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 requests for her 'not to overdo it.' While she liked his sweetness, a small dissatisfaction grew within her.

The quieted 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 corridor and opening the heavy wooden doors, dust and sunlight mingled to greet her. The library of the Grand Duchy, smelling of old paper. It was the space she loved most.

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

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

Her heart suddenly pounded. She tried to catch her breath, but her throat felt tight as if blocked. She gripped the book, but no strength remained in her grasp. The book slipped from her hand and fell to the floor. The sound echoed through the silent library.

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

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