I Got a Job as the Demon King's Plaything - Chapter 65
Rento looked at her with a somewhat pitying expression.
“That, I can’t tell you.”
“What?”
“You once asked me to show some sympathy, as someone with half-human blood.”
Bonita remembered that conversation. It had been when she tried to escape and was caught by Rento. At the time, he had ignored her pleas, dismissing them because Bonita’s role was temporary. But now, she wanted something more—something that would affect the rest of her life.
“I’ll admit it,”
Rento continued.
“Half of me is human, and I do feel pity for you, Bonita. Which is why I can’t tell you.”
If she had never come to the Demon Lord’s castle, she could have lived a normal life, perhaps even a happy one. Rento had decided to give her a chance—not by revealing the way to stay, but by withholding it. A chance to escape from Teshiel.
“Why…?”
Why now, after all this time? When she had desperately needed his help before, he had turned a cold shoulder. But now, when she was determined to stay, he was withholding the information. Bonita clenched the fabric of her skirt tightly in frustration. Then, a thought occurred to her.
‘Wait, why mention a second method at all if he wasn’t going to tell me?’
She looked at Rento, who was deliberately avoiding her gaze. He could have just said there was no other way except pregnancy. But by telling her there was another method, wasn’t he subtly urging her to figure it out on her own?
If Rento thought she wouldn’t be able to find it, he was wrong. Bonita stood, determination blazing in her eyes.
“Thank you. You’ve been a great help.”
Before Teshiel returned to his chambers, Bonita made her way back to her room. She sank into the bath, letting the warm water envelop her as she thought hard about Rento’s words. But as the water cooled and time passed, no clear solution presented itself.
* * *
The next morning, as it was time to report for duty, Bonita changed into the dress the maids had brought her. It was a beautiful silk dress, deep pink with cute cherry patterns embroidered on it. The delicate lace used generously made it look elegant, and it covered her body modestly, with the neckline reaching all the way to her throat. At least, that was true for the front.
The back was a completely different story. It was as if the entire back panel had been cut away, leaving nothing at all. The only things holding the dress in place were ribbons tied across her neck and waist, along with the long sleeves adorned with pearls. Her back, hips, and thighs were all entirely exposed.
Her hair had been styled with flower decorations, carefully arranged so it wouldn’t cover her bare back, with the strands swept forward over one shoulder. It had been a long time since she had worn something so revealing.
Bonita’s eyes welled with tears as she took the tray with the tea set. She could feel the stares of the servants behind her, a mixture of pity and uncomfortable curiosity clinging to her exposed skin. She walked down the hallway with her head bowed in shame, but deep down, there was a small flicker of anticipation—wondering how Teshiel might torment her today.
The door to the study opened.
“I have brought the tea.”
As soon as she stepped inside, her eyes met Rento’s. He was in the middle of a conversation with Teshiel.
‘Oh…’
Her visit to Rento yesterday flashed through her mind, and she quickly lowered her gaze, unable to meet his eyes. Rento, on the other hand, remained as composed as ever, his expression unchanged.
Surely, he hadn’t told Lord Teshiel. He had promised, after all… hadn’t he?
Nervous, Bonita placed the tea set on the desk and poured the tea. Carefully, she tried not to reveal her bare back as she stepped backward toward the corner of the room. However, despite her efforts, Rento didn’t seem to pay her any attention after that initial glance when the door opened. He had been avoiding looking at her altogether, so even if her exposed back was visible, it seemed he hadn’t taken notice.
“Then, I’ll return as quickly as possible,” Rento said, continuing his conversation with Teshiel.
