‘It might really be time to move on…’
After listening to the conversation between Zex and Light, Sharon felt as if reality had been thrust before her.
―That bird might also want to return to its family, you know.
Sharon had no place to return to.
If she could stay a little bird forever, perhaps she could be with Zex just a bit longer.
However, from Light and Zex’s conversation, she now knew how grave Zex’s curse was.
―In just a few more years, the curse will consume his life.
‘I never imagined Lord Zex’s curse was something that threatened his very life…’
Light was right.
Zex was in no condition to be tending to a little bird.
The talk of Zex’s marriage weighed even heavier now.
What Light had said was extremely important for the Crusell Kingdom.
Even for Zex himself, having someone by his side to support him would surely be a salvation.
Yet, if he kept fussing over a bird, there was nothing to be said in reply.
Still, it was Sharon who had caused that.
He wasn’t to blame.
Because of Sharon’s presence, she was stealing away his precious time.
Furthermore, if Sharon were to become human here, people might suspect Zex of being seduced by a wicked woman and hiding her away.
‘So, in the end, I’m a burden here, too…’
Zex probably didn’t think of her that way, but given the situation, it was obvious that things would be better without Sharon.
After all, she was never meant to exist in this mansion to begin with.
If Sharon disappeared, the mansion would simply return to how it was.
Losing a single little bird would have no effect at all.
‘He’s burdened by such a terrible curse, and yet he still worried about me more than himself. What a gentle person…’
Sharon didn’t want to be a burden to Zex.
Having decided that, she knew she had to act quickly.
To see Light off as he returned to the Royal Capital, Sharon went outside together with Zex.
‘Now, maybe I can slip away without anyone noticing…’
Sharon quietly leapt down from Zex’s shoulder.
With a jump and her wings spread, she managed to land a bit better than usual.
Zex, focused on Light, didn’t notice the bird leaving his shoulder.
Her weight was too light for the change to be noticed—a stroke of luck.
Seizing the moment, Sharon dashed into the garden.
No matter how hard she ran, a bird’s stride was tiny.
She nearly sank into the snow that had piled up once again.
This time, there was no Zex to save her.
‘Why can’t I fly…!’
If only she could soar through the sky like a proper bird.
If she could, surely she could go far away, to a place where no one knew her.
Why did she even have wings, she wondered in frustration.
“Is your great escape plan finally underway?”
The sudden voice belonged to a friend she’d made only recently.
A white tiger stood on all fours in the Margrave Halburgen Domain’s garden.
“Sugar!”
Sharon rushed over to Sugar.
“It’s not quite according to plan…but please! Take me somewhere, anywhere.”
She had fled without any preparation.
Still, Sugar would surely help her escape.
After that, she could set out alone for the Millier Kingdom.
Seeing the desperate little bird, Sugar nodded.
As Sugar crouched down to let her climb on, a blade of ice came flying at them.
“!”
Sugar dodged swiftly, glaring and growling at the human who had attacked.
Startled by the sudden turn, Sharon turned to see Zex, his face contorted in fury, conjuring blades of ice in the air.
“No…! Sugar is my friend…!”
In protest, Sharon spread her wings in front of Sugar to plead for him not to attack.
Keeping Sugar in check with Ice Magic, Zex quickly scooped Sharon up in his hands.
Cornered by Zex, Sugar vanished into the depths of the forest.
‘Ah, Sugar! …Ugh, let go. Let me go, please.’
She had resolved to leave for Zex’s sake.
Struggling in Zex’s hands, Sharon tried to get her feelings across.
“Snow, are you alright? Why are you struggling?”
“Pi! Piiーー! ‘If I stay, it’s no good!'”
“…Snow…?”
Still struggling, Sharon continued to cry out with all her might.
As he looked down at the little bird in his hands, Zex’s face gradually became filled with pain.
How long did that silence stretch on?
“Pi…Pipi…’I…'”
Panting, Sharon was out of breath.
She had struggled, cried, and now exhaustion overtook her body.
Gently pulling the little bird close to his chest, Zex hung his head.
Then, with a trembling voice, he whispered,
“Sorry. Right now, I don’t know what it is you’re trying to tell me—”
Silence fell, a chill enveloping the two of them.
Raindrops began to fall, quickly swelling into a downpour.
Zex shielded the little bird in his hands from the rain, becoming drenched himself as he hurried back to the mansion.
The furious roar of the rain echoed, as if to sever the two of them apart.