beast chapter 13

“But, my lady, aren’t your legs aching?”

Ariette reflexively glanced down at her legs. Only then did the throbbing, buried deep within her subconscious, rise to the surface. Preoccupied with the chains, she’d completely forgotten her physical discomfort.

“I hadn’t noticed, but they are a little sore….”

As Ariette murmured and rubbed her legs, Beelzebub gestured towards a nearby tree stump. “If I could move, I would lay my cloak upon that stump for you. Unfortunately, the tree loves me too much at the moment and refuses to let go.”

A faint smile touched her lips at his teasing words, and her gaze fell upon the stump. The rounded surface was just the right size for one person to sit on. As she moved towards it, she paused. Come to think of it, how much time was left? Her eyes drifted upwards to where the numbers floated in the air.

“We still have plenty of time, so shall we chat a while?”

Fortunately, or perhaps unfortunately, there were 23 hours, 32 minutes, and 13 seconds remaining until the decision. Though she hadn’t found a way to remove the chains, she also lacked the courage to accept the mission immediately. Ariette lowered herself onto the stump. As soon as she sat, tension melted away, and a sigh escaped her, almost a groan. At the same time, Beelzebub’s feet caught her eye.

“Are, are your legs alright? You seem to have been standing there, bound to that tree, for quite some time….”

“Behold my sturdy thighs. There’s no room for pain.”

Her gaze was involuntarily drawn to his lower body. The clearly defined muscles of his thighs were almost awe-inspiring. Ariette stared, mouth agape, only belatedly realizing what she was looking at, and quickly raised her head. Beelzebub’s eyes were half-lidded, a curious smile playing on his lips.

“Kind-hearted lady, shall we take turns asking each other questions?”

She was inwardly grateful that he hadn’t pointed out where her attention had strayed just moments before. Ariette quickly nodded.

“Yes…!”

“You’ve already asked your question, so now it’s my turn.”

“Wh-what are you curious about?”

“How did such a kind-hearted lady find herself in this dangerous labyrinth?”

Ariette was momentarily speechless. If she said she came here to die, he would undoubtedly ask why. Then she would have to spill the story of her pathetic life, and she didn’t want to do that. Especially not to this seemingly perfect man, who appeared to have never experienced a hardship in his life other than being trapped in this labyrinth. She might be a parentless pauper, but she wasn’t without pride.

She pouted slightly and lowered her head, murmuring, “I just…wanted an adventure.”

“Ah. A dangerous adventure?”

Instead of answering, Ariette attempted a stern expression. Such a look on her lovely face did nothing to add gravitas. It only made her appear even more endearing.

“No more questions! It’s my turn now.”

“Yes, my sweet lady. Ask me anything. I’ll answer truthfully.”

The word “truthfully” resonated, making her feel a pang of guilt. Had he noticed that her previous answer was a lie? She glanced at his expression, but his relaxed smile revealed nothing.

Giving up on deciphering his thoughts, Ariette cautiously voiced the question that had been on her mind. “You’re…the Serpent King, aren’t you?”

“Yes, I am.”

“I knew it….”

Her gaze dropped to the ground before returning to Beelzebub. A puzzled look clouded her water-blue eyes. “But why did you enter the labyrinth?”

“I no longer wished to dream.”

“Dream…? What kind of dreams?” Ariette tilted her head. A man who looked like he could crush iron with his bare hands, having nightmares?