Chapter 44 : Don’t Be Afraid, I’m Not Her

The conversation outside seemed to be ending. Milly had only peeked out of curiosity—but the moment she saw Tifna’s solemn posture again, her heart sank.

If Stacy were an imperial official, being judged would be justice.

But she wasn’t.

She was a demon, just like Milly—hiding in plain sight, wearing false identities.

And Milly couldn’t tell them.

So maybe… she should just leave.

While they were distracted.

If it weren’t for everything that happened—if she hadn’t transformed into a demon—maybe she could’ve joined them.

But now?

Knowing what she was… better to leave before her identity exploded in their faces.

If they met again someday, she’d repay this kindness.

Careful not to be seen, Milly lay back down and closed her eyes.

All she needed to do was pretend to sleep—wait until everyone fell into deep slumber—then slip away under cover of night.

But plans rarely survive reality.

Listening closely, she heard them arranging night watch shifts.

Damn.

With someone on guard, how could she escape?

Then again… it made sense. They were deep in dangerous woods. No watch would be more suspicious.

She’d have to wait—until the watcher dozed off, or during a shift change.

Still possible. She just had to be patient.

Soon, the camp quieted.

Then—footsteps approached.

No…

Milly stayed still, pretending to sleep.

The tent flap opened—soft rustle. Someone entered.

Through half-lidded eyes, she felt someone lie beside her. On her left—Idis. On her right—the faint clink of armor.

Tifna.

Sandwiched between them like meat in a sandwich.

How am I supposed to run now?!

She mentally groaned. Of course. This was Tifna’s tent. Only three tents total. The two girls naturally shared one. Adding Milly didn’t change that.

In another life, being pressed between two beautiful girls would’ve sparked very different thoughts.

But now? She was a girl too—and all she felt was panic.

Please, please don’t let my wings and tail pop out now…

Escape was still possible—just harder. Wait until both slept deeply. Wait for the guard shift to change. And pray no one came near this tent.

She focused on her breathing—slow, steady—making her feigned sleep convincing.

Then—on her left, Idis stirred.

Rolling over in her sleep, she blindly reached toward Tifna—crushing Milly beneath her in the process.

Ugh…

Her sleeping form was exactly like Stacy’s. But at least Stacy held her—wrapped around her like an octopus.

This? Idis was lying on top of her—smothering her, nearly cutting off her breath.

And worse—she kept rubbing against Tifna, squishing Milly further between them.

Not only could she not escape—she was now trapped under a warm, wriggling weight.

Then—relief.

A metallic clink. A thud.

Idis was flung out of the tent.

Haha… rest in peace, Idis.

Milly silently mourned for a few seconds.

Then—Tifna settled back down.

But she didn’t sleep.

Instead… she shifted closer to Milly.

Again?!

Then—Tifna’s voice, soft in her ear:

“Can’t sleep?”

Caught.

Milly stiffened—confirming it.

Feeling Tifna gently poke her shoulder, Milly opened her eyes and nodded.

“Are you scared?”

Did Tifna think she was afraid of escaping traffickers? Should she play along? Or… confess now?

“No.”

“Are you worried about Stacy?”

Honestly? A little. One night, forced onto the bed. The next, thrown into the wilderness. Stacy was unpredictable.

Seeing Milly hesitate, Tifna knew she’d hit the mark. She wanted to ask more—gather clues.

But Milly couldn’t speak of Stacy—bound by magic.

Tifna gave up.

“It’s okay. I’ll find her. She will face judgment.”

She took Milly’s hand.

Milly flinched—instinctively pulling back.

She was shaking.

Just holding her hand triggered trauma. What had Stacy done to her?

“Don’t be afraid,” Tifna whispered. “I’m not her.”

The gentleness melted Milly’s tension.

The gauntlet was cold—but through it, she felt warmth.

Real warmth.

Genuine care.

Since arriving in this world, no one had cared for her like this.

She’d already cried once today.

Now, tears welled again.

She couldn’t accept this kindness.

She knew who she really was.

The only reason she was still here—was because her identity remained hidden.

Better to cut it off now, before it became unbearable for everyone.

Without the torment from Stacy… she might’ve refused.

But then—Tifna leaned in.

And hugged her.

That warmth—so unfamiliar—shattered her resolve.

“Trust me. When this mission ends, I’ll take you back to Starlight City. I’ll find her. She’ll pay.”

Every instinct screamed refuse.

But after endless suffering—even a little warmth—was enough to break her.

And so, Milly made the decision she’d later regret most.

She nodded.

At that exact moment—

On the live feed, as Tifna embraced Milly—

Stacy shattered the throne’s newly repaired armrest.