight was appropriate. 

However, she had no particular reason to hide this information from Teresa. Cecile replied.

“I already ventured out.”

“…”

“The moment I reached the sea, my strength waned. The waves also grew stronger… I stopped because I felt like something ominous would happen.”

“Is that so?”

Teresa responded calmly. She didn’t seem particularly surprised.

‘You probably don’t believe me.’

It was only natural, considering the incredibility of the situation. 

Moreover, Teresa was unaware that Cecile had harnessed supernatural abilities. With these thoughts in mind, she couldn’t help but wonder.

‘Why isn’t she curious?’

Teresa’s lack of surprise seemed unusual for someone who just witnessed Cecile’s extraordinary power for the first time. It was an ability that would astonish anyone, but Teresa appeared unfazed.

As if she already knew.

‘Could it be possible that she knew?’

Cecile scrutinized Teresa while contemplating the possibility.

“Teresa, did you know that I have supernatural abilities?”

“…I heard. There were widespread rumors that an angel had appeared. I thought that Your Majesty was finally able to utilize the power of God.”

“Is that so?”

“Yes. Because evil spirits have been running rampant since Your Majesty disappeared, I merely assumed that something would change in Your Majesty as well.”

Cecile fell silent. She lowered her eyes, adjusted weight to her feet, and peered down.

Deep within the mountains, the unique scent of the earth and the greenery of trees wafted through the air.

There was something about the early morning air that never failed to bestow its calming effect upon her soul.

Is that why?

Her anxious mind slowly eased.

Cecile gazed blankly at the lakeside by the temple.

As the lake gently rippled, a faint question escaped from Cecile’s lips.

“Teresa.”

“Please speak.”

“Where do you wish to go?”

“It does not matter, as long as it lies beyond the borders of Orchidria, where this empire is located.”

Teresa’s voice resonated clearly.

“I see.”

A question arose in Cecile’s mind at Teresa’s response.

She couldn’t fathom the reason behind the female knight’s passion to leave the Orchidria continent.

‘It also happened before.’

Alcaden was a port city close to the sea.

Its location allowed Cecile the freedom to travel at any time of her choice.

However, Alcaden was far from the capital. In fact, the neighboring country of Leden was closer.

Therefore, after considering such factors, traveling to another country through the Kingdom of Leden would have been faster and more efficient.

However, Teresa insisted on Alcaden. Furthermore, she advised Cecile to board a ship and venture abroad.

Even now, two years later, Teresa persisted in urging Cecile to leave the Orchidria continent.

‘Why?’

At that moment, the myth’s contents surfaced in Cecile’s mind.

[If Serendi’s daughter no longer exists in this land, the continent will sink into the depths of the sea, and the blessings bestowed upon the Empire will cease to exist.]

“It can’t be…”

Cecile unconsciously voiced her thoughts. She then directed a querying gaze at Teresa.

Teresa responded with unwavering determination as if she had read through Cecile’s thoughts.

“Your Majesty, would you consider leaving Orchidria with me?”

“…Orchidria?”

“There is no need to feel guilt. After all, they are the ones who abandoned you.”

Teresa took a deep breath and fixed her mysterious gaze on Cecile.

“They have sinned enough to receive a divine punishment.”

Cecile caught her breath at Teresa’s words. The implication was clear— Teresa was alluding to the myth and urging Cecile to forsake this land.

Unbelievable as it sounded, Cecile’s face paled at the shocking revelation.

She couldn’t fathom why her faithful knight was conveying such extraordinary sentiments.

The Teresa known to Cecile was reserved in speech but unwaveringly dedicated to her duties.

The first woman to have earned knighthood as a commoner, envied by many.

But now, she spoke of abandoning the imperial family and the empire she had sworn to protect with her life.

Even the atmosphere seemed to have changed. Teresa was no longer the person Cecile had once known.

Cecile clasped her mouth shut as she silently observed Teresa’s unpredictable behavior.

At that moment, the knight abruptly fell to her knees, her auburn hair obscuring her face.

Because of this, Cecile could no longer discern Teresa’s facial expressions. However, the knight’s voice and actions seemed to return to normal.

“That was presumptuous of me.”

“…”

“Please do as you wish. I will simply follow.”

The loyal knight, holding nothing but a powerless title, pledged allegiance to the Empress.

Teresa had reverted to the person Cecile recognized before she knew it.

There was a time when Cecile treated even Teresa with suspicion and doubted her loyalty. Now, it was time to dispel those doubts.

A bitter smile formed Cecile’s lips.

“It’s fine. I’m alright.”

She felt that everything was futile. Moreover, she received endless help from Teresa.

So she intended to turn a blind towards Teresa’s actions.

Instead, Cecile looked down at the knight positioned beneath her.

“Do you wish to return to the imperial palace with me?”

“Why does Your Majesty wish to go back?”

Instead of responding to her sharp question, Cecile pulled out her pouch filled with jewels. Then she placed it in Teresa’s hand.

Teresa parted her lips in bewilderment at her sudden action.

“This…”

“Take it. It’s small, but this will do.”

“There is no need for all this.”

“I shall give you more later.”

“I insist there is no need.”

Cecile didn’t bother to hear Teresa’s rebuttal.

At that moment, the wind stirred, and her silver-white hair glimmered against the sky.

A radiant aura enveloped Cecile as she unleashed her energy, almost as if showcasing it deliberately.

Speaking with a newfound confidence, Cecile exclaimed.

“Look, isn’t it remarkable?”

“It truly is… I am not let down.” 

Teresa responded, maintaining an air of detachment as if already aware of this power.

This indicated that, despite knowing Cecile could protect her, Teresa remained intent on leaving the empire.

‘Then.’

Cecile couldn’t confide her intentions to Teresa. If she had planned to depart the Empire, she would have done so already.

Contrary to Teresa’s decision, Cecile resolved to stay in the empire.

Even if her powers and the somewhat ironic title of saint became a hindrance, she was determined to face the consequences. Cecile understood that failure to do so might lead to overwhelming guilt.

After composing her emotions, she addressed Teresa in a matter-of-fact tone.

“I will send you to the Kingdom of Leden. Leave at any time of your choice. You will adapt well.”

“Is Your Majesty trying to throw me away?”

“…I’m not throwing you away. You know that.”

Cecile smiled bitterly at Teresa. At the same time, Teresa’s face distorted.

But that was the end of it. Teresa had long disappeared from her spot.

Even the grass, previously flattened where Teresa had knelt, rejuvenated and bloomed a lively green once more.

Cecile gazed at the spot where Teresa had stood, then shifted her attention to the night sky, devoid of a rising moon.

“The night air feels cold.”

Above the dark expanse, the sinister laughter of sinister spirits echoed.

Though they refrained from approaching Cecile, they continued hovering around her like predators eyeing a tempting prey.

With menacing anticipation, waiting for Cecile to let her guard down so they could consume their prey.

They circled her, mouths agape and tongues licking their lips.

“It’s a good day.”

Cecile muttered in a detached manner.

As if in agreement, a mournful cry filled the air as the wind blew.

Yet, Cecile’s countenance remained remarkably serene.

Gradually, Cecile’s body extended, akin to a puppet whose strings had been released.

She settled down, leaning against a tree trunk.

‘This will be the last time.’

This marked the conclusion of her association with this place. When the sun would rise, she would tread into the infernal imperial palace under her own volition.

____

Devastated by the loss of Cecile, Arbeuta went on a rampage.

He was gradually transforming into a monstrous entity.

Fur enveloped his entire body, and the whites of his eyes glowed a vivid red that pierced through the darkness. With each passing second, his form expanded until he loomed as large as a house.

The residents of Alcaeden, upon encountering the monstrous Arbeuta, erupted in screams. He, on the other hand, surveyed his surroundings with a murderous intent.

“Krrrng!”

As a sharp, monstrous boom resounded, something was thrown before Arbeuta—a weathered old scroll.

“Krung?”

Jars, undeterred by Arbeuta’s state, addressed him as he attempted to devour the map.

“Come to your senses.”

“Kyaaaak!”

However, the transforming monster paid no heed to Jars’ words and charged towards him.

As the situation teetered on the edge of violence, it seemed Jars would be torn apart by the monstrous claws of his once master.

However, Jars remained remarkably composed. He leisurely adjusted his glasses that had slipped down his nose.

He clicked his tongue.

“Tsk, you’re not an Emperor, but a beast.”

____________

Note: So he is something else… interesting!