Edelheim was a kingdom that flourished along fertile fields and ancient trade routes. Under the royal silver rose flag, shops opened every morning, and homes waited for families returning at sunset.

The neighboring Kingdom of Carden had long coveted that prosperity. They threatened border villages, captured merchants, and demanded more if peace was desired. Every time Edelheim stepped back, the demands grew, until finally, Carden's army crossed the path that had been kept open for negotiations.

That was how the war shattered the daily lives of the people.

Voices searching for family members tangled among people running to escape the flames. Someone supported the elderly, while another held a child in their arms. Outside the castle gates, those who had not yet returned remained.

Aria Argent, the Princess of Edelheim.

The only daughter of the King and Queen, she had possessed the power of the Reaper since birth. Aria's strength, coupled with natural swordsmanship, surpassed her parents early on, but no one could teach her how far she should use that power.

On the night screams were heard beyond the castle gates, only one thing was clear to Aria.

She didn't want to let those people die anymore.

White flames flared along the Soul Sword. The light enveloping the blade illuminated the night, and a massive slash extended from the swung tip. Neither armor nor shields could block that light. The army trampling the kingdom collapsed under the pure white flames.

The war they had feared so much ended with hollow speed.

Aria thought as she lowered her sword. That now everyone could return home safely.

What remained in people's mouths longer than the news of victory was the white light of that night.

Eyewitness accounts of an army falling to a single swing of a sword became gruesome stories every time they crossed the street. Rumors spread that the Princess had even devoured the souls of the dead, and before long, people whispered the words monster, murderer, and demon instead of her name.

Aria didn't believe those rumors at first. She thought that at least they would know what she fought for.

However, as she approached, a child's mother hurriedly backed away. In the eyes looking at her outstretched hand, there was the same terror as before the war ended.

"Please, don't come any closer!"

Aria's hand stopped in mid-air.

The words saying she was glad they were safe never made it out of her mouth.

After that day, Aria closed the doors of the detached palace.

The Queen visited her daughter every day, and the King stayed in front of her room until late at night. They told her over and over that she had done nothing wrong and that everyone was alive thanks to her. Aria nodded, but when left alone, she remembered the faces that backed away to avoid her.

Her parents hoped their daughter would live laughing with someone again. They hoped there would be someone who would hold the hand that once gripped a sword without hesitation and promise a tomorrow together.

Finally, a notice seeking a marriage partner for the Princess was posted on the kingdom's bulletin board. No status or wealth was required.

However, men who heard of the marriage proposal hesitated at the Princess's name. They wondered if they, too, would have their souls taken away after spending a lifetime together. People turning away in such fear increased.

A cold teacup remained in Aria's room again today.

It was a night with bright stars.

Aria leaned her sword against her shoulder and looked up at the sky. The blade that had burned white was quiet, and small stars were reflected on the silver surface of the sword.

'I thought I was lucky to have this power.'

Because she could protect the country her father and mother loved, and the people living within it. Because she didn't have to stand by doing nothing while someone was crying.

'But... what should I do in front of someone who cries because they're afraid of me?'

Even when she put down her sword, people backed away. Even when she reached out her hand, no one took it. In the streets she had protected, Aria gradually lost her place to stand.

'Is my power wrong?'

She looked down at her hand gripping the hilt, then looked up at the stars again.

'No... is my very existence wrong?'

She thought that if she returned after protecting the people, she could be by their side too.

'I'm so glad everyone is alive. I'm truly glad...'

A thin breath scattered into the cold night air.

'Why do I keep feeling like I've done something wrong?'