"You're as clever as they say," Arthur chuckled softly. "Yes, I'm the real Phillip from the story. My father rescued me from the orphanage when I turned six. And I truly committed many cruelties against my brother and my mother in my past life, but this time, it's different."
"Past life?" Emilia asked, surprised. "Did you say past life?"
"You know what I'm talking about, gallows girl."
Emilia began to tremble, her eyes wide and glassy. The murderer who had killed her in her previous life stood right in front of her, admitting his crimes without remorse, as if it were nothing.
"You killed me and my family, and you even used me to change Edward's mind?" Emilia asked, her voice shaking. "I have no other choice but to end your life right here!"
At that moment, the girl's heart filled with determination. She grabbed the sword resting against the bench and attempted to strike Arthur, but he dodged the blow, took the sword from her, and turned it toward her. He then dropped the weapon and placed his arm against the wall, standing just inches away from her.
"You misunderstood, Emilia," the elf began, his gaze showing true sorrow. "In my past life, I was the villain, but in this one, I want to be the hero. I want to save everyone I condemned and become a good and just king. I don't want to see any more wars or hear screams in my nightmares. And, most of all"—he ran his hand over his own neck—"I don't want to feel death again."
Emilia looked deeply into the young man's eyes. He seemed to be telling the truth, and for a moment, she thought she saw a faint white line on his neck. She ran her hand over her own neck and noticed a thin mark she could feel with her fingers. Both of them bore the mark of death, a reminder of what they needed to fight for.
"How can I believe you?" Emilia asked, trying in vain to step back. Arthur smiled and pulled a piece of paper from his pocket, which looked like it had been torn from a notebook.
"Here," he said, stepping away. "I'll wait for your answer until today. I want to know if you'll be my ally or my enemy in this war."
Emilia watched as the young man left, then looked at the paper in her hand. After a few minutes of pondering, she decided to open it.
Emilia, it's been years since you disappeared. The prince is determined to find you, but I'm telling you, he's not the only one.
The work in the army is tough, but on weekends, Dad and I travel to neighboring villages trying to find you. I know you're alive—you have to be.
Mom is no longer with us. She died last year because of the new disease that spread. They say it's because of the rats, but that might just be a rumor.
I'm writing this letter because the prince said he will find you, no matter what. I believe his words. Arthur and I have become great friends since everything started to fall apart in the kingdom.
But this isn't about Arthur or my work—I want to talk about you. We miss you so much. Please come home soon.
I hope you haven't gotten married. I couldn't bear to see you with another man. You'll always be my little sister.
Oliver.