The Snow Queen

I missed him. I wanted to touch him. I wanted to walk and talk with him. I wanted to spend time with him. It was laughable. Before that, it was cruel. When I tried to shake off Ray, hadn’t coincidences like this never happened? Yet now, when I wanted to find him again, not a single clue was in sight.

Above all, Ray urgently needed treatment. It was bitter. So bitter I couldn’t put it into words. I hadn’t known he was engulfed by such misfortune. No, I knew. I had loathed the gloomy shadow that hung over his entire being. And I’d dismissed it as being due to poverty and a lonely life. I sneered, thinking, of course he lives like that, what a miserable man, a piece of human trash.

And then I focused on nothing but satisfying my lower desires. After making him my partner, I optimistically believed that if I fed and clothed him well, the misery would disappear. But the shadow that enveloped Ray was far heavier and harsher than I had anticipated. He had gone through a time so painful it could have shattered his mind.

What kind of divine plan was it that threw such a person in front of me? It was terrifyingly cruel. Why you? Why must you be the one my emotions run wild for?

Suddenly, my phone vibrated.

“Hey, I’m the person who received the check earlier. I just heard some news about Ms. Arisa from Ms. Ellie next door. Apparently, Ms. Ellie wants to speak with you.”

I snapped back to reality. I instinctively pulled out a cigarette, placed it in my mouth, and said, “Please put her on.”

Then, I hesitated. In the deep darkness, far off, I could see amber-colored hair faintly swaying. Ellie’s voice came through the phone. She said that Ray had been staying at the house of a female employee I had met at the Labyrinth.

“Yes, yes. Please give me her address,” I said, and rushed towards the amber-colored hair. There was no way I could have mistaken Ray. In the meantime, the amber-colored figure had disappeared somewhere. Snow White.

My body temperature dropped. I wrote down the employee’s address as I climbed the stairs of Snow White. Snow White was a dingy, dimly lit bar in a cramped basement. Generally, gay people preferred loud, music-blaring clubs. In that sense, Snow White was a place favored by people with somewhat peculiar tastes.

I opened the bar door. As usual, it was thick with cigarette smoke. The music playing was not the typical club music gay people usually enjoyed, but an elegant symphony.

I looked around for Ray. He was easy to spot. Contrary to the neighbor’s words about how he always wrapped himself up completely, he looked quite different. His long hair was disheveled, and he was stumbling like a drunk with the coat’s front buttons completely undone. Ray couldn’t drink alcohol. Which meant he had lost his mind.

Everyone’s gaze quickly turned to Ray. I cursed under my breath. The American football players were already beginning to inch towards Ray. It was already crowded with people, but today it seemed like there were even more. The place was so tight, it was a hassle just to push my way through. Leopard and I had lost Ray like this more than once. In the end, I gave up and decided to observe the situation. Whoever Ray left with, I would follow immediately.

Besides, I needed to calm myself. I was furious. After nearly two weeks of searching for Ray, it turned out he was at Snow White, of all places. And living with some bar girl?

Considering Ray’s condition, it was impossible to maintain any sense of composure. If I wasn’t careful, something might snap in my head. If that happened, Snow White would need to change its name to Snow Blood by tomorrow.

I ordered a scotch and lit a cigarette. As I inhaled deeply, I muttered to myself.

There’s no helping it. These are just my one-sided emotions.

Calm down…

Now is the time to show some patience.

I glanced over at the cocktail bar. Ray was leaning forward on the bar table, practically collapsing onto his arms. Men were walking back and forth, trying to strike up a conversation with him. The guy talking to him now was already the eighth. In some ways, it was fortunate Ray had lost his mind. For once, he wasn’t leaving at the first word. I surveyed the bar with fresh eyes.

Like attracts like…

I laughed to myself without thinking. It was indeed a gathering place for perverts. Most of the men in the bar were dressed in tidy suits. Their appearance and demeanor suggested a certain level of wealth and education. Those kinds of guys were the most dangerous. Although I was disguised as a young businessman myself, I never liked dressing sloppily.

Come to think of it, the guys I’d dealt with in that alley were also well-dressed, despite their foul mouths. Crazy bastards. They were perverts themselves, but they insulted Leopard and me, calling us men who enjoyed “filthy sex.”

Suddenly, my mood soured. That meant I was the pervert of perverts, even among these perverts.

I remembered when Ray had once called me a “polite pervert.” Damn. It was infuriating. Either way, Ray seemed to have a special appeal to perverts. Even that was a misfortune for him.

I smirked bitterly as I watched the cocktail bar. This time, a guy with neatly combed blonde hair was hitting on Ray. I felt irritated. It was even more annoying because his outfit resembled mine. Even the watch on his wrist was the same model as mine. My temper flared. I took off my watch and stuffed it into my coat pocket.

Ray lifted his head and looked blankly at the man. His expression was hidden in the shadows. Ray hesitated, then slowly stood up and leaned into the man’s embrace.

I downed the rest of my scotch and stood up. I followed them out of Snow White, keeping a distance. Snow was quietly falling on the night streets. There were few people around. I could hear their conversation from here. I was incredibly glad I’d left my gun in the car. Otherwise, the police would be cleaning up three bodies tonight.

What on earth could they be chatting about so fondly? I subtly closed the distance between us as I tailed them.

“Haha, you liked my eyes?”

That jerk even talked like me.

Ray mumbled something.

“That feels nice. No one’s ever complimented my eyes before. Especially not someone like you.”

The man wrapped his arm around Ray’s waist and stopped in front of a car. Damn it. It was the new model I had recently considered buying. At this point, it was practically a doppelganger.

The man took out his car key and paused, looking at Ray. It seemed like he was about to kiss him. I felt something snap in the back of my head. I stepped out from behind the utility pole.

“Ray!”

I shouted almost in a frenzy. The man flinched and looked my way.

Ray hung his head limply, not moving. He didn’t react to my voice at all.

“Ray!”

I called out his name again. Still, Ray didn’t respond. It was as if he couldn’t hear me at all.

“Ray!”

I raised my voice even louder and called his name once more. Only then did Ray slowly turn his head toward me.

His blue eyes, cast in shadow, stopped on me. For a moment, my heart seemed to stop. His eyes were empty, as if his soul had vanished. It was just like that time. Coldly, he had said, “You’d better cool your head, Messara,” and there was no difference now. The thought crossed my mind that he might reject me again. And then, an unbelievable feeling rushed through me. It was something akin to a shiver. It was fear.

I stood still, staring at Ray.

Ray staggered, barely managing to regain his balance, and looked at me again. His eyes were still empty. But then, something unbelievable happened.

Tears welled up in those icy blue eyes. He took a step, slowly, in my direction. He started to walk towards me. His pace quickened. He almost ran. In an instant, his amber-colored hair spilled into my arms. His blue eyes, his small body, all of him came crashing into me. It felt like something was piercing through me. It was like the wind, or maybe a blazing fire.

It happened in a flash. The hot collision mocked my long thirst. I held him tightly in my arms. Ray had lost his mind. I didn’t care. He had thrown himself into my arms. I was holding him. This wasn’t a hallucination that would disappear the moment I opened my eyes. It wasn’t some dream that would leave only a trace behind.

This was reality.

It felt like I had barely returned from a long, exhausting journey. All the frustration and anger that had gripped me along the way seemed to fly away into the distance. Darkness turned into light, and the cold began to feel warm. I wished time would freeze just like this. Even if this place were a haunted tower where doomed souls roamed, I wouldn’t have cared. The snowflakes scattered apart. It was much later when I realized the flickering car lights in the distance.

The piercing gaze of the security guard at the entrance made the back of my neck tingle. It was understandable. In the four years since I had moved into this luxury apartment, aside from the maid I called twice a week, I had never brought anyone over—not a lover, not even a friend.

I got into the elevator and pressed the button for the 16th floor. Ray was almost asleep in my arms. As I stroked his hair, I fell into thought. I had intended to take him to a hotel but changed my mind and headed home. The place I lived in was a high-end apartment that even a typical Guiger officer could only dream of. Once Ray came to his senses, I planned to reveal my identity and explain the situation.

The elevator stopped. I laid Ray on the bed and took off his coat. My gaze fell on his hands—covered in wounds. I quickly grabbed the first aid kit and treated his injuries. How had he gotten hurt like this? A pang of sadness hit me. The mental instability I had briefly forgotten about came flooding back.

I stood up, and only when I showered did the exhaustion truly hit me.

I wrapped a gown around myself and walked into the living room. My mind was a mess. First, I called Cooperhead, telling him to leave Ray’s house and that I would be taking a few days off starting tomorrow.

Cooperhead chuckled slyly.

“A sick leave? Who’s gonna believe that? Looks like you’ve fallen hard, boss. By the way, perfect timing. There’s a festival tomorrow.”

“We’ll have to wait a few days anyway until Manen gets the cookie. Once Manen contacts Hoffman and Lord Wolfscott, let me know. Bye.”

I hung up the phone and sank deep into the sofa.

What should I do? Should I admit Ray to the hospital tomorrow?

I didn’t want to. I desperately wanted to stay with him, even if just for a few days. Above all, I was scared. What if Ray rejected me again once he came to his senses? I was naturally composed and patient, but when it came to Ray, I couldn’t control myself. It had been like that from the start. I shook my head roughly.

Let’s organize my thoughts…

He avoids people’s gazes. He wraps himself up tightly even in the spring. He points fingers. He curses, calling others “you.”

Something clicked. I loved watching Ray when he slept. After sex, Ray would often pass out, and I would play with his hair and look at his face. The things he would mumble in his sleep were strange.

“Go away, you bastard,” or “Don’t try anything funny,” he’d say. When I subtly tried to probe him about it at the hospital, Ray answered that they were just nightmares. I could always tell when someone was lying.

That answer was a lie.

Ray had been tormented by the perverts we met at Snow White. I had concluded that his sleep talk must have been connected to those people.

But it seemed I was wrong.

At the masquerade, what had Ray said when he clung to me?

He had called me “my king.”

A king, huh?

Who the hell is that?

Something was boiling inside me. The clock struck 3 a.m. My head was a jumble of thoughts, but I stood up. I lay down next to Ray and closed my eyes. I decided to think about everything starting tomorrow.

A loud popping sound echoed from outside.

My cheek felt itchy. What is this…? I snapped back to reality. I opened my eyes wide and sat up. Ray was smiling as he brushed his hand away from my face.

I was dazed. It didn’t feel real.

Right in front of me, Ray was laughing. He was looking at me softly, smiling. He didn’t avoid my gaze, which met his straight on. It was a side of him far removed from the usual Ray.

Still…

“Do I look like a king to you?” I asked with a bitter smile. Ray tilted his head and asked, “A king?”

His nonchalant expression left me speechless. Then suddenly, Ray hugged me. It was an indescribably gentle embrace. My mind went blank. It was the scene I had always dreamed of in the silent darkness.

If only he would stay like this. As I held him, I selfishly thought that.

I was someone who felt the greatest thrill only when I held death in my grasp. It was an instinct I couldn’t help. I had never imagined it until now. It was a feeling I had never experienced before. I never thought the scent of another person could bring me such deep joy.

Suddenly, a flash of light went off outside. I snapped back to reality.

It was night. The fireworks announcing the festival were going off in rapid succession. I was momentarily dumbfounded.

Did I sleep until nighttime? Among the chiefs, I had the best stamina, and no matter how long I slept, it was never more than seven hours.

“Well, I guess I slept too long. Aren’t you hungry?” I asked.

Ray just smiled. I took him into the living room, and we had a simple meal.

As we ate, I thought hard. What should I do? In any case, I had taken a sick leave, and Ray was still not in his right mind. And I didn’t mind the current Ray at all. Even if it was selfishness born from the fear of being rejected again, I couldn’t help it. I knew I should be taking him straight to the hospital instead of dragging things out like this.

But even knowing that, here I was, wondering what to do with Ray during my sick leave. I truly was hopeless.

I thought calmly. Whether Ray rejects me or doesn’t, it’s something that will happen after he regains his senses. So, should I just sit idly by and watch him in the meantime?

Nonsense.

It made no sense. He clearly wants me right now, doesn’t he? He keeps sending me little smiles. And yet, should I just sit there like a sunflower and stare at him? Ridiculous. I was a healthy young man with overflowing sexual desire. Since getting rejected by Ray, I hadn’t had sex with anyone.

The kind Four Messara suddenly turned into the villain Snake. After wiping my mouth with a napkin, I smiled at him.

“It’s a festival. We can’t just stay here, can we? Shall we go out?”

It was a full moon night. Crowds poured into the streets like a tidal wave. During the festival, all the shops stayed open day and night. I wrapped my arm around Ray’s waist as we leisurely strolled down the street. I felt good. From passersby bumping into my shoulder to vendors pulling us in from all directions, everything lifted my mood.

It was fine. I was determined to unleash all the fantasies I had built up on Ray. I was a gay man without dependents and had more money than I could spend. I even got sick leave, and today was the day of the festival. First, we went to a jewelry store.

“I’d like to see some necklaces.”

The clerk exclaimed, “Oh my, it’s the blonde version of the Snow Queen!” and guided us. Hand in hand with Ray, we looked at various pieces of jewelry. As I browsed, my eyes stopped at one piece.

Without realizing it, I hummed in approval. The design was simple yet luxurious. It wasn’t too much for a man to wear, and it seemed like it would suit Ray well.

“This one will do.”

Without hesitation, I chose the necklace and had it wrapped. The staff made a fuss, saying, “This necklace is such a high-end product, it’s been unsold for three years.” We left the jewelry store as the employees, bowing so low their noses nearly touched the floor, saw us off. I planned to strip Ray completely tonight and personally put it on him. Just the thought of it made me tense up. I chuckled, hoping he wouldn’t come to his senses too soon.

What a hopeless guy…

I shook off the thought. Once I started something, I always saw it through to the end—that was my way. No wonder they called me Snake, the villain.

Ray suddenly gestured toward something. Girls were selling red flowers, calling out to customers. We bought some flowers and continued wandering the streets with one each in hand. I felt elated.

“Do you like it?”

“Yes.”

His response was normal again. I stared at him intently, hoping for something more. Ray quietly smiled and looked directly at me with slightly unfocused eyes.

“Do you know who I am?”

I asked, still clinging to a bit of hope. Ray answered without hesitation.

“A man.”

“…”

Ah, damn it.

I felt a mix of relief and disappointment as I tightened my grip around his waist. His amber hair fluttered wildly before my eyes, like a dizzying dance. I could hardly breathe.

Who the hell is that “king” anyway?

It was clear that whoever called themselves the “king” had a hand in turning Ray into this mess. I was certain of it. If he walked around even in the spring completely covered up, there was a high possibility of rape. Or maybe it was someone who toyed with Ray and cruelly discarded him. It could have been both. After piecing together all of Ray’s actions over the past day, I had formed this conviction. Just let me catch that bastard. Crushing his balls won’t be enough.

Trying to calm my anger, I headed to a street food stall. The best part of a festival was eating street food. No fancy restaurant could offer this kind of enjoyment. We ate while watching the parade pass by. Ray seemed to be having a great time. As I enjoyed the lighthearted atmosphere, my phone vibrated. It was Leopard.

“Hm. What is it?”

“I just watched the video from today’s party with Copperhead. Manen shook hands with Hoffman and Lord Wolfscott.”

“Anything else?”

“Nothing special. By the way, are you having fun? Redfox is with you, right?”

“Hm.”

With just that word, I quickly ended the call. Damn woodpecker.

I texted Copperhead: “Hoffman is yours to handle.” Now, all that was left was to wait for Manen to walk right into the trap. I tapped the table and looked around. The festival was at its peak. Nearby, my golden-haired lover was laughing and clapping his hands. I felt like I had the whole world in my grasp.

And it wasn’t just a feeling.

I smiled faintly and raised a glass of vodka.

I didn’t plan on stopping with Manen. Soon, I aimed to turn Lord Wolfscott into a puppet as well. If only Lord Wolfscott hadn’t stayed close to Sideburns and Rilize, or at least refrained from the humiliating act of sending us to the brothel for reconnaissance, I would have been content with merely playing the part of a subordinate. I hadn’t shared this plan with anyone yet. Maybe Leopard had a vague idea. He knew my temper well. I was terrifying when I was angry.

Smiling, I lit a cigarette. The scenario was coming together nicely. I was almost ready to complete my masterpiece, “Lord Wolfscott’s Transformation.”

Lord Wolfscott had forced us to wear those damn masks and play dress-up for seven years. Now it was his turn to transform. Just imagining the completed transformation gave me a thrill.

Just wait and see…

I’ll make sure you pay the price for pissing me off.

Fireworks exploded, flowers blooming in the darkness. In the brightened sky far away, the palace loomed faintly. People gathered in small groups and danced in the middle of the square. Straights, gays, and lesbians alike were mixed in. In a lighthearted mood, I stood up. “It’d be boring to just stay like this, wouldn’t it? Shall we dance?” I said, extending a hand to Ray.

Taking his hand, we twirled in circles until we reached the center of the square. His amber hair swirled around me. I caught my breath for a moment. It was a smile I had never seen on him before. Ray’s eyes curved like a crescent moon as he burst out laughing. His fluttering hair alternately revealed and hid his smiling lips.

An indescribable feeling seized my entire body. Time, music, surroundings—everything vanished. Under the flickering fireworks in the sky, it felt like only Ray and I existed. It was a dizzying sensation, something akin to enlightenment.

I came to my senses a moment later. A man and woman dancing behind us brushed past, and I overheard them say, “Wow, they’re so tall. Like the Snow Queen.” I pulled Ray closer, feeling a twinge of irritation.

They dare compare my lover to the Snow Queen?

Of all the beauties in the world, why would they liken him to a woman who died such a miserable death? It made no sense. If Ray is the Snow Queen, then what am I, Daetanz?

I despised the dreadful story associated with the Snow Queen, especially because I’d experienced enough torture in my time to feel the tragedy deeply. The torture of that era was likely far more brutal than anything today. That woman had endured two months of torment before meeting her cruel death.

Daetanz was the most powerful king in the history of the kingdom. But what use is power when he allowed his wife to suffer and die in such a way? Neither comparison—Snow Queen nor Daetanz—was appealing to me.

Suddenly, I remembered what Un Ryeong had once said: words have power. To make matters worse, Ray had many books about the Snow Queen on his bookshelf. I shook my head violently, trying to dispel the wretched thought. The unease turned into an icy chill that spread through my entire body. The idea of dancing lost its charm. Although I led Ray, who was still enjoying himself, I felt gloomy.

I tried to calm myself. Just because Ray had long hair, it didn’t mean he was the Snow Queen. Ray was Ray, and I was me. Besides, I knew both his face and his name.

After the dance, we wandered the streets, shopping as we went. I bought clothes, shoes, and jewelry with reckless abandon. Even when Ray had worn ragged clothes, he had looked stunning, but now, with these fine garments, the sight of him was breathtaking. As I had predicted before, lighter colors suited him well. Laden with shopping bags, we returned home. I was ecstatic, overwhelmed with joy at being able to shower Ray with gifts.

The moment we stepped inside, I kissed him. I carried him straight to the bedroom, undressing him and placing the necklace around his neck with care.

“I love you,” I said.

Ray stared blankly at me. I felt a fiery tension as I gazed at him.

Tears gathered in his blue eyes, which sparkled like shattered light.

“Really?” he asked.

“Yes.”

“Are you sincere?”

“Yes. I’m sincere.”

I bit my lip. I hated the distrust underlying his question. The anxiety in his blue eyes caused my heart to ache.

What words could convince you? If this isn’t love, what could it be? What name could I give to this feeling that makes me live and die with every word you say, with every small gesture you make, that brings warmth and cold, joy and rage to my heart? This is love—without a doubt.

“I love you with all my heart,” I said, pulling Ray into a crushing embrace. He wrapped his arms around my shoulders.

In a voice barely audible, he whispered, “Yes, me too.”

I stood still for a while.

Who was he talking to? That damn king, perhaps? Or was it a confession meant for Four Messara? Or maybe it was just a polite phrase he’d say to any lover for the night. I couldn’t help but think of the tale of “Ten Minutes Every Ten Years” for some reason. The man who waits in sorrow, while the spirit shows up indifferently for ten minutes.

Rage surged within me. I tried to stay positive and assumed he was talking to me. After all, hadn’t Ray turned his back on the doppelgänger and run into my arms? The blue eyes gazing at me were filled with sincerity, brimming with the emotion of love. It wasn’t a lie. Even if it were a confession meant for the king, I would eventually make Ray realize my love. I was the only one. Only Four Messara could make Ray happy and protect him.

And already, I knew my soul belonged to him. It was crystal clear. Four Messara was utterly captivated by Ray Arisa. There was no avoiding it.

“I love you,” I said again, holding Ray close as I slowly laid us down. I kissed him, caressed him, and entered him. I whispered, “I love you,” endlessly in his ear. The words flowed from me like a starving man’s prayer, filling me with overwhelming joy.

The next day, Ray and I left for Floreat. Floreat was Manen’s domain and the kingdom’s most famous tourist destination. Instead of the regular sedan I used for undercover work at headquarters, I drove the most luxurious car I had, speeding down the road.

Looking back, life had been chaotic ever since I joined Guiger. Despite all the wealth I had, I’d barely had the time to enjoy the luxury apartments, cars, clothes, and jewelry I bought. For security reasons, I always dressed plainly and drove regular cars. Maybe the only time I got my money’s worth was with the overcoat I wore over my standard uniform.

This was my first vacation in years, not counting holidays. That showed how much I enjoyed my work at Guiger. I chuckled to myself. I was an unapologetic sadist. I wondered how I would explain this part of myself to Ray.

I glanced sideways as I turned the steering wheel. Ray was sound asleep beside me. After driving for six straight hours, he must’ve been exhausted. A warm smile spread across my face as memories of last night’s intimacy made me feel elated.

“We’re here. Time to get out,” I said.

After parking at the hotel we had booked, I woke Ray. We entered the royal suite, unpacked, and looked out at the view.

A breathtaking scene of snowfields and forests unfolded before us. We planned to enjoy the landscape and have fun together. I had already instructed Cooperhead to send any work reports by email. All I had to do was monitor the situation on my laptop and give a few orders over the phone when needed.

Just then, my phone rang. It was Cooperhead.

“What is it?” I asked.

“I just met with Hoffman. She went all-in on our proposal.”

“As soon as Hoffman finishes her meeting with Lord Wolfscott, detain her. Make sure Manen doesn’t lay a finger on her.”

“Got it. So, when are you going to reveal the Catacombe situation to Lord Wolfscott?”

“Right before we hit Manen.”

“As expected, you’re always two steps ahead, boss.”

I hung up the phone, and excitement surged through my body. I sipped wine while gazing at the Snow Queen dancing outside.

It’s truly magnificent.

I chuckled unconsciously. Even I couldn’t help but cringe at myself sometimes. Even while lost in love, I never let go of the reins of conspiracy.

It didn’t bother me. During the seven years I served Lord Wolfscott, I had grown sick of witnessing the incompetence and ugliness of the nobles. Despite suffering from abnormal weather, with more than half the year covered in snow, the kingdom was counted among the world’s wealthiest nations thanks to its abundant resources. Yet, 75 percent of that wealth was hoarded by the nobility. Part of this was due to the reckless granting of titles, but their unrelenting greed for money was the main reason.

I was certain: Manen wouldn’t let the Catacombe power plant slip through his fingers. He’d soon negotiate with Gryphon Corporation.

That was the nature of the nobility. Just as I was instinctively drawn to violence and conspiracy, they were addicted to wealth. These people were called nobles, yet the kingdom could hardly function with them at the helm. More than once, I had clicked my tongue, thinking I could run the kingdom better just standing next to Lord Wolfscott.

I suddenly snapped back to reality. Ray was standing beside me. I embraced him and kissed him.

“Shall we shower?”

We had spent the past few days in sweet bliss. Yesterday, Ray and I had tumbled joyfully in the snow, making snowmen and having snowball fights—things I hadn’t done even in my teenage years.

Today, we had taken a leisurely drive through Floreat with the Raymonds, a couple we befriended at the hotel party. Even during that, I found myself admiring Manen. He was a shrewd old man. Though Lord Wolfscott owned a leading uranium mine, even that would be depleted eventually. But tourism resources, once the initial investment was made, would just keep raking in money.

Floreat was bustling with tourists from all over the world. Lord Wolfscott was desperate to see Manen fall, precisely because of the old man’s vast wealth. It was an age-old trick among the nobles—destroy your rival and then confiscate their fortune by whatever means possible.

“Are we not going to the museum? It’s the largest in the kingdom, you know,” said Mr. Raymond.

“Well, I don’t really feel like looking at artwork here. Should I drop you off at the entrance?”

“Oh no, we’re not that interested either, to be honest. Ice sports and nature are the real gems in a place like this. How about that forest up ahead? There’s a beautiful lake right beside it.”

The Raymonds were excellent guides. We parked in front of a quiet forest that stood alone in the vast plains. Ray and I got out and walked slowly down the snowy path, and beyond the snow-covered trees, a sparkling lake came into view.

“It’s beautiful…” Ray mumbled, lost in thought. I smiled softly and pulled him closer by the waist. Just as I was about to speak, my phone rang. It was Copperhead.

“Hmm. What is it?”

“It’s urgent. Manen’s made his move. Yesterday, he sent one of his close aides to contact Gryphon Corporation.”

“Give me the gist.”

“He was pretty blunt about supporting them if they didn’t disappoint him. Gryphon seems excited. Well, they’ve courted both Lord Wolfscott and Manen, so they probably think they’ve got the bid in the bag. I’ve sent you the wiretap recordings by email, so check them out. Anyway, Boss, it’s time you cut the honeymoon short and came back.”

My blood surged with heat. It was the same rush I always felt when I went in for the kill. The excitement spread like a web throughout my body.

Ha ha ha.

So, it’s finally starting.

“Anything else to report?”

“Well, yesterday, Manen drank himself into a stupor at the party. He didn’t seem in the best mood, but despite that, he was still shaking hands left and right, hahaha.”

“Good. I’ll head back to the capital tonight. See you tomorrow.”

I ended the call and took Ray’s hand. A mix of regret and excitement swirled inside me. Was the fun trip over already? Well, no matter—there would be plenty of chances for more vacations in the future.

Manen had dealt me a stunning defeat before. I was determined to savor his final moments thoroughly. This was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. I couldn’t afford to miss either love or conspiracy.

“We have to head home today. Something urgent has come up. Let’s enjoy the view here and then return to the hotel.”

“I see,” Ray sighed in disappointment.

I had been observing Ray for the past few days, and there was something strange about him. For someone supposedly suffering from mental instability, he seemed calm and composed. There were no signs of the aggressive behavior or foul language that the neighbors had testified to. In fact, he seemed rather peaceful—like a new version of Ray, one free from depression and despair.

It was odd, but it didn’t matter. This, too, must have been part of Ray’s true nature. A person’s inner world isn’t something that can be simplified. It was a truth I was reminded of every time I reflected on myself.

Leopard had once asked me:

“How can you switch between laughing and being so brutal so effortlessly, Boss? Usually, violent types don’t have much control.”

I had answered him then:

“Whatever you do, you need at least a minimal philosophy, no matter how absurd it may seem.”

Ray was probably the same. Perhaps the darkness that had enveloped him until now had merely been hiding his calm and quiet nature.

If only I could fully make him see that.

Even amidst my happiness, I felt melancholic. A bittersweet emotion I couldn’t quite put into words. I had asked Ray several times if he knew who I really was. Each time, he would just smile quietly and say, “A man.” He didn’t seem the least bit curious. Ever since our first meeting at Snow White, Ray had been like this. Throughout all our encounters, he had never once asked for my name. In the hospital, he had even admitted that he only found out by asking a nurse.

I reminded myself,

and forced myself to stay calm.

I kissed Ray lightly and whispered to him.

“I’ll come back again after this business is finished. We should be able to stay longer then.”

Walking with Ray, I approached the Raymond couple ahead. It was three in the afternoon, and it would take eight hours to reach the capital. There was no time to waste.

“I’m sorry, but something urgent came up. It looks like we’ll have to head back today.”

“Oh, is that so? There’s no need to apologize. Thanks to you, we’ve had a comfortable trip. Messara, you worked hard driving us around. Dinner’s on me.”

“Thank you for that.”

“Let’s just see one more thing before we go. It’s just up ahead.”

Feeling anxious at Raymond’s leisurely pace, I asked, “What is it?”

“The tomb of Daytanz. He was a king of great authority, but his tomb was surprisingly modest. Back then, the royal tombs were quite unique. Do you know how?”

“I don’t, actually. I’m not very interested in history.”

“Haha. It’s not exactly a tradition worth your attention. This kingdom has a particularly strong influence of Eastern traditions. The royal tombs at the time followed a distinctly Eastern custom—

. When the king died, they would bury his attendants alive, even his surviving queen. Back then, people considered it an honorable death. That tradition continued until the 16th century.”

“That’s pretty gruesome.”

In the distance, I could see the tomb. A solitary gray headstone stood desolately, battered by the cold wind. If Raymond hadn’t told me about it, I might have passed by without noticing. Holding Ray’s hand, I slowly walked around the tomb.

“But despite his glorious reign, Daytanz ordered his tomb to be built simply and even forbade live burial in his will. It was a radical decision at the time, causing quite a debate among the nobility. Thanks to that, the surviving queen and the attendants kept their lives.”

“Maybe after killing so many in war, he wanted to show mercy on his way out.”

Raymond laughed heartily.

“Maybe so. In any case, it gave followers of the Snow Queen plenty of material to speculate over for years to come.”

“Material?”

I checked my watch nervously. It was already close to four. It seemed we would have to decline that dinner invitation after all.

Raymond pointed to the forest surrounding the tomb.

“This is the Whitebirch Forest. The king specifically chose this place for his burial. Though it’s a dense forest now, at the time, it was just a barren land with a few white birch trees. As you know, the story of the Snow Queen is not entirely reliable, but her followers love to piece together clues from historical records. This tomb is one of those clues.”

I glanced around unconsciously. The tomb was surrounded by a thick growth of white birch trees, their pale trunks glowing eerily.

“He commanded that his first wife, who died a tragic death, be buried in that barren land, without much thought. For him to choose this very spot, once a wasteland with only a few birch trees, as his final resting place—it’s hard not to see something symbolic in that. People from later generations couldn’t help but project all kinds of interpretations onto it. Of course, there’s no written record of the king ever mentioning his first wife, so who knows the truth?”

“I see. Well, I think it’s time for us to go. We need to make it to the capital tonight. Sorry again.”

“Oh, my. I’ve kept you too long, haven’t I, Messara? Let’s head back, then.”

We left the tomb and the surrounding forest with the Raymond couple. Hugging Ray’s waist, I suddenly turned back to look.

The solitary tomb crouched in the middle of the dense Whitebirch Forest looked so forlorn. A desolate wind brushed my shoulders, sending a chilling sensation through me. I felt deeply unsettled.

After getting ready for work, I called the maid and asked her to come early. I didn’t feel comfortable leaving Ray alone. Starting today, I’d be too busy to catch my breath. It seemed I would need to admit Ray to the hospital soon.

“Don’t go anywhere. I’ll be back by dinner.”

“What time?”

“I’ll be back by eight.”

We exchanged a kiss, and I left the house. Heading to work after several days felt thrilling.

After all, I was on my way to capture Manen.

Hahaha.

I lit a cigarette as the Guiger headquarters came into view in the distance. A sharp thrill spread through my body.

꙳•❅*ִ

Where am I?

I stared blankly at my surroundings, utterly confused.

It was a large, luxurious bedroom. Shopping bags, clothes, and jewelry were scattered everywhere.

What the hell…

I knew it instantly. Whitebirch had caused trouble again.

I grabbed my head in frustration and got up quickly. As I walked a few steps, my face grew hot. The aftereffects of sex often lasted until the morning. This was that unmistakable feeling. Damn it, I muttered a rare curse. I searched the bedroom and managed to find my clothes. Dressed, I hurried out of the house. It was a luxury apartment far from 42nd Street, deep in the new district.

Luckily, I had a few bills in my coat pocket. I stopped a passerby and asked what day it was. I was stunned. An entire week had passed. I quickly boarded the subway.

Who on earth had I been with? They seemed incredibly wealthy.

As I was putting on my clothes, I noticed a necklace hanging around my neck. Even at first glance, it was clearly an expensive, genuine piece. The clothes scattered around the bedroom were probably bought for me, too. For someone to give such high-priced gifts to a stranger, they must have been a serious tycoon. I didn’t want to think about what had happened during that missing week. This was all Whitebirch’s fault.

Whitebirch… what the hell are you?

I bit my lip, struggling to regain my composure.

But could I really blame it all on Whitebirch? Maybe I had gone crazy without realizing it. It was possible. Very possible. Looking back on my life, it was a wonder I hadn’t lost my mind sooner.

And Whitebirch was a woman of strong pride. She wasn’t someone who would entangle herself with just anyone like Ray Arisa. That meant the problem lay on my side.

Am I even in my right mind? Had I truly lost all sense, enough to sleep with that terrifying snake? Who had it been this time? Just the thought of me trailing behind the temptation of some middle-aged man with a protruding belly made me shudder.

But what really worried me was Lord Manen. I rushed over to Sonia’s house in a panic.

“Oh my gosh! Look who it is!”

Sonia shouted in surprise.

“How did you manage to break down the door? Do you even know how much the repair cost?”

“I…”

“Yes, you! You broke the door and stormed out. Oh, look at your hands, they’re a mess. Do you know how worried I was? Apparently, your lover was looking for you. I got a call from Ellie the night you ran off.”

“My lover?”

A chill ran through my body. My lover?

Could it be Messara?

“A man who used to visit your house often. Blonde, very tall. I gave your address to your lover, but Ellie was worried. She thought your lover might misunderstand. You’ve been living with a bar girl—what do you think he’d think about that? So maybe that’s why your lover didn’t come looking for you. Oh, what a mess!”

I sank to the floor. Only one thing came to mind.

Messara had come looking for me.

He came for me.

But during that time, I…

“Have some coffee. Smoke a cigarette and calm down. Did you have breakfast?”

“I’m not hungry. I think I ate something.”

“You

you ate? What does that even mean?”

Sonia tilted her head in confusion as she sipped her coffee. It was nearly ten o’clock.

Messara.

He came looking for me.

That meant he still had feelings for me. My chest tightened. Even if it wasn’t intentional, hadn’t I betrayed him? Guilt seeped into every part of me.

I dodged Sonia’s endless questions, grabbed my phone and things, and left the house. My mind was in a fog.

Messara had searched for me, yet on that very night, I had run off and spent a week tangled with a man whose face or name I couldn’t even recall. How could I have done such a thing?

And while this was happening, Whitebirch was devoting herself entirely to her curse, diligently working to torment me. She was like a mischievous little brat, causing trouble and then pretending nothing had happened.

Whitebirch was holed up in a gloomy room, muttering spells under her breath. As a sorcerer myself, I could tell just how pathetic her magic was. What a fool. If she was going to do it, she should at least do it properly.

Her curse seemed more aimed at me than at Levitan. Strangely enough, I found myself thinking that if I could, I’d fly over there and teach Whitebirch a lesson myself. It was a ridiculous, pitiful fantasy. What had Levitan done to deserve any of this? But after having observed Whitebirch for so long, I found it hard to suppress my hatred for Levitan.

It was a desolate room. After marrying the king, I had been treated decently for a few months, but then my father suddenly died, and I was moved to the tower. It was a cold, dark place, with no guards outside, since I wasn’t even worth assassinating. The only servant who attended me was an old nurse, and my wardrobe consisted of a few shabby dresses. Given such conditions, it was easy to disguise myself as a commoner.

All I had to do was scale the palace walls in my usual clothes, and that was the end of it. I muttered bitterly to myself.

Whitebirch was different from me in many ways. Though her environment had turned her sullen, at her core, she was curious and playful. The stifling oppression she endured must have been unbearable.

I fought off dizziness as I made it home. I plugged in my phone and lay down for a moment. The sound of her chanting echoed in my ears. I slapped my cheeks a few times.

Get it together, Ray Arisa.

And Whitebirch, you pull yourself together too.

Of course, my voice wouldn’t reach someone from hundreds of years ago. I could only laugh at the sight of Whitebirch so focused on her clumsy curse. As a sorcerer, it was all just so pathetic to watch. It was a comedy, in its own way.

And you’ve got the direction wrong, Whitebirch. If you’re going to curse someone, it should be the king, not Levitan, you idiot.

I brewed some coffee and took a sip. My mind began to clear a little.

There was no time for this. I called Lord Manen. As soon as the signal connected, he answered. He started crying uncontrollably, assuming I was dead.

But instead of being touched, I was exasperated.

“You couldn’t wait and already made contact with Gryphon Corp?”

“I haven’t received the money yet. I thought we could talk about it if you returned, so I only started laying the groundwork.”

Lord Manen mumbled nervously. He was confident that since Wolfscott had successfully bribed Hoffman, Guiger wouldn’t dare touch him. His logic was painfully simple.

What a pathetic old man.

It seemed the long years of relying on me had thoroughly rotted him. To top it off, during the week of my disappearance, Lord Manen had been in deep despair but still couldn’t resist acting recklessly in his greed for money. It was pitiful.

“Well, I’ll see what I can do.”

Wolfscott and Hoffman had succeeded in lobbying. Gryphon Co. had promised an even larger sum than what they had offered Manen. Wolfscott was celebrating, counting the days until he could collect his prize.

But that wasn’t the problem.