This Maniac Is Fond Of Me

Chp 21 : Force The Truth Out (18+)

WARNING
This chapter may contain explicit sexual violence content that may be unsettling for some readers. It is advised to skip this chapter if you are uncomfortable. You have been warned.

Trigger warnings for sensitive content to prepare readers for potentially distressing material.

One of the main focuses of this story is the psychological effect on power dynamic, so it is expected that elements such as murder, physical abuse, and emotional abuse may occur.

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《 Prince Gilbert 》

♤ I looked down at Little Baker as she clung to her wine glass, her eyes glazed over and unfocused. Her cheeks were flushed a deep crimson, and her lips moved in a soft mumble, the words lost in a haze. She swayed on her feet, barely able to stand, her hiccups breaking the silence between us.

"Hehe" She giggled, tilting her head to the side a little as she look at me, flush red.

She really has no sense of safety for herself at all. How adorable.

This was a test, after all. I wanted to see if her claims of friendship were genuine or just another ploy to fool me. I'd kept her by my side tonight, parading her in front of the nobles and royals of Rhodolite and beyond. If she was like the others, she would've used this opportunity to flaunt our connection, to show that even a mere maid could wield power through association with me.

But she was different. Instead of basking in the attention, she had seethed with anger, her defiance clear in every stiff movement, every glare she shot my way.

Which is also adorable.

I had never seen her so furious-not to this extent. It was fascinating, and again,-absolutely adorable of her.

My smile remained fixed as I watched her fumble with the wine, pouring herself another glass and downing it in one swift motion. She was blabbering now, her words slurred and unintelligible, but I caught the gist-she didn't like this method of mine in getting to know her better.

How amusing.

My grin widened as I gently took the glass from her hand. She whined in protest, reaching out to reclaim it, but I was faster. I caught her by the arm, steadying her as she wobbled on unsteady legs. Leaning in close, I whispered softly into her ear;

"Who am I?"

She didn't respond, instead, she just gives me the look, narrowing her eyebrows, she squinted her eyes, her head drooping forward as she swayed, barely holding onto her balance. The sight of her like this, so vulnerable and unaware, stirred something in me-something I hadn't felt in a long time.

There was a memory, distant but clear, from when I was a child. I had heard stories, read 'books' about a certain someone. The excitement I felt when I was going to meet her in Rhodolite was indescribable(even though she didn't know that I was planning to see her).

However, never would i've ever thought that she would be the new Belle for the King's selection in Rhodolite. I shouldve have known since she's have the purest heart in Rhodolite, which explains why she was chosen to be Belle.