Mr. Kadan in the Deep Forest - Chapter 40
“My apologies.”
“Well, whatever. Let’s get to the point, I’m bored.”
The king waved his hand casually, and a servant brought a golden tray with strong liquor and medicine. After swallowing the medicine, the king gently swirled the wine in his glass and subtly hinted at the true meaning behind the sealing of the beast gate.
“We’ve sealed the gate in the northern forest, so now we’ll march north.”
“To march north…?”
“Finally, it means we can step onto the land of the Inut tribe.”
The land of the Inut tribe was beyond the northern forest. Beneath this land, there was a type of air used for fires—lighter and more efficient than coal, making it a valuable resource.
The king had coveted this land for a long time. However, the appearance of beasts from the northern forest made military movements difficult, so invading the land was no easy task.
“At last, the moment has come to carve my name into history. I must show those barbaric savages who are still eating raw meat the power of the great Brillan Kingdom. Prepare for war immediately, Commander Gyote!”
“Yes, Your Majesty.”
“Ah, and I almost forgot.”
The king set his wine glass down and slowly descended from his throne. With a swagger in his step, he approached Luna, leaning his weight onto his heels. He lifted her chin with his finger.
Her doe-like eyes, high nose, and cherry-like lips exuded a refined yet melancholic charm.
“You’re beautiful.”
“Your Majesty…”
“Do you know of the beast called the unicorn?”
The unicorn—an animal from legends, said to rest its head on the knees of virgins. It is said that if it meets a woman who is not a virgin, it will kill her by piercing her belly.
“I am that unicorn. I don’t touch what others have already touched… but seeing you scared, I think I can assume you’re a virgin. You’re quite… tempting.”
The king grinned, showing his teeth. His teeth were adorned with golden dental ornaments and sparkled brightly.
Luna, seeing the king’s irrational behavior, averted her gaze. As she did, the line of her neck became more apparent. The king, his eyes half-lidded, lowered his head and buried his nose in the nape of her neck.
He licked the pale skin of her neck, then sank his teeth into her shoulder, which was exposed above her dress.
“Ah!”
Luna let out a small scream and recoiled. The pain was intense, as if he had bitten hard enough to tear flesh, causing her to bleed heavily, as though bitten by a wild animal.
“Heh, heh, ha ha ha!”
Laughing loudly, the king straightened up, still holding her shoulder. The sensation of her tender, chewy flesh lingered on his tongue. Just from biting her shoulder and tasting her blood, he felt an intense thrill, as if he had pierced through her virginity.
The silk trousers did nothing to conceal his aroused member, yet the king showed no shame. Wiping his blood-smeared mouth carelessly, he turned to address the crowd with a roar.
“I intend to bestow a reward upon this woman as well. What do you all think would be appropriate?”
No one dared to answer the king’s insane behavior. They were all speechless. The king looked at them with disdain, then decided for himself.
“Then how about this: the restoration of the title of Count Dheim?”
Restoring the title of a family that had been wiped out was a rare occurrence. The king’s eyes sparkled as he promised Luna an enormous favor. But Luna, who had never been tied to status or rank, showed neither special hope nor disappointment.
“Oh? Is that not to your liking?”
The king’s brows furrowed sharply. The commander, unable to stand the silence, lightly nudged Luna in the side.
“Er…”
Luna’s lips moved slightly. The king regretted not biting her lips, but instead, he thought, No, claiming lips that someone else has used is annoying. It would be more fun to have her be with another man and watch from the sidelines.
The king’s dangerous thoughts began to surface just as Luna spoke.
“Thank you for your great intentions, Your Majesty.”
Luna responded in a barely audible voice as she lowered her head to the floor. She hid her displeasure, knowing that if her expression betrayed her feelings, she would likely die at the hands of the king before she could reunite with Kadan.
The king blinked a few times before grinning. He found it satisfying to see such a stunning beauty prostrating herself at his feet. The capricious king quickly forgot the dangerous thoughts he’d just had.
“When you’re reincarnated, offer your first to me, Lady Dheim… or should I say, now Count Dheim?”
Ha ha ha! The king laughed loudly, surveying the surrounding nobles. Then, he suddenly turned and looked down at Luna. His face was void of any smile.
“And remember, you’re the first to make me endure twice this year. I like the mark of my bite on you.”
＊ ＊ ＊
Luna had regained the Dheim estate, but she could not return there. She had to fulfill the role of a ‘saint’ as commanded by the king.
It wasn’t a difficult task. Occasionally, she would appear during temple services, wave to the crowds, and that would be enough.
Thanks to this, she received many offerings and lived without lacking for anything. Yet, Luna now felt more desolate and hungry than when she lived in Kadan’s cabin.
Today, once again, Luna stood on the second-floor balcony of the temple, dressed in her white robes. Her gaze swept across the people below, as if searching for someone.
The war, which had started a couple of months ago, had left the kingdom’s people feeling anxious. It was Luna’s role to calm them during this time.
