How to Be a Dark Hero’s Daughter

“This time it’s a secret trip, so don’t tell anyone. Even if they ask about my whereabouts at the temple, you must never speak.”

“Uh… is it like running away?”

“No, just a change of mood.”

“If it’s Marianne, the goddess will surely protect you.”

“Regrettably, just being a saint doesn’t mean the goddess will protect you. There was even a saint who died in a carriage accident, you know?”

“What does that mean?”

“I don’t know either. But the goddess told me there are limits to what she can help with. She can’t help me avoid fate, only offer a tiny bit of assistance maybe…?”

“Oh, right. Even though I received a prophecy, I didn’t feel any significant change.”

“Exactly. Honestly, being the Saintess has no perks except making a lot of money and acting freely.”

“Isn’t that just a job from the goddess…?”

“That’s right.”

Marianne laughed heartily. It’s a bit complicated. Ultimately, is it that only humans can change their own fate?

The train station was almost empty. It must be a time when there are fewer customers. From outside, the train looked mostly empty.

Then, a train horn sounded.

“Oh! The train seems to be departing.”

“Marianne, you’re going without any attendants?”

“Yes, I decided to go alone this time.”

“What about your companions?”

“They’re waiting for me on the train.”

I nodded.

“Take care.”

“Yep… stay healthy. I’ll definitely come back.”

Marianne gave me a light kiss on my cheek. Then, Marianne picked up her trunk and ran.

I turned around after watching Marianne board the train.

“Huh?”

That’s when I spotted a black locket that Marianne had dropped.

‘The locket with her boyfriend’s picture inside.’

It must be precious to her. I bent down to pick it up. Suddenly, a bad premonition flashed across my mind.

For a brief moment, my hands trembled.

Why? Why did the goddess send Marianne to me? What am I supposed to do to help?

‘It can’t be.’

I felt dizzy.

The locket clicked open. Inside, the profile of a familiar man was depicted.

His unmistakably dyed hair stood out. But what struck me most were…

‘Doctor… Siebel…’

The ice-blue eyes, as clear as day.

“Marianne, ah… this can’t be happening.”

The train slowly started moving.

“Marianne! You can’t follow him!”

I dashed towards the train.

“Watch out! Miss!”

I bumped into a passerby and stumbled. The pendant fell from my hand. I grabbed and pushed away a stranger’s shoulder and ran.

‘I can’t let her go alone.’

I recalled all the people who had been harmed by the Doctor till now. Heart attacks, kidnappings, a body hung on a clock tower…

Marianne’s image overlapped with those memories.

“Huff!”

I managed to board the train, out of breath.

“Marianne, where are you?”

Marianne had headed towards the first-class section. Each compartment was separated by a door. I entered the train and immediately drew the gun from my thigh holster.

“Marianne!”

I saw a swaying long black hair around the corner. I headed that way.

Holding my gun carefully, I began to walk slowly down the train corridor.

‘The train’s completely empty.’

Oddly enough, there were no passengers.

The old wooden train floor creaked as the train started moving.

Every compartment door in the train car was firmly shut.

“Marianne!”

I walked down the corridor.

“She’s gone…”

She was definitely in this compartment.

‘Where did she go?’

Suddenly, someone pushed me from behind.

“Ah!”

Someone who covered my mouth threw me into an empty compartment.