FLBE Chapter 4 Part 10

I saw it. I read the entire story written by the author. How can he deny it so blatantly?

 

 

 

It was the tale of the previous saintess who devoted herself to Rhetrik until her last breath. The novel ended tragically with her death. And now, in Liena’s reality within this same story, the previous saintess ultimately faced her demise.

 

 

 

But the way he feigned ignorance with that expression was shameless.

 

 

 

“T-That’s not important. Are you going to kill me too?”

 

 

 

“You said you wanted to die?”

 

 

 

“…”

 

 

 

Might as well be talking to a brick wall. How can a conversation be this futile?

 

 

 

Liena frowned deeply.

 

 

 

“You’re an interesting woman. Despite your audacity, I don’t feel like killing you.”

 

 

 

“I beg your pardon?”

 

 

 

“I said I don’t plan to kill you.”

 

 

 

“…Ah, really? You won’t…?”

 

 

 

At her question, Rhetrik furrowed his brow. He wondered why she kept testing him with such an expression after he had made concessions to not kill her.

 

 

 

“Haven’t I said from the beginning? I won’t kill you. I’ve only ever intended to keep you alive. Didn’t I?”

 

 

 

Liena thought back to their initial encounters. Indeed, Rhetrik had always spoken of keeping her alive, even calling the Priests for fear she might die.

 

 

 

“W-What do you want to do with me then?”

 

 

 

“What do you mean? Haven’t I said I’ll keep you by my side? Are you slow? Why do you keep making me repeat the same words?”

 

 

 

“…”

 

 

 

“Phew… You’re entertaining when you’re spirited but also exhausting.”

 

 

 

Rhetrik sighed heavily, pressing his eyelids as if fatigued. For the first time, he seemed more human to Liena.

 

 

 

“If you’re tired, go rest…”

 

 

 

“Are all your questions answered?”

 

 

 

“There are more, but… I can wait.”

 

 

 

“Hmph, such a Strange woman.”

 

 

 

“…”

 

 

 

“Alright, let’s end the conversation here. I couldn’t sleep at all last night, thanks to someone. I need to sleep to live.”

 

 

 

Liena noticed the dark circles under Rhetrik’s eyes, more pronounced today. It seemed he hadn’t slept due to the incident with the other man. Did he really die? She wanted to ask but couldn’t bring herself to do so, fearing it might upset Rhetrik further.

 

 

 

When he rang a bell, Emma hurried in. After instructing her to clear the table, Rhetrik headed towards the balcony instead of his room. Thinking, ‘Wasn’t he going back to his room, why is he going there?, she glanced at Emma looking for answers, but Emma just shook her head.

 

 

 

Having engaged in a futile battle of wits with Rhetrik and missed her meal, Liena felt utterly drained. She thought to herself that once he left, she should retire early for the night.

 

 

 

Surely, he wouldn’t approach her again tonight,

 

 

 

Especially since he had expressed his fatigue. Wishing he would leave soon, Liena gazed at his broad back.

 

 

 

The setting sun had given way to bright lights illuminating the garden, casting a glow on Rhetrik. He seemed at ease in both darkness and light, likely due to his bright golden hair, fitting for the main character of a novel.

 

 

 

Rhetrik’s appearance was undoubtedly handsome, befitting a novel’s protagonist. If only his personality had been gentler, Liena might have even rejoiced at being destined to be by his side for life. Or maybe have cheered that the fate of being a Saintess has befallen upon her.

 

 

 

But his brutal and cruel nature overshadowed his physical appeal.

 

 

 

Lost in his thoughts, Rhetrik stood gazing at the garden for a long time. Even after the table was cleared and the bed was prepared, he remained motionless. The surroundings were silent as if even the insects refrained from disturbing the Emperor’s contemplation.

 

 

 

Liena, still sitting at the table, watched his back and began to nod off. Indeed, a mental standoff was a taxing affair.

 

 

 

After a long period of contemplation, Rhetrik finally turned from the railing and settled back into the chair he had previously occupied. He gazed at Liena, who had dozed off in her chair, her head nodding forward with sleep.

 

 

 

Liena was a woman he would have never encountered if she had not manifested as an Omega. Yet, this seemingly insignificant woman was shaking his world.

 

 

 

Rhetrik was used to cutting down anything that displeased him. Even the most fastidious nobles dared not contradict him, valuing their lives too much.

 

 

 

But Liena was different. She pleaded for her life while daring him to end it. Trembling with fear, yet claiming not to fear death. Showing a strong will to live, yet recklessly confronting death for her beliefs.

 

 

 

The more he observed her, the more fascinating he found her. Annoying yet captivating, she continually drew his attention.

 

 

 

“Even now, she’s exuding pheromones. What should I do with this woman?”

 

 

 

Rhetrik approached the table where Liena’s head was about to hit. For some reason, he didn’t want to see her hurt, even in her sleep.

 

 

 

Effortlessly picking her up, he gently laid her on the bed. She was so tired that she only stirred briefly before falling into a deep sleep.

 

 

 

Rhetrik, contemplating ringing for assistance but not wanting to wake her, changed into his nightclothes alone. He tied his robe and cautiously lay beside her.

 

 

 

Despite his exhaustion, he spent a long time watching her sleep. The necessity of sending her to the temple temporarily irritated him, and the increasing number of men coveting what was his also infuriated him.

 

 

 

“Everything… is a mess.”

 

 

 

Even in her sleep, Liena’s pheromones faintly permeated the air, stirring him. Finding his own reaction somewhat absurd, a hollow laugh escaped Rhetrik’s lips.

 

 

 

Rhetrik had never slept beside the previous Saintess like this. After their intimate encounters, she would quietly disappear. He had never even considered wanting to sleep next to her.

 

 

 

Above all, she never exuded pheromones so carelessly, tormenting him like this. She knew how to restrain her pheromones except when necessary, always ready to offer herself whenever he sought her, obedient and loyal in every way.

 

 

 

That was what the Saintess meant to Rhetrik.

 

 

 

“And now, here I am, holding back just to not wake you up. Isn’t that amusing?”

 

 

 

He couldn’t understand why he was so swayed by Liena. Was it because of her pheromones…? Because she was a rare Omega?

 

 

 

“No, it’s just a temporary indulgence. Once my interest fades, you’ll live like her. You’re just an Omega for me.”