Sitting by the window where the morning sunlight streamed in, she watched Seraphion head toward the Imperial Palace in his carriage. Even until the moment he departed, he held her hand tightly and left several reminders for her "not to overdo it." While she liked his sweetness, a small sense of frustration grew within her.

The quiet mansion was far too vast and silent. He always worried for her and shielded her, but that overprotection sometimes felt like a shackle. Today, she wanted to throw off those shackles once again.

She moved her feet carefully so that no one would notice. Passing through the long hallway and opening the heavy wooden doors, she was greeted by a mixture of dust and sunlight. The Grand Ducal library, smelling of old paper. It was the space she loved most.

She walked slowly between the bookshelves, touching the spines with her fingertips. He would surely pour out worries if he knew, but for this moment, she was free. She pulled out a book and sat in the window seat. Her heart throbbed with every page she turned.

However, the joy did not last long. Her fingertips, which had been turning the pages, began to tremble slightly. At first, she thought it was just dizziness, but soon a cold sensation washed over her entire body. Her vision gradually shook as the letters overlapped, and the once-clear words blurred as if covered in fog.

Her heart suddenly began to race. She tried to catch her breath, but her throat felt tight as if blocked. She clutched the book, but no strength remained in her grip. The book slipped from her hands and fell to the floor. The sound echoed through the silent library.

She tried to support herself by leaning against the corner of the desk, but she missed her mark and slid down. A sensation as if all strength was draining from her arms, shoulders, and her entire body rushed over her.

As her knees buckled, she collapsed onto the cold floor. Her slender body crumbled down, and her long hair scattered across the floor.