After learning of her parents’ imminent arrival, Akame locked herself in the bathroom.

I understood better than anyone what she must have been feeling.

Every moment spent with them was psychological torture.

This mansion was supposed to be their home, and yet they had abandoned it as soon as their only child was born.

Their presence was rare — and never a harbinger of anything good.

I chose not to disturb her and spent the night on the roof, gazing at the sky.

The next day, she had classes. I followed her from a distance.

She seemed lifeless, withdrawn. Her gaze, devoid of any spark, drifted aimlessly as the hours passed.

She barely paid attention to the lessons.

Her state broke my heart.

But I was only a spirit — a silent presence.

I wasn’t meant to intervene.

And anyway… what could I possibly do?

She returned earlier than expected, in the afternoon.

She meticulously inspected the manor, making sure everything was spotless, then chose her darkest outfit for the occasion.

The dress she wore was a deep black — like her hair… like her darkness.

It accentuated the terrifying aura that already emanated from her.

She knew her parents would hate this outfit, yet she wore it with dignity.

For a moment, I almost had the impression that she embraced this role of “villain” they had always forced upon her.

“Madam, it’s time,” Miyu announced softly.

In the distance, I glimpsed the Mizushima family carriage.

I lingered in the corridor, floating near the ceiling, lost in thought.

When Akame stepped out of her room, I heard her sigh — a breath heavy with annoyance.

I turned toward her.

Her gaze pierced mine.

“Madam?” Miyu asked.

“It’s nothing… I just hope EVERYONE behaves themselves,” she said, her eyes never leaving mine.

I descended gently to the floor and gave her a faint smile.

She looked away and headed toward the entrance hall.

Despite everything they put her through, her parents still demanded flawless behavior from her.

She had to be there to greet them — poised and dignified.

The carriage stopped in front of the gate.

Akame’s mother stepped out first.

Her long chestnut hair was styled neatly, and her pale blue dress accentuated her eyes.

But the moment she saw her daughter, her face twisted with unmistakable disgust.

The same expression she had worn since Akame’s birth.

Her father followed.

His graying hair, streaked faintly with blue, framed a face aged by a poorly kept beard.

He wore a light gray suit, impeccable and befitting a man of status.

His gaze, just as cold as his wife’s, deepened my contempt.

What a vile family.

“Mr. and Mrs. Mizushima, welcome home,” Miyu said, bowing.

“Did you have a pleasant journey?” Akame asked politely, bowing in turn.

“Save the pleasantries for your other guests,” her father replied curtly.

Akame’s face stiffened in confusion.

Guests? I thought.

She didn’t have time to ask.

“Miyu, we will retire to our room. Inform the kitchen: dinner must be prepared for twenty-eight people. We are expecting important guests. Akame — make a good impression this time.”

This time.

As if she were the problem. I was seething. But Akame said nothing.

She endured it, as always. Her parents had not changed. I hated them.

Soon after, several carriages arrived one after another.

They carried the Mizushima family’s personal servants: guards, cooks, maids.

Then came the guests.

In the first carriage was a couple about the same age as the Mizushimas.

After them stepped a young man — tall, blond, blue-eyed.

He wore an elegant white aristocratic uniform, a slender sword hanging at his side.

Upon seeing Akame, he offered her a charming smile, bowed, and kissed her hand.

Who is he? I asked myself. I already disliked his attitude.

“Welcome, Madam, Sir…?” Miyu asked politely.

“Hijima, from the country of Hai,” the woman answered.

A neighboring country. A familiar name.

“I will escort you to your rooms. Please follow me,” Miyu said.

“I look forward to seeing you again at dinner,” the young man whispered to Akame.

She bowed silently.

The rest of the Hijima family followed — aunts, uncles, cousins.

Akame greeted them all with flawless composure.

There was one hour until dinner.

Akame returned to her room.

I followed.

“Akame…?” I called softly.

She turned, saw me — and immediately looked away.

“I would like to be alone,” she murmured.

“I understand,” I replied quietly and,I left.

Dinner began.

“We are delighted to welcome the Hijima family. May you enjoy this meal,” Akame’s father declared, raising his glass.

The others followed.

“Thank you for your hospitality. I look forward to strengthening the ties between our families,” replied Mr. Hijima.

Strengthening ties?

The room contained three long tables.

At the main table sat Mr. and Mrs. Mizushima, Akame, Mr. and Mrs. Hijima, and their son — Haru.

The remaining guests were seated according to rank.

Midway through the meal, Mr. Mizushima stood.

“As you know, an important event approaches…”

Akame frowned.

“We have promised our daughter Akame to Duke Hijima’s son.”

“WHAT?!” Akame gasped.

“Akame, sit down and let your father finish,” her mother cut in sharply. “Do not embarrass us again.”

“But—”

“Akame!” her father growled.

She sat, her throat tight.

“Forgive her. We wished to surprise her,” he added smoothly.

Surprise? Cowards. You were just afraid she would have run away if you had told her sooner.

“We hope this marriage will strengthen our alliance with the Hijima family. Our daughter will provide what you require.”

“I have no doubt,” Mr. Hijima replied pleasantly — though something in his eyes unsettled me.

“So I have no say?” Akame asked coldly. “You are never here. You do not care about me. And now you sell me to the first man who appears?”

“Akame! Stop behaving like a child! You should consider yourself fortunate that someone would even consider… someone like you.”

Haru rose slowly.

“Haru Hijima is among the rare mages capable of controlling light,” her father continued. “He belongs to an illustrious lineage. This union benefits our relations with Hai. And—”

“I refuse to remain here another minute!” Akame stood abruptly.

Haru grabbed her arm.

“Don’t touch me, you—”. Her knees hit the floor.

A golden aura flared around him. Light.

It seeped into her darkness, smothering it. I saw it.

Her power weakened, flickering like a dying flame.

“Will you finally stop embarrassing us? Haru will tame the abomination you are.”

Her gaze emptied. Twenty-one years old.

Twenty-one years of rejection.

Of being treated like a monster.

She returned to her seat without another word.

The guests whispered. Some laughed.

I snapped.

“You bastard!” I shouted, rushing toward her.

“I’ll materialize and—”

But, nothing happened.

My hand passed through her shoulder.

No.

No.

I stared at her.

“Akame?”

She looked away.

Then, I understood – She was blocking me. She was refusing my help.

Reality came crashing back. I was only a spirit, a spectator. I did not belong here.

Something shattered inside me. Something I had long forgotten...

Loneliness.

Helplessness.

I left the room. I could not endure the scene another second.

I did not see how the meal ended.

Afterwards…

Akame was gone.