Chapter 5 – Why Don’t You Hug Me (1)

“…….”

“…….”

There was silence.

Alicia’s jaw felt strained as she tried to swallow her breath.

Cabellenus silently examined Alicia’s expressions and behaviour.

At some point, Alicia’s eyes were no longer shaking.

The woman, who nodded weakly and wrapped her shoulders with her trembling hands, had a prepared look on her face.

She looked prepared for something.

“Alicia Neinstein.”

Cabellenus’ voice rang low when he realised that Alicia’s actions were not intended to protect herself.

Alicia’s eyes shook when she met the man’s gaze, but her hands did not stop.

*Tuk.*

A colourful gold pin rolled onto the floor.

At the same time, Cabellenus’ smooth forehead was wrinkled.

The Neinsteins did not sew their clothes.

Instead, a dress pin on the shoulders or a strap on the waist was used to fasten the fabrics together.

Thanks to this, it was very easy for a woman wearing only one thin layer to reveal her skin.

Cabellenus reflexively clenched his teeth at the sight of the skin that was slightly visible through the half-flowing cloth.

“What are you doing?”

“You are going to get drunk.”

There was a faint smile on Alicia’s lips.

“Drunk?”

Cabellenus’ eyes were visibly distorted.

He wanted to shout, “Get dressed right away,” but he was dumbfounded by the existence of his weakness that showed no boundaries.

There has never been a shortage of women.

Many women wanted to seduce him. A woman even jumped into his bed naked, but he never faltered.

It was because there was always a greater disgust of having to touch other people than physical desires.

However, strangely enough, he could not take his eyes off the shabby woman.

“You may not be able to get what you want because you do not know your company, but I have no intention of rebelling. You can do as you please.”

“The Princess of Neinstein must not be terrified by the aggressor who defiled her land.”

“I just know how to give up.”

Alicia lowered her gaze.

She pretended to be calm, but it was shameful that she was kneeling in front of a man.

The mere imagination of what would happen in the future shook her whole body regardless of her will.

“You’re a good speaker despite being scared.”

“It is because this is all I can do.”

“Then why don’t you make a wish to me again with that stupid tongue? Wish for your safety instead of the clumsy sympathy you uttered in the trial.”

Cabellenus sarcastically looked down at Alicia with an arrogant gaze.

Alicia’s face, contrasted with her spilled red hair, looked pale and white.

“All I want to do is hope that no one innocent dies.”

“Are you serious?”

“It is better to spare the life of someone who wants to live, rather than someone who does not.”

A faint breath escaped from Alicia’s lips.

Cabellenus tried to turn his attention away from her, concentrating his strength onto the brooch at his feet.

At last, Cabellenus realised why Alicia had such eyes.

She had no will to live.

“If you really want to die, you can just kill yourself.”

There was no significant change in Alicia’s expression, even though he had deliberately clicked his tongue and spoken in mockery.

Cabellenus’ smooth forehead wrinkled a little more.

It was not like she was making a terrified face, but the fact that she had scars all over her body bothered him.

“…… That’s not funny.”

Cabellenus glared at Alicia with a face so fierce it was icier than a midwinter storm.

He then swung around and left the room.

Only the brooch, which was crushed beyond its original appearance, remained where Cabellenus had stood.