In the Nest of the Fallen Serpent - Chapter 16
Chapter 16
What was he getting at? This roundabout, meaningless conversation wasn’t his usual style. Benedict’s patience was wearing thin.
“Is it perhaps because of the slave you have there?”
At Conrad’s next words, Benedict revised his earlier thought. It wouldn’t be her innocent eyes he’d gouge out, but those of the man who dared to look upon what he had claimed as his own.
“It’s the first time I’ve seen the Duke with a slave, especially a female. Your fiancée at the estate will be very saddened to hear this, I imagine?” The insinuation, bringing up someone who couldn’t even be called a fiancée, was transparent. It wasn’t worth a response.
“It’s none of Your Majesty’s concern.” Benedict drew a sharp line, but the foolish provocation continued.
“Don’t be so prickly. Curiosity is a virtue in a monarch, wouldn’t you agree?”
“….”
“She seems quite to my liking, from what I can see. What do you say, Duke? Shall we trade? Her for three of my slaves? I’ll even let you choose.”
“With only one body, I hardly need three. No thank you.” He pointedly alluded to the Emperor’s promiscuous lifestyle as he refused. Conrad’s mouth snapped shut. His jaw twitched for a few seconds, tight with frustration.
“…If that is the Duke’s wish, then I can’t force you.” The Emperor finally retreated, empty-handed. Just as the situation seemed to be concluding, Conrad stopped as he passed Benedict. Lowering his voice, he whispered venomously, “Your slave girl must have some special ability, doesn’t she?”
His eyes were frantic, searching for something within her. Of course, all Conrad could see was her shimmering silver hair. Benedict’s gaze turned icy at the sight of the Emperor scrutinizing his slave. Conrad continued, a smug look on his face, “A man like you wouldn’t keep someone without any value around, would you?”
“….”
Ordinarily, Benedict wouldn’t care what kind of mischief Conrad caused. Even if the Emperor wished to rip out his heart and drink it while it still beat, he wouldn’t bat an eye. It was a desire that could only be fulfilled in the Emperor’s fantasies, after all. But today, he felt strangely irritated. His nerves felt stretched taut, even without a headache.
“How amusing.” All expression vanished from Benedict’s face. A chilling gaze settled on the Emperor. Conrad’s sneering faltered. A shiver ran down his spine.
“And what if I do?” At the question, Conrad found himself speechless, as if his mouth had been sewn shut. His feet felt rooted to the spot. He couldn’t move, couldn’t even speak. The chilling sensation of losing all control over his body washed over him.
“Since you seem to have nothing more to say, I’ll take my leave.” Benedict turned, watching the Emperor’s face gradually turn ashen. Of course, he didn’t forget to offer a parting piece of advice.
“Perhaps it’s time you learned to discern whom you can challenge.” Conrad’s face flushed crimson with shame and rage. But this, too, was of no concern to Benedict. He stared at the trembling Emperor and warned in a low voice, “It would be wise not to covet what belongs to another. If you wish to keep the position you currently hold.”
***
‘I’m sorry.’ Her chest ached, her throat constricted. She could barely manage to part her lips in a silent apology. Whoosh! A massive arrow flew towards her. She tried desperately to dodge, but her foot slipped.
‘…!’
She plummeted into the dizzying depths below. ‘I’m sorry. I’ve…again…’
“Gasp…!” Hilde’s eyes snapped open, drawing a sharp breath. She felt the rhythmic swaying and rumbling of a carriage. Sunlight streamed through the window, indicating she hadn’t merely dozed off. She must have been asleep for hours. The drowsiness vanished instantly. ‘To fall asleep so soundly in this situation…’
She tried to focus, but her exhausted body refused to cooperate. The nightmare had left her back damp with cold sweat. Hilde deliberately avoided lifting her head, staring down at her curled fingertips. It was because of the man sitting across from her.
