When That Door Opens - Chapter 43
“I’m satisfied with my life as Astel. I want to keep living this way for a long time. That’s why I’m trying to stop here.”
“Does my presence make you no longer Astel?”
“Do you mean that the Astel of Schultz, for the rest of her life, should sneak into a slave’s room every night, hiding from everyone?”
“Is that really necessary? I’m just a lowly s*x slave.”
He stared at me with piercing eyes.
“You can call for me. If you’re worried about others, put a chain around my neck. Treat me like a filthy beast in front of everyone. Then no one would dare criticize you.”
“Enough.”
“Stop it, Noonim. Enough with the lies! You want to live a lifetime as Astel? Is that the life you truly want? No, it’s not. You’ve lived it long enough! And it was hard, wasn’t it? It was painful, wasn’t it?”
“……”
“I don’t know what’s scaring you. But if it’s really bothering you, then run away. Leave this damned Schultz. Am I wrong?”
Lakian seemed determined not to back down. I eventually sighed and shook my head with a bitter smile.
“Sorry, but what scares me most right now is you.”
“What… did you say?”
“If you stay here, I’ll be in too much pain. Beyond pain, it’ll be excruciating. I can assure you of that.”
I clasped his hands tightly and spoke soothingly.
“I’m serious. If you stay here, I’ll end up dead. Lakian, do you want me to die? Do you want me to take my own life because of you?”
His eyes widened in shock. Seeing his trembling gaze, I smiled faintly.
“I want to live. So please, leave. I don’t want to die because of you.”
He closed his eyes tightly.
He tightly closed his eyes.
“You really are kind.”
I pulled him into an embrace.
“Now go. Our contract is over.”
* * *
That night, he left the temple. As promised, he would leave the capital in two days. To be sure, I waited three full weeks before lifting the gag order.
Only then did people start talking about my marriage to Roman. I listened to their flood of congratulations with indifference.
Would Roman really accept me after I’ve been with another man dozens of times? Would his fastidiousness allow for me?
“Of course not.”
Imagining the wedding night, I smirked.
A bride beaten to death by an enraged groom.
It wasn’t so bad.
* * *
Fate was crueler than expected.
As always.
“Long time no see, Lady Astel.”
Roman was the same as ever. His bloated figure, cunning eyes, and the smile that bared his teeth menacingly. He looked like a snake eyeing its prey. The venomous fangs were about to pierce my neck, yet I couldn’t react.
“It has also been a long time for this boy, hasn’t it?”
Lakian, covered in blood, lay on the floor. He didn’t move, and the sight of him sent chills down my spine.
I knew I had to pretend not to know him, but my legs gave out. I barely managed to grab the armrest and stand upright.
Why?
Why is Lakian, who should have left the capital long ago, here in this state? How did he get caught by Roman?
I couldn’t even begin to think of an answer. Lakian was dying. Roman smirked as he watched me freeze.
“Don’t worry. He’s still alive for now. Bring a doctor! Have him check the prisoner’s condition immediately.”
“Prisoner?”
“Yes. This man snuck into Astel’s bedroom and tried to disgrace her.”
“……!”
A moment later, the doctor Roman had called rushed in. He examined Lakian in front of me and declared that his life was not in immediate danger.
Hearing that he was alive, I finally collapsed into a chair. The relief was brief; the reality was too horrific.
Just then, someone grabbed my wrist. I looked up in shock. The doctor who had just examined Lakian smiled.
“You must be in shock after such an ordeal. Let me examine you as well, Lady Astel.”
The doctor’s smile, which should have been reassuring, was utterly terrifying. Still, I couldn’t pull my arm away. Forcing strength into my arm, I turned to Roman and shouted.
“Roman! What is the meaning of this? How could he disgrace me? I have never seen this man before. It’s not enough to falsely accuse me, now you’re framing an innocent man as a rapist? Have you lost your mind?”
“Innocent? You’ve never seen him before?”
Roman, who had been laughing, abruptly stopped. My body trembled as I met his snake-like gaze.
“Close the door.”
At Roman’s command, the knights closed the door. Now only Roman, the doctor, Roman’s knights, and I were left in the room. Roman strode over to me, his eyes gleaming with malice.
“Are you sure you’ve never seen him? Isn’t he the slave you personally took in, Lady Astel?”
“How could I remember the face of a mere slave! Stop this nonsense and correct this mistake immediately!”
