I’ve already told Viola the truth.
At present, Viola already accepted it and we’re leisurely walking together outside.
“It was a surprise to think that the noble prince who was once exiled would be the one to save me. Thank you very much.”
She thanked me gratefully for helping her.
“No need to worry too much on that. It was enjoyable for myself as well. Also, I simply can’t turn a blind eye on someone in need of help. After all, this may be the last time I can chat with the living.”
She turned silent at that.
“Last time…”
“Yes, once I escort you outside, I’ll head back to the mansion and purge the evil that sleeps there. Once I finish my duty, the curse should end.”
“…”
“You shouldn’t feel too sad. My life ended years ago. I’m already satisfied.”
“Satisfied?”
“Yes.”
I replied without hesitation.
I gaze up to see the dark sky.
Without stars or the moon to illuminate the way.
“Glory… Fame… Duty… Wealth… Once you’re dead, what will all that mean to you?”
With the air of one knowledgeable about such topics I ask her.
“True, they may grant one a moment of happiness. However, when you are at your last breath, when Death would come swiftly, inevitably, would that happiness… feel like it’s truly worth it? Won’t such fleeting thoughts turn into regret?”
I kept walking on ahead.
Not stopping at all.
“What’s truly important is whether or not you’re satisfied with your life. There should be regrets and mistakes you’ve made. True, that should exist. For only those without such things are cowards who know neither victory nor defeat. Those pitiful souls know only regret at Death’s door. For, a person’s life is never measured by failures or success. It’s something only you could decide for yourself. Whether or not you were truly happy, whether or not you were truly satisfied.”
I illuminated the way with my light
I kept guard at the front.
“Then… Were you satisfied with your life?”
Viola asked me from behind with a determined voice.
“Of course I am.”
I answered quickly without hesitation.
“I may have died a cruel death, but that is the price of freedom I paid. I risked it all and simply fell short in terms of ability. I have no regrets whatsoever.”
This text was taken from Royal Road. Help the author by reading the original version there.
“I see…”
I saw a flash of light ahead.”
“Well, we’re nearing the end of our small trip.”
I said with a laugh.
We walked towards the light.
“That’s…”
“Indeed it is.”
It’s something I would never fail to know even after so many long years.
“The light of the sun.”
A pity, that I could not go see it myself.
“Well… This is where we part…”
Viola said quietly.
“Indeed. I hope you think carefully of my words.”
“I will.”
“Well, it was truly a pleasure to have met you. Viola.”
“Yes… It truly was…”
She stopped quickly.
“Sylfern… Thank you so much for everything you’ve done for me. If there is anything I could do for you, please ask.”
Something I would want…
“Well, there is something you could do for me.”
“Please tell me. I’ll do my best.”
What I want is simple actually.
“Please tell my family to stop looking for me. Don’t tell them where I am, or what happened to me. Simply tell them that I’ve left this world. That is enough for me.”
Indeed, they betrayed me.
But even so, I still love them.
“I understand. I’ll definitely tell them.”
Viola promised me solemnly.
“Then… I guess this is goodbye…”
“Indeed it is.”
“Will we meet again?”
“We will. But that would probably take a long time. Once I finish this task and rest in peace, I’ll wait for you in the afterlife.”
“I see…”
“When that time comes, do tell me how your life came to pass.”
“I will.”
She promised me this.
“Well, let’s part now.”
“Yes.”
“Till next time we meet.”
Viola went towards the light.
She left quietly.
“Now… I’m alone again.”
This isn’t so bad though.
“Time to finish what I must.”
I turn my back towards the light, and proceeded forward towards the darkness.
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Merry Christmas to everyone! Sorry for the delay. I've been busy. By the way, I would like to thank the readers who liked this story even though I'm an amateur. I've very grateful for anyone wanting to read this story till the end. I'm very grateful.