After Esthers incident, she was treated with burdensome hospitality.

Every morning and evening, a doctor would provide her treatment, and a special meal would be prepared separately.

The doctor stated she shouldnt take long strolls until her body recuperated. Because of that, Esther remained in her room for a few days.

Tduk Tduk.

Esther fidgeted with the rabbit her brother Judy had left behind, a sudden noise pricking her ears.

Rain?

Raindrops were falling swiftly through the open window. Esthers face turned noticeably dark when she perceived the scene.

Oh, my. It must be raining.

Concluded Dorothy, as she glanced at Esther who stood by the window.

I know.

Esthers eyes turned anxious.

After a while,

Rumble, bang-!!

Thunder and lightning began to strike. The raindrops, which dropped to the ground, also became increasingly thicker.

Esther jumped from her bed to the floor in fright of the thunder.

My lady, are you alright?

Dorothy came running from the other side of the room.

Esther clasped her ears shut with both hands and shook her head wildly.

Are you afraid of thunder?

Dorothy felt remorseful for Esther, but on the other hand, she thought it was somewhat cute of her to act that way.

It was common for children of Esthers age to be scared of lighting, so she didnt think of it as strange.

It will pass soon. I believe the goddess is angry today.

Dorothy, window Please close the window.

Yes! Ill close it right away.

Dorothy shut all the windows in the room and locked them tightly so they wouldnt shake. In addition, she double-capped the curtains.

Only then did Esther open her eyes.

This isnt a prison.

Recalling the fact, she carefully removed her hands from her ears. She felt relieved of the calmness that once again surrounded her.

But that was only for a while.

Choosing a room with large windows turned out to have a poisonous countereffect.

Esther didnt hold the power to stop the growing rain and thunder that ripped the sky every few minutes.

It seems a bit violent. It looks like were going to expect heavy rain all night

Dorothy gazed worriedly at Esther. She seemed disoriented after the rain began to fall.

Are you scared?

No. Its okay.

She was clutching the blanket so fiercely that her hands turned white. Nevertheless, Esther struggled to remain calm.

Many kids would be scared. Its happened to me too. Doesnt it sound like a monster?

But its really nothing. The rain will soon pass away.

Dorothy, unaware of Esthers condition, took the matter insignificantly and raised Esther to bed.

Shall I stay with you tonight?

Dorothy glanced at her watch and asked. It was already past her work hours, but she was deeply worried about the abnormally agitated Esther.

Theres no need to do that. Its alright.

Esther shook her head with a forced smile. She didnt want to show Dorothy her weaknesses.

But if youre having a hard time, you should call me anytime. Definitely.

Yes.

Dorothy gently patted Esthers hair and made her way out of the room.

Her hand seemed to have regained Esthers stability for a moment, but as soon as Dorothy left, the little girls face turned pale.

In an instant, the sun had set, and the darkness only deepened her fear.

Its alright. This isnt a prison. It doesnt matter. Its okay.

Esther restlessly instilled in herself that everything would be alright as if memorizing a spell.

She shut her eyes tightly and tried not to think of anything. But in the face of the thunder and heavy rain, it was useless.

Rumble! Rumble-bang!

Esther jumped out of bed the moment she heard the sound of lightning thundering nearby.

Kyaak!!

She dragged her blanket and ran to the very corner of the room.

A place where the surroundings were tight. She needed a place to protect herself.

Sorry. Its my fault.

She repeated her daily memorized words as her body crouched in the corner.

Please dont leave me alone. Im scared here

When she was in prison, Esther detested rainy days the most.

She was so frightened to hear the sound of thunder in prison, where she couldnt see anything in the existing darkness.

However, the larger reason was that Rabienne always visited on rainy days.

Kwagwagwang-!!

Once again, the thunder struck violently. Then, as if something had been touched, all the lights in the room went out.

Esther, engulfed in the darkness, finally began to weep.

Someone get me Please, someone, get me out. I havent done anything wrong. Its dark here.

Dark memories of the past came to mind and started eating Esther.

Im feeling unpleasant today due to the rain. Could I release my unpleasantness to you?

Please. Its my fault. Ill do whatever you ask me to do Huh? Rabienne, were friends. Please dont do this. Im so scared.

Friend? How many times do I have to tell you to understand? I cant be friends with someone like you.

The past Rabienne was clearly reflected before Esthers blurred vision.

Dont! Dont! Dont do this. Please, please.

Even as Esther cried, Rabienne only smiled as she beat her using a whip.

Youre not leaving this place. Live as my slave until you die.

Esther screamed, sensing the same pain of the whip that Rabienne had wielded.

Huu. I hate it. I want to get out of here.

Esthers eyes gradually lost their vitality. She witnessed her most hated visions and heard hallucinations as if enchanted.

I Cant escape.

She denied it endlessly, but she knew deep in her heart. Everything she had tried so far had failed.

The darkness that Esther had forcibly buried inside spilled out. What fell into Esthers eyes was endless despair.

Kill me. Anyone is fine Get me out No, kill me. Please

Esther sobbed and began to scratch herself. She scratched her hands and legs violently, her body shivering.

The trauma of her past was too deeply rooted to escape by simply leaving the temple.

** **

Darwin was reviewing the papers in his study as usual.

He was often called a workaholic, as he was never interested in the weather outside.

However, Ben, who did not disturb him at work, wandered around for a few hours, unable to restrain himself.

What the hell is wrong with you?

Darwin spoke condescendingly, his expression representing his hostility.

Well It is raining severely outside.

Since when did you care so much about the weather?

When Darwin stared at him pathetically, Ben flinched and added.

Not only is the rain still proceeding, but also with the thunder.

What do you want to say?

Darwin eventually placed down his pen and pressed on his temples. His head was pounding from overwork.

Actually A maid visited previously, and it seemed that Lady Esther was afraid of the thunder.

Darwin raised his head at the remark, a clear look of surprise presented on his face.

Esther? Why tell me that now?

No Your Grace ordered never to be disturbed during work I apologize.

Ben, who had been falsely accused, raised his voice slightly to prove his innocence. However, he hurriedly shut his mouth after perceiving Darwins glare.

Is work more important?

No.

You are my secretary, so you should take care of your priorities. My family comes much before this job.

I will keep that in mind.

Darwin stood up and left the study. It was still too early to finish the day, but he was worried regarding Esthers fear of the rain.

The mansion must still be unfamiliar for her. His heart sank at the thought that she might have been afraid to sleep alone.

Itll be alright.

I dont have a good feeling.

As Darwin rushed unlike himself, Ben tried to reassure him gently.

However, Darwin ran up the stairs, unknown anxiety overwhelming him.

It was when they arrived on the third floor where Esthers room was located. Darwin and Ben paused and stared at each other.

Just now, this sound

Esther.

Darwin took a deep breath and began to run to Ethers room.

Ben only halted with a shocked look on his face and covered his head with his palm.

Oh, my God.

It was Esthers scream that they heard.

As soon as the lightning struck loudly, a grim scream was heard from inside. Then sobbing broke out.

While Ben blamed himself for not speaking sooner, Darwin quickly opened Esthers door and entered.

Esther!

Despite the sound, Esther was still trapped in her own world.

Darwin, who perceived the darkness in the room, ordered immediately.

Ben, go bring a candle right now.

Alright, I see.

After Ben left, Darwin stood in the dark and looked around.

Due to the weeping, he was able to find Esther without difficulty.

Esther, its me.

He moved from the bed and walked slowly towards the crouching figure in the corner of the room. The blanket covering her was trembling endlessly.

Were you scared? Darwin slowly removed the blanket while in despair.

Esther was scratching herself wildly, her hair all tangled.

Esther.

Darwin was bewildered and called Esther. He held her hands tightly so that she could no longer scratch herself.

Esthers small, tightly grasped hand was so cold that even Darwins warmth left as soon as they made contact.

Esther.

Even Darwins voice slightly trembled. Esthers tightly closed eyes slowly opened.

He bit his lips in agony after seeing her swollen eyes and red lips.

Grand duke?

Esther blinked blankly after waking at the voice calling for herself.

Yes, its me. Im here.

But the remnants of the past were too deep for her escape immediately. Esther asked Darwin with an empty voice.

Duke Here Is it the temple?

Her eyes and voice seemed to have returned to the day they first met. No, her impression was even more devastating than then.

As soon as he witnessed the dark emotions deeply rooted in Esthers eyes, Darwin felt his heart torn.

No. This is your house. This is not the temple.

No?

Yes.

Darwin forced Esthers eyes to keep in contact with him.

He tried to reverse the focus of Esther from whatever she was thinking to him.

After so much effort, Esther barely managed to face Darwin.

Grand duke.

Yes. Im here, in front of you.

As soon as Darwin felt relieved and rested his hands, tears began to drip from Esthers eyes.

Please kill me.