beast chapter 8

“I think I’m just afraid of everything…”

“Don’t overthink it.”

“I think it would be scarier to not overthink this…?”

“Well, if you’re afraid of being bitten, there’s another way.” For a fleeting moment, his red eyes gleamed darkly. Ariette tried to say she didn’t want to hear it, but his low, intimate voice reached her first.

“I’ll rub my p*nis against your vulv* while we kiss.”

“…”

“I have two tongues and two c*cks, so you’ll feel good quickly.” Uncharacteristically, he lowered his gaze shyly, before meeting Ariette’s eyes again with a playful smile. “I usually only keep one out because it’s uncomfortable to have both out, but I can take out both for you. Since I was born with two, I intend to diligently serve you with them.”

Ariette’s lips moved soundlessly. A blush crept up her neck and face. The explicit words, unlike any she’d ever heard, made her ears burn.

“Ah, I’m sorry. I was told to say genitals, wasn’t I? I’ll be sure to use that word next time.”

“….” 

She was completely speechless.

“Hmm, kissing, rubbing genitals, and biting your neck would send you to paradise, but since you seem afraid of being bitten, it can’t be helped. We’ll postpone that and take it slowly, step by step.”

Ariette shuddered. It was as if a bucket of cold water had been dumped over her, jolting her awake. She’d actually been considering freeing a man who spoke such insane things so casually. Was she out of her mind? She must have been captivated by his beautiful appearance and melodious voice.

Taking a deep breath, she clenched her fists, her nails digging into her palms. The pain strengthened her resolve. Slowly exhaling, she looked directly at Beelzebub. The confusion and bewilderment were gone, replaced by firm determination.

“Um, I don’t think I can do this.”

“Hmm?”

“…I’m really sorry. Goodbye.”

She bowed politely to Beelzebub, holding the position for a few seconds before turning around. At that moment:

[Mission! Melt the chains with your arousal ♡
Success Reward: Liberated Beelzebub
Failure Penalty: Beelzebub’s Death]

Fluffy, cloud-like letters appeared before her eyes.

[Will you accept the mission?
Refusal will be considered failure, resulting in Beelzebub’s immediate death.
[Yes] / [No]
Time remaining: 23:59:59]

“….”

“….”

A long silence followed. Only when the timer reached 23:57:01 could Ariette finally speak.

“Do you see that?”

“Yes, I see it.”

“…It must be a lie, right?”

“My gut says otherwise.”

“….”

Silence fell again. Unlike the first time, the letters didn’t disappear. Ariette was forced to watch the dwindling timer.

23:55:58

23:55:57

23:55:56

…

Beelzebub’s voice broke through her stupor as she stared at the countdown.

“My lady, save me.” His voice held no tremor, no exaggerated plea. It was as matter-of-fact as if he were discussing the weather. “I don’t want to die.”

The simple statement, for some reason, struck Ariette deeply. Her eyes flickered. Beelzebub watched her, his expression blank. There was no desperation in his gaze, but the playfulness and ease he’d shown earlier were also absent.

His serious gaze shook her resolve. Ariette bit her lip.

…Of course, he doesn’t want to die. Even she, who had thought death was the only escape, had regretted entering the maze less than two hours ago.

Ariette lifted her head. Time continued to tick away, even as she hesitated. The only consolation was that she still had nearly a full day to decide.

Then let’s do what I can in the time I have left.

Ariette gripped the key tightly. If it could unlock the chains on her legs, perhaps it could unlock the ones on her arms as well. With the resolute expression of a knight heading into battle, she took a step forward. As she approached, a flicker of intrigue sparked in Beelzebub’s eyes.