Obsession... What's That? I Just Wish Someone Would Help Me Escape - Chapter 83
Once the Winners’ Match had begun, I waited in the underground cells within the arena, as my match was scheduled for the final slot.
“Lady Prisoner, I’ve come to personally escort you.”
I looked up at the sound of Justina’s voice.
Standing beyond the bars was a delicate figure, her smile clear and bright as she met my gaze.
“Well then, let’s go for our promised conversation, along with your edification and healing. What would you like to drink? I’ll provide it.”
I wanted something substantial—like seolleongtang or galbitang. [1]
Living on oats that tasted like sawdust, stale bread, and sprouting potatoes every day left me feeling like I’d faint from malnutrition.
“Would it be possible to have a meal?”
Justina covered her mouth with her hand, chuckling softly.
“I’ve already eaten, you know? I had plenty of top-grade steak, so I’m quite full.”
Mocking me with food, how wicked…
I followed her out of the cell and into a private room reserved for esteemed guests within the arena.
The guards and other priests had been sent away, leaving us alone.
Justina, walking ahead, turned slowly to look at me.
“Make yourself comfortable, Lady Prisoner.”
“Sure.”
Ah, the sofa was incredibly soft.
I stretched out on it, my legs extended, savoring the comfort.
It had been a long time since I’d experienced such a luxurious rest. Across from me, Justina looked at me with her violet eyes wide open.
“Lady, you look incredibly at home, as if this were your own living room.”
“You did say to make myself comfortable. Now, how about that food?”
On the table, fragrant tea, cookies, and desserts were prepared.
Justina, observing me as I munched on a cookie, finally asked.
“Who told you about my ‘puppy’?”
I read it in a novel, obviously. I smiled, narrowing my eyes.
“Well, who could’ve told me about the cute puppy with ash-brown hair, golden eyes, and a height of 187 centimeters?”
Listing Crown Prince Sirius’s features one by one, I watched as Justina’s face twisted slightly with irritation.
“187? Is he that tall? A pretty pup of your kind, though. A feisty, disobedient mutt.”
Did she just call me a poodle?
With me glaring at her, she continued with an annoyed tone.
“No point pretending, is there? Aren’t you afraid, coming here and flaunting that you know my secrets? No one would believe the words of a sinner like you.”
“Then why make a private meeting and serve me cookies? You could’ve let me say everything earlier and called me a liar.”
I held up an empty plate, signaling for a refill, but she merely chuckled, ignoring my hint.
“I was just curious to see what our little pink puppy has to say. Did you come to threaten me in exchange for your release?”
“Oh, noble Golden Puppy, more cookies, please. Where are these from? They’re delicious.”
“What’s with that ridiculous nickname? Just what do you want…”
“You started it with the strange names. Even beastfolk have dignity.”
She seemed visibly irritated by my evasive responses, her temper rising.
Annoying people was a skill of mine, after all.
“Just say it—what’s your goal? Or better yet, tell me your wish.”
“I don’t have any wish. I only came to let you know I’m aware that you’re a regressor and that you smuggled the Crown Prince out the night before his execution and hid him away.”
Justina’s expression shifted again, her face unreadable.
The worst fear is the one felt toward someone who knows your secrets but hides their motives.
Her voice dropped to a cool, flat tone.
“And what will you do if I kill you?”
“If you kill me, then you’ll never know about the others who know this, nor about the large organization aiming to assassinate you. Are you really going to kill me? I never thought the Saintess could be so terrifying.”
I am, after all, the head of that very ambitious murder project.
I continued with calm confidence, a smirk on my face, adding layer upon layer to her confusion.
“Do I seem like I came to threaten you like some robber?”
Justina gave me a look usually reserved for thugs demanding repayment.
“It certainly seems that way. Do you plan to tell someone about all this?”
“Do you think I’d report to the sect that you’re hiding a condemned Crown Prince? I’d gain nothing. However, if you’re interested in showing me a little appreciation for my discretion…”
I sat up straight, flashing a grin.
“Just treat me kindly from now on and be nice to me.”
Suspicion narrowed Justina’s eyes as she assessed me.
“Are you… mentally unwell? Perhaps… deranged?”
T/N:
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