TSFA l CH 113

Chapter 113

“…I see.”

Nike gave a weak smile.

Ryan’s answer made everything clear.

Even before this lifetime, Ryan must have hated the Basenberg family. Unless someone who remembered interfered, events would never change.

Maybe that was why Nike had been forced to sell his own memories just to rewind time—perhaps only to stop Ryan from destroying Basenberg.

Incredible… really incredible.

Ryan’s goal was to wipe out Basenberg. For Nike, for the royal family, that should have been good news.

After all, what could be more terrifying than a Basenberg heir with a power like Instant Death?

And yet Ryan, with that kind of strength, chose not to become a tyrant or a god. Instead, he chose to fight demons.

Nike laughed bitterly.

In the end, he himself had interfered. He had rewound the world’s time, even at the cost of his memories—just to stop Ryan.

He had been the one to shatter Ryan’s “justice.”

Because of love. That fatal, poisonous feeling.

“…You look lost in thought,” Ryan said.

“…Next question.”

“Alright. One last question each, then we’ll stop.”

Ryan held out his hand.
“Will you help me?”

Nike looked at him. Even in the darkness, Ryan’s golden eyes burned.

Help. He didn’t need to explain further. It meant: stand with me in what I’m about to do.

Nike didn’t hesitate. He clasped Ryan’s hand.
“…Yes.”

“Ha! Thank you! Now it’s your turn—ask your final question.”

Nike slowly opened his mouth.

He already knew the truth, but he wanted to hear it confirmed.

Who was the woman he had once loved so deeply? The one who alone carried every memory? The one who had been both poison and love?

“…Is Bania a regressor?”

Ryan only smiled—as if he’d been expecting that question all along.

***

Southern lands, Pellén.

Three days had passed since a sudden murder case in a quiet village.

The royal knights, delayed by the investigation, finally set out this morning for the monster hunts.

Everyone left—except Nike.

Everything seemed fine, yet he alone carried a heavy heart.

“Then… you’re a gifted one too?”

Nike’s question.

Ryan explained why he had asked.

“The Third Prince is sharp. He already saw through me pretending to be powerless. He even guessed I was targeting Basenberg. Makes sense—after all, is the only power that can erase other powers.”

So Nike had asked Bania directly: was she gifted? Because if Ryan could hide his strength, maybe she could too.

“…That’s all? His face looked strange, though.”

“Ah, that’s just because you’re still young. He’s worried you’ll get dragged into this war against Basenberg and get hurt.”

“…Oh.”

Truth be told, after seeing Nike’s strange expression, Bania had let herself hope.

Does he… remember me?

Just for a moment, she’d dreamed.

But now—her hopes crumbled.

“…Sigh.”

Her appetite was gone.

“Eat more!” Rivan smacked her shoulder.

“I’m not hungry….”

Her little brother Alek scolded, “Come on, sis. You promised to play after breakfast. Eat so you have strength.”

Even the prince sitting beside her urged her gently, “You need food. The town is unsettled, yes, but don’t let fear stop you from eating.”

Bania thought bitterly: the real culprit is sitting right across from you.

Ryan grinned. “What’s scary about this? You’ve got a bodyguard worth sixty thousand gold a year!”

“….”

Another guard added with a laugh, “If we meet the culprit, I’ll slit his throat myself.”

Ryan shot him a dark look. The guard barely held in his chuckle.

At this table, only Kali and Rivan knew Ryan was the culprit.

So I’m the only one sulking, while everyone else goes back to normal….

“…Ah! Your Highness, where are you going?”

Ryan waved toward the stairs. Nike was coming down.

Bania jumped up at once.

“Your Highness! Did you sleep well?”

“…Yes.”

“Then why didn’t you leave with the knights today?”

That was what she wanted to know. The knights should already be marching toward the frontlines. Why had Nike stayed?

“…I still have things to do.”

“Ah….”

He cut the question short, passed her by, and walked out.

Ryan patted her shoulder.
“Maybe he’s just tired. Don’t mind it too much.”

Then he followed Nike outside.

***

Behind the inn.

Nike replayed his cold answer in his mind and sighed.

Ryan came up beside him, whispering, “You didn’t have to be that harsh. What if you hurt her feelings?”

“…Did I?”

“Didn’t look good.”

Nike sighed again. He truly didn’t know how to face Bania now.

They walked toward the stables.

Ryan spoke first.
“You asked me before—if Bania is a regressor.”

“…Yes.”

Ryan’s answer still echoed in Nike’s mind. It had confirmed everything: Bania was his lost lover.

But Ryan had also warned him.

“If you confess to her, it’s war between us.”

“…What?”

“No pet names. No ‘darling, my love.’ Don’t tell her you remember being lovers. Don’t ask her to start over. Forbidden.”

Ryan’s eyes had been dead serious.

“She may be an adult inside, but outside she’s a thirteen-year-old girl. I’m her guardian—and ethically, I won’t allow an adult prince to court my little sister.”

Nike hadn’t even said he wanted that. But Ryan had already leapt ten steps ahead.

All Nike could do was sigh heavily, giving water to his horse.

Then, laughter and voices. Bania was outside with her family, heading out to play.

Ryan murmured, “Please understand. Bania still has all her memories. Of course she feels deeply for you. But if you tell her you remember too, she’ll throw herself into your arms crying. Can you imagine?”

Nike said nothing. But Ryan was right.

For now, silence was best.

Someday… if Bania grew up and chose her own path, maybe then.

But until then—Ryan made it clear:

If you cross the line, I’ll fight you before Basenberg ever does.

Nike nodded. He understood. And he agreed.

He had no intention of reaching for Bania now.

But when Ryan suddenly blocked his line of sight—

“Hey! Eyes off! Our noble prince, why are you staring like that?!”

“…I wasn’t.”

Nike hadn’t even thought anything improper, but somehow, Ryan still made him feel like a criminal.