beast chapter 15

I think I understand the hidden meaning in those words. You’re asking why I would believe the ramblings of a madman, plagued by delirium and trapped in this labyrinth for years.

“…You confessed to having committed a sin. If it were me, I would have hidden it. But you didn’t.”

“But I didn’t say what that sin was.”

“And that’s why I believe you. At least, I believe you didn’t lie. If it were me, if I truly wanted to escape from here… I would have hidden the fact that I’d sinned.”

“….”

“But you confessed. Isn’t that because you trusted me? You believed that even after hearing your story, I would still free you.”

Sky-blue eyes, filled with sincerity, gazed directly at him.

“I want to answer that trust.”

Beelzebub didn’t answer. He simply stared into her eyes. His expression, devoid of its usual playfulness, was serious as he slowly tilted his head.

“Even though freeing me might put you in danger?”

…That could be true. He was male, and a therianthrope. She was female, and human. He had been trapped in the labyrinth for over ten years, and she had been here for less than two days. He had suffered from madness, and perhaps he still wasn’t entirely sane. If he were freed, just as he said, she could be in danger. If he tried to force her to do something, she would be powerless to resist.

Nevertheless.

“…No matter what you say, I want to free you. And whatever the consequences… I will bear them.”

She wanted to free him.

She didn’t know what sin he had committed. Perhaps it was a terrible sin, too horrific to speak of. But whatever the sin, she believed he had paid the price.

It’s… far too cruel.

The nightmares that plagued him were likely born of guilt. Unable to bear the weight of his sin, he had succumbed to madness, ultimately killing even his dearest friend with his own hands. He had entered the labyrinth seeking respite from the delirium, but trapped and helpless, he found none.

For over ten years, alone.

She believed that alone was sufficient penance.

Of course, she knew this choice could lead to a terrible end. But if he died because she didn’t free him, she knew she would regret it for the rest of her life. More than anything, she felt an inexplicable certainty. A certainty that even if he were free, he wouldn’t harm her. If anything, he might even help her.

“And…”

Lost in thought for a moment, Ariette lifted her head and cautiously met his gaze.

There was something she had wanted to say ever since she heard his story.

“I’m sorry.”

An apology.

“Hmm? What do you have to be sorry for?”

“I assumed that someone like you, who has everything, would have had an easy life. I never imagined you carried such pain…”

She bit her lip, ashamed of herself for judging him so hastily based on appearances. He was a king, possessing breathtaking beauty, overwhelming power, and authority. Aside from being trapped in the labyrinth, she had assumed his life had been free of hardship. She never imagined such a deep, dark wound hidden beneath his light smiles and playful words.

“Isn’t life always like that?”

“….”

“So, what about you?”

“Me?”

“The reason you embarked on this dangerous adventure.”

Beelzebub smiled slyly.

“I think we’ve had enough of my dull and dreary tale. Now, tell me your story.”

Ariette blinked, momentarily speechless. She no longer wanted to lie to him, this man who, even in silence, refused to utter falsehoods.

“The truth is…”

But the realization of what she had been about to do made it difficult to speak.

She had believed that ending her life would bring more happiness than continuing to live it. It hadn’t been an impulsive decision. Until the moment she entered the labyrinth, she had been convinced it was the right choice, a carefully considered and rational decision reached after a month of agonizing deliberation.

However, it wasn’t the right choice, nor was it a rational decision.

That realization now struck her with the force of a physical blow. As she stood frozen, a sun-warmed breeze gently caressed her hair. The warmth, like a soothing hand, seemed to whisper that it would be alright, that things would get better. And in that moment, Ariette felt a stronger desire to live than ever before.