Chapter 435: Giabella City (10)
After walking a few steps, Noirs body dissipated into mist.
Eugene continued to stare as the mist faded away before muttering in a dazed voice, ...What was that? nove(l)bi(n.)com
He couldnt understand the meaning behind Noirs tears at the very end there.
Why had she been crying? Was she sad that their game was over? Since this was Noir, who often did crazy things, it made sense that she would pretend to shed tears for such a reason.
However, Eugene got the feeling that the tears he had seen just now... It hadnt seemed like Noir was acting. Even Noir herself had appeared to be embarrassed by the tears flowing down her cheeks. eastern fantasy
I wish it was twilight right now.
The words Noir had muttered were lingering in Eugenes head.
Eugene wasnt sure what to think of that.
What had she meant by those words? Ignoring the thoughts circling in his head, Eugene turned around.
Eugene had already decided long ago that he would not allow himself to be swayed by things such as Agaroths memories and emotions, nor would he allow himself to be swayed by Noir Giabellas past life. There was no other way to solve the issue that Noir posed.
Eugenes conversation with Noir had proven very valuable. Not only had he discovered Noirs true purpose for constructing this city, but he had also confirmed that Noir was an enemy with whom he would never be able to compromise.
He still had one of his three remaining questions, but there was no need to use it immediately.
I can just use it later, Eugene decided. Though, in fact, I dont really have anything more to ask her....
Perhaps it was because Noir had departed, but people had begun to walk through the previously vacant surroundings again. After pulling up his hood to block any unwanted gazes, Eugene headed back to his accommodations in Giabella Castle.
I get the feeling that Kristina and Anise will be worried..., Eugene thought to himself.
He had told them that he was going out to do some reconnaissance, but... it had gone on for much longer than he had expected. They had initially thought that, even if Eugene was generous with his time, he would be back by around midnight. But the morning sun had already risen. When he thought of how Anise would be waiting to give him a hard time, Eugenes heart dropped, and his shoulders slumped.
...It also reminded him of yesterday. He recalled the feeling of their lips pressed against each other and then
Eugene choked on a breath and covered his lips with his hand. Naturally, the feeling inside his mouth right now was no different from how it usually was. After coughing a few more times, Eugene hastened his steps.
How was he even supposed to look Anise... or Kristina in the face? Eugene kept on worrying about this until he finally arrived at Giabella Castle. freeweb novel. com
By the time he arrived at the penthouse, Eugene realized that the worry he had been so obsessed with until moments ago was a mere triviality.
Giabella City was known as the city without a night. So this top-floor penthouse could easily be lit up with just the night view from outside the window instead of the indoor lights.
Seeing how the sun had already risen, the penthouse should have been bright, but right now, the penthouse was immersed in pitch darkness. The large glass windows had been covered by thick blackout curtains, and all of the lights, including the chandelier on the ceiling, had been turned off.
...Um..., Eugene hesitantly entered the dark living room.
Someone was sitting on the large sofa. It was Kristina Rogeris. She was wearing her black clerical robes, the same shade as the darkness filling the living room, and her eyes were closed.
What... are you doing in here with all the lights turned off? Eugene cautiously asked.
Eugene couldnt be sure whether the Saint who was waiting there with her eyes closed, kneeling on top of the sofa and with her flail set down next to her, was Kristina or Anise.
If he were to judge her identity based on this ominous situation alone, it was probably Anise, but he was still uncertain because, lately, Kristina hadnt been far behind Anise when it came to making Eugene feel threatened.
Click.
Instead of replying to his question, the Saint pressed a button on a remote control. When she did so, the TV in the living room turned on, and a pre-recorded video began to play.
It was from Giabella Citys personal news channel, which Eugene had also watched last night during dinner. However, the video recording of what was broadcast as breaking news covered a different subject from the news he had seen yesterday.
Haaah..., Eugene unconsciously let out a sigh when he saw what was recorded on the video.
The recording was of Noir Giabella choosing a ring in a department store late at night. Noir was seen on screen looking back at Eugene while holding up her rings, and the video showed Eugene saying something in response. Because of the camera angle, Eugenes facial expression was expertly obscured, and all the sound was completely cut out.
Its a misunderstanding, Eugene quickly insisted.
However, the Saints lips remained firmly sealed. Unlike when he had first entered the room, her eyes were now open, but her darkly shadowed eyes felt even gloomier than the living room with all the lights turned off.
The video was fast-forwarded. The screen quickly sped through the scene of Noir picking out a ring in the department store. Then it showed Noir busily walking around the different floors of the department store as she chose some clothes. All the while, Eugene followed along without saying anything.
Its really a misunderstanding, Eugene repeated himself.
The video fast-forwarded once more. This time, the background had changed.
Eugene and Noir were walking down the street at dawn. Once again, the angle was expertly chosen, as several flashy motel signs could be seen behind the two pedestrians.
Sincerely mortified and aggrieved by this sight, Eugene clutched at his chest, It really wasnt like that!
Youre going to die no matter what, the Saint finally spoke up. After hearing you deny everything so firmly, theres no other choice apart from that.
With a creak, her head turned towards him. Her shadowed eyes suddenly glowed from within the darkness.
Due to the eeriness conveyed by those eyes, Eugene unconsciously clenched his fists in tension. Before he even knew it, his palms were already drenched in sweat.
First, you went to choose a ring in a department store late at night, then at dawn... Kristina couldnt bear to finish what she was about to say, and her shoulders were shaking in anger.
Eugene was sure that if he just left her like this, the misunderstanding would definitely continue to snowball. Eugene ran up to her and knelt down across from Kristina.
Eugene desperately tried to convince her, Hey, Kristina, I told you it wasnt like that, didnt I? Its all a misunderstanding, really a misunderstanding. Theres no way that I would get up to something strange with that bitch, Noir!
Are you trying to pass it off as a one-night fling[1]? Kristinas eyes flashed with light one more time.
It looked as if two blue will-o-the-wisps were flickering within the pitch darkness.
Kristina took a deep breath, Sir Eugene. I really want to trust in everything that you say and do, but right now, Sir Eugene, you smell of that sluts perfume and body odor. Also... there is the stench of alcohol.
Is it done? Mer raised her head, the blanket still covering her up to her chin.
Seeing her like this, Eugene instinctively approached the side of their bed and patted Mer on the head.
What were you expecting to be done? Eugene asked gently.
The disciplining, Mer responded.
Eugene frowned in confusion, Disci... what? Disciplining? Of who to whom?
Of you, Sir Eugene, by Lady Anise, Mer clarified.
After hearing Mer say this as if she was stating the obvious, Eugenes hand, which had been stroking her head, naturally flowed downward until he was pinching Mers cheek.
Why would I be disciplined by Anise?! Eugene grumbled.
You were wandering around the streets at night, doing bad things, accused Mer.
What bad things am I supposed to have done? Eugene angrily demanded.
Ill tell on you to Lady Sienna, Mer threatened as she glanced at Eugene with narrowed eyes.
That... that was a threat that even Eugene found difficult to ignore. Eugene slightly relaxed the grip of his pinching fingers and sat down on the bed.
Eugene coughed, Ahem...theres no need to say anything unnecessary to Sienna when shes so busy developing and practicing new types of magic in Aroth, right? It will just be a distraction to her.
Thats a good point, Mer nodded. But even though Lady Sienna is working so hard, is it okay for you, Sir Eugene, to go out and have fun during a secret meeting with the Queen of Sluts so late at night?
You... I told you not to use such vulgar language, didnt I? Also, secret meeting, what secret meeting? Eugene pretended to be oblivious.
Benefactor, isnt it too discriminatory if you only pat Mers head and pinch her cheek? Benefactor, this lady also deserves to be patted on the head, Raimira curled up underneath the blanket, then rolled over and draped herself over Mer. Recently, your behavior has been making me feel depressed, Benefactor. If I had to say why, it is because your treatment of this lady had changed greatly from how it was before.
How have I changed? Eugene raised an eyebrow.
Benefactor, you havent hit me even once on my forehead in the past few months, Raimira said, lifting a finger and pointing at the ruby on her forehead. Well... of course, getting hit on my ruby is very, very painful. However, after watching as the Benefactor pinches Mers cheeks and gives her noogies, I sometimes think to myself that I also want you to flick my fore... haaargh!
Pop!
Raimiras words turned into a scream at the end. Mer, who had been quietly listening to them speak, had delivered a stinging forehead flick onto Raimiras ruby.
You idiot. If you want to get hit so badly, allow me to answer your prayers, Mer sneered.
What I want to receive is an affectionate forehead flick from my savior, not you! Raimira insisted.
Like usual, the two began to roll around together in a tussle.
Watching this scene, Eugene was lost in thought for a few moments. He was recalling Gidol, where he had lived when he was younger. The image of two stray cats fighting, which he had often seen on those countryside streets, flashed through his mind.
Thats... if I hit you when you havent done anything to deserve it, that would make me a real son of a bitch, Eugene said guiltily.
Does that mean you will hit this lady if I do something that does deserve it? Raimira asked hopefully.
Eugene hesitated, Well... if you do something that deserves punishment, then...ye... but I would prefer it if you stayed good rather than do anything naughty.
Raimira mustered up her courage, Even so... even so, I still sometimes wish for you to hit me like you did be... aaargh!
Pop!
Once again, Raimiras words transformed into screams. Mer, who had just been looking for an opportunity, accurately landed a blow on Raimiras ruby once more.
Having been struck like this twice in a row, Raimira let out a screech and leaped at Mer, and the two once again began rolling around like a pair of cats.
Eugene sat on a chair some distance from the chaos and spectated their argument. This feeling was quite relaxing. As he watched them fight over something so meaningless, it felt like all of the worlds problems were becoming insignificant....
Just as Eugene was beginning to get the urge to sip some tea while continuing to watch their fight, the wind around him suddenly stirred.
[Hamel,] Tempests voice was heard inside of his head. [A problem has occurred.]
Eugene frowned, A problem? What kind of problem? Does it have something to do with Lady Melkith?
[Thats right,] Tempest confirmed.
Although he called it a problem, Tempests voice was as calm as usual.
In the end, that could only mean one thing. This problem was only inconveniencing Melkith, and she was just making a fuss. In reality, the problem was neither all that urgent nor serious.
What's going on? Eugene asked Tempest.
For now, he decided that he should listen to what Melkith had to say, so Eugene asked Tempest to connect them. At this request, the wind began to stir, and Melkiths voice was relayed to Eugene.
[Eugene! Eugene! We have a huge problem!] Melkith shouted.
Whats got you in such a panic? Eugene calmly asked.
[Demons!] Mer let out a loud scream. [The one that threatened to kill me! That ugly creature has appeared!]
Melkiths voice was watery as if she was about to burst into tears at any moment.
However, Eugenes face showed only surprise instead of concern.
This was because, no matter how much thought he gave it, there was no way for Harpeuron, who was ranked fifty-seventh, to kill Melkith.
1. The Korean text uses the idiom of playing with fire to describe having a fling. ?
2. The original Korean idiom uses dance on top of her head to describe how Kristina is getting a bit too big for her britches and now feels free to show disrespect to Anise. ?
3. The original Korean idiom says there is no way to pick up spilled water, which is similar but could be confusing. ?
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