FLBE Chapter 4 Part 1

Liena, standing in front of the enormous door, wore a solemn face. Now that she could hear the mellifluous music, she finally felt the reality that she was at a banquet. She had an inexplicable feeling that a mysterious world awaited her behind the door.

 

 

 

However, being in a sour mood, Liena coldly readjusted her dress. Despite her glaring dissatisfaction, Rhetrik found yet another excuse to nitpick at her.

 

 

 

“Did you fuss over your dress even before seeing me?”

 

 

 

“…….”

 

 

 

“Well, I prefer you undressed anyway. There’s no need to worry about it. Of course, it’s even better when you’re w*t.”

 

 

 

The ridiculous ramblings had to stop. Inwardly showering the man who exhibited such an obsc*ne display of lust with every swear word she could think of, Liena swallowed her words, which were discordant with her visible silence, and turned her gaze to the door. Ignorance was the best medicine for lunatics.

 

 

 

Soon, the chamberlain declared the Emperor’s entry. His low voice, tenaciously burrowing into her ears, overrode the loud announcement.

 

 

 

“Wait like this today. I’ll be the one to undress you.”

 

 

 

“!”

 

 

 

Before she could react, the doors opened, and she squinted at the inundating flood of light. Her distorted expression reflected her utterly twisted state of mind. She felt a sense of disconnect amid the reverent gaze of the people who seemed to look at her, as an object undeserving of any human esteem. The sight of them marveling at the Saintess made her feel pitiful.

 

 

 

The hall full of people bowed their heads in unison to welcome her and Rhetrik. Naturally led by him to the place where the throne was, she swallowed hard against the throng of people gazing at her with sparkling eyes.

 

 

 

Unlike yesterday, with no veil to shield her from their curiosity-filled stares, she could feel their numerous glances on her skin, making her sweat. Her mood was sinking, and she felt nauseous.

 

 

 

Confronting their hopeful gaze, she somehow felt as if she was obliged to bestow a blessing. She started to worry that they’ll judge her for being a half-breed Saintess who can’t even gather pheromones, let alone give blessings. It seemed as if their twinkling gazes would soon be filled with despise, calling her an object of the Emperor’s lust.

 

 

 

With increasing dizziness, she felt a wave of nausea surge up, her legs became wobbly, and she felt as if she was about to fall to the ground any moment. That’s when Rhetrik pulled her hand and propped her next to him as if supporting her.

 

 

 

Then, the man, sitting more arrogantly and leisurely than anyone rudely addressed the noble crowd with annoyance.

 

 

 

“You’re scaring the Saintess with all your gawking.”

 

 

 

His single sentence made countless gazes disappear instantaneously. Only then did Liena feel freed from the dense blanket of scrutiny, and the breath that had been caught in her throat rushed out.

 

 

 

“As I said yesterday, this Saintess is solely for me. So, don’t harbor any pointless expectations for blessings.”

 

 

 

A small murmur spread through the silent hall. The flitting glances seemed to doubt her ability. At that moment, a burst of white light flickered in the distance. Turning her gaze, Liena saw Roan looking at her with a gentle smile.

 

 

 

It seemed like a reassuring gesture as if telling her not to worry. Only then did she feel somewhat relieved. She momentarily forgot: She had Roan. A reliable ally.

 

 

 

Right, I can learn. If god made me a Saintess, surely they’ve granted me some abilities, right?

 

 

 

Suddenly, an unknown source of courage welled up within her. Straightening her shrinking shoulders, Liena boldly looked back at the nobles. There was no need to be downtrodden without even trying yet. Besides, they didn’t own the right to ask or deny blessings, that was dictated by her own will.

 

 

 

I’ll learn to gather pheromones and even how to do healing. So that nobody can make a mockery of me. I’ll head back to the temple with confidence, so Rhetrik can’t look down on me!

 

 

 

Recalling the face the previous female lead used to make, Liena lifted a corner of her mouth and looked at them with dignity. The previous female lead looked both holy and strong. Liena wished to be strong like her. Even though she eventually met a pitiful end beneath Rhetrik.

 

 

 

However, I am going to change that. I won’t die pitifully like that. Just because I am an Omega, I don’t have to be pushed around every time. There must be a way. There has to be.

 

 

 

If this is where my predefined destiny ends, the rest is up to me to decide.

 

 

 

“Let the banquet begin!”

 

 

 

At Rhetrik’s authoritative voice, the paused music resumed, booming loudly. One by one, the aristocrats stepped onto the floor and started dancing.

 

 

 

The moment all the attention that was directed at her drifted away, Liena, who had finally managed to breathe, calmed her shivering body. It seemed she was not cut out for the spotlight. The courage she had barely mustered collapsed in an instant.

 

 

 

“I’ll…I’ll be back in a bit…I’m shaking…”

 

 

 

“….You’re such a fool. Come back soon. We need to dance.”

 

 

 

“Okay.”

 

 

 

For some reason, the usually obstinate Rhetrik let go of Liena who quickly descended the staircase seeking an empty balcony. She wished to feel the chilly wind, but seeing the already full balcony, she let out a sigh.

 

 

 

She tried to head back to the resting room, lowering her head after the uncomfortable stares from people that she had noticed on her way to the balcony. She was grateful that no one was trying to talk to her due to the intimidating threats of Retrik.

 

 

 

Just then, someone abruptly grabbed her wrist.

 

 

 

“Ahh…?!”

 

 

 

Suddenly pulled into the balcony, Liena was startled and looked at the man who had grabbed her wrist. The moment she recognized the broad smile on his face, her mouth dropped open.

 

 

 

“Hello?”

 

 

 

Why is this man here?!

 

 

 

His long, azure hair swept in the night wind, and his twinkling violet eyes were slightly closed. The tall man, forcing her to look up, gently tidied Liena’s disheveled hair, smiling affectionately.

 

 

 

“It’s been a while. How have you been? You look even more beautiful tonight.”

 

 

 

She didn’t expect to see him here.