Chapter 139: Companion of the Order of the Tenth Knight

Guilt is perhaps the most painful

companion of death.

Coco Chanel

WwW

Hope . . . is the companion of power, and

the mother of success, for who so hopes

has within him the gift of miracles.

Samuel Smiles

WwW

"You did not expect her to be this beautiful, right?"

"Absolutely. And that is a fact that, I think, is a good thing to marvel, but painfully true for me, as well."

"Are you saying that you have regrets?"

"Regret for what?"

"For how beautiful she had been."

"You don't regret the things that changed the course of your destiny, and then became so beautiful in the end. If beauty becomes a sacrifice, then whatever emotion it is that were attached to this stronger feeling of a higher calling becomes truly relevant in this ever tragic world."

"Even if it pains you?"

"What is wrong with the feeling of pain, especially if the fruits of the act became so gloriously beautiful, and accompanied by all that is pretty, noble, and desirable?"

"You speak like you actually glorify pain still, after all these years. That is not a bad thing itself, but it requires a proper perspective. Unnecessary suffering is a disservice to your own being, too."

"I didn't say that I enjoyed all the pain in this world. That is not the case, no. But there is a certain, distinct joy to be derived in unqualified service."

"Then, what is the principal reason of keeping Princess Snow White still alive at this point, if what you are saying is true? And why is the original plan for this whole operation suddenly changing?"

"I have never wavered in my personal resolve, especially for the severity of this particular mission. I am quite familiar of the truth and the destined consequences."

"No, that is not what I meant. Not in a million years, of course. But you know within yourself, that all the things that are recklessly happening right now is not the entire truth of the matter."

"For that specifics, I yield to this wisdom."

"So, what is the truth now, exactly? Why is the opposite side of this choice not plausible, instead? Why endure this unbearable pain?"

"All I know is that the truth of the things hoped for is for someone needing to die at this precise moment. She must perish, indeed. But I cannot bring myself to do it."

"Then let me do it. I will gladly go now. At this instant!"

"Please."

"You are an inducted Companion of this most religious Order. You cannot defy a legitimate order from the Grand Commander. The punishment is voluntary death. There is no way to escape the complete havoc of the efficacy of the involuntary bond."

"I can eventually find a way to escape the penalties of this involuntary bond, I know I would be able to. I just needed more time to think and explore, whether to be or not to be."

"She needed to be dead already. We can no longer hide the truth. The symptoms of the curse is gradually showing."

"I know. And I love her so much still."

"Then, why torture yourself in this way? Why prolong this pointless impasse of the circumstances of the Group of Seven's probing question? It is completely unworthy of attention."

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