Chapter 216: Rinella’s Destiny is Her Own (9)
Chapter 216: Rinella’s Destiny is Her Own (9)
Why hadn't Ian come to see her?
To be honest, the incident that happened a few days ago was rather embarrassing. Sure, the Saintess did tempt him, but this mainly happened because Ian unexpectedly acted on it.
Recalling that thrilling sensation, the Saintess still felt flustered.
Along with a subtle sense of humiliation and guilt, a tingling sensation crawled up her spine.
It was the first time in her life that she felt her thighs involuntarily tighten, her breath grow rough, and she was looking at a man with a pitiful gaze.
On the contrary, being violated by Ian was even more thrilling.
Of course, whenever such thoughts arose, the Saintess had to shake her head to cast such thoughts away.
The Saintess was supposed to possess a pure mind and soul. To taint her heart with lustful desires was forbidden.Above all, there was an inexplicable sense of embarrassment every time she saw Ian after that day.
In many ways, it was an unfamiliar experience for a Saintess who, by nature, was not a shy person.
Even in the midst of such perplexity, the Saintess had a slightly displeasing aspect.
It was because Ian, who freely touched the breasts of an innocent maiden, continued to create an awkward atmosphere with the Saintess afterwards.
Frustrated, the Saintess sometimes subtly pressed her body against his.
Nevertheless, Ian would cough and avoid the Saintess's gaze. That caused the Saintess to inwardly sneer at him.
Alright, let's see how far you'll go.
He was a man who couldn't resist desire and dared to touch the Saintess's body. He would do it again soon, and when he did, she would try her best to dodge it.
A few days after the Saintess made that decision...
She hadn't heard a single word from Ian. She found herself tapping on a table in the treatment room. The accelerating rhythm reflected her restless emotions.
Why did he not contact her?
She initially thought it was just his stubbornness, but now she started to feel uneasy. She heard that Ian was leaving for his hometown in two days; shouldn't he come to see her before that?
Growing desperate, the Saintess eventually decided to seek advice from others.
Of course, the fact that it was her own story was concealed. After all, counseling sessions typically began with something like, 'It was a story I heard from someone.’
The only difference was that, with her status as a Saintess, nobody would think it could be her own story.
One of the female students who listened to the Saintess's detailed story burst into laughter.
"Oh, doesn't that mean she just got 'hit and run,' does she?"
"H-hit and... what?"
Hearing a term she had never heard before, the Saintess could only ask in a dumbfounded voice.
Her innocent reaction brought more joy to the female student.
"Ahaha, you're so innocent... It's likely that the man only had his eyes on her body from the start. But, after thinking he had gone as far as he could and finding a relationship bothersome, he withdrew from it."
Still, the female student kindly explained what the term 'got hit and run' meant to the Saintess.
The Saintess quickly denied it. The look on her face could best be described as desperate.
"Th-that can't be right.... Even though he may be a bit annoying, he's actually a good person. Responsible, strong, kind..."
"Then, why hasn't this good man contacted that girl yet?"
With a cackle, the female student asserted.
"...Of course, it was all an act. That girl was pitifully played with."
Unable to come up with a rebuttal, the Saintess's face turned pale.
She still had to continue the conversation despite being shocked into frozen like a statue. Even after sending off the female student in that manner, the Saintess remained frozen for a long time.
Left alone, the Saintess, blankly sitting, let out a faint voice.
"Did I… just get hit and run."
There was a hint of tears in her light pink eyes.
At the age of 22, the Saintess finally learned the bitterness of love.
Of course, Ian did not intend to do such a thing. It was simply because he was bidding farewell to someone else.
****
Senior Delphine was, as usual, staying in the Aedalus Pavilion.
The employee of the Aedalus Pavilion gave me a wary look when I came to visit.
It was the same person who ushered me to Senior Delphine during my last visit.
"Why are you acting like that?"
"...It's nothing."
When I asked, tilting my head, the employee replied with a voice that indicated her attempt to suppress dissatisfaction.
It was truly an inexplicable situation.
There was nothing special about what I did during my last visit. At most, I forcefully opened the door with my hatchet and entered Senior Delphine's room.
As a result, Senior Delphine's depression improved, so wasn't it a good thing?
Upon seeing my shameless behavior, the employee had no choice but to take the lead. It was because, somehow, people had come to know about the special relationship between Senior Delphine and me.
When I was admitted to the intensive care unit after the demonic beast’s attack incident, Senior Delphine came to the temple every day to inquire about my condition.
People who had witnessed that scene couldn't help but suspect the relationship between Senior Delphine and me.
Unlike my last visit, Senior Delphine gladly opened the door for me.
Senior Delphine's room was still dimly lit today. The sunset glow and candlelight created a subtle illumination, highlighting the golden hair strands and crimson eyes on her pale skin.
Her womanly curves, revealed by the thin gown, were very attractive.
Seated with a glass in hand, Senior Delphine flashed her smiling eyes.
"Finally, you come, Master."
"... You’re already drinking?"
It was still early evening, yet Senior Delphine's glass already contained a sparkling crimson wine.
With a faint smile, Senior Delphine sipped the wine..
"There's not much time left for me to stay here, right? I'll return to the Yurdina territory soon, and after next semester, I have to leave the academy."
At her words, I sighed and held back my words.
That was right. She was a senior in her fourth year, marking her final year at the academy.
Having just finished the first semester, she practically only had about six months left to live her academy life.
The heir of the Yurdina family had no reason to complete the graduate school program.
This place was where she spent the most radiant period of her life.
It was hard to imagine how she would feel to leave this place soon. Perhaps I will only understand that feeling next year.
In the end, I took a seat across from Senior Delphine and raised my glass.
It was a request for a drink.
Senior Delphine chuckled.
“This is a very expensive wine, you know?”
"Didn't you say you'd get me a prize a few days ago? I'm here to exercise that right."
Thus, Senior Delphine poured wine into my cup without a word.
That gift was none other than Delphine Yurdina, herself.
As our glasses clinked, a clear sound resonated, marking the beginning of our drinking session.
"It was an impressive performance, Master. Upon reflection, I have made the right choice to align with you."
"It was just a stroke of luck."
“Even so, you seemed quite confident, didn't you?”
Swallowing a sip of wine, Senior Delphine spoke.
A drop of alcohol trickled down from her lips to the throat, throat to the collarbone, and below.
She wore a thin gown that exposed her cleavage. I had to clear my throat and turn away.
It was a sight too provocative for a man in his prime.
Senior Delphine's eyes crinkled as if she found my reaction cute.
"Thanks to you, my standing has improved. I intentionally postponed the plan to provoke the Percus territory, and we almost caused trouble for the Imperial Family’s benefactor, didn't we?"
"That's just in hindsight. After I beat the Imperial Princess into a pulp at the street side, my reputation took another hit."
"The important thing is not how virtuous we appear to others."
Senior Delphine confidently declared after setting down her glass.
“It's all about how fearsome we are, because winners should always instill fear in losers.”
"...Can’t we also earn respect instead?"
"If you're always the winner, you don’t need respect. On the contrary, the duty of the loser is obedience... Isn't that also why I am serving you, right?"
Meanwhile, Senior Delphine leaned her upper body against the table.
It was a subtly revealing posture, exposing her cleavage. My eyes turned sideways again, but Senior Delphine had now risen and approached me.
She whispered.
"...We won't be able to see each other for two months now. Will you not miss me?"
"I will miss you."
I sighed, feeling the weight of Senior Delphine sitting on the armrest of my chair. Her supple curves pressed against my arm.
"I mean, Senior, it's not your body but your skill that matters."
"...Fufu, I wonder what ruckus you're planning to stir up again?"
In response to my unwavering answer, Senior Delphine chuckled. Even in concise words, she was an exceptional woman who could discern sincerity.
That's why Senior Delphine was a colleague I could trust even more to have my back.
"It’s not something I caused, but I think the movement of the Dark Order seems suspicious… So, what do you think? It might involve the Yurdina family as well."
Senior Delphine tapped her lips with her index finger, lost in contemplation. Her attitude resembled that of a politician weighing gains and losses.
She soon flashed a provocative smile.
"Could it be that you're asking for my help?"
As the alcohol took effect, the air around us seemed to lighten.
The sweet scent of a woman, the fragrant aroma of wine, and the subtle lighting created a strange atmosphere.
Senior Delphine whispered into my ear as she leaned on me.
"...Are you still unable to understand our relationship?"
A faint sigh escaped my lips.
I knew it would be like this, but every time it happened, it couldn't help but be an awkward jest.
Nevertheless, I decided to play along for now.
Since we wouldn't see each other for two months anyway, I thought, why not indulge her for one night as she wished?
A chill voice surged from my lips.
"Delphine Yurdina."
At that single word, Senior Delphine, who had been wearing a playful expression, flinched and trembled.
Her breath became uneven. Slowly rising her body, she leaned in, bowed her head repeatedly, and crawled closer to my toes.
Then, Senior Delphine softly pressed her lips to the tip of my shoe, and her body trembled with excitement.
"...You command as you wish."
Senior Delphine responded with a gasp.
"I will do as you say, Master...."
Raising her head, she spoke with her crimson eyes flickering.
"So, please punish this rotten slave..."
Clinging to my trouser’s legs, she was now on her knees, with only her upper body raised, pleading.
"...So that I won't be forgotten for two months."
Senior Delphine tightly embraced my leg. The distinct sensation of her soft, womanly body touched mine. Senior Delphine's desires were clear.
That night, it seemed like I had to spend a little longer in Senior Delphine's room.
****
Time had passed when I left Senior Delphine's room.
Dealing with Senior Delphine, who leaned against the window frame and provocatively extended her buttocks, was both a challenge and oddly enjoyable.
In the end, I had to draw a dagger across Senior Delphine's collarbone.
According to Senior Delphine, she would think of the throbbing pain in that place whenever she missed me.
She was indeed a senior with a unique taste.
But the price paid for keeping with Senior Delphine was clear.
"Upon your departure, I'll prepare a special gift for you."
Senior Delphine clearly stated that.
A special gift, what could it be? While it was still hard to guess, it shouldn’t be something ordinary, considering Senior Delphine's open declaration.
I guess I could look forward to it.
So, with a slight buzz from the alcohol, I walked with a pleasant feeling.
Then, it was at that moment when I noticed someone was standing in front of the dormitory.
In the dark night, their figure wasn't clearly visible. A shadow rushed at me before I could use mana to enhance my vision.
Hands suddenly gripped my collar.
However, it had surprisingly weak force, so I didn't feel the urge to resist. It was a feeble strength that I could easily repel if I wished.
Those blue eyes stared at me, filled with tears.
It was Lupine Rinella.
His hair was unusually disheveled. It was an unexpected appearance for someone who always maintained an elegant cover.
A smoky smell passed by my nose.
Did he get too close to the flames somewhere?
Before I could voice out such a question, Lupine shouted at me fiercely.
"Hey, you jerk! Bring my sister back right now?! Be-because of you, she got engaged against her will!"
The only response I could give to his shout was a puzzled look.
'Engaged’? Was he talking about Senior Elsie?
I wanted to think it was a joke, but looking at Lupin huffing, trying to suppress his anger, it didn't feel like a lie.
It seemed like we needed to engage in some conversation /genesisforsaken