What would you do if almost everyone around you saw you as a hindrance or not at all? What if your own father was one of those who wished you gone? That is the story of Rosemary's life. Ever since the death of her mother during accident where only she survived, Rose has felt useless. Despite her best attempts to ignore the hurtful glances and words of the royal court and her father, she can't help but feel like a wilted flower. It becomes so bad that she considers ending it all, until she is rescued by a handsome young man with cold violet eyes who promises to change her world.

----
Before long, I reached a stone bridge overlooking Kaguya river. Luckily for me, the place was empty at the moment. Although, would anyone have even bothered saving a wretch like me? At most, they probably would have just watched as I met my end in a moment of morbid curiosity.

And as I stood at the edge, I remembered all the times I had cried. All the times I had hurt. But now, I was ready.

I smiled as the wind whipped around me. It was time to end it. Turning around, I let my body fall backwards into the river. The sky was a sea of stars. The city lights around me sparkled like gems. It was so beautiful. For the first time in a long time, I felt a sense of calm wash over me. I didn't regret it. No, I had finally found the courage to stand up for myself in my very own way.

The water was high, so the fall itself didn't kill me instantly as I had hoped. As the river enveloped me, I closed my eyes. This was the end of my journey. A journey full of misery and tragedy. If there was another life, I hoped it would be better than this one.

"Sis!" I heard a voice scream.

Orlin! My brother came for me? What was he doing here? Had he followed me? But why? Did he care about me? Or was it just pity? No, right? Surely at least one person in this world loved me. Why had I given up on myself so soon? I knew he loved me. Yet, I still went through with this stupid decision. I allowed those girls and Father's words inhibit my better judgment...

"Sis, where are you? Rose! Please show yourself! I want to talk!" Ore yelled at the top of his lungs.

Right, my life was not all misery and tragedy. There were faint glimmers of joy and hope left. Ore was a big part of that.

How selfish of me... I was actually about to abandon my brother. I tried to resurface, but my swimming skills weren't the best. To make matters worse, the current was far too strong. If not for the current, I would have at least been able to dog paddle over to the edge with some effort.

My right hand broke through the fierce waters and was yanked by another hand. I was pulled out of the murky depths and saw a pair of cold violet eyes staring back at me. Father? No, it wasn't him. Although, those eyes felt familiar.

Before I could make out the face of my rescuer clearly, darkness swept over me. Was it too late? I didn't want to die... Not anymore!

We stepped through the wooden doors. A labyrinth of corridors and staircases that seemed to shift the moment we looked away awaited us. Wind whispered through the wooden lattices, carrying faint echoes of Father's low chuckle.


"Still running with allies, Kazuo?" His voice echoed from somewhere above, calm and commanding. "Didn't think an introverted boy like you would depend on others like this, even if you are on the frail side."


I looked down. Despite everything, he still saw me as scared and frail. Thought I had finally overcome that perception of me. Yet, the way I struggled against him back there still showed I was still lacking.


Amaya's fingers brushed my hand as she walked ahead of me.


"Don't let his words get to you. He is doing a similar thing as the demons do. Making you feel weak and unloved. That is how he is trying to defeat you without having to land a punch."


Chapter 1153 - Chapter 1144: Paintings