I Saved a Demon, and Now He’s After Me - Chapter 52

“I have no particular desire for status.”

At this rate, it was hard to tell who was clergy and who belonged to the secular world. As Johan lowered his eyes, suddenly ashamed of himself, one corner of Bezel’s mouth twisted.

“And money isn’t a concern either, since I live with Eden.”

“Ah…”

That was a reason he had never even considered. To speak so casually of an unmarried man and woman living together.

Johan belonged to the particularly conservative side even among clergy. So much so that even when meeting Eden, he insisted on premarital chastity for a while. In the end, he had succumbed to Eden’s seduction and ended up in bed with her, but in order to adhere to the Holy Knight Order’s strict rules, he always slept at his quarters without fail.

While he fidgeted, unable to find words to respond, Bezel pressed his thumb and index finger together, curling them into a circle. Johan thought he was making a money sign, as Eden often did.

‘Is he dissatisfied with the salary? Well, it is a small amount compared to Hunters.’

Just as he was rationalizing that hand shape to himself, Bezel brought the circle to his mouth and stuck out his tongue slightly.

“I have no intention of living chastely.”

Finishing his words, Bezel rolled his tongue along the round circle of fingers as if depicting some action. He slid his tongue in and out of the hole, swirling it flexibly.

“……”

At that obscene sight, Johan was left speechless, his mouth falling open. He wondered if this man was really the same one who had been smiling innocently saying “Yes” just moments ago when Eden was present.

“By any chance… what is your relationship with Eden?”

“Before asking others, shouldn’t you first say what kind of relationship you had?”

Somehow, this man never answered anything straightforwardly. Grinding his teeth inwardly, Johan had no choice but to open his mouth at the sight of Bezel shrugging his shoulders, as if he intended to remain silent unless Johan spoke first.

“We dated and then broke up. Is that enough?”

“I already figured that out from watching you. What I mean is, if it’s over, why are you still hanging around Eden?”

“Because we didn’t break up because our feelings cooled! If Eden hadn’t been cursed, we’d be married by now!”

Even for Johan, parting with the woman he loved had not been easy. But he had been afraid that Eden’s existence would tarnish the Holy Knight position he had barely obtained. The condemning looks he had received as his father’s son in his youth were more than enough. He had barely escaped those gazes, and he did not want to be framed this time as a witch’s lover.

“So you’re saying you abandoned Eden because of the curse, but now that Eden has another man, you’re coming around feeling regretful. Is that it?”

“How can you put it that way…!”

Johan was about to snap back in anger but clenched his teeth. Honestly speaking, there was nothing wrong with what Bezel said. It was a despicable thought, but Johan had believed that Eden would not be able to be with any other man but him.

In this Holy Empire, there was no man willing to accept a cursed woman. Johan had thought he could always get back together with Eden if his feelings changed.

Perhaps that was why. Eden’s words calling Bezel “my person” and the sight of Bezel kissing her had been extremely shocking. Not to mention his gesture implying a s****l relationship. Even though they had already broken up, it felt as if the future he could have shared with Eden had been stolen.

“…That should be enough of an answer. Now please tell me what on earth your relationship with Eden is that you are living in the same house.”

“Can’t you tell? We’re partners.”

However, contrary to his worries, Bezel’s answer was simple.

He had wondered if they might be lovers, if this man had given up becoming a high priest because of Eden, but that did not seem to be for that reason. However, Bezel’s words did not end there.

“We are having a good time, both day and night.”

This time, as if genuinely enjoying himself, his violet eyes finally curved into crescents.

During the day, they could be working together, but why at night…?

At that moment, over the crooked lift of Bezel’s lips, the explicit image of him making a circle before his mouth and sticking out his tongue overlapped in Johan’s mind.

Oh no. It would be better if they were lovers, but what in the world is this…

It seemed that “partner” did not mean a partner in the business sense. Johan, unable to comprehend this shocking relationship with his mind, lost all will to continue the conversation and froze in a daze.