A Desperate Plea
"Senior, what are you—"
"It hurts… it hurts so much…"
Instead of answering the question, she only let out a voice soaked in tears. Then she slowly lifted her head to look at me. Her exhaled breath tickled the tip of my nose, and through our touching bodies, I could feel the steady thump, thump of her heartbeat. It was the first time I had faced her at such close range. Yet all I could sense in this moment was the sorrow and pain within her empty eyes.
"I… I don't know… I have no idea what to do anymore…"
While I stood there, unsure of what to do, Yeon Minha's bewildering actions continued. She removed her right hand that had been supporting herself against my chest and brought it to the collar of her shirt. With her pale, slender fingers, she swiftly undid the topmost button. The stiff collar that had been tightly wrapped around her neck now hung limply.
"…Senior, first—"
"So… I'm begging you…"
She continued as if she hadn't heard a single word I'd said.
"Hold me… Help me forget this pain… Please…"
In an instant, the second button came undone, and her skin—pale enough for veins to show—gradually revealed more. When the third button followed, the curves of her body began to show clearly. Just as her fingers reached for the fourth button, I finally regained my senses and managed to grab her wrist.
"…Senior."
Even though her actions had been abruptly stopped, Yeon Minha didn't resist. She simply looked up at me with an expression that seemed to desperately plead for something. Her words asking to be held… they obviously didn't just mean a simple embrace. Even someone with no experience in that area could understand that much. After all, she was already in my arms.
"…"
Only then did I begin to grasp her feelings. It was resignation. Right now, Yeon Minha had given up on everything. She wanted to be freed from all the pain and despair that had suddenly come crashing down on her. Just like I had been two years ago. Just like when I tried to follow my mother and friends by slashing my throat with broken glass…
"…"
Yeon Minha remained silent in my arms, still looking up at me. Her stunning appearance was the kind that once seen, you could never escape from, and the air around us was now filled with the unique particle scent she emitted. That narcissus fragrance was so sweet it could cloud a person's mind and judgment. Combined with the fact that she wanted this herself, there was probably no one in the world who could refuse her request. Of course, that would only be true if they hadn't realized what she truly meant by it.
I was still dreaming of that day two years ago. The thunderous gunshots, the acrid smoke, the metallic scent of blood, the traces of death covering the entire village, the shaggy-haired monsters, the gravestones of my mother and friends in the flowerbed in front of our house. Everything I had loved had crumbled like a sandcastle in a single day, and perhaps I too could have become part of it. The only reason I was able to keep living was thanks to the kindness of the Commander and my seniors. They gave me a reason to continue living. Thanks to their guidance, I was finally able to grasp the power to protect myself and those around me—something I had desperately longed for when I was weak. They fulfilled what I thirsted for and allowed me to continue my frail, unmotivated life until I reached where I am now. So now, there is only one thing I must do. Just as the Commander and my seniors helped me, I must help her as well. Just as they presented me with a new purpose in life and guided me forward. But… then what exactly should I do?
"Please… hold me…"
Yeon Minha opened her lips again to plead. Of course, I couldn't grant what she was asking for right now. It was nothing more than an escape, not what she truly wanted. Even if I accepted her plea, it would only lead to the same result as if I had slashed my own throat with broken glass. How could I help this pitiful girl, even just a little? What did Yeon Minha truly want right now?
"…"
Time was short, and I had to make a decision regardless. I tightly closed my eyes behind the mask once, then opened them and let out a small breath to steady myself. Then, in a firm voice, I spoke.
"I refuse."
At that, Yeon Minha's body began to tremble. The already dark light in her eyes faded even further, and large teardrops fell from her eyes, dripping onto the floor one after another.
"Wh-why…"
She lowered her head to the floor again. Then, in a small, timid voice, as if she had committed some sin, she muttered.
"Why… why exactly… Is it because… I'm the result of an impure union after all…?"
She seemed very concerned about it, but I had no interest in that matter whatsoever. I had even forgotten about it until her words just now reminded me. I shook my head.
"It doesn't matter to me how you were born."
"Th-then why…"
Now, I had no choice but to confront her directly.
"Because the you right now… has no charm whatsoever."
"No charm…?"
As if that was an answer she had never expected, Yeon Minha looked at me again and spoke in a slightly bewildered voice.
"Is that… about my appearance…"
"No. Senior is more beautiful than anyone I've ever seen."
I shook my head.
"I'm not talking about your appearance. I'm referring to something else."
"Something else…"
Yeon Minha murmured to herself. This probably meant she was at least listening to my words now. If so, that was fortunate.
"I still sometimes remember the first time I saw you after entering the Cradle."
I continued speaking.
"Back then, you were the very embodiment of arrogance. Honestly, I really disliked you. Every time I saw you, I felt like hitting you."
"Ugh…"
"But the way you look now… makes me think that the you from back then was better."
"Wh-what are you even saying…"
"Back then, instead of arrogance, you had pride. Your entire body was always filled with dignity and grace."
"…"
This time, Yeon Minha didn't ask a question. She simply closed her mouth and stared at me, but I could clearly see something welling up behind her eyes. Her breaking point was approaching.
"Do you even know what you look like right now? You're the one who said your body wasn't something you could just throw around. And yet…"
"Th-then what am I supposed to do…!"
Unable to hold back any longer, Yeon Minha suddenly shouted and cut me off.
"Father lost his mind and conspired with demons… The person I thought was my mother was a complete stranger…!"
She screamed like a madwoman.
"Our family's estate was trampled by invaders and left in ruins…! All our loyal servants were scattered…! Our businesses and foundations will all be confiscated and torn to shreds!"
Her momentum was fierce, as if she were venting her anger, but I silently listened to her outburst. This was definitely a good sign.
"And that's not all, is it…? They'll force me to go through expulsion procedures at the Cradle! The ones who mocked and envied me will seize this chance to throw stones…! In the end, I'll end up on the execution platform and die! Even if I'm lucky, I'll rot away in a prison where I'll never see the light again…!"
"…"
"So what am I supposed to do… In this situation… what the hell am I supposed to…"
Finally, after pouring out all her pent-up frustration, Yeon Minha wore an expression filled with emptiness. However, behind it, there was clearly a hint of relief mixed in as well. That meant… it was now my turn to speak.
"Of course, you have to take it all back."
"Huh…?"
Yeon Minha, who had been sniffling, questioned me. She slightly widened her eyes and met my gaze again.
"You're the last remaining bloodline of the Red Fire. So naturally, you should reclaim what rightfully belongs to you."
"It's impossible. How could I possibly do it alone…"
"You're not alone."
"Huh…?"
"I… will help you."
At that moment, I could finally see it. In Yeon Minha's eyes, which had been bathed in the faint moonlight, a spark flickered back to life.
"I will stay by your side. No matter what difficulties come, I won't leave you. If anyone tries to harm you, I'll crush them even if it costs me my life."
Yeon Minha shook her head with an expression of incomprehension.
"Why… why would you go that far… What reason do you even have…"
"Because we made a contract. I promised to protect you no matter what."
"A-are you an idiot…? What does that contract even mean…"
"And of course, that's not the only reason."
I took a step forward, then another. I could feel that the persuasion was reaching its final stage. What mattered now was an excuse. I had once heard that humans are creatures that doubt. Blind faith and goodwill toward someone often turn into poison and come back to bite you. This was a survival instinct that operated in the realm of the unconscious, not conscious thought. So I had to give her an excuse. Something that looked like a transaction on the surface, something she could comfortably entrust herself to. Just like the Commander had done for me. That would be the final piece to perfectly lift her up.
"Didn't I tell you? There was a time when you were more charming than anyone else."
"H-huh…?"
Now Yeon Minha was the one stepping backward. When her heel caught with a thud, she reflexively looked behind her. Because the door was closed, there was nowhere left to run. Yeon Minha turned her head back and met my eyes. I raised my arm and placed my hand against the wall beside her head with a thud. Then I leaned in close, taking on the most intimidating presence I could. It was a typical, basic technique to create the desired atmosphere before an interrogation.
"W-wait…"
Yeon Minha let out a plea mixed with a thin, trembling breath. The more flustered she was, the more I needed to press forward. I had to engrave my words into her mind without giving her time to think rationally.
"You asked me to hold you? I'll hold you. But only after you've regained the charm you had more than anyone else, when you've bloomed most beautifully."
Unable to withstand the pressure, Yeon Minha lowered her head. I hooked my finger under her slender chin and lifted it to meet her gaze again.
"Even if you refuse and say you don't want it, I'll still hold you. Even if you cry and struggle and resist, I'll force you down. This isn't a suggestion or a recommendation. It's already been decided."
"Hic…"
She couldn't even meet my eyes out of fear and rolled her pupils around.
"So this is an order. Reclaim yourself. The senior from before. The you who was more beautiful than anyone."
Having said everything I needed to say, I released my finger from her chin. Yeon Minha lowered her head as if she couldn't endure any longer. She stayed like that for a long while. And after a long time had passed, when she finally lifted her head again, I could clearly see it. The vitality that had returned to her once-empty eyes, shining brightly like red jewels. Yeon Minha directed those eyes straight at me and slowly parted her lips. Though it was only a little, her voice now clearly carried something she had momentarily lost.
"You… said it with your own mouth."
"I have no intention of taking it back."
After hearing my answer, she nodded slightly.
"…I'll become it. And I'll take it back. My rights. The beauty you spoke of. No matter what happens, I'll definitely reclaim it."
Then, with a slightly flustered expression, she looked up at me with eyes raised as if she wanted something.
"But… can you grant me one request…? It's a very small one…"
"What is it?"
After hesitating for quite a while, Yeon Minha finally moved her lips again.
"Even so… can you allow me to show my weak side to you sometimes?"
I didn't know exactly what kind of weakness she meant, but whatever it was, there was no reason not to grant it now. I nodded.
"As you wish."
"…Okay."
Yeon Minha finally answered with a voice filled with satisfaction. Then she picked up her gown that had fallen to the floor, put it on, and without another word, opened the door and headed into the dark hallway. Only after her shadow, illuminated by the night light, disappeared into the adjacent room, was I able to let out a deep breath and sit down on the chair. Because I had become somewhat immersed, I too had expended quite a bit of emotion. Still, I could clearly feel the relief and sense of accomplishment rising in my chest. Because my heart wouldn't easily calm down, I ended up staying awake through the entire night.