If They Get Obsessed, I’m Doomed - Chapter 29
Chapter 15.2
While Ariel remained fixated on the rings, Devoncia’s voice broke through in a soft tone. He gently pulled her hand away from the apparatus.
The test had ended in an unexpectedly simple and swift manner.
However, Devoncia’s grasp still lingered on the back of her hand. Almost naturally, their positioning seemed as if he were embracing her. More than the peculiar examination before her, Ariel felt a distinct discomfort from being physically connected to the Crown Prince. She wished to conclude the matter swiftly and depart.
“How long does it take for the results to come out?”
“It might vary depending on the person, so I can’t give a definite answer.”
“Could you at least give me an estimate?”
“Hmm… from a week to a month? It could take even longer than that.”
“Ah, thank you for the explanation. And thank you for conducting the test.”
Her words sped up as if she was being pursued.
“Your Highness, then I’ll be leaving…”
Ariel inhaled sharply, unable to continue her sentence and stopped. It was because the Crown Prince’s fingers had skimmed down from her knuckles and were now gently caressing the fingertips that had touched the sphere.
“It seems like you’re bleeding. Do you want me to stop the bleeding?”
With a slow and languid cadence, accompanied by sighs, Devoncia’s words carried a soothing quality that was adept at coaxing relaxation.
Even though she wasn’t bleeding at all, he persisted in touching her fingertips.
The warmth that spread where their skin met held a strangely tantalizing sensation, heightening her apprehension. His actions and approaches went beyond necessity, which would evoke suspicions about his intentions. His behavior towards her was a clear seduction, much like the time in the garden.
‘…But why?’
Once again, as the questions piled up, Ariel suddenly recalled Skylar.
“You sick b*stard! You’re always screwing with me any way you can!”
He had raised his voice like that in a conversation with the Crown Prince a few days ago. And even back then, the Crown Prince had persistently tried to seduce her by inviting her to his room and suggesting they dine together.
‘No way…?’
He could be leveraging her presence to incite a reaction from Skylar.
As soon as she figured out his intentions in a way that made sense to her, Ariel realized that she might be perceived by him as an interesting chess piece or an amusing toy. Concurrently, an urge welled up within her to pull her hand away from his touch.
‘He’s someone I don’t want to be around.’
No matter how much he was the target, it was more uncomfortable than she could have imagined.
“Why have you been lost in thought like this since earlier?”
“…You’re misunderstanding. I’m not really thinking about anything—”
Devoncia’s hand, which had been stroking her fingertips, suddenly moved and firmly grasped her wrist. A significant pressure encircled her slender forearm.
“I’m not acting with the intentions you might be assuming. I hope you won’t judge me hastily.”
His words sounded as if he had glimpsed into her mind. It was a kind of misunderstanding that happened frequently.
Ariel pondered whether she should elucidate the current circumstances. Harboring suspicion wasn’t impolite unless they were spoken aloud. Yet, Devoncia had preemptively guessed her feelings and negated them. In this context, if she opted not to elucidate and stayed quiet, it might seem as if she truly nurtured doubts.
“I didn’t rashly judge or assume anything about Your Highness.”
“Your silence seemed a bit lengthy for that kind of explanation, though?”
“That… it was sudden, that’s why. I’d never…”
“It’s okay to be honest. I won’t get angry.”
“No, I wasn’t thinking of disrespectful thoughts.”
“It’s alright even if you did. I’ll understand. I’ll even forgive you if you lie right now.”
It felt like her breath had hitched in her throat.
It seemed that the Crown Prince was resolutely asserting his assumptions and judgments that were off the mark. With his hand slid up to her wrist, he pressed it gently against the spot where her pulse beat, causing her fingers to dangle loosely and quiver.
“Ariel.”
Her name rolled sweetly off Devoncia’s tongue. It was as though he was an expert in seduction, as he was gentle and alluring.
‘Is this how he toys with people? Just to provoke Skylar?’
At the same time, the memory of the lady from the garden who had desired a strand of his attention came to mind. She didn’t want to become like that.
Twisting her captured wrist, she gently pushed Devoncia away using her elbow.
“Your Highness, now that the test is over, I should…”
“Are you going to leave me?”
He didn’t only hold onto her wrist but also pressed his forehead against her shoulder.
“Don’t act so cold.”
“But, Your Highness…”
“I’m starting to take an interest in you right now… If you seduce me well, I might give you power and wealth, huh?”
“Your Highness, why are you saying such a thing…”
While he leaned in with a playful tone, his grip on her wrist tightened as he blocked her attempts to push him away.
“Be kind to me, Ariel.”
Despite knowing that his plea, which he secretly conveyed, was entirely insincere, it still sounded piteous.
Holding the position of crown prince in the imperial family, Devoncia’s status and bearing could easily compel anyone, whether due to external pressures or personal attraction, to comply. His splendid appearance made his charming plea for kindness undeniably captivating.
Ariel, too, found herself thoroughly confounded by the situation. Declining his request could potentially be construed as disrespectful or impolite, while accepting it would undoubtedly forge a tangible connection to the Crown Prince. It was evident which option held the greater advantage without needing to weigh the options.
‘…Let’s stay calm.’
Above all, wasn’t he one of the targets? Nevertheless, her interaction with Devoncia went beyond mere reluctance to cooperate and delved into unease.
Lost in her thoughts, she was suddenly embraced from behind.
“Let’s get closer.”
He whispered again. His tone was as insidious as the devil or heretic whispers, yet it carried an irresistibly seductive momentum.
At that moment, the sound of the door being unlocked echoed.
Click.
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