I Just Wanted to Avoid Death - Chapter 76
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It was true. He didn’t hate the temple like he used to. He’d just wanted to run away from a situation that felt impossible to control.
“That’s good. Since we’re at ‘not as much as before,’ I’ll do my best so we can eventually reach, ‘I like the temple.’”
It was such a warm sentiment—yet also baffling in its sincerity.
‘Why does Eldis want me here so badly? I don’t even have divine power.’
While Yeshion quietly puzzled over it, Eldis continued to watch him.
Almost like he was studying each tiny change in his expression. Or perhaps he too was caught up in some deep contemplation.
After a long moment of silence, when he could no longer hear any movement outside, Eldis stood from his seat.
“I don’t sense Edward nearby anymore.”
He moved toward the tent’s entrance, peeking outside and giving a satisfied nod.
“Still, he might come back during the night. You should be careful.”
“Careful… Should I sleep with a dagger under my pillow? I don’t have a weapon, maybe I should’ve bought one…”
“That’s a good idea.”
Eldis pulled a dagger from his robes and placed it in Yeshion’s hand.
“Oh…”
The unexpected weight surprised him. Yeshion gently drew the blade halfway from its sheath, and even at a glance, he could tell it was high quality—steeped in a sharp aura that made it feel like it could cut down anything in its path.
“Be careful. It’s imbued with divine power. If someone without it gets stabbed, they could easily lose their life.”
Yeshion recoiled in horror.
“W-Why would you give me something so dangerous?!”
“Is there a problem?”
‘Is there a problem?!’
Yeshion pointed at himself, and Eldis responded with an even more baffled expression.
“I don’t have divine power. Wouldn’t I be in danger just touching it?”
“…Hmm. I don’t think so.”
“Excuse me?”
“Just try using it once. I’m sure you’ll be fine. And if someone comes in without permission… well, they’ve got more than enough reason to be threatened.”
Yeshion couldn’t help but think this again: Eldis was incredibly good at saying terrifying things with a calm face.
As Yeshion carefully slid the dagger back into its sheath, Eldis—who had been about to leave—paused and turned to look at him.
“If…”
“…?”
“If I were to ask you the same question as the Crown Prince, and say I wanted to resolve my curiosity the same way—would you allow it?”
Yeshion blinked, unable to grasp what he meant right away.
Eldis, seeing the confusion, clarified:
“A kiss.”
“Wait. With me…? Why…?”
“For the same reason as the Crown Prince.”
Yeshion narrowed his eyes suspiciously. He had just been scolded about his poor taste in people.
This had to be a joke.
‘Who’d fall for something like this?’
Crossing his arms, Yeshion stood tall.
“You realize how out-of-nowhere that sounds, right?”
“…I do.”
“Then I assume you also realize there’s no way I’d believe that coming from you?”
It didn’t make sense. This was Eldis. He wasn’t someone who’d ever claim to be unsure of his own emotions.
In the novel, Eldis was the kind of person who practiced constant self-discipline—he always knew how he felt about others and exactly how to hide or reveal it.
Someone like that wouldn’t go around making kiss requests under the excuse of curiosity like Adelio did.
At least, the Eldis Yeshion had read about wasn’t that kind of man. And that was the Eldis he believed in.
“So that’s a no.”
“I mean… yeah.”
After Yeshion’s answer, Eldis stood frozen in place for quite a while.
‘By any chance, did he mean it and not just tease me?’
Just as it occurred to him that Eldis’s gaze felt strangely off, the man turned away.
“I see. If the Crown Prince asks the same thing again, answer as you just did. Say no.”
“……”
“Then I’ll take my leave. If anything happens, shout. I’ll come running the moment I hear anything, no matter how small.”
Without waiting for a response, Eldis stepped out of the tent, his stride just a bit quicker than usual.
“…Did Eldis always refer to Adelio as ‘the Crown Prince’ like that?”
He didn’t think so.
Somehow, Eldis looked… a little angry.
‘I don’t think I said anything worth getting mad about.’
Was it the kiss with Adelio that had gotten to him? Yeshion shook his head. Who he kissed wasn’t any of Eldis’s business.
Still mulling it over, Yeshion eventually shook his head again. Either way, the priority right now was keeping an eye out for that lunatic Edward.
