Two years had passed since Ryo moved in with Elizabeth.
In that time, Elizabeth rose to become the Commander of Alulencia's military, the very kingdom she was born and raised in—and still lived in. Ryo, too, had spent his entire life in Alulencia. It was his home.
That afternoon, Ryo was deep in the forest gathering firewood so Elizabeth could make lunch.
"Damn… this is a lot of firewood," he muttered, wiping sweat from his brow. "I wonder what she's planning to cook."
His breathing grew heavy as he carried the bundle out of the forest, the weight digging into his arms, but he pushed through and made it home.
Elizabeth greeted him with a smile.
"Hey, Ryo. Thanks for the firewood—but it looks like I don't have enough ingredients left. Want to come into town with me to get some?"
Ryo froze. Sweat dripped down his face, his fingers trembling uncontrollably. How will people look at me? he thought. Not like Elizabeth…
"I—I don't think I should," he said quietly. "You can go by yourself."
Elizabeth noticed immediately. She smiled softly and placed a hand on his shoulder.
"Nonsense. Trust me—no harm will come to you when your big sister is with you." She grinned proudly. "Did you forget? I'm the Commander now."
"But what if—"
"Don't worry," she interrupted gently. "I'll be with you till death do us part."
After a moment, Ryo nodded.
In town, whispers followed them.
"That's her—the Commander."
"She's so cool…"
"The war hero! I heard she saved almost everyone in the military."
Ryo walked beside her, wide-eyed. "Wow… you're pretty famous, huh?"
"I guess," Elizabeth replied.
Something about her answer felt… off.
They returned home with the ingredients, and while eating, Ryo finally spoke up.
"Elizabeth… what's wrong?"
She blinked. "What do you mean?"
"You've been smiling too much lately. Not that it's bad—but for a human to be this happy… it feels impossible."
She sighed, then nodded.
"Alright. It's only fair I tell you my story—since you told me yours."
Ryo leaned closer, listening intently.
"I was born into a noble family in Alulencia," she began. "If I'm honest… my parents despised me. My little sister, Eliza—she was the favorite. She could do everything I couldn't."
She smiled sadly.
"But I never hated her. I loved her."
"When I was eleven, our parents died. Eliza was devastated. I promised to protect her—but grief consumed her. One day, she ran into the forest near the graveyard."
"I called her name again and again… but she came back after the third call."
Elizabeth swallowed.
"That day, we had promised to become the strongest in the nation—so our parents could rest peacefully, knowing the Sapphire name was safe."
Her voice trembled.
"The year I became Commander… I earned the title of war hero. You heard that man say I saved almost everyone. The key word is almost."
"The reason I came home late that day… was because I was searching for my sister."
"I refused to believe she was dead."
Her eyes darkened.
"All I found was the scarf I gave her—torn apart, soaked in blood."
Silence filled the room.
"That's when I realized… she was gone."
Ryo's hands shook.
"Wait… that day… it was August 14th, 655. Today is August 14th, 656."
"Oh…" His voice cracked. "I'm sorry."
Elizabeth smiled gently. "It's okay. God has His plans."
Ryo frowned. "God?"
"You don't know who God is?"
"Nope. Never heard of him. Is he why you wear that scarf all the time?"
"Yes," she said softly. "And He's the reason for everything."
"That's… neat," Ryo replied.
"In my religion," she continued, ."you die the way you lived.
Ryo stiffened. "W-Wait—what does that mean?"
"Don't worry," she laughed. "It's all about intention."
He exhaled in relief. "Oh… thank goodness."
He paused, then said quietly, "But… does that mean you're going to die smiling?"
Elizabeth's face flushed.
"D-Don't say things like that!" she snapped shyly. "Go refill the water barrels. We're heading into town again tomorrow—this time by horse."
"Okay," Ryo said.
He carried the barrels to the river and filled them. When he returned, the house was dark.
She probably fell asleep, he thought.
He stepped inside.
And froze.
Elizabeth lay motionless on the floor.
Before her stood a masked man.
Ryo's rage exploded.
He charged, drawing the daggers—the same ones that had taken ninety-nine lives.
He struck.
Missed.
Again.
The masked figure vanished into the night.
Ryo collapsed beside Elizabeth, desperately checking for signs of life.
Nothing.
Tears streamed down his face.
Even in death… she was smiling.
"I swear," Ryo whispered, shaking, "I will find the thing that killed you."
"Even if it costs me my life."
This was the hundredth death Ryo had witnessed.
But for the first time—
it was not by his hands.