Time-Limited Saintess, You've Been Caught by the Tyrant Once Again - Chapter 43

Chapter 22.1

Arkan.

‘…Why is he here?’

Ellin looked at the Emperor, wondering why he was standing alone in front of her like this. Was this a warning sent by the gods? Or was it a signal sent by the gods? In the dark world shrouded by ashen clouds, his figure in black attire seemed to emit light.

Before she could even step back, Arkan reached out his hand.

“I’ve come to capture you.”

“….”

“You thought I would just let you go like that? What were you thinking?”

‘Ha, indeed. That’s right.’

She chuckled inwardly. It was truly typical of Arkan. Of course, the reason for the Emperor of the Empire to appear on this rainy day to capture a commoner might have seemed excessively weak. However, since they had planted a person, they must have known when she would come out.

Ellin, feeling a bit tired, spoke weakly.

“Wouldn’t it be easier for you to just kill me?”

There was still a chilling edge to her tone. Arkan raised the corner of his mouth, dodging that edge.

“If you don’t want to die, get in the carriage.”

“….”

“Do you want to go to the arms of the God you love so much?”

“….”

“Come on.”

‘This was… a threat. I would never go with him voluntarily.’

Despite knowing that there was no enmity or malice on Arkan’s face, she tried to convince herself otherwise. Ellin hesitated but eventually took his outstretched hand. A warm, large hand wrapped around her, unlike her cold, lifeless hand. It felt reassuring.

The warmth comforted her a little, just a little

“If you do this, I’m bound to get caught.”

She muttered.

“What?”

She suddenly wished someone would hold her close. Feeling sad, painful and lonely, she yearned for warmth.

She wanted to feel that warmth with her body.

At the thought, she approached him. Was it the cold from being drenched in rain, or did she need more warmth than this? Ellin cautiously approached, grabbed him by the waist and rested her head against his chest.

She had embraced him herself.

‘…God, why does this person always appear and extend a hand to me when I’m at my weakest, in both my past life and my current one?’

Memories from her previous life pierced her heart.

If anything, the person who hasn’t changed was him. No, maybe he has changed… he had become even kinder toward her. At that time, as she was weeping after learning the truth of the revelation, he appeared. He, who seemed to despise her at that time, had approached her at some point. He made the rude demand of marrying him, and Elena turned it down.

Arkan, who appeared as usual, didn’t ask why she was crying. Instead of a preposterous proposal, he extended his hand. As she took his hand, he swiftly pulled Elena into his embrace and held her like that for a long time.

That warmth. How comforting that warmth was.

Very occasionally, Ellin would find herself longing for this person’s arms. There was no one else with such a perfect and reassuring embrace. Before walking the path towards death, she had always thought of him.

His embrace, his gaze, his touch, and his kiss.

If she could meet him again and have another conversation, and if only she could once again be embraced by him… 

If that was her lingering attachment, then so be it. Even though she resented the man who had captured her, she couldn’t help but harbor affection for the man who held her in his arms. So… why did this person come and take her hand when she tried to distance herself from everything?

Ellin thought from within the embrace of Arkan. She was certain that he must be wearing a strange expression.

In truth, she knew.

This man, though he may seem cruel, wasn’t cruel to everyone. If anything, he only restrained himself from expressing his feelings, but he was actually affectionate. That was why he hadn’t torn her away or pushed her aside even now.

She could feel his body stiffen.

As soon as Ellin felt it, she withdrew her body. And as she did, he flinched.

“I’m sorry, I just needed some warmth.”

She spoke calmly.

Arkan responded in a cold tone as if he couldn’t believe it.

“So you dared to embrace the Emperor because you needed warmth?”

“….”

“Get in.”

He took her hand and climbed into the carriage. Was this a secret outing? His attire and the carriage didn’t stand out in any way.

Taking his hand, he climbed into the carriage as well. The carriage she was riding in was so beautiful that she, drenched in the rain like a soaked rat, felt sorry for sitting in it. Her rain-soaked body sank comfortably into the soft seat, and she just wanted to rest.

“You, the blood on your head…”

Was it because her hair was wet? Raindrops flowed down her face. No, strangely, these raindrops were warm.

As her vision blurred, Ellin closed her eyes.

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