game chapter 7

“….” Just be patient. He’s not wrong, is he? “At least it’s not… that kind of technique.”

“I would never teach you such a vulgar skill. The Boss would never allow it. He explicitly forbade it, even when using these silver needles.”

So, he does know about me. A strange feeling settled over me. Should I be pleased that my existence has been acknowledged?

“So, what am I supposed to do?”

“Once you’re comfortable using the needles, we’ll work as a team. It’s often difficult for me to operate alone. As you know, even I can’t always breach the enemy’s tight security.” Scior continued, “Besides, killing people is both mentally and physically exhausting. At least you’ll be less… conspicuous than I am.”

“And your role?”

“To ensure your safe extraction.” He shrugged nonchalantly, as if the answer were obvious. He was a shield of sorts, his primary directive to protect my life in enemy territory. Noticing my stiff expression, he added with a frown, “So, don’t get caught. Consider yourself responsible for my capture as well if you do.”

“Ah… right.”

“In any case, to use these needles, you need to get close to the target. Given your… biological advantages, utilizing that aspect would be the easiest approach. I’ve given you a rough demonstration, so now it’s your turn.”

“Seduce me,” he commanded silently, tossing me a silver needle. His dark blue eyes gleamed like a hawk eyeing its prey. He was clearly enjoying this.

A cold sweat broke out on my forehead. Seduce the very person I’ve been trying to avoid? Scior was naturally aloof, with a prickly personality, and he didn’t seem particularly fond of me, so I’d kept my distance. I’d also heard whispers about his dual personality—the shifts were so drastic that even his subordinates were wary around him, often avoiding him altogether. The description of his eyes changing from a clear, shallow stream to the depths of the ocean suddenly seemed quite apt.

“We’ll continue until you succeed. It’s a teacher’s duty to cultivate a capable student.” His demeanor made it clear he was deriving some sort of amusement from this situation. I reluctantly shuffled closer.

“Why? Can’t bring yourself to do it because of Raphelt?”

“I have nothing to do with that man.”

“Then hurry up.” He abruptly grabbed my wrist and pulled me closer, his sharp gaze piercing me. The room, lit by a few lamps, was filled with shadows. Standing at the boundary of light and darkness, Scior seemed colder than ever. It was as if I were seeing a side of him he’d never revealed before.

Was this how prey felt before a predator? All traces of his usual composure gone, Scior tightened his grip, urging me on. “Try something. Like you did with Raphelt. It’s simple.”

His gaze was intense, but devoid of any personal desire. It was more like… pure, unfulfilled curiosity. As if he were determined to understand Raphelt’s infatuation with me.

“A student seducing her teacher? Such impropriety is unacceptable within Absinthe.” I gently twisted my wrist free, observing his reaction. As expected, a long silence followed. Finally, he spoke.

“Is that so?” His tone was strained.

“You’re the one who brought up romantic relationships.”

“I have no desire for a romantic relationship with you.”

“What we were about to do is essentially the same thing.”

Seemingly losing interest, Scior released me with a bored expression. “If you’re unwilling, then there’s nothing I can do.” Instead, he grabbed my hair. Like a cat toying with a ball of yarn, he twirled a long strand of my pink hair around his finger, mulling over my words. The kind of creature that would rub against its owner’s legs one moment and then turn away dismissively the next.

“We’ll let it slide since it’s your first lesson. Try harder next time.” His cold fingers brushed my cheek and trailed behind my ear, sending shivers down my spine. This was pure torture.

“Take the needles with you. I have a mission tomorrow, so there won’t be any training. We’ll resume when I return. At least familiarize yourself with how to hold them until then.”

“Yes.” My curt reply made his eyebrow twitch, but I pretended not to notice.

“…Then, goodnight.”