obsession chapter 18

Could that burning sleeping draught possibly be… her…? Whether or not his subordinates were appalled by their lord’s tendency to treat people like potions, Noxian approached the kneeling man and glanced down. 

“Is this the arsonist?” 

“Yes, we apprehended him lurking near the scene. We found a magic stone engraved with fire magic on his person.” 

Noxian’s expression, no longer amused, settled back into its usual languid indifference. “He attempted suicide as soon as he was caught, so we haven’t secured a confession yet.” 

“Well, I can guess the motive.” It was the same man who had been dragged away earlier, wailing and begging for his dead friend to be revived at the apothecary. 

“I saved his wretched life, and he repays kindness with vengeance.” 

…But was that all? There’s no need to set such a conspicuous fire. And even less reason to attempt suicide upon capture. Noxian pressed his boot down hard on the kneeling man’s knee and offered him a chilling smile. “Think carefully. Option one: tell the truth and be beheaded. Option two: confess after interrogation and be hanged. Option three: remain silent and be burned at the stake.”

 “G…Huuuhk…!” A pained groan escaped through the gag. A choked cough came from below. It was Shariette. He glanced down at the woman in his arms and removed his foot. 

“Shariette, my apothecary seems displeased with the proposed punishment. Do you wish to show mercy?” 

His gentle tone made the knights, who had flinched involuntarily, swallow nervously. In the tense atmosphere, all eyes turned to the pale woman. Shariette replied plaintively, “It’s not that, it’s just… if he’s dead, he can’t pay for the damages.” 

She looked at the arsonist, then at the charred remains of the apothecary, and sighed deeply. 

“That place… it wasn’t mine. I was renting…” The moment she escaped the inferno and saw the wrecked state of the apothecary, only one thought had crossed her mind: How am I going to pay for this? Noxian let out a disbelieving chuckle. He’d expected her to vehemently oppose the execution. She was truly unpredictable. He glanced around and gestured towards someone in the crowd. 

“Discuss compensation for all damages, both material and physical, with my aide. He’ll ensure you’re adequately reimbursed.” 

Relieved by the welcome news, Shariette followed Noxian’s gaze. A man with particularly dark circles under his eyes was swallowing a handful of pills. Antacids. The first thing he does after facing a man who tried to burn him alive is… He’s found someone just like himself. 

This man, saddened by his sanity in an utterly insane household, was Luke Elden, Noxian Rubelot’s personal aide, perpetually sleep-deprived thanks to his proximity to power. He had rushed to the scene, hoping for an end to his never-ending overtime, only to be met with this catastrophe. 

“But why are you paying for the damages?” Shariette asked. As she tried to look back at the arsonist, Noxian smoothly shifted towards the carriage, blocking her view. He’d had it positioned nearby to transport her as soon as dawn broke. 

“You seem to have memorized the contract. Wasn’t there a relevant clause?” Shariette’s response was swift. 

“‘Article 3, Clause 3: Party A is responsible for and will protect the safety and well-being of Party B, and Party B is responsible for and will manage the health of Party A’!” 

As she recited the clause, she was finally transferred from Noxian’s arms to the carriage seat, and her jaw dropped. Not only was it spacious, but the seat was more comfortable than her own bed! Having only ever experienced the cargo hold of a wagon, this was a revelation for Shariette. Wow, I want to steal this. As she bounced experimentally on the plush cushions, Noxian explained, “From the moment you signed the contract, you became mine. Therefore, I’m responsible for any harm that befalls you.” 

“‘Mine’?” 

Sasha, you should be grateful for this much. You owe me your life. Blanche had often used similar words. Matthias would have discarded you in an instant. You should be thankful you’re under my protection, you ungrateful little rat! Hmm. Same words, but they sounded different coming from him. Shariette rubbed her ear. The mere memory made her eardrum throb. 

“Yes. Mine. My possession. My… instrument.” Noxian added with emphasis.