"Huh…?"
The word escaped Leo's lips in a breathless whisper. Logen's gaze—sharp, unyielding—pinned her in place. Cold sweat trickled down her skin. Her body trembled, her golden eyes flickering with fear.
"Y-you… know me?" Her voice cracked, barely holding together, as she stared into his face.
"Actually," Logen said slowly, pressing a hand against his lips in thought, "to tell you the truth, I don't know who you are. But I can sense it. A curse clings to you… a powerful one. Strong enough that even I was shocked."
His words struck like iron.
Leo's face went pale, her chest tightening. She clenched her fists, voice trembling. "So… this curse… it's really that strong?"
Her expression twisted in fear, and seeing it only confirmed Logen's suspicion.
"I was right," he said firmly, his deep voice calm yet heavy. "You're struggling with a curse."
"Damn it…" Leo whispered under her breath.
Her voice broke into a desperate cry. "Sir! How can I destroy this curse!? Please—can you help me!?"
She shot to her feet, slamming her palms lightly against the table. Her eyes burned with desperate hope.
But Logen shook his head. "I'm sorry. I'm not strong enough to destroy such a curse."
"Ohh…"
Leo collapsed back into her chair, head bowed. Her body sank with hopelessness, silence swallowing her words.
"…But," Logen continued, his voice steady, "if you're willing, you can tell me why you're cursed. Perhaps then… I might understand."
Leo's brows furrowed, pain etched deep into her features. "But… how could I even say it? You won't believe me."
"Fine," Logen replied, folding his arms across his chest, his tone unwavering. "Even if it sounds unbelievable—I will listen. Tell me."
Leo raised her head, lips trembling.
"I… I actually…"
Her voice broke. She bit her lip hard, unable to push the words out. Seconds passed in silence.
Then, suddenly—
"I AM LEO JULIUS EROS!!!"
Her shout shook the library walls. Her breathing turned ragged as her golden eyes glistened with raw pain. "The man everyone despises for his greed—that's me! I don't know why I was cursed like this!!! But I am him!"
The words tore from her chest. She gasped, staring at Logen as though pleading for recognition.
Logen's eyes widened. His gray irises trembled, disbelief painting his face. "Y-you… Leo Julius Eros? Truly!?"
He pushed up from his chair in shock.
"Yes… I am that man." Leo's voice cracked. Tears welled up, spilling freely down her cheeks. "But now… now I'm no longer him."
Her words quivered, her hands shaking as she wiped her tears. "Please… believe me. It's me… Leo."
Logen slowly sank back into his chair, expression grave. "…I see. Then the ancient tale was true. You are cursed—and that curse has twisted you into a girl."
"Ancient… tale?" Leo asked, fear tightening her face. "But… why a girl?"
"I don't know," Logen admitted, his deep voice echoing in the silent library. "But I once read of it… an ancient story. Those who bear the seven deadly sins will one day face punishment."
Leo's breath caught. "Huh… you mean… I was punished for my sin? But—"
Before she could finish, Logen's voice cut sharp across hers.
"And you already know why you're cursed, don't you?"
His fist clenched tightly, anger flickering in his eyes.
"Huh…?" Leo's voice quivered, her breaths shallow. His piercing gaze dragged forth memories she had buried deep in her heart—memories drenched in blood.
[Flashback]
Leo stood over a lifeless corpse on the grass, a bloodstained knife in his hand. His expression was blank. Not a shred of regret clouded his eyes.
[Flashback]
A girl once trusted—once his comrade—screamed as Leo drove his blade into her again and again. Her cries were drowned in blood.
[Flashback]
A friend with golden hair stood before him. In a moment of betrayal, Leo shoved him from a rooftop. The scream ended with a sickening thud.
[Flashback]
"Just die! Please… just die!! That's all I want from you!!"
Leo's voice was a feral roar as his hands strangled a girl with long flowing hair, blue eyes shining with tears—Estrella. His only love, cursed and broken. To claim her unique power, he killed her with his own hands.
"L-Leo…" Estrella's voice trembled. Her tears streaked down pale cheeks as the light faded from her once-shimmering eyes. Her body stilled, empty of soul.
The silence of the library was heavy, broken only by the faint glow of the lamps.
Leo's body trembled as memories of blood and betrayal clawed at her mind. Her tears overflowed, dripping down her cheeks until she slammed her forehead against the wooden table.
"AGHHH!!"
Her scream tore through the quiet room, raw and broken.
Logen's eyes, sharp and cold, never wavered.
"Seems you've remembered. The sins you committed… You deserve this, don't you?"
His voice cut like a blade, merciless.
"Yes!!!" Leo cried, her voice cracking. "I did it… I killed them… I killed my friends… I killed the one I loved!"
Her long brown hair spilled forward, hiding her face as the tears soaked her pale skin.
Logen's gaze hardened further.
"Now you finally understand what pain is. You slaughtered countless people. You betrayed your comrades. And you murdered Estrella… a sweet girl who loved you."
Each word stabbed deeper, piercing her heart without mercy.
"You deserve this, Leo Julius Eros."
Standing tall, Logen looked down at the broken figure before him.
"I… I killed them because I wanted everything!" Leo's voice rose, shaking. "I wanted to have it all—to experience it all! I wanted everything! But why…? Why am I like this now!?"
Her tears wouldn't stop. She staggered to her feet, chest heaving, voice trembling.
"Why!? I wanted everything… and for that, I lost myself! I lost who I truly was!"
Logen took a slow step forward, his boots echoing softly on the floor. His gray eyes were calm, cold, unyielding.
"Who knows? But didn't you say you wanted to experience it all? This is the price. Now you live in the body of a girl."