Cannot Escape the Devil - Chapter 3 Part 1

The man who introduced himself as Marshall Atlan said he was from August.  August, the eighth estate, was one of the neighboring estates that are in contact with the wall, and from there, a person could pass through the entrance gate control office on the wall and he would see August. The man had a bright appearance and was full of dignity.

“Asaya Lubedoa is your name correct?”

“Yes, that’s right.”

The polite man used honorifics even to the vulgar people outside the walls. There was no insult or contempt for the people anywhere in the friendly voice. Asaya was once amazed by Marshall’s gentleman attitude, and twice that he came from the province of August.

“My lord, Grand Duke Edwin Kabelheider, delivered this to you and ordered us to return together. “

“Kabelheider?”

Asaya suddenly felt embarrassed by the unexpected name spoken from Marshall’s mouth. Asaya, who lived in a disconnected world divided by walls, even heard and knew the name of Edwin Kabelheider. Leah asked Marshall in amazement.

“Wait! Kabelheider? Are you referring to that Archduke Kabelheider, who was called the demon of August?  “

“Yes, he was sometimes called by that name in this place.” Marshall replied.

“Oh My God….”

The man, nicknamed August’s Devil, was a man famous for his innate cold-blooded nature.

At a young age, he became the lord of 8 out of 12 estates, and his insolence was in the sky, and his inhumanity, who does not move even if a person is dying in front of his eyes, has been said to have been frowned upon by many people. He was a man who carried all kinds of bizarre rumors to suit his fierce nickname. In recent years, there have been rumors of him being insane while hunting demons and being cursed and eating people.

“Can I read this letter now?”

“Yes, of course, you should read it right now. I am here to get your answer to the letter. “

The moment Asaya saw the letter in her hand, she remembered that day. A man with a cold and bitter feeling resembled the dawn. No matter how much she thought about it, no letter would fly out of the wall except for that man. It was the only contact point with the person in the wall from that day’s brief encounter.

Asaya opened the letter and slowly read it. Not only the hand that held the letter, but also the eyes that  read it were shaken without reason.

“You seem to have given me the wrong letter. This looks like a proposal letter. “

“No it’s not a wrong letter. It is exactly as it is written there. The Lord of August, Grand Duke Edwin Kabelheider, is requesting a formal marriage with Asaya Lubedoa, the eldest daughter of the former Count of Lubedoa.”

“l asked for help and it was a marriage proposal that flew in?”

Asaya could not hide her embarrassment.

“…. A sudden marriage. Can you tell me why?”

“I am sorry I don’t know why. Everything is the Duke’s decision. My Lord had ordered me to treat you as a very important guest and bring you to the mansion with me.”

The situation was beyond common sense. Of course, it was impossible to understand it with common sense. Asaya stared at the letter as her mother urgently grabbed Asaya’s hand. She looked desperate. Sensing a subtle atmosphere, Marshall stepped back.

“I will be out for a while as it seems that you need time to discuss with your family. Though I can’t give you much time. You have to decide before the nightfall.”

Marshall avoided the seat as much as possible. As soon as he left, Asaya’s mother shouted at her in a determined voice.

“Don’t go. You can never go. What kind of a marriage proposal is that without even having a face to face meeting? It’s suspicious and dangerous.”

“I know what you are concerned about, mother.”

“Asa, you need to refuse.”

This was definitely a ridiculous situation. Things that couldn’t happen became reality. Asaya didn’t know what would be hidden behind the sudden flight of the proposal. It was natural to be vigilant. Unfortunately, there were no other options at the moment.

“Mother, you are getting worse. Your memory is noticeably declining. We have nothing and are starving to death here.”

“Does that mean that you would accept this ridiculous proposal? That’s a trap. Doesn’t it look strange to you?”

“What’s so scary about losing anything anymore? There’s nothing to lose. We are dying here.”

“There must be another way.”

Asaya smiled bitterly as she looked at her grieving mother.

“This is the land where there is no answer. It’s a place where people can’t live. You’ve been through it and you know it well, mother. I have to go over the wall.”

Asaya had already made up her mind. Leah cried and grabbed her hands.

“If you will be dead one way or another, then let’s just die here together.”

“The only option here is to die, but there is an option to live together if I go over the wall.”

” Wake up! You will be treated like an animal.  It is the same here or there , you won’t be able live like a person.  “

“That’s what I’m prepared for.”

Leah looked at Asaya as if she was having tantrums, and immediately tapped her frustrated chest. Her red-hot eyes were full of tears. Leah’s heart was torn at the fact that she was never afraid of dying and never showed tears, was now crying and upset. But nevertheless, Asaya’s decision was firm.

“Leah, do you believe in miracles?”

“Who believes that! When have we ever believed it while rolling on this dirt? Hasn’t it been long since you abandoned that hope? Do you think this is a miracle now?”

“No, it’s not a miracle, it’s an opportunity. It is a miracle that this opportunity came to me. Whatever happens in the end, I don’t want to refuse because of fear and let go of this opportunity. I have to get out of this land.”

It was Asaya’s own decision to seize the opportunity and how to use it.  Leah and Asaya’s mother began to weep. They realized that no matter how  they persuaded her, Asaya would not change her mind.

“I’ll get what I want.”

A crying mother was heard. Still, Asaya turned around and walked out of the house. Marshall, who was waiting, smiled and reached out his hand.  Asaya grabbed his hand with a strong determination.

It started to rain. The day when it poured down like torrential rain. The day she left her crying family and friend behind. It was hard to tell if it was the rain or tears that had wet her face.