The Beast of the Albard Mansion - Chapter 23

I had always thought that someday Desi would leave this dungeon and live freely like ordinary people. He could hide his ears, and as long as he learned the manners of human society, I believed he could easily blend in.

But all my imaginings vanished like bubbles. It seemed like Father and the hunter would kill Desi immediately. I paced in front of the drawing-room where Father was, then went to find Ellie and asked her what Father would do.

“What else? They’ll kill that dangerous beast right away! Ugh, I still get chills thinking about it.”

“But…”

“Miss, you should go to your room. It looks like something big will happen tonight, so don’t come out no matter what noise you hear. Stay in your room and don’t peek outside.”

Ellie pushed me into my room and sternly warned me, pressing a finger to her lips, signaling me to stay silent no matter what. I nodded tearfully.

Once Ellie left, the room fell into a dark silence. I had to make a choice. Would I let Desi die at the hands of Father and the hunter tonight, or would I save him from death? There was no way to know what the right decision was. Everyone said that killing Desi was the only way to ensure the village’s safety.

If I closed my eyes and endured this long night, I could be free of this heavy burden. If I buried my conscience and sympathy for just one night, by dawn, everything would be over. If I did nothing and stayed still, peace would come as everyone wanted.

I hesitated at the crossroads before me. The easy path was right in front of me. All I had to do was stay put. I stood at the door, continuously torn.

Desi’s smiling face floated in my mind like a dandelion seed. His gentle face, kneeling and looking up at me, tugged at my heart. Sweet Desi, who nuzzled my hand and whimpered. Desi, who ate the food I brought him. Poor Desi, who suffered from Father’s beatings.

Memories of Desi filled my mind, tormenting me from all sides.

Even if I closed my eyes and covered my ears, I couldn’t block the flood of memories in my mind. I knew I would never forget Desi. I might regret this night for the rest of my life. I would never forgive myself for letting Desi die like this. I had to at least say goodbye.

Creak—

The sound of the door opening echoed loudly. Yellow lights illuminated the corridor intermittently. It was supposed to be quiet at this late hour, but the mansion was filled with the sound of hushed conversations as if something grand was about to happen.

Servants and maids huddled in the garden and hall instead of returning to the annex. The few knights in the mansion prepared their swords, and the guards held sharp-tipped spears. Some carried blazing torches, while others wielded axes the size of human heads.

Everyone’s eyes were red with excitement. The nightmare that had plagued me was now unfolding before my eyes.

I moved cautiously, lowering my body. Despite everyone being outside, no one was guarding the entrance to the dungeon. It was likely because they were scared. As the hunter said, if Desi was that dangerous, the person guarding the dungeon would be the first to die. Everyone gathered in groups, but no one stood in front of the dungeon.

The household staff armed themselves with deadly weapons, waiting for Father and the hunter to come out. I had no time to waste. Father would make his decision as soon as he exited the drawing room.

I went down to the dungeon. Whether I would save or let Desi die, I needed to talk to him first. It was the bravest moment of my life. Despite knowing the mansion was in chaos, Desi sat calmly.

“Desi.”

“You’re here, Seli.”

Desi just sat there helplessly, not even smiling at me. He greeted me with a nonchalant face, like someone saying their last goodbye.

“Why are you still here? Run away. Everyone’s trying to kill you.”

“I’m not leaving. This is my place.”

“…What do you mean? Are you trying to die?”

“If I leave, I won’t be able to see you.”

Desi leaned against the wall, stretching his body out. He acted like someone exhausted from long-standing violence and pain. My heart burned black with worry. He might die. I didn’t know what decision Father would make.

“Run away. Go far. Don’t come back to the mansion.”

“I can’t run far.”

“Why?!”

“Because I realized I can’t be away from you.”

“What do you mean?”

Desi was untamed but worn out from long loneliness and harassment. Even though his body had grown and his strength had increased, he still saw himself as the weak and young being dragged around by the slaver. It was a learned helplessness from countless disappointments and failures.

Like fleas kept in a lidded cup that can never jump higher than the cup even when the lid is removed, Desi was in despair.

“That day was the same. I should have just left far away.”

Desi recalled the day he gained his freedom.