Time flows forward at its own pace. Within that flow, we go about our everyday lives. Perhaps human existence begins with birth and ends with death—but in between, there are those who elevate their lives to such a level that even thousands of years after their death, ordinary people still remember their names. And isn't that the true identity of a human?
Power, arrogance, wealth, strength—at the beginning, having these makes a person feel like the ruler of the world, as if they can do anything they desire. But at the end of the day, when life is taken by death, none of that power or strength goes with them. Then why do people still indulge in such wrongdoing for this temporary life? Perhaps that answer will never truly be found.
Dawn is breaking. A blood-red sun rises, tearing through the mountains. Yet there's no way to tell whose life has just ended… and whose new beginning has just begun.
A small river flows between the mountains. Not too far from it stands the modest house of Valerina.
"Valerina? Valerina? …Valerina?"
She's probably still asleep.
But how can two souls exist within a single body?
My mind is filled with countless questions, yet there are no answers.
To be honest, most of the memories from my first life have already faded. I can't even remember my father's face anymore… what did he truly look like?
From what I've gathered through conversations with Valerina, I was born in 1229 AD. And Valerina is only a year older than me. So right now, it should be around 1230 AD.
One of my family members was identified by The House of Octavius as a spy—someone who leaked all the secrets and confidential information of House Verus. And because of that, the downfall of House Verus began. What followed was civil war, قتل, looting… a march of death.
The House of Octavius issued a final warning—if House Verus didn't resolve the situation quickly, they would declare war to put an end to everything.
A few years later, everything did come to an end.
The fall of House Verus… and the victory of The House of Aurelius.
But that's what confuses me the most.
The House of Octavius took part in the war—yet it was The House of Aurelius that emerged victorious. How?
Yes… that's the question.
I'm certain that The House of Octavius didn't take the people of House Verus as slaves. They didn't even demand wealth or resources. Which means… everything traces back to The House of Aurelius.
Now everything is as clear as water.
The House of Aurelius… just wait for me.
I'm coming—to grind you into the dust.
"Haah… Valerina is truly beautiful."
Just looking at her face, she seems like the daughter of a high noble family—crimson eyes, hair as soft and pale as a swan's feather. It feels as though the Creator crafted her with their own hands, with utmost care.
Seeing Valerina's reflection in the river, Riana falls into a daze.
"Did you say something, Riana?"
"Me? N-no, nothing at all. I was just thinking, that's all. But… since when have you been observing me?"
"I don't observe people. And besides, what's even worth observing here?"
"Is that so?"
"…Did you say something about me?"