Many people say that rather than clinging on miserably, they would prefer to close their eyes cleanly when the time comes.
But when it becomes their own situation, humans will do everything they can to live even a day, a minute, or a second longer.
I was not that desperate, but the people around me would not leave me alone.
The moment my health declined and I could no longer move freely, I found myself surrounded by the finest medical staff in the British Empire.
Doctors and nurses remained at my side at all hours, and I was examined constantly.
If I coughed even slightly, it caused an uproar as if the world had ended.
Naturally, I complained that this might shorten my life instead.
At one point I even joked that it might be a foreign plot to hasten my death, only to be scolded by Victoria.
I was forbidden from visiting the resorts I loved, and even walking was limited to a few minutes a day.
Still, visitors came frequently, so I never felt completely trapped.
"Your Majesty remains remarkably strong. We were worried when you collapsed recently, but you seem to have recovered."
"Recovered? I can barely enjoy a proper meal anymore."
"Even reaching the twentieth century proves your strength."
"So are you mocking Charles Wellesley and William Gladstone for not making it this far?"
Robert Gascoyne-Cecil laughed nervously.
"Of course not."
"You have done well as Prime Minister."
"That is thanks to you."
"Then why refuse a dukedom?"
"It would increase expenses."
Even with wealth, he preferred frugality.
"Sit down. Tell me something interesting."
"If I bring you alcohol, I will be punished."
"I do not make promises I cannot keep."
"You expect me to take the risk alone."
He hesitated, then spoke again.
"I heard that Otto von Bismarck passed away."
"Yes. I regret not attending his funeral."
"He lived past eighty."
"A good life."
Unlike in another timeline, he had remained in power until the end.
His position had been secure.
Now even figures of that era were gone.
"I have lived too long."
"People still want you with them."
"I would like to live longer as well. Someone threatened to build golden statues of me if I died first."
"…What?"
I spoke lightly, though the threat was real.
After more conversation, I grew tired and lay down.
"Visit again."
"I will."
As he left, I closed my eyes.
There were few people left of my generation.
Time passed.
My condition worsened gradually.
It was not illness, but age.
"Why have you grown so old?"
Even small jokes filled the room.
Family gathered, lively as ever.
Despite their influence, they argued like any household.
"Should we send a family member to Joseon?"
"It would strengthen ties."
Names were discussed.
Alice was chosen.
Joseon accepted immediately.
[The return of royal blood to Joseon after seventy years.]
The news spread rapidly.
Days later, I could no longer rise from bed.
March 13, 1900.
The sky over London was clear.
"This is it."
"Do not say that."
"…This time it is real."
Victoria froze.
"Call the doctor…"
"No. Stay with me."
Edward was away.
The others were abroad.
It was just us.
"Better this way. Quiet."
"You said I would laugh if you left first."
"I am sorry. Just make me look dignified."
She held my hand.
"You were a good father."
"I should have spent more time with you."
"You stayed after retiring. That was enough."
"I wanted more time."
"I never regretted marrying you."
She pressed my hand to her forehead.
"I will miss you."
"My greatest fortune was meeting you."
"Mine too."
"Tell the children to remain united."
"I will."
"And my final words. Use what I prepared."
Even now, I cared about how I would be remembered.
She laughed through tears.
"I will make you look magnificent."
"Then…"
With my last strength, I touched her cheek.
"I will wait. I love you."
"…Killian."
With those words, I closed my eyes.
According to Victoria's diary, a faint smile remained on my face.
A smile of someone with no regrets.
Yet the public focused on something else.
That when I first met her, I had fallen in love at first sight and begged her to accept me.
Edward doubted the story.
But Victoria insisted it was true.
And so, it became history.
Had I known, I might have risen from my grave.
Instead, I was remembered as the devoted husband of the age.