[TRIGGER WARNING: Depiction of blood and violence.]

Meanwhile, the intensity was gone—replaced by a shared coldness.

So frigid it felt as if time itself had frozen, suspended in stasis.

...Well, that’s what Selene would say, I suppose.

So, what should I do next?

Surprise him with a hug? Some last-minute camaraderie before an untimely, unrequited farewell? That sounds kinda silly.

Or else—

"May I kiss you again? For the last time?"

Arthur raised an eyebrow, clearly caught off guard.

No—he was genuinely confused. Completely unprepared for that request.

I could barely read anyone’s intentions besides my own and Selene’s, after all.

"What’s with that awkward question?"

He leaned closer, tilting his head toward mine.

"Or... is that your temptation?" he teased. "Oh? Did you fall for me instead?"

Meh. Predictable.

I sighed.

"Not really, you snake."

"My, my," he replied lightly. "Once a snake, always a snake, huh?"

No. That line belongs to me.

I sighed.

"Yes yes yes... once a snake is a snake," I said flatly. "So? I was just curious. Besides, you’re going to shoot me anyway. What dignity is left for me to protect?"

That made him pause. Did I just trigger something in his mind?

"...What do you mean by shoot?" His eyes narrowed.

"No—how do you know it’s called that?"

Oh. F*ck!

My brain, traitor that it was, decided now was the perfect time to replay some idiotic FAHHHH meme.

Alright. I couldn’t keep dodging anymore. At least, not for now.

I needed an answer—or at least a decision.

Lying wouldn’t work. Deceiving him outright wasn’t an option either.

Should I reveal it? Would there be consequences if he learned I didn’t belong here?

Selene never explained what would happen if someone else realized the truth—that I wasn’t from Olam at all, but from somewhere else entirely.

...You know what? Screw it.

Agatha already knew. Telling one more monster wouldn’t break the world.

Well, not that I cared if the world would be destroyed because of me.

"I’m the all-knowing elf, of course—ow!"

He flicked my forehead.

"Nice try. Don’t mock me, you silly. Lies won’t work here."

I nodded once, conceding.

"Then tell me the truth," he said quietly. "Nothing else."

"Just you and me," he added.

"No one’s listening, princess."

...Why did you make that sound so lewd, you pervert?

As if we were about to do something so unforgivable even the gods would avert their eyes.

Wait.

Something just clicked.

"...Hold on. Why did you call me a princess?"

At first, I thought it was just another taunt. But now—

Arthur leaned in, his voice brushing my ear.

"I’ll let you figure that out yourself."

Damn it.

"Scum."

He chuckled.

"If it helps, I’ll give you a hint."

"Do you know who your mother really is, Kairi Elysia Veylith?"

Ah.

Right.

Selene mentioned it—once. Briefly. As if it were nothing.

"So you’re saying you know where I truly belong?"

His smile turned sharp.

"Of course. Not just me—most of the kingdom does."

...Did Selene know?

No. Don’t even dwell on it.

She never realizes when she’s being manipulated.

What an angelic, wicked witch.

"Fine," I said. "Then I’ll tell you mine—before you shoot me."

"Come closer," I added. "Prince Arturo Machiavelli."

His face flushed instantly.

Oh. He’s blushing.

Typical.

"Don’t use my dead name."

"Sure," I replied. "I still will."

He ignored me, leaning in so his ear hovered near my lips.

"It’s none of your business," I whispered. "But you’ll understand soon."

Then I pulled him in and kissed him.

This time, deeper.

I caught his scent, his warmth—his presence. Not desperation. Just resolve.

A damsel in distress?

Or perhaps, just someone choosing how to leave.

He broke away immediately, wiping his mouth.

"...So," he said slowly,

"you’re telling me that inside that body..."

I stayed silent.

That as an answer was enough.

Any lingering confusion faded from his face.

If I was going to cross a line, I’d make sure it was unmistakable.

Next—

Time to accept my death.

Finally.

Somehow, that made me smile.

Deep down, I was satisfied.

"So you really prepared this," I said, lifting my chin slightly. "You snake."

He didn’t deny it.

"Make sure you shoot my head," I added.

"Cleanly."

He nodded.

"Understood."

My knees trembled then—not from fear, but from the sheer absurdity of it all.

And my mind, traitorous as ever, wandered.

Damn it... my limited edition skin.

I bit my lip.

Of all times.

Of all things.

I had grinded so hard for that Finality Exam skin; there’s no easy way to get it again...

Then again—

Eh. Maybe I’ll gain it next time.

I looked up at him.

"One last wish?" Arthur said quietly.

I blinked.

Then, without missing a beat—

"That limited edition skin I got from the Finality Exam," I said.

"The one tied to the Elixir."

He frowned. "What do you mean by the Elixir?"

"The one you confiscated before entering the interrogation room," I clarified.

"Steal it. For me."

Perhaps, he thought.

Out of everything.

Out of my life.

That was my concern.

He stared at me for a long moment.

Then he chuckled.

"So silly..."

A low, helpless sound.

"You’re so unbelievable," he said. "Out of all things..."

I shrugged. "It really matters to me. Way more than my life."

He shook his head, still smiling.

"Alright, princess."

"I’ll get it for you," he said.

"I promise."

I’m glad I actually said it...

Well, I guess that was more than enough.

No more excuses.

No more delays.

At this point, just shoot me.

Not that I was desperate.

He raised the gun. The stake rose with it.

I straightened my posture, steadying my breath.

The barrel aligned perfectly with my forehead.

No hesitation.

No mercy.

Just one trigger to decide my fate.

The shot rang out.

* * *

Then, soon after this...

Impact—prefrontal cortex.

Blood exploded everywhere.

My head—practically blown apart—collapsed backward as the world burst into crimson.

There was no pain.

Only numbness.

Silence.