Chapter 64
Chapter 64
“It’s all thanks to Master allowing me to use my divine power.” Her grateful gaze met his. It wasn’t difficult to recognize her sincerity. A strange tingling sensation began to tickle a corner of his heart. It wasn’t unpleasant, but its unfamiliarity made him want to reject it. Benedict unconsciously reached out to touch Hilde’s cheek.
“Master?” He was pleased she didn’t flinch. As long as she didn’t run, didn’t turn away, didn’t hide… he found himself willing to permit her more than he’d initially thought. Because her lips were soft. Because her tongue was yielding. Because her mouth was sweet. Because she moaned prettily when he kissed her, and her body trembled when he sucked on her tongue. He could come up with any number of reasons.
“Ask me for something else,” he whispered, gently stroking her cheek. “I’ll grant you one request.” Benedict didn’t understand the naive, kind heart of his slave, but he could now at least guess what she might be thinking.
After a long hesitation, Hilde cautiously spoke. “Well, then…” Her large eyes darted around, and a slight smile played on Benedict’s lips.
“I, I heard there are more people injured by the beast. Could I perhaps help them?”
Just as he’d predicted. He felt a strange sense of satisfaction at having correctly anticipated her thoughts, yet he deliberately asked in a chiding tone, “You were exhausted and barely standing after using your divine power on just one or two people. And you want to heal more of the injured?”
“That’s…” Flustered, her voice trailed off, but she quickly continued, “It is difficult if their wounds are too deep, but I can use it again after a short rest. Like… like you saw.”
“Ah, like when you healed that servant’s arm twice?” Benedict pointedly mentioned the incident with the servant, and Hilde fidgeted. Unable to find a response, she lowered her head.
“I’m sorry…”
He’d been the one to push her, yet seeing her dejected somehow bothered him. Another, different calculation subtly entered his mind. ‘Would she smile?’ This was a woman who’d rejoiced over saving a mere rabbit. Just now, she’d smiled like a flower after saving a child.
A frightened face was no fun; he’d seen enough of those from the people who constantly looked at him that way. While her crying face had been somewhat entertaining, he was already growing tired of it.
His interest was shifting in a different direction. If he granted her wish, she would surely be pleased, just like before. Benedict weighed his options: allow her to use her precious divine power, or forgo the pleasure of seeing her smiling face.
“I’ll do better from now on,” Hilde’s timid pledge made Benedict narrow his eyes. Such words again. Until recently, he’d always questioned and scrutinized his slave’s intentions. But she had always been completely oblivious. Even now, she wore that innocent expression.
“Better how?”
“Just… everything…”
Benedict scoffed. It was both amusing and pathetic that she would utter such flimsy words while expecting him to grant her requests every time. Regardless, he had already made his decision, favoring his own amusement. Feigning false generosity, he said, “If you oversleep, I’ll leave you behind.”
Realizing his permission, Hilde’s face instantly brightened. Benedict didn’t miss the dramatic change, taking it all in.
“I can wake up early. I’ll work hard so you won’t be disappointed.” Watching her clasp her hands together and make her vow was comical. She didn’t even know the reason why she’d been oversleeping every morning recently. Yet, strangely, he didn’t find it unpleasant. His inner thoughts slipped out. “You’re much better when you’re awake.”
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