The Cursed Beast Caught My Leash - Chapter 76

Islay left the cigarette-like object between his fingers untouched as he stared intently at Stella.

She had confessed her love to him. It wasn’t something she had done consciously, and Stella only realized it a beat too late, like a fool.

Even so, she didn’t want to be hesitant or shy about it. With her face painted bright red from the flush spreading across her cheeks, Stella met his gaze steadily and asked again.

“Don’t you think the same?”

Islay, who had been staring at her for a moment, lifted the corners of his lips into a faint smile. A clear, rosy affection spread along with it. Through the sharp features of his mask-like face, Stella saw the bare essence of him.

“Of course, I think so too.”

He spoke with a voice so distinct, there could be no mistaking his sincerity. The warmth of his hand rose as it cupped her face. Through her parted lips, a shallow breath escaped. His low, earnest tone overwhelmed her heart, leaving her breathless.

As if it were the natural course of events, Islay leaned down, and their lips met. The thudding beats of their hearts resonated against each other. It was unclear who moved first, but their kiss deepened desperately, as if they couldn’t reach each other enough.

Unable to conceal his urgency, Islay pulled her into his arms and laid her down on the sheets. Stella clutched at the black strands of his hair spilling over her chest. A dizzying sensation spread over the marks he had left before, as another layer of passion was added. Stella shut her eyes tightly.

Even after they confirmed their feelings for one another, the bittersweet sorrow in her heart only grew. She felt relieved that he kissed her with such fervor. Immersing herself in the ecstatic sensations that tingled her sensitive skin allowed her to momentarily forget reality.

She wanted to drift away with him in the surging waves of pleasure. To let her entire being be swept away without a single thought. If only time could stop here and now.

From Stella’s lips, faint sounds escaped—whether they were sobs or moans, it was hard to tell.

***

By midday, Stella emerged from the tower and began a fairly busy day.

She visited the treatment room within the inner castle to eat with Dora, took the opportunity to receive a quick checkup, and finally met Mikel, who was able to move around.

The rumored resilience of the Northerners was truly astonishing. Though Mikel’s bandages had been removed, a stark white scar adorned his chest. It had been only a short time since his injury, but the scar looked as though it had been there for years.

“The weather is so lovely!”

Thanks to the recovery of her cheerfulness, Dora exclaimed as she looked out the window.

“I thought it would always be freezing here, but even in early spring, Calis is brimming with new buds! Oh, look at the cluster of blossoms over there.”

“Can you really see all that from here? Your eyesight is impressive—who’s the true Northerner here?”

Mikel replied dryly while fiddling with something in his hand. It was a new gift from Dora: wooden beads.

“You must be feeling much better to be making such remarks, huh? Princess, how about the three of us take a walk? Let’s visit the Millennium Tree in the back garden and stroll near the vibrant flower beds.”

“Leave the patient behind and go yourselves.”

“A patient who’s already back on his feet isn’t a patient anymore! You need some fresh air if you want to fully recover and return to your overly robust self. Come on, let’s go!”

It seemed like those two should go without her… Stella suppressed a laugh as she watched them bicker. Mikel shrugged and stood up. Seeing him walk without any apparent pain was reassuring. Dora, though not particularly perceptive, had clearly noticed his recovery much earlier.

Thus, the hastily formed walking group stepped out into the garden during the warmest part of the day.

Stella led the way, and the chatter of the two behind her followed. Though Dora did most of the talking, Mikel, who had become much more talkative, responded to each comment.

Eventually, they arrived at the towering tree in the center of the back garden. Its silver leaves, grown lush in the spring, swayed in the breeze, spreading a fresh, grassy fragrance. Stella took a deep breath, savoring the scent tickling her nose.

The series of events from days past now felt like a distant memory. It was so peaceful that it felt almost surreal. Knowing that Islay had left the castle to handle matters outside, she felt a twinge of embarrassment for indulging in a leisurely walk.

‘I should arrange dinner in advance.’

Would he be pleased if dinner was ready as soon as he returned to the castle? Though he wasn’t particularly fond of food or prone to expressing desires, Stella felt certain he would appreciate spending quiet time with her.

As she walked across the green grass, Stella’s gaze suddenly fixed on something.

Despite the end of the rest day, a sanctuary beneath the tree remained available for prayer. Unlike before, when it had been open like a gazebo, its walls had been reinforced, concealing its interior from view.

Through the increasingly frequent activation of her “Mind’s Eye,” Stella could clearly see who was inside.

It was a perfect coincidence—a rare opportunity she couldn’t let slip away.

“Dora, could you wait here for a moment?”

Using the most natural voice she could muster, she hoped Mikel wouldn’t notice any wavering in her demeanor, even though he was still recovering.

“Huh? Where are you going?”

“I’m going to pray at the sanctuary.”

Hearing the word “pray,” Dora nodded readily.

“Take your time. I won’t interrupt.”

Turning on her heel, Stella maintained her pace as she headed for the sanctuary. Over her shoulder, she heard Dora dragging Mikel in the opposite direction for more of their walk.

The door creaked open, revealing a space illuminated by dozens of candles and surrounded by white flowers. In the center stood a large statue, before which Father Padro stood with his eyes closed.

Sensing her presence, the priest turned his head. Upon seeing Stella, his shoulders shook in surprise.

“Father Padro, I’ve been wanting to meet you.”

Taking a step forward, Stella caught the fleeting glimmer of caution in his eyes.

“…You shouldn’t be meeting with me.”

“It won’t take long. Since we’ve crossed paths, there’s something I’d like to ask.”

“What I mean is, he won’t forgive me for speaking with you.”

Padro lowered his voice as if afraid someone might overhear, despite the confined space.

“Since the prophecy, all priests have been banned from entering the inner castle. It’s a strict order to ensure we never meet you.”

“Then how are you here today?”

“A senior follower of mine who had been injured during the monster attack passed away last night. He was someone who prayed daily at the Millennium Tree, so I was granted an exception.”

…So there had been a victim after all. Stella sighed deeply as she glanced at the white flowers the priest had offered before the statue. Then, with a resolute look, she turned her gaze back to him.

“I’m already aware of the prophecy. So, please, answer me honestly.”

“……”

“Do you, too, believe that sacrificing the Mind’s Eye is the only way to break the curse?”

Padro, taken aback by her question, didn’t answer immediately. Beads of sweat formed on the face of the priest, whose expression had always been one of kindness.

“…Yes, I do.”

This confirmed that Padro also agreed with sacrificing her. The fact that she was meeting with him now meant she must have accepted this truth. After all, no one would willingly meet someone who sought to sacrifice them.

But, seeing how he had guided people to safety during the monster attack, it was clear that Padro’s true nature lay in his commitment to the greater good.

Sweat beaded in Stella’s clenched hand. It was time to state her purpose.

“If we take too long, his subordinates outside might grow suspicious. After our conversation, I’ll leave first, and you should wait a while before following.”

“A conversation? About what…?”

“I want to help Islay. That’s all I wish for.”

Through his glasses, Padro’s eyes narrowed sharply. “I doubt Lord Peruno would approve.”

“I haven’t told him. I haven’t even told the maid waiting outside.”

Dora would undoubtedly prioritize Stella’s safety above all else. Even if Stella swore her to secrecy, Dora would never simply stand by and watch her mistress sacrifice herself.

“So this is your unilateral decision. If I may ask, how much of the prophecy do you know?”

“All of it.”

“And you still haven’t wavered?”

“Because I love him.”

This was the first time Stella had confessed her feelings to anyone other than Islay. Her unhesitant declaration left the priest silent as he studied her.

“I want Islay to live a happy life. If I can serve that purpose, I’ll do whatever it takes. I mean that sincerely.”