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Why?

Who in the world would do such a reckless thing?

No, it was a foolish question even as I thought it.

There’s only one person in the world who has the authority to command an advance beyond the wall—the Queen of Angmar, Aira Von Tarantera.

Perhaps my fall over the wall has stirred something in Aira. It’s certainly possible. It might even be due to Elga or Mirna urging her on.

I had wanted to take my time with immortal art training, but the situation wasn’t really permitting it.

I’d better return as soon as I hear the entire story from the white wolf.

“……”

Then it suddenly occurred to me that I was missing something.

… So where exactly was Professor Balan?

Seeing Balan’s undead attacking Kubilai’s wolf pack makes me think she’s alive somewhere.

I had a lot on my mind, but with my eyes getting heavier, I decided to get some sleep. It’s been a while since I felt this exhausted.

Just as I drifted off and let myself be carried away by the waves of sleep, I felt something pass by me.

Srrrr. Clunk. Creeeak.

Peeking an eye open, I saw Stella, whom I thought had fallen asleep, quietly slipping out of the cabin like a thief in the night.

I wondered if she was going to the bathroom. But it didn’t seem like it no matter how I looked at it, so I got up and went outside.

* * *

Hwareuk.

As I went outside, I met eyes with Stella, who was lighting a short pipe in her mouth. She mumbled, “I didn’t mean to wake you up,” and put the pipe away.

Did she remember that I hated the smell of smoke? I didn’t really intend to stop her from smoking, so it felt a bit awkward for both of us.

“…….”

“…….”

We stopped talking to each other for a moment.

Being around Stella in silence felt… awkward, somehow.

Until now, I’d been so focused on survival beyond the wall that I hadn’t given it much thought. Now, though, I found myself reflecting on what we’d actually discussed up to this point.

Still, it was clear that some sense of camaraderie had grown between us.

After everything we’d been through—facing hardship and overcoming obstacles together—a natural bond had formed. Today alone, we endured tough training with the wolves side by side.

With that in mind, I broke the silence lightly.

“So, how about it? Feeling better?”

“What?”

Stella blinked at me, as if she had no idea what I was talking about.

I hesitated for a moment at her clueless expression, then spoke again.

“When people go through a great ordeal, they usually act in one of two ways. They either get really lazy and let everything slide, or they keep themselves so busy they don’t have time to think.”

“Hm. You talk as if you’ve got me all figured out.”

Stella opened her narrow eyes and pressed my nose.

It was almost as if she were saying, “Kids shouldn’t tease an adult.” In fact, there might be as much difference between her and me as there was between a kindergarten teacher and a child.

But in terms of experiencing loss and enduring a deep sense of emptiness, I had a bit of experience myself.

I understood why Stella had volunteered to be our guide on our journey.

And why she was so curious and adventurous even in such a difficult situation.

She needed something to distract her.

Despite everything, Opal was her brother. One that she was proud of. So for such a man to fall into ruin and die cursing the world…

For Stella, who had witnessed that final moment, the loss and shock must have been overwhelming. Mirna probably had a vague idea too. But she probably just didn’t mention it.

Just then, Stella let out a chuckle.

“You’re absolutely right. If I don’t keep busy… I just keep thinking about it. I like the busyness. Especially when I’m so exhausted that I don’t have the energy to think.”

Stella finally admitted it.

She sat on a rock and looked up at the stars and moon shining above. Whether in the south or the north, the countless stars remained as bright as ever.

“Honestly, I used to hate this northern land. I thought of it as a place where jewels lost their shine, where stars lost their sparkle.”

“…….”

“But now that I’m out here, I can see the stars are still bright. I wonder if Opal might have thought the same when he looked up at the northern sky.”

“I’m sure he did. You two are siblings, after all.”

“So, Theo-kun… did you come out here to comfort me?”

Stella’s gaze shifted from the dark night sky to me.

Her amber eyes seemed to shimmer with countless stars in a galaxy. It looked as if tears were threatening to spill, but none fell.

Was this what it means to be an adult?

As I quietly admired her, she spoke in a gentle tone.

“You’re kinder than I thought. I used to think you were a very mean and vicious person, seeing as how you’re called Angmar’s Demon Monk.”

“Perhaps I am ruthless and cruel. But with Stella-nim, I just choose to behave politely.”

Hearing this, Stella furrowed her brows and pressed her finger against my nose.

“You’re quite the talker. Is that how you charmed Mirna-yang?”

“Who knows?”

“Come to think of it, didn’t you say you fought a giant centipede for me? I don’t know if it’s true or not, but it seems like you got a romantic side.”

Stretching with a soft groan, Stella spoke lightly, almost like the passing breeze.

“With things as they are, should I just marry you, Theo-kun?”