[Part 3] Death Is The Only Ending For The Villain (FOR OFFLINE READING PURPOSE)

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As soon as the duke's words were over, the long-forgotten memories came to mind as if it was just yesterday.

- If you like it, why do you say to break it and make a vase?

- No, that will be fine. It's the most beautiful way to see the branches blooming.

Only then did I remember the name of the flower.

'....The Ellenwork Rose.'

The duke filled the coming-of-age ceremony with apricot rose, remembering that I had said it was beautiful without actually meaning it.

I gazed at him with astonished eyes, and groped back.

"You... still remember that?"

"The only thing I remembered was this flower."

"....."

"As a father, I didn't even know what you like..."

When I arrived at the duke's mansion, I called him 'Duke' and drew a line.

Even so, he called himself 'father' and muttered with a bitter face.

'I don't like that flower.'

I couldn't dare say that in front of him.

As I was staring blankly at him, I barely answered.

"...I didn't know you sent it. I'm sorry."

"It doesn't matter who sent it. I just hope you enjoyed seeing them."

Immediately erasing the bitter face, he smiled.

"The food is getting cold. Come on, eat."

The meal, which had been paused, resumed with the duke's light call.

When I pretended to eat food after him, I kept sniffing at the him.

His wrinkled face suddenly felt so strange.

I felt weird.

I always thought that he would protect the Eckarts in a dignified and noble manner.

'How was the old duke?'

As I recalled his former appearance, the memory stretched out to the luncheon at the garden he and I had attended.

-But... If you can, please don't leave the duchy.

At that time, I thought I would never come back here on my own again if I killed Leila.

It was the same five years ago, when I came to say goodbye.

- I also need time and opportunity to forgive the Duke, Father.

- I can't forgive you.

I thought I'd never forgive you.

Penelope, and the wounds I received were too great to forgive.

But now, five years later....

'Do I still hate the people in here?'

Actually, I'm not sure.

Looking at the duke with gray hair, still treating me the same as five years ago, my heart was pounding for the first time in a long time.

"You don't have an appetite? Would you like to stop biting and eat dessert?"

Did he notice that I'm only nibbling and not eating properly?

The Duke suddenly asked me.

I hesitated for a moment, but them shook my head without hesitation.

It wasn't even because of morning sickness, but somehow I didn't feel like eating more.