The Regret of the Past and the Shadow of the Future

Slender enough to seem like she might break if held too tightly, yet possessing voluptuous breasts, a narrow waist, healthy, toned thighs, and beautiful legs. There stands a man, staring blankly at the flawless beauty of Judith Moondust. Yuren Stardust, the apex predator of the dating food chain, wealthy and handsome. With his white hair, blue eyes, and skin fairer than any woman’s, he is the very embodiment of purity.

Yuren Stardust is, without a doubt, a kind and considerate man, but his strengths come with more than a few drawbacks. He is indecisive and easily swayed. He is a man who is even afraid to kill an ant. That is why the Stardust family had been eager to find Yuren a spouse as quickly as possible.

"Please, eat comfortably. If you need anything, be sure to ask."

There were six people gathered in the massive dining hall of the Stardust mansion, chatting harmoniously. On the left side of the table sat the head of the house, Rahart Stardust, followed by Adela Stardust and Yuren Stardust. On the right sat the head of the house, Krypto Moondust, followed by Elena Moondust and Judith Moondust. Yuren was dressed in a sharp white suit, and Judith was adorned in a deep, night-sky purple dress.

"So, it has come to this—a formal meeting of the families." Rahart Stardust, a handsome middle-aged man who looked exactly like Yuren, spoke up.

"Indeed. My inadequate daughter has been causing such a fuss about not wanting to get married." Krypto Moondust, the living proof of the saying that Judith took after her mother, replied.

In truth, it was only the parents who were making noise. ‍‍‌‌⁠​​⁠‌​​‍​​‍​‌​⁠‍‌‍⁠⁠‌⁠‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‍⁠​‌​‌​‌‍‌‌‌⁠‍​​‌‍⁠‌‌⁠⁠Yuren and Judith had not exchanged a single word in this dining hall.

"Judith, is the food not to your liking?"

After Elena’s final remark, a chilling silence descended upon the dining hall. Krypto clicked his tongue as if he were used to this, while Rahart and Adela watched Judith with concern. Unlike Yuren, who was chewing his food thoroughly, Judith’s cutlery had not moved once. Her spoon, knife, and fork remained in a pristine state, as if they had never been used.

"Judith, are you alright? Are you sick?"

Seeing Judith’s complexion so dark, even Yuren’s mother, Adela, began to worry. They had hired only the finest chefs; how could the food not be to her taste? That was impossible. Adela always prioritized hospitality, doing her best to serve the highest quality meals to ensure no one felt uncomfortable. She couldn't allow a single blemish to appear on the perfect Stardust family name her husband had cultivated. Yet, this was the first time someone hadn't even touched their utensils.

Even Rahart, who knew of Judith’s haughty and prickly personality, couldn't help but tilt his head in confusion at the current situation.

"Perhaps you are uncomfortable with this seating arrangement? If so, it would be fine for you to dine with Yuren separately."

"...What is this?"

Judith, who had been frozen like a statue, finally uttered her first words. Krypto, whose anger had already reached its boiling point, exploded, forgetting all about his dignity as a Duke.

"Judith! What kind of disgraceful behavior is this at such an important gathering!"

"Does no one really remember? Am I the only one who is strange?"

"Judith!!"

How could they possibly erase that cataclysmic event from their minds? The stars and the full moon falling to the earth, the pillars of light swallowing the frozen world, and the night sky shattering like broken glass.

"This... this is a dream, right? It doesn't make sense. Time reversed? Is that even possible? But why am I the only one who remembers?"

At her daughter’s blatant display of rudeness, Elena finally bowed her head. "I apologize. I think Judith is not feeling well today. We should take our leave."

"Elena! Who gave you permission to apologize! I’ll deal with that crazy girl right now...!"

"Yuren! You were with me! Don't you remember either?!"

When she suddenly singled him out, Yuren could not hide his bewilderment. What did she mean by saying they were together? Did he not remember? Remember what, exactly?

"..."

In that moment, Yuren caught a glimpse. He saw the deep, hollow cleavage of Judith, who was leaning toward him. It was a sight that made it feel as if a nosebleed would burst forth, and quite literally, he couldn't take his eyes off it for a long time. Long enough for Judith, who was in the midst of a mental breakdown, to notice.

"You crazy..."

Judith pressed hard on her furrowed brow, and just as Krypto was shouting in fury at her behavior—

Suddenly, that sound echoed from outside the dining hall. Creak— As the door to the dining hall opened, everyone inside wore a look of confusion. Everyone, that is, except for Judith Moondust. Rahart, sensing an unpleasant aura, drew the sword at his waist.

"It seems that young girl has taken down all the guards."

"Fortunately, it looks like she only knocked them unconscious. That means she’s no ordinary person."

Inside the hood, twin-tails swayed subtly. There was no way Judith could forget that face.

"...Sia, Sia Stella?"

"Hello."

A girl with silver hair and green eyes, draped from head to toe in a black robe.

"I’ve come to pick you up."

She waved her hand gently with a bright, sunny smile.

*

Judith could not understand Sia’s brain structure. It had been like that before, but in a situation like this, it was even more baffling. To brazenly raid the mansion of a Duke—this was something even an Emperor wouldn't dare to do.

"You, do you know that crazy girl? Huh?"

Judith accepted reality. She had returned to the past for some reason, and the only person who would understand her was Sia Stella, who hadn't lost her memories. But if things continued like this, Sia would become a wanted criminal. She hadn't just messed with some random nobles; she had touched the Duke of Stardust. There was only one person who could defend Sia.

"She’s my friend."

Judith said it calmly and approached Sia. She had to prevent any further casualties. The guards Sia had knocked out were at most a dozen. Since she hadn't caused any serious injuries and only knocked them out, this could be covered up.

Reaching Sia, Judith bit her lip hard and cursed with her expression.

"My friend is a little slow. I will apologize on her behalf."

Gone was the immature attitude from moments ago; she bowed her waist with a maturity greater than usual. One hand placed near her chest naturally prevented her clothes from slipping. Krypto, Rahart, Adela, and Elena could only stare in stunned silence at Judith, who was acting completely differently from just a moment ago.

"Actually, I had a prior engagement with this friend. That’s why I was ‍‍‌‌⁠​​⁠‌​​‍​​‍​‌​⁠‍‌‍⁠⁠‌⁠‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‍⁠​‌​‌​‌‍‌‌‌⁠‍​​‌‍⁠‌‌⁠⁠acting so immaturely. I’m the one who called her here. I apologize for disappointing you when you had all gathered."

Having finished her apology and straightened her back, Judith pinched Sia’s cheek and began to walk away.

"That hurts."

"Stay right there."

Grind. Without even looking back, she heard the voice of her father, Krypto. Judith stopped in her tracks and let out a small sigh.

"Promise me here and now that you will marry Yuren. Then I will overlook your friend’s crimes without question."

"I promise."

It was a bit irritating that he hadn't answered when she asked seriously earlier, and instead had stolen a glance at her cleavage, but well, marrying Yuren was what she had wanted anyway.

The sun was hidden behind dark clouds, and the weather was slightly overcast. The wall clock in the mansion pointed to two o'clock. Although there were many guards patrolling the hallways due to the emergency, they managed to slip out of the mansion without being hindered by anyone. Only then did Judith let out a sigh of relief.

"You're ‍‍‌‌⁠​​⁠‌​​‍​​‍​‌​⁠‍‌‍⁠⁠‌⁠‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‍⁠​‌​‌​‌‍‌‌‌⁠‍​​‌‍⁠‌‌⁠⁠doing something you'll regret."

"What?"

"The promise you made with your father."

Judith couldn't understand what that meant for a long time. Could she be talking about the engagement with Yuren?

"What’s wrong with that?"

"Nothing."

With those words, the silence began. Even though a long time had passed since they had passed through the gates of the Stardust mansion. Judith, who had been quietly following Sia’s shadow, couldn't hold back and spoke first.

"You remember too, don't you?"

Sia did not answer. She just hummed a tune with a carefree face. She had always been a girl with a sleepy, expressionless face; when had she changed like this? Had she gone insane while returning to the past?

"And where are you going? Are you even thinking while you walk?"

The further she followed her, the fewer people seemed to be around. The number of people kept decreasing as they went on. It even felt like she was being led to a remote area on purpose. She couldn't even talk about time being reversed, and she was just keeping her mouth shut. She had even cleaned up the mess she made in broad daylight, and instead of thanking her, she was ignoring her? Just as she thought that, Sia’s footsteps stopped. In a quiet alley where there wasn't a single person.

"I despise you."

Judith couldn't hide her shock. It wasn't because Sia said she despised her. It was because Sia, who had turned around, was smiling.

Come to think of it, it was the same when she raided the mansion. - I’ve come to pick you up.

"..."

She had never seen Sia smile so brightly. Even though they had spent a long time together, from their days at the academy to her married life.

"You know something, don't you?"

Judith had no desire to fight Sia. They were friends who greeted each other lightly, not just in their usual relationship but also in the merchant guild. However, seeing Sia’s bright smile, she realized. Sia truly loathed her.

The sparks flying between the two women’s gazes crossed in the air.

*

Sia had once lost to Shirai, who was blind, in a practical exam. But she was a girl who had entered Lumeris Academy solely on the strength of her ability to never die. Therefore, she had thought that she could easily defeat someone like this if she put her mind to it.

"You... what are you?"

The match was decided in just five minutes. Judith’s body, rolling on the ground, was covered in charred, black marks. She had thought that Sia taking down the Stardust guards was just a coincidence. Or perhaps the guards weren't skilled fighters.

"Why? What’s strange?"

"Is that even a question?"

It was today that Judith learned for the first time that Sia knew how to use a bow. When Sia first pulled out the bow, there was no doubt in her mind about victory. She would pull the bowstring with that frail, thin body? That was nonsense. She drew the sword at her waist and leaped quickly. Just as Sia skillfully aimed an arrow, a chill ran down her spine.

Flames bloomed on the arrow Sia aimed, and before she could even react, the arrow struck her right shoulder. After that, a meaningless siege continued. No matter how quickly or erratically she tried to approach, her escape routes were all blocked by arrows.

'Her proficiency is too high.'

How could she defeat a monster that predicted everything—the distance to jump, the air resistance caused by the wind, and even the opponent’s movement distance? Not only Mate, the runner-up graduate of the Magic Department, but even Yuren, the top graduate of the Swordsmanship Department, couldn't defeat that monster. She was an existence beyond expectations. No, she had been thinking about it wrong all this time. She couldn't be compared to anyone else. Sia Stella had the cheat ability to resurrect at the place where she last slept, even if she died. So, couldn't she just pour lava on the resurrection spot? Nonsense. Sia’s resurrection ability had no flaws. If she judged that the scheduled resurrection spot was dangerous, the spot would automatically reset itself.

Thud—!! Judith closed her eyes tightly when Sia lifted her foot, but what Sia stomped on was Judith’s sword rolling on the floor.

"I am who I am. Just the same person in the same situation as you."

"Don't make me laugh. Same situation? Do you even realize what kind of existence you are in this world?"

A rare existence that never dies, possesses excellent combat ability, and knows that time has been reversed. This was a monster that could destroy the Empire if she wanted to. Judith had long since reconstructed her perception of Sia.

"I don't know about that."

Creak, creak—

"W-wait a minute."

In the struggle just moments ago, which was nothing more than a one-sided beating, the flames on the arrowheads had narrowly missed her, only just touching her skin. The feeling of helplessness at losing even though her opponent was going easy on her made Judith feel hollow, but at the same time, she thought it was fortunate. If Sia had fought in earnest, her body would have been pierced by countless arrows, turning her into a hedgehog.

"Are you crazy?"

Sia aimed the arrowhead at Judith’s head. Judith, terrified, tried to lift her battered body, but she had suffered too many burns on her arms and legs, and she couldn't move even a single finger.

"You ruined everything."

The murderous intent filling her eyes—it was a terror that escalated even more than when she faced the high-ranking demon Asura. Regrettably, it was impossible for anyone to stop this insane, crazy girl. How could anyone suppress Sia Stella, who would never die unless she aged?

"Answer the questions I ask from now on."

The bowstring, already pulled to its limit, was trembling as if it would fire at any moment. Judith realized it instinctively. The moment the arrow was fired, her head would absolutely be pierced. She would definitely die.

"Tell me everything that happened at the merchant guild that day."

You could tell after just five minutes of sparring. Sia Stella wasn't at a level where her arms would tremble just because she pulled the bowstring to its limit. Yet, the reason her arms were trembling along with the bow could be understood by looking at her face.

"You..."

The expression of extreme agony, even pursing her lips, showed anyone that she had no intention of shooting. She had thought she had gone completely insane, but Sia was at least keeping the final line of murder in her own way. Come to think of it, it was the same back then with the Stardust mansion guards. She had precisely struck only their vital points to knock them out without getting blood on her hands.

"Don't want to talk? Then I'll change the question."

Sia put down the bow, squatted next to the fallen Judith, and bowed her head ‍‍‌‌⁠​​⁠‌​​‍​​‍​‌​⁠‍‌‍⁠⁠‌⁠‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‍⁠​‌​‌​‌‍‌‌‌⁠‍​​‌‍⁠‌‌⁠⁠down to her knees.

"Why did you betray Mate?"

It was a simple and clear question. Why did you cheat? When Judith remained silent even to that question, Sia felt as if her insides were about to burst from frustration.

"Did he not do enough for you? He was the one who stepped up to solve your complicated family history, the one who celebrated your birthday even while canceling important schedules."

"Yes, he did."

"I liked him too."

Judith doubted her own ears for a moment. Sia Stella, of all people, liked someone? The flow of the conversation told her who that target was. Mate Daylight. The man who had been her spouse before she returned to the past.

"But he yielded you to him without a word. Because Mate liked you the most, anyone could see that."

"..."

"I wanted him to live as happily as possible."

Even though the regression book was torn and the world was collapsing, she had only been surprised for a moment, and after that, she had been calm. Because she already knew of the existence of the regression book.

"He was with me. Just before time was reversed."

She hadn't stopped him from trying to use the regression book. He must have felt a great sense of skepticism about the fact that he had been robbed of Judith to the point of undoing everything he had strived for.

"He tried so hard to act okay, to act cool, but in the end, he couldn't hold it in and cried at the very last moment."

It was a small amount of tears that wouldn't have been visible from afar, but he had the most sorrowful face of anyone Sia had ever seen in her life.

"There is only one reason I’m leaving you alone."

Sia brushed the dust off her robe, picked up the bow she had placed on the floor, and stood up.

"Because it’s obvious that he’ll hate it if you get hurt."

Judith had no choice but to watch Sia, who was turning to leave, lying still just as she was. Her body condition wasn't normal because she had suffered too many burns, but it was because of the series of shocking stories.

"And congratulations."

Sia, hooded, turned around and said in a low voice.

"Everything happened just as you wanted so much, didn't it?"