Chapter 26 – Part 2

Raniero Actilus...

A human who killed his brother and his father and proved his credentials to become the great son of the predecessor.

In fact, proficiency in destruction and warfare does not directly translate to the ability to prosper a nation. What makes this country so prosperous is the reward given to the country where the God of war was satisfied with Raniero's actions, and he ruled as the Emperor.

As I was bending over, something cold and moist suddenly touched my ear. When I touched it, without realizing, it seemed to be a flower stalk.

"Ah..."

I blinked stupidly.

Raniero's eyes gradually narrowed.

"You're fine."

Was there a reason to say it like it was amazing...? After all, he was the one who declared in front of the nobles that I was not hurt, not even a single strand of hair.

"I'm not talking about the body."

Ack. I got caught thinking again.

Handling the flower stalk that was stuck in my ear, he carefully fixed it to my ear.

"You don't look as indifferent as I thought. You killed a person. Weak people are afraid of killing people..."

Ah... Well, yes.

Events such as 'hunting' in Actilus, which were inherently belligerent and did not respect the lives of the weak, were not a big deal. However, actively taking the life of the same species, both in the sense of modern people and in the sense of 'Angelica Unro,' was a terrifying thing.

I am now a murderer

Originally, I only wanted to protect myself, though because of the medicine he gave me, I became active in hunting. All of that was crafted by Raniero Actilus in front of me. Regardless, I did kill people.

Still... Even if I was not a murderer, what would be different...?

I killed them with a word.

The moment I offered them to Raniero for the hunt, they were already dead. There would be no prey that could survive in the hunting grounds if the Emperor entered as the hunter. Because of that, I have no intention of feeling self-loathing again for taking someone's life directly.

Feeling guilty would not change anything. Even if I went back, I would have suggested hunting to protect myself again. Since I wanted to live.

Besides, to be honest, this was even harsher for Sylvia.

Apart from the fact that her family insulted and mistreated her, Sylvia was in a position to kill her mother and brother. Besides... I heard that she loved such a mother, too. So, even if Sylvia took the substance honorably, I am not in a position to whine about becoming a murderer.

"I just won the battle of who dies..."

I whispered quietly. Raniero's hand did not fall from my ear as he rubbed along the part where the auricle rotated with his thumb.

"Yes?"

I nodded.

"I would've felt guilty if I had to kill someone who was kind to me, like my ally, but that's not the case. I...I just survived by winning."

On the day when the sun was highest, even the evening air was lukewarm.

Raniero gazed at me without saying a word for a moment. He was not wearing a speechless face. Red eyes grazed my face sharply as if they were trying to pierce my heart. Somehow, it felt kind of hot.

I turned my head away.

"It feels like my sight was awful because of the medicine..."

When I squinted while adding words for no reason, the gaze of the man who tilted his head was still persistent. Though I have nothing to hide, my heart is beating like when I lied for nothing.

I was glad it was sunset since my face was turning red.

Raniero's fingertips went down to my earlobe before moving under my chin. He gently pressed where the blood vessels ran with his index and middle fingers, and then swept it down the neckline.

Was it so much fun when I was nervous and trembling for him? It felt like he was putting his hand somewhere on my body — without any intention, without meaning — Saliva passed down my tense neck.

Unable to stand the strangely creepy atmosphere, I uttered hastily.

"And, thank you."

"What?"

When we came out of the hunting ground after the hunt was over, I was frantic and forgot about it. However, there was something I really wanted to say.

"You appeared there then... If Your Majesty hadn't killed Henry Jacques, I would have died."

Even though he was the one who would kill me in winter...

Right now, he was my savior.

I smiled a little awkwardly, trying not to avoid the blood-red eyes that were staring at me face on.