I Just Wanted to Avoid Death - Chapter 134

“Then… at the very least, you’re saying I’m in there somewhere.”

“…What?”

Did he not hear what he just said?

Yeshion blinked up in shock, and Adelio smiled, pleased.

“The fact that there’s someone else in your heart pisses me off, sure—but it’s not like I didn’t expect it.”

“…..”

“Just keep thinking about me. Like you are now.”

Adelio said this as he leaned in.

Forehead. Tip of the nose. Lips.

He pressed kisses there in order, eyes meeting Yeshion’s as he smiled.

“Because I’m going to take your heart, your body—and in the end, your entire life too.”

It was such a shameless, arrogant line, but it suited Adelio perfectly. As a result, Yeshion could only close his mouth tightly and nod.

Maybe, in the end… he’d already fallen for that arrogance.

* * *

“Go in.”

Adelio walked him all the way back to the temple gates. The sun had only just begun to set when they left, and now it had completely dipped below the horizon, leaving the world in darkness.

“…Isn’t it dangerous to head back alone? You’re still the Crown Prince, after all.”

“Do I look like someone who’d get ambushed just for walking alone?”

In response to Adelio’s question, Yeshion carefully looked him over.

He was at least a head taller than Yeshion. Broad shoulders, muscle hidden beneath his clothes, and those sharp red eyes—just standing still with his mouth shut, he looked intimidating enough to scare someone off.

“…No. I think any attacker would end up beaten instead.”

“Then why worry, if you’re gonna say that?”

Adelio chuckled under his breath and reached out to ruffle Yeshion’s hair. The affection in the gesture was unmistakable, and Yeshion cleared his throat awkwardly.

But as if that wasn’t nearly enough, Adelio stepped in closer and bent at the waist.

“Can I kiss you?”

“…Huh? Here?”

Yeshion looked around, flustered. They were standing right in front of the temple, and a few believers coming and going on the stairs were already sneaking glances their way.

“If that’s your answer, then I guess anywhere but here is fine?”

“N-No, that’s not what I meant—”

“Then should we head to the Imperial Palace together? We can do whatever we want there.”

He spoke with a teasing smile, and Yeshion gaped at him. But when he realized he was being toyed with, he pushed a palm against Adelio’s face and muttered:

“…Just go back to your palace and throw out that poison you’ve got lying around. Be careful.”

“So cold. Ah—should I just sleep over at the temple, then?”

“I don’t think that will be possble.”

The reply didn’t come from Yeshion.

A voice rang out from behind. When he turned, Eldis was standing there, stern-faced, looking between the two of them.

His expression was full of irritation, and Yeshion let out an awkward laugh.

He’d gone out to keep an eye on Yeshion’s behavior—but seeing him return arm-in-arm with Adelio, it must’ve looked like he’d snuck off for a secret date.

“Priest Yeshion, come along now. It’s nearly curfew.”

“…Was there such a thing?”

“I’ve also moved your things to a different room. You should go tidy up.”

Eldis pushed him gently on the back, as if urging him in. The look in his eyes promised more reasons if Yeshion didn’t go now, so he gave a polite nod and headed into the temple.

Adelio, watching Yeshion’s round head disappear through the doorway, shoved his hands into his pockets and said:

“I thought you said you didn’t like him.”

“…That’s none of your concern.”

“No, it is now.”

“…..?”

“I confessed. To Yeshion.”

The moment those words left his mouth, Eldis’s face twisted into something vicious.

“I was gonna tell you what he said, depending on how you acted.”

“……”

“But now I think I’ll keep it to myself. Wouldn’t want to sleep under the same roof after hearing it.”

With that, Adelio turned and walked off, waving a hand behind him. Eldis, eyes fixed on his retreating back, smiled faintly and spoke.

“I confessed too.”

Adelio’s steps stopped cold on the stairs.

As he slowly turned around, Eldis said it again.

“I realized… I can’t live without him.”