Beyond Happily Ever After

It is said that as you draw your dying breath, your greatest regret shall come to your mind.

I did not know the veracity of that claim. I had a fulfilling life, after all: from the excitement of adventure to history-making achievements, from divine inspiration to material abundance, from fruitful friendships to heart-wrenching romances, I had experienced it all. My life had been a luxury that could be afforded by few, even among the shinning stars in the annals of history.

It was not a life without hardships, for great achievements demanded great sacrifices, even if the said achievements were unwanted. From a meek viscount’s daughter, I had come far. From fighting evil as the Holy Church’s Saint, to defending the Kingdom in the army, I spent most of my adult life toiling in blood and sweat. From the moment I took Joseph, my dear husband’s hand, I was set on a thorny path. Along it, I lost many that were precious to me. Still, I never once regretted the path I had chosen, because of the peace we had built, and…

“Mother… Are you really going to leave us?” A young man’s crying voice reached my ears.

“Stop crying, Raul. You are the Crown Prince of the Kingdom of Grandelucia. Stop bothering mother…” A young woman attempted to chastise the young man, but broke down into tears herself.

“Ariel! Please don’t leave me… Please…” A now-middle-aged man, who tightly and gently held my hand, burying his face deep in his arms.

… Because even as I laid dying, I felt the warmth of my loved ones’ touch.

“Raul, Mira. You know this day will come. Everyone will have to return to our gracious Lord, Minastria’s embrace. It’s just my turn this time.”

“Still, my dear. We still haven’t tried the Mages’ Tower’s latest remedy. They are collaborating with the Holy Church this time, and they are even trying her formulae…” The man uttered in desperation.

“Joseph.” I looked the man who had been my loving husband for the last three decades, who I also loved from the bottom of my heart. “I know better than anyone. My time is up. Please look at me.”

The man finally looked up into my eyes. Even if time added more than a few wrinkles to his once stunning face, his mild, emerald eyes were still as beautiful as the day he reached out his hand to me.

“I felt like I fell in love all over again. My heart skipped a beat. And my kids are more adorable than ever. Perhaps my heart will skip more beats---”

“Please stop, Ariel! Don’t make such cruel jokes. I beg of you.”

“Joseph. Raul. Mira. I love you.” I smiled.

As life flashed before my eyes, Ariel Grandelucia, the Queen of Grandelucia and the Saint of Miracles --- finally drew her last breath. Still clenching my amethyst rosary in my hand, I returned to His arms with nary a regret in my mind.

---That’s what I thought would happen. Instead, I saw her.

Someone who had been long dead. Someone whose specters still roams the continent. Someone who was kinder than anyone. Someone who was the most ruthless villain in history.

My best friend. My greatest nemesis.

Viola. Viola von Schwarzregen.

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The Violet Witch. The Steel Duchess. The femme fatale. The steadfast protector. The heinous traitor. The tragic patriot. The godless agitator. The torch-bearer. Viola von Schwarzregen was a woman of innumerable, conflicting titles. Countless people had died by her hands, directly and indirectly, but countless others also benefitted from her contributions. Even at my death, thirty years after hers, historians had little consensus of who --- what --- she actually was. That little consensus, it turned out, to be of a singular title which had become universally accepted.

The Villainess of Blood and Iron.

…I could never bring myself to call her as such. Perhaps it was the fact that she was once my best friend in the Academy; perhaps it was because I always believed that her kind heart, even when she drew her weapon at me. Perhaps I was influenced by her subjects, who were absolutely devoted to her; perhaps, I was projecting my rose-tinted view on someone who had ruthlessly betrayed me, arrogantly thinking I could somehow bring her back to the right path.

…Or perhaps, it was to forget her blood on my hands, when I ran a sword of iron through her heart.

…It did not matter anymore. I chose my path, and lived a fulfilling life. I welcomed death. For someone who served the Lord so intently, there was no greater happiness than to return to Him.

But why, Lord, did you show me that as I lay dying?

Why did you show me Viola’s amethyst eyes, her long, flowing orchid hair, and her brilliant smile? Why did you show me her hand reaching out to me, just as it did on that fateful day?

Why did you bestow me such words?

“…for there is a path not taken---”

Why did I open my eyes again, not as Ariel Grandelucia, the Saint and Queen of Grandelucia, but as Ariel Hortensia, a simple viscount’s daughter and a student at the Royal Academy, thirty years ago?

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A dull wooden ceiling. Ornate, but not extravagant fittings. Aged, but neat furniture. Clean, but small beds. When I first opened my eyes, it would be lying if I said I was not surprised. Down to the dusty air and the lazy sun, everything in front of me reminded me of my days in the Grandelucian Royal Academy.

Yes. Even the blabbering person in front of me.

“Ariel? Lady Hortensia? Miss Saint? Are you awake?” A silver-haired girl waved her hand in front of me, seemingly there to check on me. “I appreciate that Miss Honour Student decided to be a sloth once in a while, but you can’t just sleep in the dorm all day. It’s already dark outside; at least get up and eat something.”

“Astrid…? Is that really you…?”

“Yes, I am Astrid von Prutia, the great princess of the Empire of Prutia. You must be famished Don’t worry, I brought your favourite food from the Academy’s cafeteria--- wait, what are you doing?”

I sprung up from the bed and rushed to the mirror. Standing in the reflection was my younger self, in the Academy that should have been destroyed, and in front of an old friend who I had distanced from decades ago.

“I know you have a tender heart and are easily hurt. Viola is your best friend, too, and of course you are heartbroken from Viola leaving, but---”

“Viola? Viola von Schwarzregen? Leaving?”

“Yes, your roommate, Viola von Schwarzregen. She left to attend her father’s funeral up north, remember? And since she’s the only child of the Duke of Schwarzregen, she will probably inherit the duchy and won’t be able to finish her time at the Academy. Isn’t that why you are so riled up?”

“…When did Viola leave? Besides, what date is it today, Astrid?”

“Viola left yesterday on the airship. And today is the seventh of the tenth month, Year 987 of the Continental Calendar.” The silver-haired girl sighed, her golden eyes filled with disbelief. “What’s gotten into you today? The diligent Ariel I knew would’ve never sleep in so much that she loses track of time. Are you feeling OK?”

“I am fine, Astrid. I’ve gotten enough rest, and you even brought some food for me.”

“Are you really fine? You were asleep the whole day, and I couldn’t wake you up until now. Maybe I should call a doctor just in ca---”

“I am fine.”

The silver-haired girl was shocked, but finally gave up. “Hah… If you say so. Just let me know if there’s anything I can help. I don’t want to disturb your meal, so I will leave now.”

“…Thanks for everything, Astrid.” I muttered. May fate bring us together again, I said in my heart.

“…?” The silver-haired girl showed a confused face for a second.

“Nothing. See you tomorrow.” I replied.