Citadel of Desire

Chapter 11 – What Is This Place? (1)

His long, slender tongue darted out of his mouth and licked his chin. That’s all he did, and it led to Heish wetting his pants in fear. Philip knew Heish was a poor, little mouse with no power. And so he turned around and left, leaving the threat hanging in the air.

“W-what was that?!”

Heish suddenly recalled the interaction he had with a farmer in the countryside that morning. The farmer was minding his own business, busy pulling a cart full of potatoes. But as soon as he saw the direction Heish was heading in, he stopped and asked him about his destination. At that time, Heish was already irritated about the fact that he had to walk all the way back home, so the farmer’s question irked him even more. He immediately told the farmer off and yelled at him.

“Are you going to that manor?”

The farmer stood firm in his place, unaffected by his attitude. Heish immediately concluded that the farmer had noticed his impeccable dressing sense and rich aura and thus, was seeking to gain something from him.

“Are you going to beg me for money because I’m a noble?”

“Beg you for money?”

 

“I won’t give anything to a low-life like you. Get away from me.”

“You’re misunderstanding me. I was just worried about you.”

“Worried?”

Heish scoffed as he brushed off the invisible dust on his vest.

“A guy who digs potatoes for a living in this god-forsaken countryside is worried about me?”

Despite his continuous insults, the farmer didn’t back down. His face turned grim, staring right into Heish’s eyes.

“The place you’re trying to go to… It’s dangerous. Everyone avoids it.”

“How amusing.”

“Sir, they’re—”

“Stop this nonsense. Are you trying to get on my nerves on purpose?”

 

At that time, Heish had waved his hand in dismissal and turned his attention towards a nearby horseman, wanting to convince him to take him back home. He paid no attention to him after that and didn’t even realize when the farmer had left.

“Really…”

Heish broke out in cold sweat. What was this place?! It was a monster’s den, its sole purpose was to lure people in to be turned into food. His legs told him to run. But…where would he even go? Reality dawned on him like a freezing wave. He needed to think about his sister as well. He could continue to wander around and avoid this place for days, but his sister would be stuck here. He couldn’t let her suffer like this.

He didn’t think that all the debts he’d accumulated so far and their current situation were his fault, but he was still responsible for the well-being of his sibling. He’d be lying if he said that he didn’t feel any remorse whenever he saw Rei living so meekly, unlike those bright, young girls her age. It was one of the reasons why he’d picked up a hairpin popular with those girls in the south while coming back from his trip. It was his way of repenting.

“Rei!”

No matter how badly he treated her, she was still his family. There was no way they could continue to stay here. He ran around the manor desperately, trying to find Rei before she got into any trouble. He’d get her out of here. All their relatives had cut off all their connection with them, but he wasn’t going to abandon Rei like them. That’s right, he’d take her to Frank, his aunt’s son. He was cold and calculating, but it was a much better option than staying here. He would leave Rei in his hands and find a way to earn money through another business.

“Rei! We’re leaving immediately—”

He looked for her everywhere, eventually reaching the sitting room. His heart almost stopped beating when he saw the sight in front of him. His innocent sister was smiling sweetly at the lord of the manor, leaning towards him as he sat across from her. A cold, sinking feeling of dread churned within him.

“Rei!”

He yelled with all his might, but his voice never came out. He tried once again, but it was as if something invisible was physically preventing him from speaking. He tried to move and grab her attention, but his feet wouldn’t budge at all.

“Ah, you were wrong here.”

“O-oh! I was sure I was correct…”

While her brother stood still like a scarecrow behind her, Rei continued to smile warmly as Clodan taught her how to read and write. The atmosphere between them… It was sweet, just like the beginning of an innocent love. Just when did they get so close? Clodan even reached out and tucked a lock of hair behind her ear. Only a few words were exchanged between them, but it was evident from the way they were speaking; there was no hesitation. They considered themselves to be equal to each other. Just when did this happen?!

“By the way, Rei…”

“Y-yes?”

“Your brother hasn’t come back yet.”

“Ah, he must be running late…”

As she hung her head in disappointment, Heish desperately tried to stamp his feet and move about to draw her attention. But it was all in vain. He couldn’t even lift a finger. It was if someone had turned him into a lifeless doll, unable to move unless someone tugged at his strings.

“Oh, poor Rei.”

The lord lifted his hand and ran his fingers through Rei’s hair.

“Clodan…”

“Yes?”

“You won’t be able to like me, right?”

If Heish could move, his jaw would’ve dropped open in shock. Just what she was talking about?!

“If my brother loses all your money or…or gets swindled by someone, t-then it’d be difficult for you to be nice to me.”

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Clodan stared at her for a moment and then, a cold, sinister laugh spilled from his lips.

“You don’t have to worry about something like that.”

“Why?”

“Because I always get my hands on what belongs to me.”

Although he was talking to Rei, Clodan’s gaze was focused on the person standing behind her. Heish almost wet his pants again as he felt his stare pierce right through his figure. His eyes… They were the eyes of a beast.