Chapter 61
Chapter 61
“I can’t hear you.” He cut her off before she could finish.
“Come closer.”
Swallowing hard, she cautiously took a step forward.
Meanwhile, Benedict placed his quill back in its stand. He closed the inkwell and gathered the papers, placing them in a drawer.
By the time Hilde reached him, the desk was clear, save for a single dish of honeyed apples.
It was her favorite treat in the ducal residence, yet a strange unease settled over Hilde. She couldn’t shake the feeling that, somehow, he wouldn’t enjoy this dessert.
“Closer.”
The man, his long legs crossed, steepled his fingers on his thigh.
“C-Closer?”
One more step and she would be touching the desk. Flustered, Hilde looked at Benedict.
“Walk around.”
“Ah…”
After a brief hesitation, she rounded the large desk. As she approached, Benedict, leaning back slightly in his chair, watched her.
“So, what did you want to say?”
Even though she was the one standing, it felt as if he were looking down at her. Hilde tightened her grip on her skirt and hesitantly began to speak.
“I heard someone was injured in the last beast attack. I was wondering if there was anything I could do to help…”
“You mean the maid’s child.”
Hilde’s eyes widened.
“How did you…?”
A faint smile played on the man’s lips as he watched her surprise. He rose to his feet, his towering shadow falling over her.
Benedict placed one hand on the desk and leaned towards Hilde.
“Do you think there’s anything that happens in this mansion that I don’t know about?”
His voice, a low, intimate murmur, made her involuntarily shrink back like a mimosa. But the thought of the dying child bolstered her courage.
“Y-Yes. I heard an innocent child is dying. And… if you would permit me, I would like to heal them with my divine power.”
“Heal them… you say…” The man tilted his head, as if assessing her. “And what have you brought as payment?”
“What?”
Benedict curled one corner of his lip and placed his hand, almost possessively, over Hilde’s throat.
“You don’t have any necklaces left, do you?”
The coolness of his palm against her skin made her flinch.
“I’m not offering a trade… I’m asking you a favor…”
“A favor?” A sneer twisted his features. “Why should I grant you a favor? Without any compensation?”
“But… but that child is one of your people… a villager in your territory…”
“And you are my possession.” Benedict cut her off. “It is entirely my decision who lives or dies by the use of what belongs to me.”
The hope she had clung to shattered. Hilde fidgeted, desperate, then spoke in a last-ditch effort.
“If there is any price you desire…”
Benedict gazed at her intently. “Are you that desperate to save the child?”
His voice was strangely ominous. But Hilde, oblivious, nodded eagerly.
“Yes… Yes!”
He shifted slightly and gestured towards the desk beside them.
“Would you like one?”
He indicated the dish of honeyed apples.
In that moment, Hilde’s heart lurched. An inexplicable tension coiled within her.
Why…?
Her questioning gaze flicked towards him, but before she could dwell on it, Benedict picked up an apple with a fork and offered it to her. The fleeting moment of unease dissipated.
“…Thank you.”
Hilde reached out to take it. But instead of handing her the fork, he brought the apple to her lips.
“Open.”
“I can eat it my… Mmph…”
The apple slipped into her mouth. The sweetness of the honey filled her senses. Flustered, Hilde stared at him, having inadvertently accepted the apple from his hand.
“Chew slowly.” Benedict said, his gaze fixed on her lips.
She dutifully chewed and swallowed, unable to shake the lingering unease.
“How was it?” he asked, just like that night a few days ago.
Involuntarily pressing her thighs together, Hilde replied, “S-Sweet.”
“Is that so?” Benedict’s beautiful golden eyes curved into crescents. “You’re much better at finding the right answer this time.”
His smile was dazzling, almost hypnotic. But Hilde couldn’t return it. She felt like prey, frozen before a massive serpent, holding its breath.
He ran his tongue along his lower lip. “May I have a taste as well?”
Of course… The treat had been prepared for him, after all. She was in no position to refuse.
“You must answer.” He pressed, his tone almost demanding.
Hilde nodded.
Unaware that she had just walked into a trap.
Benedict smiled, his teeth flashing.
“Then, gladly.”
I’ll take a bite.
That was the last thing she heard.
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