I Became the Villain's Master - Chapter 81
Chapter 81
* * *
In the dim interior of the temple, Kiris gently brushed his trembling hand across her face. Before him lay Rosette, her brown hair cascading around her serene, sleeping visage.
“How is she?” Kiris inquired, his voice laced with concern.
Noctis, who had been channeling divine energy into Rosette, opened his eyes and replied, “Her breathing is regular, but she shows no signs of waking yet.”
“Are you certain?”
“A brief rest will suffice. Her divine energy was depleted to its limit, resulting in prolonged exhaustion… Her health is not in jeopardy.”
“Good. Then leave us. Your presence is unwelcome.”
“Should I summon someone to tend to Lady Rosette…?”
“Did you not hear me?” Kiris’s crimson eyes flashed menacingly, silencing Noctis.
“As you wish. Rest is all she needs for now.”
“Call me if any complications arise.”
Noctis nodded and slowly departed.
Click.
The door closed, and Kiris summoned his magic, scanning Rosette’s surroundings. Even with a cursory examination, her magic appeared stable, devoid of any distortion or instability.
As Noctis had stated, her condition had improved to the point where all that was required was patience.
Kiris cautiously extended his hand and smoothed her disheveled hair.
“My mistress.”
Why was it so difficult to see Rosette’s smile again?
Two days had passed since the demon attack and Rosette’s collapse after manifesting her divine energy. Throughout that time, Kiris had remained by her side, vigilantly guarding her.
He had not even dared to take a breath, yet his eyes seemed to burn even brighter. The mere thought of leaving Rosette’s side for even a moment was enough to drive him mad.
When Rosette developed a high fever after her collapse, Kiris personally wiped her face with a damp cloth and offered her water. Despite Mary’s offer to assist, Kiris had adamantly refused.
There was no reason.
He simply did not want anyone else’s hands touching Rosette’s body.
And now.
Kiris gazed intently at Rosette. The divine energy seemed to be taking effect, restoring her color and health.
“Thank goodness.”
When he first arrived at the scene, sensing the danger, Kiris had nearly lost his composure. Was this what it felt like to have one’s heart stop?
Had he been even slightly late, Rosette would have been severely injured.
‘I don’t know who did this, but…’
To dare harm Rosette.
According to Helena, who had been tasked with handling the aftermath, there were traces of artificial magic. This meant that someone had deliberately summoned the demon.
Kiris’s mind immediately went to Crown Prince Cedric, but he quickly dismissed the thought. There was no evidence to suggest that Cedric was responsible.
Even if he were, he would have used his own underlings.
“My mistress. I will protect you now.”
He longed to spend his days with her in the safety of the Mage Tower, but he knew Rosette would disapprove.
Kiris gently took Rosette’s hand, feeling her warm body heat.
“I hate seeing you hurt, mistress. What should I do? I can’t confine you, but…”
A soft chuckle escaped Kiris’s lips as he gently stroked Rosette’s cheek.
“Even your sleeping face is beautiful. I want you to look only at me.”
Rosette’s eyebrows furrowed slightly, and her body shifted uncomfortably. To Kiris, however, her movements were endearing.
Suddenly, Kiris’s brow furrowed.
“Mistress, are you in pain?”
His caressing hand faltered. Her face was much hotter than before, and flushed.
Kiris placed his hand on Rosette’s forehead, his expression turning serious.
“You’re burning up… Just wait a moment.”
With those words, Kiris vanished into thin air.
Silence filled the room as Rosette’s closed eyelids fluttered open.
* * *
Perhaps due to the prolonged stillness, my body felt stiff and heavy.
“Ugh.”
I shifted slightly and glanced around. No one was there.
In truth, I had regained consciousness when Noctis left the room, but I had been unable to move when I saw Kiris’s distress.
Suddenly, shouting, “I’m awake!” seemed awkward, and I couldn’t bring myself to comfort Kiris by saying, “I’m fine now.”
So I had pretended to be asleep, forcing my eyes closed, but Kiris’s sudden and meaningful words had made my heart skip a beat.
‘Even your sleeping face is beautiful. I want you to look only at me.’
Even with my eyes closed, I couldn’t shake the vivid image of Kiris’s appearance.
‘I must have misheard.’
I had just regained consciousness, so it was possible I had hallucinated.
Or perhaps he was simply complimenting himself on his own beauty?
Given his appearance, it was entirely possible. Kiris was the empire’s number one national treasure.
Even if that wasn’t the case, Kiris had a tendency to speak without thinking, so I decided not to pay much attention to it.
When I pointed it out, he didn’t seem to understand.
Suddenly, the image of his captivating, moving lips flashed through my mind, but I shook my head to clear my thoughts.
‘Oh, what am I thinking!’
I fanned myself to cool down. It was all because Kiris was unrealistically handsome.
“Whew… What is going on?”
I lamented my fate as I covered my face with my hands.
The warmth of his touch still lingered vividly on my cheek.
My face wasn’t burning up from a fever, but from embarrassment, and I knew I had to clear up any misunderstandings when Kiris returned.
‘Did he catch the demon?’
Remembering that moment sent a shiver down my spine. If a miracle hadn’t occurred, I would have undoubtedly been seriously injured.
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