After the storm of tears finally settled, Jay walked through the silent halls of the royal archives beside the Saint.
They were there to choose a farewell gift—a book she could take back to her continent.
They walked in a comfortable silence until a book spine on a mahogany shelf caught Jay's attention. He stopped and slid it out, examining the cover.
This looks just like her…
A faint blush rose to his cheeks.
I think she'll like it.
In his past life, he had rarely given gifts. It felt strange—like exposing a part of himself he wasn't used to showing.
"Jay?" Clarice tilted her head, confused. "Why did you stop? Are you okay?"
As she approached, something hit him like a punch to the gut.
Wait… every moment with her feels like we've known each other for years…
His heart started pounding.
Are we… getting too close?
"Jay, are you feeling sick?" she asked, worried. "You're turning red!"
Without looking at her, Jay extended the book.
"Here… When I saw it, it reminded me of you."
Those simple words struck Clarice deeply.
Her face turned bright red.
"S-Seriously? Ah… um… thank you…"
"Anyway, let's keep going," Jay said quickly, changing the subject.
"Y-Yes! Let's go!"
They walked toward the exit, where Poul and Luis were talking.
Clarice kept fidgeting with her hands and hair, clearly flustered.
I'll accept it, Jay thought. I have to accept that my father is going to war.
A past version of me would judge people for not accepting things beyond their control…
A hypocrite.
A soft breeze brushed through his hair as they left the archive, the book already charged to the king.
I hope I can change in this life…
"Jay!"
Clarice's voice snapped him back.
"Yes?"
Her cheeks were red again. She looked around nervously, then suddenly extended her arms toward him.
"H-Here! Take this… as thanks for being my friend."
Jay took the book, raising an eyebrow.
This is exactly my type…
How does she know me this well already?
"I like it," he said with a small, awkward laugh.
Clarice's expression lit up instantly.
"I'll read it carefully," he added.
Wait—why did I say that?!
"Well, well… what is this lovely couple doing?" Luis teased with a smirk.
Jay's face turned bright red.
Clarice froze.
Poul and Luis didn't hold back, teasing them mercilessly—until Mary arrived, pale and anxious, having been searching everywhere for them.
After confirming they were safe, she sighed in relief.
Soon, everyone returned home.
Everyone… except Clarice.
She stayed behind with the king, preparing to return to her continent.
Jay stood in front of her.
"Goodbye, Clarice… I'll miss you."
That was enough.
She broke.
Tears streamed down her face as she hugged him tightly.
"I'll miss you too…"
Jay hugged her back, whispering softly:
"You really like hugging me, don't you?"
He smiled gently.
She nodded shyly.
Then she stepped back, looked into his eyes, and said:
"We'll meet again, Jay."
"Yes… we will. Someday."
"It's a promise."
Clarice smiled brightly—
and kissed his cheek.
Jay froze.
Completely red.
She giggled softly at his reaction before turning and walking toward King Valerius Adelio.
Jay waved back, still stunned, before turning to follow his family.
As he walked, he touched his cheek.
Does she like me…? Or is it just cultural?
Either way… she cares about me.
She saved me.
For her… and for my family… I need to be happy.
When he got home, he went straight to his room, placed the book on the shelf, and lay down.
What is true happiness?
Love? Money?
None of that lasts.
I want something real.
His eyes widened.
"Now I understand… since my past life, I—"
Sleep suddenly took over.
"You're not ready to know that yet…" a mysterious voice whispered.
"Not until your true self desires it."
Days later—
it was time.
Poul was leaving for war.
He woke early, quietly preparing his things, trying not to wake Jay or Kyrai.
In the living room, Luis and Mary were already waiting.
"Morning, Poul. Ready?" Luis asked.
Poul turned—
and froze.
Jay stood in the doorway, holding a glass of water, a faint smirk on his face.
That brat… just because a Saint likes him…
"You're thinking your son is amazing and annoying at the same time, right?" Luis said casually.
"…Exactly."
"Dad… please be careful. And come back safely."
Poul laughed confidently.
"Of course I will. I'm the Ice Genius."
Jay's chest eased.
"…Yeah. It's a promise."
Mary tried to hold back her tears—but failed.
Poul hugged Jay.
Luis pulled him into a firm embrace.
"Don't die in that damn war."
"Who do you think I am?"
"My little ice pendant."
Poul laughed.
Luis gripped his shoulders.
"I'll protect them."
"I know."
Poul turned to Mary.
"You don't have to hold it in."
She broke down, clinging to him.
"Please don't go…"
Luis had to gently pull her away.
Jay watched…
and let out a quiet laugh.
"I'm going now."
And with that—
Poul left.
Hours passed.
Jay sat reading the book Clarice gave him.
"She really understands me…"
I want to see her again.
In his room—
a voice echoed.
"Unbelievable… I'm stuck inside a guy who likes little girls," Roh scoffed.
Jay's eye twitched.
"How the hell do you even know my type, you blue bastard?"
"Oh please… don't deny it."
Jay clenched his teeth.
Later, he stepped onto the balcony.
The wind moved through the trees under a gray sky.
Those were good times… before everything changed…
Now… with blood still on my hands…
I can finally say it…
I'm slowly leaving the darkness behind.
"What are you doing out here?" Luis asked, sitting beside him.
"…Just thinking."
Luis stared ahead.
"You feel it too, don't you?"
"…Yeah."
"That feeling… after you take a life."
Jay froze.
"…You've killed more people, haven't you?"
Luis didn't look at him.
"I only kill to protect the ones I love."
Jay gave a dry laugh.
"…I know."
Later, in the library—
Who am I to judge him? Jay thought. I've done worse…
Memories flooded back.
"You're a monster!" a girl's voice echoed.
Blood.
A suit.
Desperation.
"Please… don't leave me…"
"I never want to see you again!"
"JAY!"
Luis's voice snapped him out.
Jay grabbed his head.
"Huh…?"
"You froze… kept saying 'I'm sorry' over and over," Luis said.
"I'm fine," Jay replied quickly.
They picked their books—
and left.
Then—
the ground trembled.
"An earthquake?" Luis muttered.
"…No."
A flash of yellow light tore through the sky, striking near the city.
A killing intent filled the air.
Something massive emerged from the smoke.
Luis looked at Jay.
Despair in his eyes.
"This is the end of our peace…"
"…and the beginning of hell."