“I don’t want to.”

Ibi’s voice was refreshing. So Kasel doubted his ears.

Ignoring Kasel’s plea for help, Ibi smiled very prettily.

Kasel stared at Ibi, confused about whether this was a dream or reality. Ibi burst into laughter at his foolish expression.

“Why are you making that face? It’s obvious that things won’t work out. Singing without the Tower’s permission is forbidden.”

As Ibi lectured, Kasel froze with a stiff expression. Then he groaned, contorting his whole face.

“Don’t joke around; I really feel like I’m going to die…”

“Am I joking right now?”

Ibi asked in surprise, and Kasel’s gaze became pitiful.

Is he still getting angry in this situation? I’m dying. First, let’s save him and talk, okay?

Kasel found Ibi’s composure confusing.

They could fight each other, corner each other, but watching the other’s death was out of the question.

As a high noble, Kasel Montclair’s bottom line was extremely high, and what he considered defeat was not death but things like criticism from the surroundings, financial loss, contraction of influence, or a sense of disgrace.

So, in this situation, it was common sense for Kasel Montclair to push everything aside and prioritize saving himself.

“You said it yourself. You have to know when to step forward and when not to. You don’t know why taboos are taboos because you haven’t learned. A saint is too much for commoners.”

But Ibi had no intention of accommodating such common sense.

“So now I’m going to be careful. Even if I’m a saint candidate in name, I shouldn’t listen to stories about not having learned.”

“You, you think you can get away with this…?”

“Of course, I’ll get away with it. Who would blame me? No one will know what happened here.”

With Ibi’s cruel words, Kasel coughed painfully. The pain, which had dulled due to Ibi’s curse, was felt again. So, in agony, Kasel grimaced and cursed.

“I get it, I get it! I was wrong, so please spare me. I’ll settle the Tower’s punishment, make you a saint, do anything you ask, so please, just spare me!”

Kasel surrendered ruthlessly. How this statement would change again was something even he couldn’t predict, but at least for now, it was sincere. He was so desperate.

But Ibi simply ignored even this.

“I can’t believe you. You lie so often.”

“Would I lie in this situation…!?”

“Even if you’re sincere now, you might not be later. It happens once or twice, right?”

“Then what am I supposed to do!”

“That’s something the person who wants to be trusted should think about. Don’t ask me; ask yourself.”

With Ibi’s domineering attitude, Kasel sighed continuously. Trying to match the taste of someone who is dying right now, isn’t this what humans are supposed to say?

So, looking at her with an absurd expression, Ibi said as if giving a suggestion.

“If you want to give genuine trust, give me collateral.”

“Collateral…?”

“You have it, right? Montclair’s signet ring.”
Ibi’s demand was cheerful. So Kasel momentarily forgot how to breathe.

He still stared at Ibi dully while getting soaked in the rain. Then, he barely managed to take a breath, and along with it, his liver collapsed.

It felt like breaking the soul with a dirty hammer. The blood vessels connected to the heart were severed one by one, causing excruciating pain.

It was far from disgust or anger. This emotion, which imposed raw pain, was resentment more than anything.

Facing imminent death, Kasel felt desperate, and amidst this, Ibi Aria, leisurely taking care of her stomach, felt devilish. The woman who callously weighed her decaying life and selfish desires felt disgustingly grotesque.

This wicked, vile, repulsive woman had every kind of curse around her neck. However, not a single curse crossed his throat. Frustration surged as if going insane, but even so, Kasel needed Ibi’s mercy.

So, unable to say a word, just staring, Ibi spoke as if she read his thoughts.

“Why? Are you feeling unfair because I’m playing with your life? Are you sad because I’m teasing you while you’re desperate?”

Kasel gnashed his teeth at Ibi’s sarcastic question. However, Ibi didn’t blink and continued speaking.

“You did the same, didn’t you? When I was desperate, you played with me so well.”

“But I…!”

“Did you never think of going this far? I just wanted to tease you a little, but did I end up coming all the way here because I clung to you?”

Ibi accurately intercepted what he wanted to say. Thanks to that, Kasel was silenced, and Ibi laughed cynically.

“I find that more disgusting. I was about to end it all because of you, and you still don’t know that.”

Only now did Kasel realize.

The face of Ibi seen through the dusky firelight and raindrops was frighteningly cold. Compared to this sleet, the previous mockery seemed rather affectionate.

“Even just this arena. You know, right? What it looks like here.”

To Ibi’s question mixed with a sigh, Kasel stiffened suddenly. As if she noticed his hesitation, Ibi licked her lips.

“You made it. So, your current appearance is your own doing, and all the people gathered here are ones you killed.”

“Don’t joke!”