The Returnee Wants Peace

Chapter 60

After returning to the capital, Rosha had been very ill for a while.

At times, her fever would soar, her forehead burning hot, and at other times, her body would tremble as if she had gone out in winter wearing only her nightgown.

Her bodily sensations would alternate between extreme numbness and hypersensitivity.

The former was tolerable, but the latter was quite uncomfortable. The bed should have felt soft, but her back felt like it was being grated. Her arms, legs, no, her entire body felt pierced.

Perhaps this was what it felt like to have discomfort raised to the maximum.

As Rosha battled with her weakened body, those associated with her would occasionally visit.

“I hope you quickly recover and rise from your bed, Lady Roshanak.”

“I wish you a full recovery.”

Lysithea and Joel seemed to feel guilty for not participating in the last trial, visiting the most frequently.

“Aing, how can you just lie here like this? I have a mountain of things to tell you. You need to get up so I can restore order in the council.”

Although too busy to visit often, Duke Feriel’s heart was similar.

Due to the doctor’s advice to rest, visits were only allowed in the afternoons. However, sometimes she could sense someone’s presence late at night.

“...”

Of course, since they didn’t speak, she couldn’t tell who it was. Perhaps her family or Berri checking on her daily condition?

“...When will you wake up?”

Often, when she regained consciousness from her slumber, Cedric would be holding her hand.

She wanted to respond to his weary, low voice, but the words only swirled in her throat.

‘I’ll get up soon. I’m sorry.’

Feeling her fingers weakly wrap around his hand, he suddenly raised his head.

“Rosha?”

But she couldn’t answer Cedric’s call, as a deep slumber seized her immediately after, rendering her unable to move.

She slept like someone who had never slept in their life, to the point of even worrying herself with how much she slept.

Was it a sign her body was recovering? She didn’t know.

And sometimes she would dream, mostly about the previous world.

Just like now.

“What are you thinking about?”

“Nothing, really.”

Answering softly, she glanced up at the sky.

The winter-stricken ruins of a city.

The night sky of Seoul, where stars were rarely visible.

Below were the ever-amazing modern structures of glass, steel, and concrete, densely packed. A forest of buildings that had once housed over ten million people.

‘When the first trial struck, due to the initial mishandling, half of it has become a habitat for demons.’

Indeed, demonic beasts howls could often be heard when passing through the outskirts of Seoul.

But on the rooftop of one of the city’s buildings, people gathered around a campfire without reservation.

A white-haired man fidgeting with a cigarette. A timid high school boy hugging a sword. A chilly-looking woman in a hoodie. A former bodyguard with a chiseled, muscular jawline.

“It’s not as ruined a world as this one. Alright, then.”

“But don’t forget about us when you go back?”

Yes, I won’t forget. I probably could never forget, no matter what.

‘So is that why I sometimes have dreams like this, even after returning to my original world?’

Just in time, her consciousness seemed to rise. Despite being at the same level as her teammates, her soul felt like it was slowly ascending.

Sensing she was about to wake up from the dream, Rosha took in each of their faces one last time.

Then she slowly opened her eyelids.

“...”

It was pitch black night.

Even after blinking several times, the surroundings remained dark. Unable to see anything, she felt slightly flustered.

‘First, I need to turn on the lights.’

Having lain still for so long, her body didn’t move as she wished, but with effort, she could still manage some movement.

Fumbling her way out of bed, she took a tentative step forward. Feeling unsteady like a newborn learning to walk, she suddenly felt uneasy when-

“...Ah!”

She stumbled over the edge of a side table, crashing down onto the floor.

‘Ugh, my legs momentarily lost strength.’

Fortunately, the carpet where she fell was soft. As she sat on the floor, clutching her knees, she heard someone running down the hallway.

Then the door burst open.

“Miss!”

It was Berri’s voice.

Seeing Rosha beneath the bed, Berri hurried over with a surprised and relieved expression.

“Heavens, when did you wake up? Ah, I should have been by your side!”

“Hey, can you help me up? I can’t get my strength back.”

“Oh, let me get a hold of myself. Shall I help you to the sofa over there?”

After her initial flustered reaction, Berri carefully supported Rosha and safely seated her on the sofa.

Having lain still for so long, even that small movement left her slightly breathless.

‘My stamina has become utter trash.’

Just how long had she been bedridden? Rosha was about to ask when she suddenly realized the room was still dark.

Although she had a strange feeling, she spoke up first.

“Berri, could you turn on the lights? I can’t see anything.”

Hearing Rosha’s hoarse voice, Berri, who had been fussing to bring water, froze. She then repeatedly confirmed what Rosha had said.

‘Umm...’

By this point, Rosha had a vague idea of the reason, but she couldn’t stop Berri from gasping.

“Miss...”

Berri brought a cup of water and tearfully placed it in Rosha’s hands, saying,

“It’s daytime right now...”