~Chapter 85~
“Hmm.”
I stared at the blank paper, lost in thought, then collapsed onto the desk.
“What should I choose?”
The first ritual of the soul contract had been about connecting our bodies.
Because of that, after the first ritual, we could feel each other’s energy to some extent and sense each other’s general location.
The second ritual, however, was about connecting our souls.
Since memories are one of the components that make up a soul, this second ritual required us to exchange the happiest memory we had shared together.
The problem was—I couldn’t just choose any memory.
If there was too much of a difference in how happy our exchanged memories were, the connection wouldn’t work.
And even if the connection succeeded, the memory I gave away would eventually disappear from my mind.
It meant the other person would carry a memory I no longer had—almost as if it became only theirs.
So of course, I couldn’t just hand over any memory lightly.
“‘A happy memory,’ huh…”
It would be difficult to pick one when life had been filled only with unhappy memories.
But the opposite was just as hard.
‘Ever since I came here, I’ve only been happy. That’s why it’s difficult.’
Since living with Damien, every day had been full of joy and happiness. To pick only one memory as the happiest felt nearly impossible.
[Kiik?]
My companion, Kiik, scurried over, squeaking, as if curious.
[Kiik kiik?]
Seeing no paper or canvas in front of me, Kiik tilted his head.
“Oh, I’m not trying to draw right now. I’m thinking about something else.”
[Kiik?]
“I have to choose the happiest memory I’ve had since coming to this mansion. But I don’t know which one to pick.”
[Kiik.]
Kiik slipped his long arms through my hair, tilting his head thoughtfully, as if seriously helping me think.
“What about you, Kiik? What’s your happiest memory here?”
[Kiik…]
After a moment of pondering, Kiik suddenly perked up, twisting his neck like he had an idea. Then he spun his head around excitedly in a full circle.
[Kiik! Kiik kiik!]
“Really? What is it?”
[Kiik kiik, kiik, kiik, kiik!]
Listening to his squeaky story, I covered my mouth in surprise.
“What? When I first drew your picture? That was your happiest moment…? I’m touched!”
[Kiik kiik!]
Kiik insisted that the happiest memory didn’t have to be something grand.
Sometimes, he said, the most ordinary days were the happiest.
‘Everyday life…’
Yes. That was true. The happiest thing about being here was simply being able to live an ordinary life.
Sleeping in a comfortable bed, waking up to breakfast, taking painting lessons, talking with people.
Chatting with my husband about the day, sharing hobbies, going on dates like any married couple.
Those small daily things were my greatest happiness.
‘Yes… I really did feel my greatest joy in those simple moments.’
Thanks to Kiik, I finally decided what memory to give.
“Thank you, Kiik.”
I chose the very first time I had truly felt happiness here.
The day of the second ritual.
Hand in hand with Damien, I walked toward the rose garden.
In a corner of the garden stood an old fountain.
Its weathered marble glowed under the blue moonlight, making the scene mysterious.
“We have to do the ritual in front of this fountain, right?”
“Yes.”
I didn’t know why.
Maybe because from here, the moon looked so close—like I could reach out and touch it.
“Stand here.”
We stood in front of the flowing fountain, gazing at the water collected inside.
“Ancestors, today we begin the second soul ritual of Damien Maledictus and his wife, Rubiana.”
As Damien chanted, the fountain water rippled under the moon’s reflection.
The image of the blue moon shook, and then—something rose from the water.
“Ah, spirit butterflies…!”
But these weren’t ordinary spirit butterflies. They glowed the same deep blue as the moonlight.
Their shining wings were so dazzling it felt hypnotic.
The butterflies swarmed around me, landing on my nose and then fluttering up again, as if greeting me.
“Haha, that tickles.”
Smiling, Damien gently brushed the butterfly from my nose onto his hand.
“It seems they’re very glad to see you, Ruby.”
After their greetings, Damien turned back to the water’s surface, where our reflections shimmered.
“By exchanging our happiest memories and keeping them forever, we will bind our souls together.”
Flash—
The rippling water glowed brilliant blue.
The butterflies flew straight into us, dissolving into our bodies.
Wrapped in blue light, Damien closed his eyes and raised his hand to his temple. Carefully, as if picking up a tiny thread, he pulled something out—
A glowing blue strand.
This was Damien’s happiest memory from our married life.
“Ruby, focus on your happiest memory, and imagine pulling it out like a thread.”
I nodded, closing my eyes.
My very first moment of happiness here…
The terrifying portrait of the duchess lunging from the hallway wall.
The cave of minor curses and the mummy I thought was an ancestor.
The first spirit butterflies that liked me.
And Damien’s warm words, telling me there were others who would accept me.
That was when I first realized—I could live with someone else.
So, I chose the memory of my first home date with Damien.
That day, I had laughed so brightly for the first time in years. And for the first time, I shared my hobby with someone who understood.
Opening my eyes, I saw the shimmering thread of memory dangling from my finger.
“Soon, this piece of happiness will disappear from your mind,” Damien whispered, wrapping his hand over mine.
“But it will shine forever in the heart of your partner, your soul’s companion.”
Yes. That was fine.
It was precious—so precious that only Damien could carry it for me.
“By entrusting my brightest memory to my partner, we will become one.”
Even if I forgot, Damien would remember forever.
Together, we handed over the glowing threads.
The moment they touched, they burst into light and shot straight into each other’s minds.
A flash—then suddenly, visions filled my eyes.
‘Ah…’
I saw myself.
Standing in that dark corridor before the portrait of the duchess.
Eyes sparkling as I turned.
Jumping with joy at the sight of curses and the mummy.
Smiling with tears of happiness as the butterflies surrounded me.
“Ah…”
At the same time, Damien and I turned toward each other.
