If You Conquer Me - Chapter 5
For a moment, Hugo’s eyes glimmered with a strange interest—a faint hint of curiosity.
Ophelia desperately tried to control her expression. She could still clearly picture the scene in her mind, where Hugo had slaughtered nobles and knights alike. Even though Ophelia had fought her way through, killing every gladiator slave in her path to reach him, her struggle was different from his massacre.
His cold, red eyes. The way he looked down on his enemies not as equals but like livestock waiting to be slaughtered. A chill ran down her spine.
No.
Still, she didn’t want to show weakness in front of him. Ophelia clenched her teeth and tightly gripped the edge of the blanket. If she didn’t, she feared her condition would be discovered.
It seemed Hugo sensed her inner turmoil, as he chuckled softly and muttered,
“You’ve got some cute sides, I see.”
…What the hell is this bastard even saying?
Ophelia couldn’t hide her disbelief, despite the tension in her body. However, Hugo had already shifted the conversation.
“To answer your question, yes, I saved you.”
“Why?”
“Well, it would be troublesome if you just died on your own before I could collect the debt.”
“…Debt?”
Ophelia furrowed her brow in confusion. Hugo merely nodded lightly, affirming her words.
“That’s right.”
Ophelia seemed curious about the meaning, but Hugo didn’t offer any further explanation. Instead, he leaned forward. His unreadable red eyes scanned her from head to toe, as if observing her like prey.
Within his line of sight, he saw many things: her breath quickening from fear, her pale complexion, her shoulders trembling slightly. Yet, despite it all, she was still holding herself together, refusing to break.
Hugo, staring silently at her, like a beast sizing up its meal, spoke again.
“So, how do you plan to repay this debt?”
At his question, Ophelia glared at him with fiery eyes.
“Repay? What are you talking about?”
“Don’t tell me you’re planning to let this go?”
Hugo clicked his tongue in mock disappointment and shook his head slowly.
“Sorry, princess, but I don’t do business that ends in a loss.”
…That persistent mockery of calling her ‘princess,’ even though he was the one who saved her against her will, and now, the audacity to talk about repaying a debt—Ophelia shuddered in disgust.
Suddenly, Hugo reached out. His long, elegant fingers lightly caressed her cheek before tilting her chin upward.
“How about I make a suggestion?”
In an instant, the distance between them closed, and Ophelia unconsciously took a shallow breath. He was so close now, his crimson eyes gazing at her intently. Those beautiful eyes felt like cursed jewels that had destroyed their owner.
Despite all the horrific legends about them, those eyes still ensnared her. It was as if she couldn’t resist, as though she might fall into them if she didn’t hold on tightly.
“So, what do you think? Becoming my mistress?”
“What?”
Ophelia’s eyes widened in shock, and at the same moment, her face twisted with disgust. She slapped his hand away roughly.
Hugo’s eyes lit up. Despite her disheveled appearance, Ophelia was still the legitimate princess of Ascanior. There was no way she would accept the offer to become the mistress of Hugo, the Grand Duke of Yerhalt, who had destroyed her homeland. But he needed to keep the princess alive.
“You need to explain.”
At that moment, Ophelia, having regained her composure more quickly than expected, spoke in a calm tone. Hugo’s red eyes glistened with interest, and he responded leisurely.
“First off, I’m sure Princess knows well enough that I’m the ‘dog’ of the imperial family.”
“….”
Ophelia’s expression shifted slightly at his self-deprecating words. Hugo, clearly enjoying her discomfort, mocked her further.
“The Yerhalt scions are quite interested in me, you see.”
His attitude showed no trace of respect.
…Can he really speak so openly about the imperial family he serves? And calling them ‘scions’?
Even Ophelia, who harbored nothing but disdain for the Yerhalt family, found it strange. Hugo spoke again, as if to emphasize his point.
“They’ve been a nuisance, either trying to control me or pestering me with their love games… A lot of trouble, really.”
