I’m Trapped in a Bloody Reverse Harem Game - Chapter 11

‘The Pope’s True Feelings’ route, huh? Just from the name, it was obvious this was a Pope-exclusive route. My goal this time was to capture all the target characters. Since this route didn’t align with my objectives, I shook my head. If it were an Ardal-exclusive route, I might have considered it. But the Pope? Not my type—hard pass.

As the character with the lowest difficulty to capture, the Pope didn’t intrigue me much. He was the only target whose route could be unlocked even after failing to enter all other characters’ routes, with just minimal effort required.

“Then I won’t listen. What if you get punished for telling me such things, Ardal?”

“I’ll be fine.”

“Well, I won’t be. Don’t worry; I won’t use my abilities in front of His Holiness, just as you suggested.”

As I answered Ardal, he smiled bitterly. He seemed torn between wanting to speak and feeling relieved that I had chosen not to listen.

<By not listening to Ardal’s explanation, the route ‘The Pope’s True Feelings’ has been destroyed.>

I was a bit curious, but now that I knew how to unlock this route, I could try it next time.

Hiding my regret, I flashed a bright smile.

<Dangerous Secret – The Pope’s Abyss>

• By not hearing the Pope’s secret, the hidden route ‘The Pope’s Abyss’ has been activated.
• *** ** **. **** *** ** *** **. (Insufficient information to view)

<Due to a lack of information on the Capture Target – The Pope (Orias), the Pope’s danger level has increased.>

<The likelihood of entering the Confinement Ending has risen by 15%.>

Hmm…? What’s this?

A system window simultaneously appeared in front of Ardal, who was helping me sit up.

The system message ‘Dangerous Secret – The Pope’s Abyss’ glowed ominously in red. The flashing red text seemed like a warning, and I blinked at it in a daze.

I’ve never seen a system window like this before.

The route name also seemed far more ominous than the one that had just been destroyed. As I blinked, the flashing system window vanished.

“Lady Haniel, shall I assist you with your attire?”

“Ah, yes…”

Staring at the empty space where the system window had been, I nodded absentmindedly at Ardal’s suggestion.

Abyss… Doesn’t sound like anything good.

From the route name to the red system window, everything about it seemed foreboding.

“Wait, Ardal.”

“Yes?”

“What are you doing?” I asked, noticing his hand on my collar as he unfastened the buttons of my neatly worn nightgown—clothing someone had dressed me in while I was unconscious.

He calmly looked me in the eye as he continued to unbutton my gown. “I’m helping you change into your outing attire…”

“Oh.”

Ardal answered plainly. His movements were devoid of any sensuality, and I scratched my cheek awkwardly.

Geez, what was I thinking?

I’d mistakenly assumed that one night had completely won him over. The Pope might behave that way, but Ardal wouldn’t pounce on me like a lust-driven beast first thing in the morning. If I initiated, he’d accept, but it wasn’t like him to make the first move.

Smiling wryly, I said to Ardal, “Sorry for stopping you. Please, continue.”

Scratching my cheek as I spoke, Ardal nodded and resumed. I watched his large fingers deftly undo the small buttons of my nightgown, feeling an odd sense of fascination. Those big hands were surprisingly nimble.

Looking down at Ardal’s focused expression as he unbuttoned the gown to my waist, I couldn’t help but smile. His neatly combed black hair revealed his tidy forehead, and his deep, cool eyes and high-bridged nose exuded stoicism. He was breathtaking.

Whoever designed Ardal’s character deserved endless praise. Unless the game management team—the same ones who trapped me here—contributed to his design, then kudos to them too.

As I admired Ardal’s face, he reached the buttons near my waist.

“Could you lift your arms slightly?”

“Sure.”

With Ardal’s help, the gown slipped off effortlessly. Left in just a thin undergarment, I shivered slightly. Ardal stood up and quickly fetched my outing clothes.

“Hngh…!”

Before dressing me, he leaned in to press a deep kiss to the nape of my neck, then straightened up and adjusted my collar with his usual composed expression.

“Now for your shoes.”

His icy demeanor belied the fact that he had just kissed my neck. Kneeling down, he began to fit my shoes.

The lingering sensation of his lips on my neck sent shivers through my body. Feeling invigorated after drinking a stamina potion, I wondered if one more round would be alright.

Would he give in if I tempted him?

I placed my bare foot on Ardal’s thigh. The solid muscle beneath my foot was unyielding. Sliding my foot upward along his inner thigh, I applied pressure with my toes. The provocative gesture caused him to drop the shoe he was holding.

He inhaled sharply, as if his breath had caught in his throat.

“…Lady Haniel?”

“Oh, did I raise it too high? Let me lower it a bit…”

Feigning ignorance, I furrowed my brow and leaned toward him. As I leaned forward, I slowly dragged my foot down along his thigh. Ardal let out a low groan.

“Ugh…”

Ardal glared sharply at the small toes brushing against the inside of his thigh, dangerously close to his groin. Clenching his fists, he took a long, steadying breath. Biting his lip as he exhaled, Ardal glanced at my face before shifting his focus to the firmly closed door.

After a momentary pause, he shook his head and spoke, “I will assist you with your shoes.”

Unfortunately, Ardal didn’t fall for my attempt.

With slightly trembling hands, he finished putting on my shoes and straightened his posture.

“Commander, the carriage is ready.”

“Alright. I will be out shortly.”

As Ardal stood, there was a knock at the door, followed by the voice of a knight. Ardal extended his hand to me.

Stepping outside, rows of knights lined the path leading to the carriage.

Surely all these knights won’t follow us all the way to my house, will they?

I looked at Ardal, but he simply held my hand and stared straight ahead. The pure white carriage was exceptionally splendid.

“Lady Haniel, His Holiness expressed his regret for being unable to accompany you.”

A knight conveyed the Pope’s message as I gazed at the flawless white carriage. Bowing slightly after delivering his words, the knight took a step back. Apparently, news of my outing had already reached the Pope. I responded with acknowledgment before heading to the carriage. The horses, as white as the carriage, neighed and pawed at the ground.

Curiously observing the lifelike behavior of the horses, I climbed into the carriage. It was impossible to distinguish this from reality.

“Commander, this way, please.”

“Ardal, aren’t you riding with me?”

“The carriage is meant for you, Lady Haniel.”

When Ardal, who had helped me into the carriage, moved to sit beside the coachman, I quickly grabbed his hand.

Oh, come on.

The road to my house is long; let me enjoy his company.

“There’s plenty of room.”

The large carriage was spacious enough to fit six people comfortably. Even with Ardal’s broad frame, it wouldn’t feel cramped. Exchanging a glance with the knight, Ardal nodded at my suggestion.

“Then I shall accompany you.”

After issuing instructions to the coachman and knights, Ardal climbed into the carriage. As he did, the carriage creaked slightly. Sitting across from him, I flashed a cheerful smile.

While wide side-to-side, the distance between the facing seats was narrow. When Ardal sat down, his long legs brushed against my knees.

“It’s a bit close, isn’t it?”

I laughed as I spoke to Ardal. As the carriage began to move, the jolts of its motion caused our legs to graze each other more frequently.

Feigning embarrassment, I commented, “If it’s uncomfortable, I can move.”

“No, it’s not uncomfortable. In fact, your presence is reassuring…,” Ardal replied, his earlier stiffness softening slightly. He unclenched the hands he had rested on his knees and observed me carefully, nodding.

During the ride, I asked Ardal various questions, but he seemed tense, responding briefly while gripping his hands tightly.

“Doesn’t it bother you, being tasked with my protection even as Commander?”

“Not at all.”

He shook his head firmly, his answer as straightforward as his demeanor. Before I could ask another question, the carriage jolted violently.

“Ah!”

“Careful…”

The sudden movement sent me hurtling toward Ardal. Before my head could hit the opposite seat, Ardal’s hand cupped my forehead.

His other arm wrapped firmly around my waist. Frozen in the intimate position, Ardal’s body stiffened.

“Thank you.”

“It’s nothing.”

As I straightened myself, I turned to Ardal and smiled. His Adam’s apple bobbed noticeably, so close it almost brushed against my nose. Placing a hand on his tense shoulder, I tried to pull away, but Ardal didn’t loosen his hold on my waist.

“……?”

Looking into his eyes, I saw his hand slide from my forehead to the back of my head, enveloping it completely.

With just a gentle press of his palm, Ardal effortlessly pulled me closer. In an instant, our breaths mingled. He opened his eyes and gazed at me with an intensity that seemed to devour. Ardal bit my lower lip gently, prompting me to open my mouth, and he dove in deeply.

As our lips locked, I realized—this was my first kiss with Ardal.

The kiss deepened. While I’d experienced being thrown onto the bed and making eye contact during previous playthroughs, this was my first time kissing him as soon as our gazes met.

“Mm…”

In the jolting carriage, only the sound of quiet breaths filled the space. The sensation was so perfectly rendered that, if not for Ardal’s otherworldly beauty, I could have mistaken this for reality.

“Ah.”

Without much thought, I placed my hand on Ardal’s shoulder and closed my eyes. He gently kneaded the back of my neck.

Does he want me to open my eyes?

When I opened them again, our gazes met. Ardal’s eyes curved slightly in a soft, almost innocent smile—a stark contrast to the passionate kiss. His smile of satisfaction lingered as he broke the kiss and trailed his lips along my jawline.

Ah, so Ardal enjoys maintaining eye contact during kisses.

As his lips moved slowly down to my neck, his hands began to roam.

Ardal started unfastening the clothes he had carefully dressed me in. Pausing mid-motion, he tilted his head slightly, looking at me with a questioning gaze, as if seeking permission. I gave him a small nod. The moment I consented, Ardal immediately pulled apart the neckline and cupped my breast in his hand.