Prologue

The capital’s plaza was the place designated for her execution. On her knees, Esmeralda stared up at her sister. Violet, her older sister, tossed the head in her hands.

“Aah. It must be wonderful to see your husband after such a long time.”

The head that slid helplessly in front of her is undoubtedly Rozette Sea’s viceroy. A great hero. Levon Calvester. Her husband.

“He warned me not to touch you till the very end. Isn’t it hilarious?”

“. . .”

Violet, who became the empress of the Empire, stared at her with pity. After that was Kamil, who had become emperor, sitting on a throne, munching grapes.

“I still can’t believe it. Even if it was a marriage forced by the emperor, what did sister do to seduce such a dull man?”

Violet moved closer to Esmeralda, reached out, and smacked Levon on the head. The face turned towards her. His black hair was no longer neatly swept back, and there were no red eyes filled with warmth looking at her. Esmeralda looked for a long time at the ruined face. On the slender cheeks, there was a long cut.

Esmeralda made it in the past.

“As soon as he died, you withdrew your troops and surrendered. Did you also have him in your heart, Esmeralda?”

Esmeralda’s lips remained closed and motionless. Violet turned around and sat on the throne as if she didn’t want to hear an answer.

“Take her away.”

She was dragged to the square.

“Do not delay!”

“Ugh…”

The chains were yanked forcefully. Esmeralda had fallen down when a dark shadow landed on top of her.

Slam!

“Ah–!”

The royal guard’s shoes smashed violently.

“A devil like you would have died twice at my hands if it hadn’t been for Her Majesty the Empress’ command! Damn…!”

He looked somewhat familiar. He was most likely a member of the imperial family because he came to transport Esmeralda himself. She didn’t even know if he was one of the people she worked with. She rose to her feet, her blistering palms on the floor.

“Venomous thing…”

Esmeralda moved slowly as if she couldn’t hear what he was saying in front of her. She was used to such suffering. A roaring noise could be heard.

“I heard she’s the devil? Was the Calvester family doomed due to that diabolical woman?”

“Sh*t. If only Viceroy Calvester had survived until the end… then Calvester Island wouldn’t have fallen into that woman’s hands!”

People flocked to the capital to watch Esmeralda’s transportation. They were all in shabby clothing.

“That Esmeralda. The royal family’s filthy pawn! Ptooey! I got an unlucky name in my mouth.”

As the man with scars spat, a middle-aged woman next to him frowned and said,

“I thought that woman would really save us! How dare she sell the Calvester family. She fooled us all!”

“But isn’t it strange? Viceroy Calvester was on the side of his people, so why would he defend that woman?”

“You punk! These people- don’t run your mouth recklessly here! Shht- the royal guards are here.”

“Ehem.”

The sound of shackles rattling and striking the floor resonated across the plaza. People’s cold stares fell on her. Esmeralda kept moving, her face expressionless.

Traces of torture to discover the hidden scattered. The worn-out shoes and ripped clothing were pathetic, yet no one glanced sympathetically at Esmeralda.

‘You deserve it.’

Because she was a lowly dog who was in charge of all the dirty work of the imperial family… She was a wicked woman who brutally cut off the wings of Levon Calvester, the righteous Viceroy of the Empire.

Woaaah~!

Kill that wicked woman–! Kill her!!

Amid the shouts of the crowd, Esmeralda slowly closed her eyes as she raised her head to the guillotine. 

Her memories went back to the past.

“Thanks, Esmeralda. Now no one will be able to defy my name.”

She drew her own blood and handed the King’s Energy to Kamil, helping him to become emperor. Her older sister, Violet, who became Empress, rejoiced in Esmeralda’s sacrifice.

She was a useful tool.

“Esmeralda, my little sister, my cute dog. We need you. Give us your head on our behalf. Be the sacrificial lamb to quell the rebellion.”

Having lived a life of sacrifice for them, she could not go against her sole existence.

Levon, who she totally used and abandoned, was what kept her from admitting all of her bad crimes and choosing to die as a villain.

He was the one.

“You are not a dog. They don’t know, but your wisdom is outstanding. Use that wisdom for yourself. This is my last request.”

“Is it such a difficult request to do it for yourself? Then, rather, use that wisdom for me. I will give my life for you.”

“…So live, please.”

What was his face like while saying that? 

Suddenly Esmeralda realized that she had never called him by his name before.

When she realized that, her head was already falling to the ground. Vagabonds gathered around the things that used to be her body. Some scurried and held her buttons, and beggars took off her shoes.

With her consciousness fading, Esmeralda finally thought.

‘If we- If I ever meet you again…’

If that’s the case…

I- I’ll become a villain for you…

I will definitely use the wisdom that you have spoken of for your sake.

And I will send all of them to hell. 

Esmeralda’s azure eyes burned darkly.

* * *

When she opened her eyes again, it was the beginning of hell. The birds were chirping outside to mark the beginning of the day. She curled up her body like a fetus.

The King’s Energy, which Kamil had taken in the past, was fluctuating in full vigor.

Esmeralda smiled brightly as she wrapped her pinkish knees with her arms.

It was the resurrection of a villain.