TMM 1 (Prolouge)

“No, it wasn’t me.”

Tears streaming down her face, Alicia clutched the cold iron bars of her cell with both hands and pleaded with Crown Prince Joshua of this kingdom.

“You are always like this, you think that if you cry, everything will be forgiven. You have lived your life currying sympathy in that way. It is true that your upbringing invites pity. But that does not excuse murder.”

None of it rang true to her. Alicia shook her head desperately.

“Why won’t you believe me?”

Tears spilled down her cheeks.

“Mariabelle has testified to it. The tea you poured for her was poisoned. Fortunately, she survived, but this is not something that can be overlooked. You will likely be sentenced to the ultimate punishment.”

“…On Mariabelle’s testimony alone…?”

At Alicia’s words, Joshua’s finely shaped brows drew sharply together.

“This was no careless investigation. A thorough inquiry was conducted. There are numerous witnesses, from palace maids to court officials. Physical evidence was found as well.”

At his signal, Samuel, the aide who had been standing beside him like a shadow, began to read aloud the charges laid against her.

(I’ve been framed… No matter what I say now, it will never reach him.)

Facing the fury blazing in Joshua’s eyes, a profound despair spread through Alicia’s heart. Beside him, Samuel regarded her with a gaze that mingled pity and disappointment.

Even amid such despair, Alicia still has cherished feelings for Joshua, her former fiancé.

(Just once, I wanted to hear words of love from you. In my next life, may I be bound to you…)

Three days later, Alicia vanished upon the executioner’s scaffold.

Leaving her heart behind with Joshua.