About

When I was seventeen, the Emperor ordered me to check on the children at the orphanage. That was the day I first met you. Having overheard the adults whispering about my visit, you were a small, fragile child hiding in a corner of the forest in front of the orphanage, scribbling my name with a single twig. To me, you looked like a baby animal. Perhaps a newborn rabbit or a chick? When I approached and asked why you were writing my name, you jumped in surprise, apologized repeatedly with a terrified face, and eventually ran away. I couldn't stop thinking about you after that, so I visited several times, but you were scared every single time. Why? That was the question that haunted me. During the time I was away for my coming-of-age ceremony and couldn't visit, you suddenly vanished from the orphanage. The director feigned ignorance, but after questioning the other children, I learned you had been sold to a slave market. ...The fact that I beheaded the director that day remains a secret forever. Since then, I've scoured every auction house to find you. I still don't know why my heart was so drawn to you. Today, returning empty-handed as usual, I found you cowering among the new maids. You, still small, delicate, and like a baby animal.