[IYFILWATIP] Chapter 12

Known as ‘the whisper of five demons’. 

A hundred percent fatality rate. But it was also known for its peculiar symptoms. 

Starting with the first fever, exactly five episodes of fever would visit the patient. No one knew when the fever would arise. There was a minimum of one year between each episode, and with each occurrence, the body weakened further. After the fifth episode, death was inevitable. 

When Kirona regained consciousness after two weeks, she received devastating news. 

“I’m sorry. You won’t live long.” 

It was a prognosis of limited time. Overwhelmed by the suddenness, Kirona couldn’t cry. She just sat there, stunned, barely able to ask a coherent question. 

“Why are you telling me this honestly? Did my mother ask you to?” 

“No, Your Majesty was against it. She said you were too young to know the truth. But I persuaded her.” 

“Why?” 

“If the end is already determined, it’s better to know than not. Just because you're a child doesn’t mean you don't have the right to know the end of your life. That’s my view as a doctor.” 

Kirona looked up then bit down hard on the candy in her mouth. The discomfort in her palate reminded her of the pain she had endured. The hallucinations seen in fever. Nightmares that enveloped her mind like fog. 

“You’re even cuter and more adorable than I imagined. I wish I could keep you just for myself, forever…” 

The voice was too vivid, too real. 

Kirona finally realised the identity of the mysterious shadow who had visited her during her delirious night. It was a demon. The first demon that had come to claim her life. 

Kirona sat on the bed, swinging her legs that didn’t touch the floor. The peculiar sweetness of the cinnamon candy spread in her mouth. Someone had given her the candy to mask the bitterness of the herbs, but the mix of bitterness and the distinctive aroma of cinnamon was rather revolting. It felt like taking medicine again. 

“Emma, how long do you think I can live?” 

“Twenty-five.” 

“…” 

“That’s a generous estimate.” 

* * * 

Thirteen years old. 

Kirona’s life had completely changed. It was hard to even call it a ‘life’ anymore. It felt more like she was just dragging out a miserable existence. She felt as if she had turned into an old, white-haired man. 

Imperial studies, politics, rhetoric, history… 

Lessons that used to fill her days from morning till evening began to disappear from her schedule one by one. The appointment of the crown prince was postponed again and again. The hours she spent lying idly in bed increased. 

Kirona stretched out her arm, which used to be covered by a sleeve, toward the wardrobe. She reached for the sword that she had once cherished and maintained daily with oil to prevent rusting. Kirona grabbed it and swung it aimlessly in the air. Heavy ornaments caught on the blade and crashed to the floor. 

Crash. 

Shards flew, cutting her hands and face. Startled by the noise, the head servant Marie rushed in. 

“Your Highness!” 

Marie immediately approached Kirona and began wiping the blood with familiar motions. Kirona asked. 

“Marie, can you logically explain why I can’t go to riding lessons from today?” 

“The Emperor is worried.” 

“Why, does he think the horse will eat me?” 

“That’s not possible. Horses are herbivores.” 

“So, he thinks the horse will mistake my hair for hay and try to eat it?” 

Kirona was biting in her sarcasm. Marie clearly knew the answer Kirona wanted. Yet, she was evasive. 

She didn’t want to mention the uncomfortable truth. 

Marie didn’t call other servants but swept up the broken crystal ornaments herself. There was no sign of disturbance. Her calm only upset Kirona more. 

Measured composure. The generosity shown to a tantrum-throwing child. 

After becoming a patient, everyone treated her this way. No matter how rebelliously she acted, no one scolded Kirona. They just looked at her with pity and sorrow. 

Kirona couldn’t stand those looks. It felt like she was going crazy. 

“Marie! Answer me!” 

“…It’s the fever. It’s time for the guest to arrive. It’s been over a year since the last fever.” 

Marie reluctantly answered. Kirona laughed. ‘Guest’. She knew that term was a hopeful way of referring to a fearsome disease quietly passing by. But no matter how she thought about it, that term was amusing. 

It sounded like I have to wait 

for that unwelcome visitor in this room quietly. 

“Look at me, do I look weak? Huh? Answer me! Do I look like I’m about to die?” 

Kirona vented her rising anger on the innocent Marie.