The Monster Lady and the Holy Knight - Chapter 103

Adults say that cats know when they are going to die.

So, when death approaches, they leave their homes and hide themselves.

But do cats really understand what death is? Isn’t that just what humans assume?

From my own experience raising cats, they hide whenever they are sick. Not because they know how to heal themselves, but because they are afraid.

They fear the danger that comes when they are weak. They bury their heads in dark places to hide from unknown predators.

So, no matter what noble reasons humans try to attach to it, it is meaningless. The only truth is that the approaching death is unbearably painful.

***

Leon took her to an empty room. Then, he left briefly to help block the drainage system. Left alone, Veronica clutched the helmet and lay down in the middle of the dirty carpet.

The room was in chaos, as if a storm had passed through—furniture overturned, sheets in disarray, everything scattered about.

Thud, thud.

Every time she tapped the cold steel, whispers echoed in her ears. Her chest swelled painfully, inflating to the point where she feared her heart might burst through her ribs.

“…It hurts.”

Her trembling hand stopped tapping and moved to her left chest. The pain was so intense that she clutched at it tightly, curling up. The helmet rolled away onto the floor.

She thought that hearing his confession would free her of regrets.

Instead, her heart grew heavier. She had no idea how she would leave while carrying this weight.

Thinking about Leon was an act of self-harm. It had always been that way since she met him. Because he made her yearn for more than what was given. Because, despite knowing she had to die, he made her want to live.

“I want to live…”

Her voice, squeezed from her throat, was hoarse. Feeling her consciousness drifting, Veronica pressed her lips together tightly.

I want to live.

Tears welled up, blurring her vision. She swallowed dryly to suppress the resentment swelling inside her.

“Ugh…”

The red carpet was stained in a circular pattern. Tears fell, drop by drop. Holding back sobs, she rubbed her arms harshly when the tears wouldn’t stop. Crying while curled up on the floor wouldn’t solve anything.

She must not weaken.

Taking a deep breath that made her shoulders rise, Veronica bolted upright. A wave of dizziness made her vision white out before slowly clearing.

She staggered to the window, carefully parting the tightly closed curtains to peer outside. The Bahamut roamed the square, and black smoke still rose from various parts of the city. Once the streets were completely devoid of life, the Bahamut would start attacking each house one by one.

Even with the underground catacombs for a final stand, the Grand Cathedral wouldn’t hold for long.

“So pull yourself together. At the very least, save those who are still alive.”

Speaking aloud on purpose, she let the curtain fall. Now that Leon had left for a moment, she knew what she had to do.

She had to open the cathedral doors and find someone who would help.

Well, she had known from the beginning who that person would be, so there wasn’t even a need to search.

“So, are you telling me that the reason you sought me out, without Sir Berg knowing, was to escape?”

Philip, perched on the desk, opened his weary eyes. He had kept them closed throughout the long conversation, his face impassive.

Veronica was taken aback by his utter lack of reaction. She had just told him that there was a chance to win the war—yet his face remained unmoved. She even wondered if he had fallen asleep. But then, Philip reached into his coat. When his hand reemerged, he was holding a small glass vial between his thumb and forefinger.

“One drop cures insomnia. Two drops put a person into such a deep sleep that they wouldn’t wake even if carried away. Three drops… and it kills. It’s known in the market as ‘Drops of Dreams.’ Have you heard of it?”

When she shook her head, he casually tossed the vial toward her. Veronica caught it reflexively and stared down at the small container of clear liquid in her palm.

“Mix it into the wine and put him to sleep.”

“What?”

“Tonight, I will inform the knights guarding the doors.”

So simple.

As Veronica stood silently, Philip rubbed his tired eyes before glancing at her.

“Do you have anything else to say?”

“…No.”

“Then you should leave now. Considering Sir Berg’s severe jealousy, there’s a high chance he’s already rummaging through other rooms by now.”

The situation was unfolding differently than expected. Philip didn’t even bother questioning whether the First Bahamut truly existed. Nor did he insist on keeping the holy sword.

Not because he trusted her.

But because they were cornered.

Right now, they had to use every last option available—even if that meant relying on an assimilated one who claimed they could end the war.

Lost in thought, staring at the vial, Veronica finally raised her head as if making a decision.

“Before I go, can I ask you one last favor?”

For the first time since entering the room, Philip met her gaze.

Veronica spoke, “Don’t let Leon follow me. Not now, not later. Not until I succeed and the Bahamut are gone. Not until I die.”

***

The door burst open without even touching the handle. Startled, Veronica hurriedly concealed the glass vial in her sleeve as Leon, who had been stepping out, came to an abrupt halt.

“Where did you go?”

“I was feeling suffocated, so I took a walk.”

Veronica made a subtle gesture, glancing around the room as if it were nothing, and before he could say anything more, she threw herself into his arms.

Leon seemed surprised at first, but soon he embraced her tightly, as if wanting to bury her in his warmth. The sound of the door closing again behind them echoed in the room. Since he had taken off his breastplate, the solid lines of his body were more distinct. Veronica buried her face in his chest and took a deep breath. The cool scent of his skin mixed with sweat and the faint metallic tang of steel.

“What are you doing?”

“Smelling you.”

Mumbling, Veronica sensed Leon’s rare moment of fluster.

“I haven’t even washed yet. There’s barely enough water for drinking.”

“It’s fine. I like your scent.”

She lifted her head slightly, grinning, and the hand he had intended to withdraw paused in midair.

Why hadn’t she noticed before? He was a man who reacted to her words and actions like an earthquake.

As he silently watched her smile, he reached out and brushed her hair back.

“Are you hungry?”

Fortunately, it seemed he had no intention of pressing further about where she had been.

Veronica whispered playfully, “A little. No, actually, I’m thirstier than I am hungry.”

In truth, she wasn’t hungry or thirsty. She just needed an excuse to use the vial hidden in her sleeve.

As expected, Leon immediately led her inside.

“There’s soaked grain porridge. It’s not tasty, but at least eat something. You haven’t had anything since yesterday.”

The room, which had looked like a storm had passed through, seemed to have been tidied up by Leon. When she sat at the broken corner of the side table, she saw the pale, bland porridge before her. It wasn’t even properly cooked—just grain softened in water.

“The supplies from the military warehouse will improve things. Just endure for today.”

“I’m fine. I won’t complain about food. I’m not a child.”

She emphasized the word ‘child,’ making Leon chuckle. He must have been reminded of old memories. As Veronica smiled back, she picked up the spoon. As always, Leon ate at a speed that made it seem like he was drinking his food, while she forced the porridge down her throat.

Finishing his meal quickly, he sat back and watched her as if she were the most precious thing in the world. Eating was a basic necessity for all living things, yet under his gaze, she felt as if she were accomplishing something extraordinary. It was as if she had become someone important.

Even when she had been admired on stage, her heart had never felt full. But now, just from one person’s attention, she felt complete. A moon that had once been waning was now full.

“Aren’t you drinking that?”

Embarrassed by his gaze, Veronica pretended to be flustered and gestured toward the wine bottle on the side table.

Leon followed her gaze, then said, “I don’t feel like drinking today.”

Veronica was caught off guard by his unexpected response.

It was too late to mix the drug into the food, and now he refused to drink. This was a problem.

“Then… can I have some?”

Leon raised an eyebrow at her sudden question.

“You don’t drink.”

“That’s why I want to try today. I drank water, but I’m still thirsty.”

She took an exaggerated sip of water, licking her lips deliberately. Leon’s eyes lingered on the brief flash of her tongue. Her throat suddenly felt parched, as if her words had become reality. She subtly tilted her head, wondering if he had noticed anything suspicious, but his expression was unreadable.

“Just try a sip, and if you don’t like it, stop.”

Leon, finally straightening from his relaxed posture, picked up the wine bottle and poured the dark purple liquid into a cup. As the thick liquid flowed, Veronica exhaled a breath she hadn’t realized she was holding.

Now, what should I do?

She knew she had to mix the drug into the wine. But how? He was watching her too closely for any tricks. While she hesitated, the cup of deep red liquid was placed before her. It looked just like poison.

After a brief hesitation, she lifted it and took a cautious sip. The initial taste was bitter, but it finished with a lingering sweetness. Leon rested his chin on the chair’s armrest, watching her intently.

“…It’s good. One more, please.”

She wanted to cry.

Trying to act casual, she held out the empty cup. Leon’s eyes widened slightly before he burst into laughter.

Am I just going to end up drunk at this rate?

“Don’t overdo it.”

He seemed to have the same concern as he poured her another drink. Just as she was about to take a sip, a knock came from outside.

Leon glanced toward the door before standing up. The moment he turned away, Veronica seized the chance, swiftly pulling the vial from her sleeve.

One drop. Two drops.

She quickly closed the lid and hid the vial. Now, all she had to do was get Leon to drink it.