Chapter 13

-----------------------------------------------------------------

Translator: Harry Potta

Chapter Title: Chapter 111

-----------------------------------------------------------------

The red eyes brimming with murderous intent looked ready to turn the entire area into a bloodbath, utterly chilling.

But Rihart's blue eyes were icy cold, as if they could quench that raging volcano entirely.

"So you're the pure white thing that kidnapped Big Sis."

Shring—

The sound of a sword being drawn scraped at her ears.

"To dare lay your filthy hands on Big Sis—you really don't know your place."

"What's the problem with hugging when we've even kissed?"

"What?"

Yurta glanced at her in shock, but she was just as stunned and had nothing to say.

That hellish maw...!

"Is that true, Big Sis?"

Yurta fixed her with eyes demanding an explanation, but with no excuse to offer, she averted her gaze.

Her silence was as good as affirmation.

Realizing this, Yurta's aura grew even fiercer.

Rihart, on the other hand, wore a triumphant expression, as if he'd already won.

How old are you two?

But is it really okay for Yurta to see Rihart's face like this?

It was still too dark to see clearly, but she wondered if it was fine for the Holy Knight Captain's true identity—the monster from the Evantes household three years ago—to be revealed.

Well, it's already out...

In the end, she shrugged off her robe. Rihart smiled down at her squirming in his arms, then shot Yurta another victorious look.

What the hell are you two doing?

"Jealous much?"

"...I'll cut that tongue out of you."

...So childish.

Honestly, she just wanted to pretend she didn't know either of them.

"Cut my tongue... Ugh."

Feeling the urgent need to seal that mouth first, she wrapped the robe around Rihart's face.

"I can't breathe, Rozhi."

If only he'd just suffocate like this. That'd be perfect.

She glanced warily at Yurta and whispered softly to Rihart.

"At least cover your face."

"..."

"Big Sis, what are you whispering to that monster?"

Yurta strode toward them, clearly displeased.

Damn it.

Two rabid dogs already?

Was running away really a bad idea?

No. If I play this right...

Two dogs who hated each other.

"...Yurta."

She called his name in the shakiest voice she could muster.

Pretending to be terrified, she fidgeted restlessly in Rihart's arms.

"...I'm scared."

She whimpered as if she were truly afraid of Rihart.

I need to pit them against each other.

She'd slip away while they were distracted fighting.

"Don't tell me that bastard forced a kiss on you, Big Sis?"

Huh? Rihart isn't that shameless...

"What are you talking about? Rozhi kissed me of her own—"

"I wasn't asking you, so shut up. Can't you see Big Sis is trembling in fear...!"

"...Trembling?"

She'd been shaking deliberately under Yurta's watchful eye, but when her gaze met his piercing blue ones, she froze for real.

"Big Sis, I swear I'll butcher that bastard mercilessly."

Success—she'd provoked Yurta. Now for the other one...

Rihart was trickier.

After all she'd put him through, his guard was up.

He seemed willing to fight, but as if refusing to let her go, he tightened his arms around her even more.

"You think I don't know what you're planning?"

He looked like he'd seen right through her scheme.

Didn't matter.

In this situation, goading just one was enough.

"Yurta, save me!"

She squeezed her eyes shut and cried out. Reality was crashing in hard.

"Big Sis..."

But it seemed to work—Yurta gazed at her with longing eyes.

Rihart, meanwhile, stared at the ridiculous scene in disbelief.

His expression twisted in annoyance.

"You really have a talent for driving people insane."

Thanks for the compliment. It's the only way to up my chances of making you snap right now.

This farce wasn't exactly to her taste either.

"Once I get rid of him, I can have you all to myself. No more obstacles."

Rihart's blue eyes gleamed menacingly.

"What nonsense."

Yurta's lips curled in a sneer.

Yes! Ridiculous or not, just fight already. She had to be shameless about it. It was her only shot at escape.

Then, rustle rustle—the sound of branches and leaves being pushed aside approached again.

"Rose!"

"...Dillon?"

Dillon came rushing up, took one look at the scene, and scowled.

Yurta and Rihart's reactions were much the same.

"Playboy."

He whispered hotly in her ear.

When did I ever cheat!

"Why are there always so many men around you?"

Rihart muttered irritably. He didn't look pleased.

They weren't even together—what business was it of his?

More importantly, why Dillon of all people, and right now...!

She didn't care what happened to Yurta or Rihart, but Dillon was different.

She shot him a desperate look pleading for him to leave, but he looked offended.

Not the time to worry about pride! They're all Transcendents!

But instead of backing off, Dillon drew his sword.

Seeing that, she nearly lost her mind.

"When I come back after killing those two, you'll pay dearly for your infidelity."

"What kind of nonsense is—"

Rihart's grip loosened. Now was her chance.

She shoved him off and bolted without looking back.

Behind her came the chilling ring of swords being drawn, followed by the fierce clash of blades.

Dillon weighed on her mind the whole way, nagging at her guilt. Weird. They'd only met a handful of times.

But soon enough, she shoved it all aside and savored her freedom.

The ground shook and trees seemed to scream as the three dueled far off, their battle threatening to tear the forest apart.

By the time it ended, she'd be safe by Michel's side.

Running down a side path, she burst into a wide-open clearing at last.

There stood the brown-haired woman she'd longed to see.

Behind her loomed a large carriage, prepared just for her.

"Michel!"

"Lina!"

Michel spotted her sprinting down the path and cried out in surprise.

"Lina! Your face looks so gaunt! And barefoot, oh my god!"

"...Miss."

"Why are you so thin? What on earth happened while we were apart?!"

Thin?

Rihart and Yurta had stuffed her full; if anything, she'd gained weight.

Well, if that's how Michel saw it, whatever.

"Get in the carriage quick, Lina. I'll get you out of here, I promise."

She acted like her word was law—all Rozhi had to do was trust her.

When did she grow up so much?

"No more worrying about a thing..."

"Enough."

Someone cut Michel off.

Michel and Rozhi both froze like statues.

"Baroness Seyblin, aiding a criminal."

Even amid the swirling snow, one man stood firm.

Golden blond hair like sunlight, green eyes like a deep forest.

The elegant man smiled aristocratically. His cold gaze swept over them, tightening like a noose around her throat.

Dozens of knights stood behind him.

So he'd been lying in wait here with them?

To catch her?

"How is the Marquis here...?"

Michel stammered in confusion, but Arjen just smiled nonchalantly.

"Are you relying solely on the Seyblin name? You can't seriously think hiding a criminal will go unpunished."

"...Lina's innocent, Marquis."

"If she were, there'd be no warrant."

Arjen approached.

Michel tried to block his path protectively, but Rozhi held her back.

This could get Michel in danger too.

From here on, she had to handle it alone.

"You got fooled, Miss."

But Michel shot her a defiant look.

"Don't worry. I won't die."

She whispered in Michel's ear.

This wasn't just empty reassurance for Michel.

Back in those woods were two rabid dogs and one noble knight guarding Rose.

They wouldn't let Arjen take her without a fight.

Of course, that didn't mean she could afford to slack off relying on them.

"You're too naive sometimes, Miss. You'll get tricked again."

She shoved Michel roughly aside.

And mouthed silently:

If you don't play along here, you'll never see me again.

Michel looked reluctant but bit her lip and stepped back when Rozhi wouldn't budge.

"See? Too naive."

Rozhi turned away from her without a hint of regret and took a step toward Arjen.

Arjen raised an eyebrow at the unexpected move.

"Long time no see, Rozhi."

"I hope you've been well, Marquis."

This wasn't the time for casual greetings, but she forced nonchalance.

"Come here, Rozhi."

Arjen called her like one would a dog.

It felt like slipping back to three years ago, their lord-vassal days.

Arrogant nobility personified.

That's why she hated him.

A cold-blooded man showing not a shred of humanity.

"Hurry."

Arjen commanded.

No choice. She had to go.

She walked toward him.

The open plain was blanketed in untouched white snow.

Each step crunched, leaving footprints behind.

Her feet stung with cold. Her head felt like it might freeze solid.

Arjen narrowed his eyes as she approached slowly.

The distance between them was far, but in time, not so long.

Yet the haughty, leisurely Arjen grew impatient with the gap and strode toward her instead. It wasn't like him.

In that moment, she wanted to turn and run.

Biting the inside of her cheek hard, she suppressed the urge and kept going.

Finally, when the space between their toes was barely a fist's width, Arjen smiled brightly.

His eerie grin made her heart sink.

"Got you at last."