In the Nest of the Fallen Serpent - Chapter 73

Schedule: Thurs and Sun

When did he arrive? She had been waiting for him. She hadn’t seen him enter… Then, a strangely familiar floating sensation registered. “…Ah!” Realizing she was in his arms, Hilde startled and struggled.

“Stay still.” His command, coupled with the firm grip on her arms, ended her futile resistance. She took a shaky breath and offered an excuse. “I… I really intended to wait…”

“And yet you fell asleep. By the sofa.”

“I’m sorry…” Hilde’s voice trailed off, filled with guilt.

“I never told you to wait. You’re always being needlessly stubborn.”

“That’s…” Because I want to do something for you. Hilde knew that everything she enjoyed was granted by Benedict: the comfortable bed, the quality meals, even the medicine for her wounds. It was far too much for an insignificant captive, a slave who constantly defied him. It was excessive even for a regular servant. She felt unworthy. And lately, her master had been… perhaps it was her imagination, but he seemed a little kinder…

Hilde couldn’t bring herself to voice her true feelings. She opened and closed her mouth several times before swallowing the words. He would only mock her if she spoke her mind. She was also afraid that if he suddenly reverted to his frightening demeanor, this fragile peace would shatter.

Unable to speak, she lowered her head and bit her lip. Suddenly, she felt herself placed on the edge of the bed in the adjacent room. His hand reached out, gently parting her lips.

“Ah…” A sigh escaped her parted lips.

“Since you’re awake, shall I consider it as you having waited?” Tears pricked her eyes. His words felt strangely tender, as if he understood her heart completely. Hilde blinked rapidly, hiding the welling tears, and quickly nodded.

“Don’t bite yourself.” Benedict said, slowly stroking her lower lip with his thumb. “If you bleed, I’ll want to suck it.”

Her eyes widened. He leaned closer, his face near hers. “Or do you want to try sucking it?”

Hilde’s gaze fell on his perfectly shaped, red lips.

“Last time, you fumbled and attached yourself to the wrong place. I’m offering you another chance.” He was referring to the time she had pressed her lips against his jaw.

She remembered that moment. Her desperation, her urgency, but also the undeniable sincerity of her feelings. And now… As if entranced, Hilde wrapped her arms around Benedict’s neck. She leaned forward and pressed her lips against his.

A soft peck. Their lips touched and parted.

“Like a bird pecking with its beak.”

He let out a genuine laugh—not a sneer, not a mocking chuckle laced with contempt, but a truly amused laugh. Hilde was captivated by this unfamiliar expression on his face. She had always seen him as frightening and intimidating, but now he looked like any other handsome young man his age.

“You’re capable of rather endearing actions.” Still smiling, Benedict said, “Keep doing this.”

Her body was lowered onto the bed. He tucked the thin blanket around her. Hilde stared at him, wide-eyed. Is this it…?

Reading her expression, he chuckled again. “Disappointed?”

“N-no…”

“Sleep now. Don’t create a situation you can’t handle.”

Hilde watched as Benedict’s gaze briefly lingered on her shoulder before he turned and left the room. She couldn’t tear her eyes away from his retreating figure. Even after the last candle was extinguished and the door closed, she remained there for a long time. In the darkness, she blinked slowly.

‘This feeling… it’s strange.’ It felt as if round raindrops were gently tapping on her chest, then slowly seeping in. Hilde placed a hand over her heart. It was beating a little faster.

***

Alois, the butler, sought out his master. “Your Majesty, an invitation to the Founding Festival has arrived from the Imperial Palace.”

Benedict, arms crossed, nodded. Moritz, his advisor, accepted the invitation. While he used a paper knife to open it, the old butler continued. “And a letter from Daniela Nocturne…”

“Discard it.”

“Yes, Your Majesty.” Alois quietly folded the letter in half, marking it for incineration.

Moritz then summarized the contents of the invitation. “The Founding Festival is scheduled for a month from now. A banquet and ball will be held in the Great Hall…”