Episode 95: The Reason She Exists as She Is Now
1.
—This is the story before she regressed.
Francia, the only daughter of the Fervache Ducal family, one of the four great noble houses that elevated the empire’s glory, lived a life envied by all. Even royalty couldn’t catch her attention.
If she desired something, her father, the Duke of Fervache, would obtain it at any cost. The knights of her family adored her as if she were royalty, granting her a life akin to that of a princess.
With red eyes reminiscent of the Duke and black hair evoking the Duchess, Francia possessed stunning beauty.
She was like a masterpiece sculpted by nature itself. Her fingertips carried the faint scent of freshly picked fruit, exuding a sweetness unique to her.
Every step Francia took seemed to still the world, and people were mesmerized by her presence, as if intoxicated by fine wine.
Anyone who saw her fell in love, and marriage proposals from neighboring noble families and even foreign royalty poured in endlessly.
Under normal circumstances, such adoration could lead to arrogance or social ineptitude. But not Francia. She understood relationships well and knew why her family revered her so greatly.
She was the last legacy of the Duchess, left behind before her passing.
That was Francia Fervache.
Thus, as the pride and glory of her house, her life seemed destined for smooth sailing.
She didn’t attend the Rozino Academy, opting instead to have tutors brought to the estate for all her studies. She devoted herself to preparing to become the next Duke of Fervache.
Francia was a diligent student, and her tutors were highly skilled, leading the people of the estate to believe she would grow into a capable head of the family.
Even her magical abilities, which had purifying and healing properties, drew great expectations. Such rare qualities only highlighted her exceptional talent.
Thus, she came to be called the “Obsidian Saintess.” Her beauty and abilities were unparalleled.
However, separate from her title as the “Obsidian Saintess,” there was a mandatory step to becoming the Duke of Fervache.
Military service.
Due to the Fervache territory in the demonic beast-ridden north, demonic beast subjugation was a daily necessity. Even without combat abilities, a leader had to command such operations.
For that reason, Francia headed to the imperial capital to gain experience in demonic beast subjugation and in Imperial Bureau.
Her peaceful, untroubled life began to unravel from that moment onward.
2.
Before joining the Imperial Bureau, Francia attended a social party to make herself known among the central nobility.
“What is the lady’s name?”
A handsome man approached her and asked. His golden hair shimmered softly, and his golden eyes sparkled. His impression was pleasant.
“Francia. Francia Fervache.”
She smiled as she answered his question. It was her first encounter with a central noble, and he didn’t seem to have any ill intent, so she willingly gave her name.
“Ah, the ‘Obsidian Saintess’ of the Fervache family, shrouded in mystery.”
The man revealed his bright, white teeth as he laughed openly. While his demeanor came off as somewhat arrogant, his next introduction made it instantly clear why.
“I am the commander of the Imperial Bureau’s Second Division and the ‘Little Sun of Rozino.’ I am Fedelian Rozino.”
He was the empire’s crown prince. His golden hair and eyes were undeniable proof.
Why hadn’t it occurred to her sooner?
Francia hastily bowed.
“Y-Your Highness, forgive me for failing to recognize you… I deeply apologize.”
She blamed herself, overwhelmed with embarrassment. Regardless of her status as a daughter of one of the four great noble houses, failing to recognize the crown prince was inexcusable.
“It’s fine. Anyone could make such a mistake. Weren’t you always in your territory? Your debutante was also a small affair with only relatives. I didn’t recognize you either.”
But Fedelian didn’t make a big deal out of it. Instead, he smiled and gently brushed aside a strand of Francia’s hair that had slipped forward.
“If you truly feel sorry, how about joining me for a meal next time?”
With his refreshing smile, handsome face, and friendly personality, Fedelian made a favorable impression on Francia. Though not in a romantic sense.
“Alright.”
She smiled and gladly accepted Fedelian’s invitation. There was no reason to refuse. He was not only the commander of the Imperial Bureau’s Second Division but also the crown prince. Building rapport with him was advantageous for her future.
That was the beginning of their ill-fated relationship.
3.
Once Francia joined the Imperial Bureau, she constantly found herself in danger. Whether it was demonic beasts suddenly going berserk during reconnaissance missions or bandits formed from rogue knights launching surprise attacks, incidents that were once unthinkable became frequent after her service began.
Of course, every time something happened, Fedelian Rozino was there to save her.
“Are you alright?”
“Y-Yes…”
Francia glanced at Fedelian, who had clasped her hands in his. Though her brows furrowed naturally, she forced a smile.
“As soon as I heard you were in danger, I rushed here. I’m relieved you’re safe.”
With his ever-present, refreshing smile, Fedelian approached Francia without hesitation. Holding her hands, brushing her hair—his actions felt intrusive, but Francia swallowed her discomfort.
“T-Thank you.”
“No need for thanks. It’s enough that you’re safe.”
“…”
Francia found Fedelian highly suspicious, thinking he might be the one behind the recent incidents. But she chose not to dig deeper. Why would the crown prince of a nation stoop to such schemes?
She convinced herself it was just bad luck.
…
…
…
As a special-class mage in the Imperial Bureau, Francia gave her all. She had saved lives on the brink of death and even regenerated limbs that had been nearly torn apart.
With every accomplishment, her value soared, leading to more missions. It was during one of those missions that she first met Cassis Lenokhonen.
Their encounter happened during-
Slash!
A demonic beast fell lifelessly to the ground, its head severed in a single stroke. Blue, viscous blood seeped onto the earth.
The man who had decapitated the demonic beast, Cassis Lenokhonen, fixed his amethyst eyes on her, his gaze sharp as though piercing through her. His expression was cold, but a flicker of intrigue glimmered beneath it.
“Are you Francia Fervache?”
“Y-Yes. How did you know…?”
“You look exactly as I’ve heard.”
Cassis turned his head sharply and sheathed his jet-black sword.
“I’ve never felt my heart race like this before…”
He muttered in a low voice and handed Francia a handkerchief.
“Ah, thank you…”
Francia took the handkerchief and wiped the Demonic Beast’s blood off her cheek.
“I look forward to the day you return that handkerchief.”
That marked the beginning of her second ill-fated connection.
4.
The attention of the two men toward Francia soon turned into affection, which ultimately twisted into obsession.
Unable to win her heart, their love warped into something sinister.
It was no wonder Francia never reciprocated their feelings. Their intentions were all too obvious, and their manipulations were transparent.
Thus, the two men joined forces to completely ruin her. The Fervache Ducal family, a significant obstacle in their path to possess her, became their first target.
-The transcendent mage, Duke Fervache, suddenly died.
Though the public was told it was an accident, Francia knew better.
It was the work of Fedelian and Cassis.
But there was nothing she could do.
There was no evidence to expose them, and their overwhelming power loomed over her, suffocatingly close.
Fedelian, with the emperor bedridden, solidified his position as the next emperor and the de facto ruler of the imperial family.
Cassis inherited and strengthened the authority of the Lenokhonen Ducal family.
There was no one who could stand against them.
Even the empress, Rudella Rozino, who had gained tremendous power through the support of the nobility, sought Francia’ s death, believing that she had stolen Fedelian’s heart. She sent assassins and tried poisoning her.
The empire no longer had a place for Francia.
Seeking help, she turned to the one group even the imperial family hesitated to confront-
The Magic Tower.
The mages of the tower, recognizing Francia as the “Obsidian Saintess,” treated her as a valued guest and soon arranged a meeting with the tower master.
“Ah… so you’re the Obsidian Saintess. I can see why they call you that.”
The tower master, with his strikingly handsome features, white hair, and green eyes, smiled meaningfully as he gazed at her.
“Impressive. What do you think, Obsidian Saintess? I can help you, but it will come at a price.”
The price he spoke of was to become his wife. He claimed that absorbing the energy of a woman with purifying properties would enhance the purity of his magic.
Naturally, she fled. But having caught his attention, the tower master was not about to let her go so easily.
Now, the two men who tormented her had become three.
Of course, there was no lack of conflict between them. Their temporary alliance to pursue Francia did not extend to sharing her.
Thus, the empire, once enjoying its golden age, was brought to the brink of collapse as the emperor, the Lenokhonen family, and the Magic Tower clashed over Francia.
The golden wheat fields turned barren, and the territories that once bustled with cheerful laughter were left desolate and hungry.
At the worst possible moment, dark mages triggered simultaneous demonic Beasts outbreaks, plunging the continent into an apocalyptic crisis.
The only nation that remained steadfast was the Holy Kingdom.
It was also the place where Francia sought refuge.
The Holy Kingdom was a nation built around religion, where magic was referred to as divine power, rare healers lived, and society revolved around faith.
“You have endured much, Sister Francia…”
The people of the Holy Kingdom were inherently kind. Whether due to their faith or their nature, most were kind and welcoming to Francia.
Finding peace at last, she became a priestess of the Holy Kingdom. Through her devout faith, she rose to the position of bishop.
Though the continent spiraled into ruin, Francia found solace as long as she remained in the Holy Kingdom.
But that peace was short-lived-
“Oh, Sister Francia… You are a gift sent by the gods!”
The archbishop of the Holy Kingdom began to covet her.
He too knew that the purifying nature of her mana could enhance its purity, and Francia’s mesmerizing beauty awakened the archbishop’s lust.
“Insane people…”
In the end, Francia fled the Holy Kingdom barefoot, continuing her wandering life to escape the four men. All she had was a single dagger and a few scraps of food to sustain her.
As she roamed the continent, Francia was drawn by an inexplicable flow of mana to an ancient ruin.
Following the mana deeper into the ruins, she found a staircase that seemed to descend endlessly. At the bottom, she discovered towering shelves of books like walls of a fortress, and rows of tables stretching out like waves.
In the center, a message was inscribed:
[The Celestial Mage welcomes you.]
It was the library of a mythical figure.
5.
Even though she had reached the Celestial Mage’s library, Francia’s life did not improve.
The continent was still spiraling into ruin due to the schemes of the dark mages, and the four men continued their relentless pursuit of her.
Moreover, the rune inscriptions in the Celestial Mage’s tomes were far too complex for even Francia, a special-class mage, to comprehend. The texts were fundamentally rooted in transcendence.
The only things of real use were the artifacts.
Francia took with her a few of the Celestial Mage’s more decipherable tomes and portable artifacts before resuming her wandering.
She wanted to survive.
And yet, at times, she couldn’t help but resent her fate.
“Why is this happening to me…?”
Her once-peaceful life had been overturned in an instant. From the moment she entered the Imperial Bureau to inherit her title, everything had gone awry.
Francia began to wonder.
Perhaps she was cursed.
Perhaps she should have known when she was born, taking her mother’s life in the process.
“Ah…”
Overwhelmed by despair, Francia walked and walked. Her feet were covered in wounds, and her once-flawless skin and radiant beauty were long gone.
As she wandered—
“Grrrrk!”
She suddenly came face-to-face with a demonic beast.
Judging by its size and the overwhelming mana it exuded, it was at least a first-grade demonic beast.
No, perhaps even of the highest rank.
But Francia’s senses were too dull to care.
“So, this is where I die…”
She didn’t even think about running.
She was too tired to consider it.
And escaping was impossible anyway.
“…Haha…”
A hollow laugh escaped her lips.
Her long life as a fugitive was finally coming to an end.
Facing the demonic beast, Francia slowly closed her eyes. There was no longer a trace of will to live in her.
But then—
Slash!
A dark blue blade light filled the space before her. The light that unfolded before her was as breathtaking and enchanting as a star-filled night sky.
“…Are you out of your mind?”
Startled by the mana’s brilliance, Francia looked straight ahead. There, a man was staring at her with a furrowed brow.
“Ah…”
The moment their eyes met, Francia felt as if her breath had been stolen away.
His face was so beautiful that it seemed as though an artist who had shaped history itself had sculpted it by hand.
Letting out a sigh, the man sheathed his sword.
“I won’t ask what you were thinking, wandering in such a dangerous place. But if you have nowhere to go, follow me.”
Francia, unable to find her voice after years of living as a fugitive, simply nodded and followed him.
The man walked in silence, saying nothing the entire way.
“…”
“…”
The only sound was the rustling of leaves underfoot. Finding the heavy silence awkward, Francia finally asked him,
“…What is your name?”
To her question—
“Yohan,”
The man replied.
“My name is Yohan.”