From the Tip of the Tongue of the Lowliest Maid - Chapter 24

This work contains scenes of sadistic coercion and hardcore depictions of BDSM. Reader discretion is advised.

Arzeletta looked at Exion. For the first time, something resembling warmth appeared on the face that had always been like a doll’s.

Seeing that face, alive with a readable emotion for once, Exion again felt a surge of spite.

“Do you know what he does every day, what kind of acts he commits in order to atone for humanity in their place?”

“……”

“Do you know what that great god is demanding of the angel he sent in his stead?”

Grabbing Arzeletta’s wrist, Exion began to drag her somewhere.

Whinny.

The horse tied up at the stable kicked its forelegs in delight at the sight of Exion. Its crimson mane, like that of its master, gave it a fierce look.

As Arzeletta was thrown onto the massive horse’s back like luggage and shook her head in disorientation, Exion leapt up behind her like the wind.

“I’ll show you. What your beloved, great Del Rose really is.”

Exion’s boot kicked the horse’s flank.

With a savage cry, the giant warhorse began to gallop through the pitch-black gorge.

Prrrk. The once-fierce warhorse lowered its steps as it reached its destination.

Exion jumped down from the horse with a swift motion. They were beneath the massive shadow of the lord’s castle. Exion lifted Arzeletta, who had been loaded like baggage, down to the ground with one arm.

Her legs, shaken numb from being jostled on horseback, gave out. She slumped to the ground and looked up at the endlessly tall, pointed spire.

“This is…”

“The deepest part of the lord’s castle. And the most important place in this land.”

Exion, as if familiar with it, looked up and stroked the horse’s belly. Though it wasn’t tied, the well-trained horse didn’t wander off.

“…And also the most secret place.”

Ssskk. Arzeletta’s eyes widened in surprise at the hand extended toward her.

“Get up.”

After a moment of silence, Arzeletta reached out and took Exion’s hand. His strong hand tightened slightly around hers.

As she was pulled to her feet by Exion, Arzeletta looked down at her hand. It was the first time someone had helped her up.

“Look here.”

At that moment, Arzeletta’s dirt-covered skirt caught Exion’s eye.

Tap, tap.

“…….”

Without thinking, Exion bent down and dusted off Arzeletta’s skirt, then furrowed his brow.

It was a tattered, rag-like garment. Not even worth the effort of cleaning.

“…Follow me.”

“Wh-where to…?”

“You said you wanted to know what kind of person Theogrim, the one you like, really is, didn’t you?”

At the unexpected words, Arzeletta swallowed dryly.

She knew almost nothing about Theogrim. Though he had saved her life, changed her fate, and caused her to live here, he had given her neither promises nor explanations.

It was said that a fairy could not break their prayer vow unless they died.

In a world where fairies had gone extinct, Arzeletta was alone. She had grown up without hearing the meaning of that prayer from her own kind and had always wondered.

Theogrim, who had taken her prayer, had never asked anything of her.

What kind of person was Theogrim?

What kind of life was he living inside that massive castle? How many prayers was he offering to save others?

The boy who had killed her in the flames and then brought her back to life, who had taken her one and only prayer…

“…….”

When Arzeletta answered with silence, Exion’s mood soured once again.

“Damn it.”

“……?”

Startled, Arzeletta turned her head toward Exion. He was angry out of nowhere.

Facing her green eyes, which were filled with fear at the thought that she’d done something wrong again, Exion finally ran a hand through his red hair.

“…Forget it. Just follow me.”

With a sigh, Exion took the lead. His movements as he pushed through the thick shadows were practiced.

Soon, a door appeared among the overgrown weeds.

Arzeletta’s eyes widened in shock. Despite all the chores she had done and the countless corners of the castle she had wandered through, she had never known about this entrance.

“This way.”

Opening the door in the ground, Exion extended his hand. Arzeletta took his hand once more.

Step by step, she followed Exion down the narrow stairs leading into the pitch-black underground.