“I’m just trying to survive right now. I’ll explain everything later when I can.”

Annie looked at me for a long time before patting me on the shoulder. “It’s my turn to make the first offer. So, what should we prepare? I was supposed to be the one to help you survive, but since you helped me out, I’ll do my part.” Annie spoke quickly, like a machine gun, and then winked briefly.

“Ah.”

“Then I’ll contact you when I’m ready. I’ll keep collecting them.”

It meant that she would continue to collect the purification stones. It also meant that she would be ready to accept my request anytime.

Annie was worried about me, saying that I should relax because she had risked her life for me. She said she would help me anytime.

Feeling relieved, I briefly explained the situation to Edmond and met Ginger.

“Boss!”

As soon as Ginger saw me, she burst into tears. Then, as if she had found an oasis in the desert, she clung to me. “I don’t want to die, I don’t want to die. I want to live a long life.”

Her lips trembled with fear, and her eyes were sunken because she hadn’t slept properly. I thought she would be overjoyed when I told her she was free, but it seemed she was really scared.

“You know the way to the house in Mabel, right? The house is empty, but you can use it. Use it as much as you need and then find a way to live. It’s okay to keep living.”

Like Annie, I couldn’t wait a year for Ginger as my plans fell apart. I was sad to lose the house in Mabel, but it would be empty for a year anyway, and I don’t know what will happen after that. It would be better for Ginger to be free. I think they’ll be fine on their own then.

Ginger blinked in surprise. “Leave? Then what about you, Boss?”

“Why are you worried about me? You said you wanted to be with Edmond, so hurry up and go.”

Everyone seemed to be leaving without looking back. I was so relieved that I quickly pushed Ginger away. I roughly handed Ginger a pouch of gold coins.

“No, no, wait. Just a minute, Boss!” Ginger, who I thought would be the fastest to run away, grabbed my arm.

“Huh?”

“We’re leaving? Just like this?”

“I told you to go. Edmond is waiting for you outside.”

“Are you okay, Boss? I’m not really the type to worry about others, but I’m still worried about you. And we’ve spent some time together….”

I patted Ginger’s arm and comforted her. It seemed she was feeling a lot of anxiety, probably because of the time she had been captured. Even Annie, a veteran, was flustered, so Ginger’s reaction was understandable.

“No, it’s all resolved. Use this as carriage fare and living expenses. You’ve worked hard. Thank you for your help.”

Ginger frowned deeply. “No, I don’t know if this is really right… Are you really telling me to go? Those damn bastards are threatening you?”

“I told you it’s been resolved. Edmond is waiting outside, so hurry up and go. There’s a carriage too.”

In the end, Ginger went out after resisting a little longer. Even as she got on the carriage, she kept asking if I was okay.

I entrusted Ginger to Edmond and finally saw her off. Edmond remained silent and only said, “I will do as you say now, but I will never forget your kindness.”

And so, I succeeded in releasing Annie, Ginger, and Edmond. I felt relieved and empty at the same time. They were my people, but I didn’t feel good about it, but there was nothing I could do since we had become shackles to each other. Now I just have to hope that they will all go their separate ways.

I didn’t completely believe Kairos’ words that he would let me go after a year. He might get tired of me first and let me go, or he might torment me even more than he does now. I’m not going to sit around for a year either. I have to prepare much more thoroughly than I am now. So that we never, ever meet again. So that our connection is completely severed.

***

The news of Duke Hadid’s marriage in the capital spread widely, and soon I received news as well. Dylan contacted me through the communication device, and then the Crown Prince and Lily sent me letters one after another, demanding that I show my face immediately. It was the result I had expected as soon as I saw the newspaper article.

“Haah.”

Why didn’t I know? I knew Kairos Hadid was a bad guy, but I should have known he was crazy too. There was no way I could have known something that wasn’t in the original story. I’m not a fortune teller.

My head throbbed at the news that they wanted to hear from my own mouth as soon as possible. Lily’s personality would have stopped the Crown Prince, but the fact that she allowed him to send me like this meant that she was thoroughly prepared.

In the meantime, I laughed a little at the news that things were going well with the Fay Martin case.

“…I’m really screwed.”

Ah, my life. I guess I’ll have to see how Kairos swayed the emperor, but just thinking about the questions that will be thrown at me as soon as I arrive in the capital makes me feel dizzy already.

As I sat there holding the letter, Kairos walked into the room. He usually works late, but it seems he finished his work quickly today. He must know that Ginger, Edmond, and Annie have all been released. He must have received the report, but I wonder if he’s pretending not to notice. Or maybe he just doesn’t care. After all, he captured them and even threatened them.

I wonder if he’s really going to try to make an effort for a year.

Anyway, he’s a strange man. I narrowed my eyes and glared at him. He wouldn’t dare make a fuss about me glaring at him now due to his promise.

“When my wife looks at me so passionately, it makes me anticipate. Of course, my wife also expressed her emotions passionately yesterday. As always.”

I let out a sigh of frustration. He calls it passionate emotion after I beat up all of his attendants?

“That was anger.”

“It wouldn’t be a problem if the person found it sweet.”

“…Are you crazy?”

“I’m crazy about you.”

“You’re not making sense.”

“But I think we were on the same page before.”

“….”

“I don’t know why my wife keeps trying to avoid me.”

“When are we going to the capital?”

“Whenever you’re ready.”

He approached me.

“Bastard.”

“I’ve heard that a lot, but it’s a little sad to hear it from my only ally. You said you’d be on my side forever.”

“I’ll be on your side no matter what. And you’ll always be on my side too. We’ll be each other’s only trust.”

It was what I said at our wedding. And it was what he said too. Of course, that was Noah Edith.

“That’s what I said to Noah. I told you, my Noah is dead.”

“I’m valid forever. Being on your side. It’s okay to take your time. Take it easy.”

“There’s nothing to prepare. I’ve crossed a river of no return to save your face.”

“Don’t worry about that. I’ll take care of everything.”

“Anyone can talk like that.”

I looked up at Kairos with disbelief. He gently caressed the corners of my eyes, which were pointed upwards.

“Please, lighten up. Hmm?”

I think I might believe him if he looks at me with such pitiful eyes.

“…You don’t need to consider my feelings that much anymore. I’ll tell the maid when I’m ready.”

I got up from my seat before my heart could weaken at his expression.

—