It was a common story.

A girl who had lived her entire life in darkness saw light for the first time, but, unable to adjust to its warmth, she became frightened and ran away.

A paradox of misery.

Though she wept, wishing to escape unhappiness, she inevitably returned to the misery that was most familiar to her.

In her wandering life, the only home she ever knew was that sadness.

A life that ultimately lingered in existence.

The girl before me was no exception.

"You were here, Miss Neria."

"You…?"

Silver hair rippled in the harsh wind.

The starlight swirled around her.

Blood and tears dripped from her cheeks, while a deep wound marred the right side of her face.

Transparent eyes stared blankly in my direction.

"Not too late, it seems."

I spoke as if answering her vacant gaze.

After realizing she had disappeared, I hurried after her and, at the very least, had managed to stop her before the worst came to pass.

My palm, pressed tightly against the dagger, sizzled as the flesh cooked.@@novelbin@@

The iron, holding the light of the stars, burned with intensity.

Even so, I locked eyes with her without showing a trace of pain.

"Do you know how worried I was?"

The girl’s expression grew complicated in response to my playful reproach.

Her lips, caught in a moment of silence, finally murmured hoarsely:

"You… chased after me… even through this relentless snowstorm."

"I promised to take responsibility."

"…Yes, that’s just like you."

You’re that kind of person.

With an odd mix of emotions, the girl let out a resigned laugh.

Her calm voice betrayed a sense of surrender.

"That’s why I left you."

Because you’re too kind.

The warmth and kindness you so carelessly offered, the devotion you extended to make a home beyond misery, were overwhelming and suffocating for a creature like me, a wretched monster.

I was afraid this cursed fate would hurt even you.

So I chose to leave your side on my own.

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