Come and Cry at My Funeral - Chapter 151
The day it became 199
Freesia vividly remembered the day her lifespan hit 299 days. The reality of that number changing hit her with a kind of fear that seemed to freeze her very core.
Even though she still had so many days left.
Freesia had thought that once she entered the 100s, the fear would crush her even more.
But on the day it changed to 199, surprisingly, she managed to stay calm without being overtaken by fear.
Perhaps it was because she had confided her past life to Izar.
“…And then, because of His Majesty the Emperor’s orders, we only properly consummated our marriage three years later. …It’s a bit surprising now.”
“Why?”
“Umm…”
Freesia let out a small moan as his hand stroked the nape of her neck.
The distant sound of water droplets slowly dripping down the bathtub could be heard.
After the banquet ended, they had come to their quarters in the imperial palace, where Izar led her into the bath.
Even after being intimate once, being held in the warm water by him felt pleasantly relaxing.
‘Things I never would have thought of before are happening every day now.’
But most surprising of all was Izar’s keen interest in her past.
‘He asks about it quite often. Honestly, I was prepared for him to think I was crazy and distance himself.’
Freesia looked at Izar, who was urging her to continue, and smiled. She was also secretly pleased that even if she teased him a bit, he didn’t reprimand her for being impudent.
“I was surprised that you seem more passionate now than you did three years ago, Lord Izar.”
“……”
“Is it because you’re younger now? I didn’t think the age difference would have such a big impact… uuung.”
But perhaps she had crossed a line, as Izar, with a blank expression, pinched her nose. Even though he didn’t do it painfully, it made her let out a childish, nasal sound.
“Ng, nnng.”
“You’re treating me like a beast in heat.”
“But, earlier, before we even finished washing—”
“Enough of slandering me. And then?”
Izar cut her off by sliding his hand up her waist. Her skin, already warm from their earlier intimacy, flushed even more.
“Tell me more about that time.”
Initially, Izar had asked Freesia about her ‘past life’ to verify the truth. To see if she was truly delusional due to her seizures or not.
‘But there are no inconsistencies to suggest it’s a delusion.’
Even when he asked about different periods, there were no contradictions in her story.
‘Considering she spent her whole life as a shepherdess in the duchy… she couldn’t have made all this up.’
Moreover, her early ability to adopt the mannerisms of a noble fit the story well.
If it was because she had lived another life, then her words were not lies.
Still, he didn’t want to fully believe it because…
If everything was true, he would also have to accept that her days were numbered.
So warm and tender.
Even while wanting to deny reality, he continued to press Freesia about her past.
“And you said you got pregnant.”
“Yes. I got pregnant that day…”
“You must have hated it?”
“Pardon?”
“When you first got pregnant.”
Izar deliberately asked in a mischievous voice. At the same time, he firmly wrapped his arms around her waist to prevent her from escaping.
“It didn’t seem like I took proper care of you during those three years.”
“Ah… well… not that badly.”
“You’re not denying it either.”
Although there were no inconsistencies in her story, Freesia often glossed over certain parts.
Specifically, the exact nature of their relationship before they consummated their marriage.
Izar could easily guess what he must have been like without needing to ask.
‘It’s obvious. I was furious to the core when we first got married.’
He thought that saving the capital from monsters would naturally restore his family to its rightful position. That had been his life’s sole goal.
But instead of achieving that goal, he received what he despised most—a ‘reward’ in the form of an illegitimate daughter to wed.
Trading with Atria out of wounded pride, how could he have been different then?
‘Even that marriage contract must have burned to ashes in those days.’
Izar reached out and stroked Freesia’s calf submerged in the water. Now, thanks to the spring of healing, not a single scar remained.
‘But back then?’
…He felt a wave of mixed emotions and became moody. Izar muttered sarcastically.
“The child must have been conceived reluctantly. Given the state of our relationship back then.”
“Pardon?”
In truth, he hoped for a different answer. He wanted to test her, to provoke her into contradicting his thorny words.
Because the stronger her rebuttal, the deeper her feelings would be.
‘Please, get angry and deny it.’
And as Izar had subtly hoped, Freesia twisted her body to face him, her face flushed.
“That’s not true, and we… we grew closer because of the baby.”
“Really?”
“Yes, really.”
As Izar’s hand slid up Freesia’s waist and supported her back, his voice grew increasingly husky with desire.
“Keep talking. Closer.”
“Mmngh… But you’re already holding me.”
“Closer than this.”
As Izar pressed her again, Freesia finally placed her hands on his firm shoulders and straddled him.
Her brxxsts pressed against his chest, and as his manhood brushed against her, white sparks flickered before her eyes.
As their lips met, Freesia felt as though her heart might burst from joy, sadness, loss, and pleasure.
She spoke of a child that did not exist.
A presence only Freesia remembered and kept in her heart, but now it held meaning for Izar too.
He was interested.
Despite the tragic end, she was happy to show Izar that there had been times in their lives that were as beautiful as starlight.
