The Blue Rose
Rowen couldn't make sense of the situation at all. He could understand Arahan infusing her holy power and touching Lea. But that single word from Lea's mouth, just for a fleeting moment—what the hell did it mean?
"Young master. Do you know how to wield holy power?"
"...No."
"Then wait just a moment. I'll draw out as much of Lea's power as I can."
"You can do that?"
"Yes. Have you forgotten? Holy power is the energy meant to counter demonic energy."
In other words, she could suppress the thick demonic energy enveloping Lea, if only for a short while. But completely eradicating the demonic energy from someone already fallen would cause collapse. Demonic corruption assimilated with the flesh itself. That was why Cain had turned into a shadow and moved through the earth.
Arahan remembered that brief connection with Lea. She had been pleading for salvation from him. She knew it was the worst possible outcome. She knew it would hurt Rowen. But she yearned to meet him again. She was so much like her. Though reluctant, the thought that she had to help filled her mind. If that was a contradiction, so be it. The three people here were all walking contradictions, tangled in some bizarre web of relationships.
"So, can you restore Lea to how she was?"
"No, that's not possible."
"...Then it's pointless."
"Still, trust me."
She was aware of the bond between the two. Lea was undoubtedly a nuisance to Arahan. But she wasn't heartless enough to ignore a love that had endured for a millennium. Right now, Lea was staking her life on this. She longed to escape this torment and meet her beloved with a sound mind. Arahan didn't like the method, but her body moved on its own.
Lea, swept back into corruption, glared at Arahan. Arahan's body trembled. She knew she couldn't win. But with holy power, maybe she could hold her own. If she could steadily wear down her stamina and draw out Lea's true mind for a long enough time. Then she could speak her true feelings to the young master. Moving for someone else's sake didn't feel half bad. Arahan wore a faint smile as she stepped onto the moss-covered stone path.
How fiercely had they clashed? The surroundings were littered with crumbled stone debris.
"Young master, just wait here."
"...Be careful."
"Yes. Above all, I believe our ancestors are watching over us."
Kazin scratched his head. Kasim chuckled heartily and clapped. The picture of a classic uncle. How could a top-tier spirit act with such disregard for dignity?
[Ugh...]
[She's dead serious, huh.]
[Rowen and his lover—both the same type.]
"We haven't even started dating yet."
[Sucking and fucking like that? You're past dating—you're basically married.]
[Agreed.]
Rowen quickly looked away. He didn't like their grandfatherly teasing and laughter. Right now, he was only worried about Lea glaring at Arahan and Arahan facing her.
"What the hell did Arahan see in her?"
*
An overwhelming holy power illuminated the entire ruin, dazzling the eyes. It was just like Uba. Rowen clicked his tongue at the sight—fitting for that master's disciple. At the same time, blood poured from Arahan's mouth.
"Cough!"
"...Arahan?"
"I'm fine, young master. Just pushing a little too hard."
So please, listen to her true heart right now.
After that brief exchange, she reached out toward Lea. Lea rejected the intrusion. Her body shuddered as if beholding something horrific. It was natural for a fallen being to recoil from holy light. Even as she trembled, hatred burned toward her. Like how Arahan looked at Mio. A similar sensation. Terrified yet radiating overwhelming presence.
She swung her scythe at Arahan. It traced an arc. Three pairs of black wings fluttered gently. Black feathers drifted through the air. Arahan slowly, calmly dodged the attacks and closed in. She poured overwhelming holy power into her hand, enough to make her vomit blood. If she could just touch her... she could help her.
"I've come to help you!"
"...Get lost. Let me through to Rowen. Move."
Don't move. Help me like this.
An unheard cry. But Arahan had a hunch. Even as Lea's lips moved, her eyes told the truth. They say eyes are mirrors reflecting everything about a person. From childhood, Sirayunsul had taught her how to judge people. Most of it came from the eyes. Hers showed sorrow, purity, longing. How pitiful she was. Born a saintess, she abandoned humanity for her love, and unable to endure the loneliness, she fell. Arahan pitied her sincerity.
"Hah...!"
"Move..."
"No."
Using Rosbriel's gravity, she halted Lea's movements. A heavy pressure struck her. Lea unfurled her wings, erecting a barrier of demonic energy. Even in corruption, she was beautiful. To the point where it seemed odd the young master hadn't fallen for her. At the same time, it reassured Arahan.
"What a fool I am."
"What're you talking about all of a sudden?"
"You'll understand soon. That everything I'm doing is for you."
"Bullshit!"
Clang! Sword met scythe. The harsh scrape of metal pierced the ears. So close—just a hand's reach away. But she couldn't move rashly. Wings infused with demonic energy shrouded half her body. Angelic life force resided in the wings, they said. Touch them carelessly, and she might die outright. That's why Rowen had never touched them. Above all, she needed to speak her true heart to Rowen. So she could find happiness, even in the end.
So...!
"Kazin!"
[...Got it. Though I don't like it.]
"Tsundere much?"
[Shut up!]
Dimensional Slash. A space-rending sword strike countered the moment Lea swung her scythe. The blue top-tier spirit blazed with azure flames. A gap appeared. She aimed for it. Kicking off the air, she dove into her embrace.
"...Got you!"
Success. Arahan grasped Lea's hand. She restrained the arm holding the scythe. She couldn't surpass her in raw power—that was her limit. But suppressing the demonic energy and weakening her was possible. In that brief moment, she began draining the yin energy from Lea's body.
"...Guh...!"
"Endure it. You'll feel better soon."
"Why isn't she moving...?"
"Cast off hell's karma. Kalia Rune will handle the rest."
Draining yin, infusing yang. A circular yin-yang formed the taiji pattern. A tattoo-like mark began etching on her arm. Holy power flowed through muscles and mana circuits, pushing out the demonic energy. Not long... but enough time to talk to him.
"Honestly, I don't like you."
"Grrgh!"
"But I understand your feelings."
"...Stop...!"
The pain of losing a loved one. Affection endured for a millennium. She understood the wish that, unable to find him, he might find her instead. Her obsession with her beloved mirrored Arahan's own. If Rowen died before her eyes, wouldn't she walk the same path? No—even aware, she surely would. A world without him wasn't livable.
Rowen watched Lea in agony. Her arm trembled, her lips quivered. Arahan had told him to trust her, so he stayed put, but honestly, it tormented him. This is my fault. I acted on my own and ruined her. I have to apologize. Even if I apologize forever, stake my life on it, it wouldn't be enough...
Why is Lea smiling?)
"...Rian!"
"Lea, just hold on a little longer."
"Grrraaagh!"
Black demonic energy surged wildly. Like a dam bursting, it exploded madly. Arahan suffered too. Using all her holy power to the limit was insane. She wouldn't be able to use it for a while. A massive lightning bolt lit the ruins, striking Lea's body. Arahan sweated profusely as she extracted the yin from her. Lea's corruption made its final struggle. In the end, she'd die no matter what. So at least, before her beloved, she should pour out everything. Arahan felt her emotions. The link through their hands. Her feelings flooded in fully. Lonely. Painful. Hard. She missed him. Above all, sad. The emotional tsunami sealed Arahan's lips. And she felt something black seeping into her.
*
Tears flowed. For that temporary moment, Lea's true mind opened her eyes.
"You've endured well for so long."
"...Yeah."
"How long can you hold?"
"...Not even a minute. Rian?"
Panting heavily, Rowen rushed to her side. She breathed raggedly too. She was the one enduring the clashing energies to avoid collapse. Understanding Arahan's intent and will, she held on. At last, the time for her wish had come.
"...I'm right here."
"...Yeah, I see you."
"I'm sorry. I'm so sorry."
The suppressed demonic energy began surging again. The limit approached. Despite Arahan's best efforts, Belzebub's malice boiled endlessly. But Arahan's holy power quieted it once more.
"Can't hold much longer."
Arahan stepped aside. Rowen alone seemed clueless about the situation. But since she'd told him to trust her, he did. Above all, Lea was looking at him and smiling.
"Finally met you."
"Yeah."
Lea gently caressed Rowen's cheek. Not the cold feel of a corpse. Warmth properly transmitted.
"Hehe, Rian. No time."
"Even if you fall, I'll take responsibility to the end. So let's climb back up together."
"Can't do that."
"...What?"
She smiled sadly. Lea plucked a single blue rose and placed it in Rian's hand. Then blue roses gathered toward the holy sword. Shards assembled. Not fully restored, but forming a faded holy sword. Its presence was so transcendent they'd shattered it.
"I'm at my limit already."
"Lea, what do you mean...?"
"Your maid figured it out, but I'm nearly gone."
"...."
"So take this holy sword."
Rowen took the holy sword. That had been the goal from the start. Just the priority had shifted. Lea opened her mouth to Rowen. Her voice trembled. Tears mixed in, hoarse with emotion.
"I'll return to how I was soon."
"...No way."
"Yeah. If I hit my limit while eroded by demonic energy, I can't go to heaven."
"No. Lea! I won't kill you—"
Lea pressed a finger to Rowen's lips. As if to silence him. She closed her eyes quietly and shed tears.
"Rian. I accepted angelic rank to save you."
"...I know."
"You know why you went to heaven after being pierced by the demon sword? Because I prayed."
The reason he'd reached heaven despite dying eroded by demonic energy. The reason he could reincarnate. All because her prayers let his soul reach heaven.
"But as a fallen saintess, I can't go to heaven."
"...So I have to stab you with this holy sword?"
"Yeah."
"No. I can't do that. It'd be like killing you!"
"But we won't be parted forever."
Lea smiled brightly at Rowen. The gentle smile he'd seen so often in his past life. The sight he'd longed for. Clear tears spilled from Rowen's eyes. The emotions he'd held back finally burst.
"Please. We have to hurry."
Rowen bit his lip hard. Fresh blood trickled down his chin. His hand shook. Divine power swirled around the familiar holy sword hilt. So pathetic. A comrade he'd barely reunited with had fallen. He'd finally understood her heart. But he had to kill her with his own hand.
...What's the difference from Kael?
No time. Demonic energy was already reclaiming Lea. No more hesitation. She'd said they would meet again like this. She must have a plan.
"Remember how I saved you."
"Ahh... Ah..."
"Rian, I'll be waiting."
Rowen bowed his head, tears falling. This reality, where he could say nothing else, was utterly wretched.
"I'm sorry..."
Stab.
He thrust the holy sword into her abdomen. Fresh blood ran down the blade. Lea showed no sign of pain. Instead, she leaned into him with a peaceful expression. The sword sank deeper. The vivid sensation in his hand was too much...
"Rian."
"Ahh... Ah..."
"Don't worry. You'll definitely meet me again."
Her gentle whisper in his ear tore Rowen's heart apart. He couldn't speak. Only deep regret filled him.
"Sorry. Hic... Sorry I didn't understand your feelings..."
"Don't cry, Rian. Remember? We first met in a garden full of roses."
How could he forget? He recalled the moment he first met the saintess in the Rose family castle. With golden hair and pure white priestly robes, she was stunningly beautiful. Other memories with her flashed by. Unrestrained emotions flowed as tears.
"See? Just like this place."
"...Yeah. Like coming home."
"Hehe. Glad you're happy."
"Sorry... Sorry... Lea."
Blood from the blade soaked Rowen's hand. The warmth was so heartbreakingly sad and hard to bear... Rowen embraced Lea fully.
"You did nothing wrong. It was all my fault."
"No..."
"Your death wasn't wrong. Without you, we couldn't have beaten Belzebub."
"No! It was me... I got lost in revenge that day. I ruined everyone. If I hadn't died, you wouldn't have ended up like that!"
"Rian!"
Lea mustered her strength and shouted. Rowen looked at her with trembling eyes as her voice rang sharply in his ears. She was truly angry. But her lips still smiled. No time.
"I wanted you to save me."
"...I failed to save you."
"...No, you did. Talking like this with a sound mind is proof."
Her firm answer left Rowen breathless. Lea shone so radiantly, rekindling forgotten emotions. Longing. Memories with her resurfaced. The day they hunted together. The day they fought Uba and she healed them. Shopping in town together. When Mio broke a bottle and Abel got mad, calming him side by side. Hiding under a tree from rain. Cherished memories. His chest tightened. This persistent feeling, no matter how he pounded it, was unbearable.
...Hating how familiar it felt was worse.
"I always wanted to say this."
"..."
"I love you, Rian. I truly love you."
Smack.
Lea lifted Rowen's bowed chin and kissed him. A moment to fill the millennium's void, her true wish. His chest ached. Maddeningly suffocating. What to call this feeling? Rowen stared blankly at Lea as she pulled away.
"From the day you called me family, the world changed."
"Yeah..."
"Next time we meet, we can really be family, right?"
"Obviously... What kind of question is that?"
"Hehe, that's my Rian."
And then.
"I love you, Rian. What about you?"
"...After a confession this passionate, it'd be weirder not to fall for you."
Lea's mouth stopped. Her movements halted. As Rowen looked up, she was.
"...Huh?"
Crying. She'd once asked who would compensate for the time enduring corruption. This was it. The moment she received that reward. After a millennium, confirmation from her beloved. How many years, decades, centuries until they met again? A long time, but she hoped Rowen would wait. Joyful. Was this what it felt like to have life repaid? Not seeing him anymore hurt her heart. She'd have to endure alone for ages again. But she could now. Her wish, her dream fulfilled.
"I love you. More than anyone in this world."
"...Yeah."
"Weird. Eyes feel heavy. Must be sleepy."
"Lea?"
Her head lolled softly. Rowen caught her in his arms. He stroked her hair, patting her back. Never had the holy sword they'd shared for decades seemed so hateful.
"...Hehe. Rian's embrace. So warm."
"It'll always be warm. I won't leave you alone in the cold again."
"...Yeah."
With those final words, Lea stopped breathing. Her heart stilled. The hand caressing Rowen's cheek fell toward the flowerbed. He grabbed it desperately, pressing it back to his cheek. Warmth faded gradually. They'd shared body heat until now... The one he'd talked to was now a corpse.
Rowen felt Lea's wish: for her fated death to be by her beloved's hand.
"...Hic... Sob..."
Rowen stayed put for hours. Feeling her warmth until it cooled. Memorizing her form. Her face. Etching her eternally into his mind, never to forget. Her gray hair returned to its past golden hue. Black wings became pure white again.
...Silently sensing her warmth in the blue rose garden, he fell asleep.
*
Arahan comforted Rowen as he awoke.
"It was all what she wanted."
"Yeah..."
"...What will you do now?"
Rowen answered without hesitation.
"...Kill the demons, same as always. Start with the demon cult."
His goal unchanged. Full war with Arkanthia. But now, to challenge angelic rank.
"I'll kill them all and challenge angelic rank."
"...You think like her."
"Yeah. I'll meet God."
And reincarnate her with him. Probably what Lea wished too. Finally, he kissed her lips softly, tenderly. Praying for reunion, he plucked a blue rose and tucked it into her side hair. He laid his restored corpse atop the blue rose garden. Beside it, smiling happily, was Lea. Knight and saintess, hands clasped in repose. The great knight's once expressionless corpse now seemed to wear a faint, happy smile.
"...."
Rowen clenched his fist, suppressing rising emotions. He turned and walked out silently.
"See you again."
Would those words reach Lea's ears somewhere? As if in reply, an impossible wind swirled around him. Blue rose petals danced in the air, fluttering onto his hand.
"Lea, wait just a bit. It won't be long. Definitely."
Light through the ice illuminated Lea and Rian. Blue rose leaves circling from the sky lingered by them. Rowen smiled faintly. Blue roses meant impossible love. But also, love deemed impossible becoming possible. Lea probably knew she and Rian couldn't be, yet hoped, creating this garden. Fitting for Lea. Even fallen, she was her. Rowen thought that as he closed the garden door. Someday, he'd meet her again. And.
The wind continued circling her. As if awaiting someone's return. The blue roses still shook petals toward them.