Chapter 3

"Therefore, I sentence that person to the 'Time Reversal Punishment'!"

A strong wind blew up from the bottom of the valley.

The sky was gray, and it looked like it was about to rain.

In such a situation, I was standing right next to the gorge, my arms bound.

Today is the day of my execution.

I am to die for the crimes of plotting to kill the future queen, falsely claiming to be a holy maiden, and being born with magical powers.

But it's not just a simple execution.

The country has a debt of gratitude to me for guarding the barrier for ten years.

That's why I am not to be beheaded, but rather subjected to the 'Time Reversal Punishment.'

There is a place in this country called the 'Time Reversal Valley,' which is said to connect to the demon world. The valley is so deep that its bottom cannot be seen, and it is shrouded in darkness deeper than a winter night. According to legend, if one throws oneself into the Time Reversal Valley, their body's age will reverse, eventually becoming an infant, and the time will rewind to when they were in their mother's womb, allowing them to be reborn.

The prince, my former fiancé, said I should be grateful that I am to receive the Time Reversal Punishment instead of beheading.

He said this was due to Himari's kindness.

Because Himari asked for it, I would be given a chance to start over.

But it's all the same to me.

In the end, it's just a different way of dying. Even if I'm not beheaded, I still have to jump from a high place and die. While my dignity might be preserved, isn't death the same for everyone? What's the point of preserving my pride in a world where I no longer exist?

It's just a difference in the method of death.

Death is the same for everyone.

The wind blew again.

I opened my eyes, which I had closed, and glanced down into the valley.

Wow... it's so deep...

"Do you have any last words?"

When asked by the executioner, I thought for a moment and then said,

"Can you tell Lady Himari that I'm sorry?"

I learned that Himari was the same age as me.

Fifteen years old.

As someone who abandoned the role of the holy maiden, there was something I needed to tell her.

Every time I thought of her face, a shadow fell over my heart.

I am...

"Have you finally admitted your sins?"

A cold voice spoke.

Turning around, I saw my former fiancé lounging in a chair set up for viewing the execution. It wasn't just the prince; there were various spectators, from noblewomen to curious commoners.

Executions are also a form of entertainment.

Especially for the execution of a fake holy maiden like me, it's understandable that people's curiosity would be piqued.

Being watched by everyone makes me feel uncomfortable...

"But it's too late. Even if you admit your sins, your punishment won't be reduced. Because of you, Himari is mentally exhausted and bedridden."

...

"Please carry out the execution quickly. I need to return to Himari."

The execution ground became slightly more relaxed as everyone realized how close the prince and Lady Himari were.

I was told to proceed, and I stepped onto the platform that jutted out over the valley.

Standing at the edge of the platform, my legs trembled with fear.

But behind me was a soldier with a sword.

If I don't jump, I'll just be cut and it will hurt.

I exhaled.

I'm going to pretend to fall into the valley and use my flying magic to avoid death.

Once I calm down, I'll go to the orphanage and see the teachers.

Then I'll go to a faraway place, find a job, and live a happy commoner's life!

This is a new beginning!

"Alright!"

Let's do this!

I closed my eyes.

I felt a strong wind.

I am a bird.

A free bird.

No longer a bird in a cage.

I will spread my wings and fly freely wherever I want.

Come on, I can do this now.

Presea, I'm flying!

I took a deep breath and stepped out into the abyss.

– Thud.

My body plummeted downward.

"Whoa!"

Oh no, it's scary!

This is worse than I thought!

My body is falling at an incredible speed.

I can't be afraid.

I have to fly!

I gritted my teeth and concentrated as usual... but.

"What!?"

No, wait.

After acting so confident, I can't even activate my magic!?

"Ahhh!"

Oh no, oh no, oh no!

Why!?

Why can't I fly!?

If I don't, I'm really going to die!

The surroundings became pitch black.

This darkness might be making me more anxious and preventing me from activating my magic properly.

"Oh no!"

I scattered tears and snot as I fell endlessly.

Ah...

What was my life all about?

If I hadn't become a holy maiden, maybe I could have lived happily at the orphanage.

Can't time be rewound for me, for my precious time?

Eating delicious meals and sweet desserts, sleeping a lot, and wearing cute clothes.

And then...

And then...

I wanted to...

My consciousness faded as I was enveloped in darkness.

◆

The man stood on the rubble, looking up at the sky.

There seemed to be a massive structure there.

But now it was decayed and had turned into a huge pile of rubble.

His silky black hair barely touched his shoulders.

His eyes, as deep as the night, were sharp like obsidian.

But his face was the most perfectly formed.

The black cloak he wore fluttered in the wind.

The silver emblem on his back glinted.

The man, wearing black gloves, extended his hand toward the sky.

The sky lit up.

Something slowly fell.

The man whispered,

"Come on, come to me. My—"