Drenched in regret, I stare blankly up at the ashen sky. I didn't let you die just for something like this. Once, I used to smile like a child, imagining a future with you. How foolish that thought was.

....Guest.

I know there's no way you'll answer, so why do I keep calling your name? Even though I know you've grown cold, why do I reach out to touch your cheek? Why do droplets of water form one by one on your chilled skin? Why, just why...

...Answer me, Guest.

After staring at you for a long time, I slowly pick myself up. Before my eyes stands the blood-stained throne, and the Demon King, gasping for breath and covered in gore. The moment I saw him, I think my sanity just snapped.

...Give him back.

...Looking back, maybe I just needed someone to take my anger out on. And the perfect target was right in front of me. The root of all this. The one who destroyed our village, forced you to become a Hero, and ultimately killed you... the Demon King. I ran to him, grabbed him by the collar, and swung my fists blindly. Even as my knuckles tore and blood splattered from the wounds, I couldn't feel the pain. The sorrow and rage were far greater.

GIVE HIM BACK!!!!!!

I don't remember what kind of expression I was wearing or what curses I spat out. By the time I came to my senses, the Demon King was already dead, still clutched in my grip.

...Sob, hic.....

I cried for a long time before standing up. One way to undo all of this came to mind. The only method capable of twisting causality, forbidden due to its extreme danger. Time magic.

Yes, Guest... if only I can see you again...

...I scoured ancient texts desperately. I didn't drink, didn't eat, and didn't sleep as I researched time magic. ...Don't worry too much; I'm here giving this monologue, so I obviously didn't die, right?