The Marquess' Sacrifice

As the brilliant display died, all that was left was the Marquess and the Valkyrie. Minwoo had finally regained back his body and had reverted into a human form. Likewise, the Valkyrie's arm had returned to normal while she sat back on the cold ground.

Though it was back to normal, Mavislin's arm was still in terrible condition. It was red all over and was barely able to move. She slowly rubbed it, trying to get it moving, but to no avail.

Minwoo could only look at the poor Valkyrie sadly, powerless to do anything about her arm or the Umbra that was trying to awaken within him.

"Hey, it's almost sunrise. It's a great view we've got here," said the Marquess, pointing at the orange disk while trying to comfort Mavislin.

"Will you stay for long?" asked Mavislin, looking at him with sad eyes.

"No, I can't. I don't want the Umbra to run around with my body again. Besides, who knows what it'll do with me again..."

"Perhaps a jaunt around naked?" joked Mavislin, forcing a small smile.

"Cheeky darling, eh?" laughed Minwoo, shaking his head and wagging his finger at her.

"I'm more concerned about the Umbra hurting you again," replied the Marquess.

"So, how much time have I left with you?" she asked, standing up to hobble towards him.

The Marquess quickly jumped in front of her, catching the Valkyrie in his waiting arms. He speedily but steadily helped the wounded Valkyrie. The man felt something wet on his chest.

The Valkyrie was shaking slightly as he enveloped her into an awkward hug. Mavislin gripped his shoulders tightly.

"I've got a few moments with you before the Umbra comes back," the Marquess whispered into her ear.

The Marquess's tone was severe yet reassuring as it comforted the Valkyrie slightly.

"Is there no other way? Maybe I could find a Mage to split the two of you apart," suggested Mavislin, her tone sounding desperate.

Minwoo shook his head sadly and gave a small pat on the girl's head.

"I want to eradicate my soul. But, unfortunately, the Umbra has already stolen half of it. If my soul could fully perish, then the Umbra would also."

"A few moments, huh? So, who's going to do the honors?"

"Hey! This isn't a ceremony!"

"I'm just kidding."

The Valkyrie gave a giant, warm hug to the Marquess. When they pulled back, the Marquess realized the Valkyrie was crying. He seemed shocked at first but gave a small smile before wiping off her tears.

"Why are you crying?" he asked, albeit with meaning in those words.

"Such a fool..." answered the Valkyrie, allowing her tears to flow freely.

It had been a while since she had shed tears like this. She couldn't remember the last time she had felt like this. When did her parents die? Or when Baldwin had triggered her memories of the Great Noble war?

"Why can't I shed tears for a comrade?"

"You regarded me as a comrade?"

"No, I saw you as more than that. I regarded you as my family. My elder brother."

"I never thought Valkyries could shed tears for someone as insignificant as me."

The Valkyrie gave a mock laugh.

"You? Insignificant? You were able to defeat him for me. Without you, I could have never survived that."

The Valkyrie smiled, tears rolling down her cheeks as she touched the Marquess' face.

"Besides, tears are how a heart speaks when the lips cannot describe how much it'd been hurt."

"Losing you, losing anyone dear to me... It would have been bound to hurt me, one way or another," murmured Mavislin, looking at Minwoo with solemn eyes.

"It's farewell, right?" asked Marquess as he witnessed the end of the sun rising.

"Yea, it is. Farewell, my Korean White Rat."

"Remember the lyrics of your song? Oh! Susanna?" asked Minwoo as he stood up with the Valkyrie.

Mavislin nodded with moist eyes and tear-stained cheeks. Minwoo cupped the girl's face and brought his forehead to hers. He closed his eyes, claiming both of them down.

"Oh, Susanna! Now, don't you cry for me..." sang the Marquess, though with his voice cracking.

"For I come from Alabama with a banjo on my knee..." said the Valkyrie as she closed her eyes.

The song initially held no meaning for the Marquess. However, the song lyrics 'It rained all night, the weather it was dry' made sense to Minwoo. It was raining within the duo's hearts, but on the outside, it was an average sunrise.

'The sun so hot, I froze to death' also applied. Though the sunrise would've given them a sense of warmth and comfort, none of those were felt as they knew Minwoo could not live any longer. Only coldness could linger before one of them perishes.