Chapter 82
Chapter 82
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Translator: MadScientist
Chapter: 82
Chapter Title: Not a Single Drop Will I Yield (6)
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I want to kill her.
Truly, from the bottom of my heart.
The reason Cain was more furious than ever was none other than Scarlett's utterly nonchalant attitude.
'The helplessness of not being able to move my body at will... It's far more disgusting than I imagined. No, revolting.'
Cain had genuinely wanted to kill Scarlett, but he had no choice but to hold back because those around him pulled him away.
Once he cooled his rage-boiling head and thought again, he realized she was no easy opponent.
Her near-immortal regeneration aside, her own combat prowess was no joke. He'd confirmed it in that clash just now.
'She could've easily dodged or blocked that slash. And yet she just stood there watching.'
As if it didn't matter since she wouldn't die anyway. Treating him like utter shit.
Perhaps because only anger and hatred remained toward her, Cain's thoughts had turned rough even there.
On the other hand, Scarlett was savoring each of Cain's emotions one by one.
Refreshing.
And shocking.
In her history-spanning long life, had she ever faced emotions this intense? Not even once.
'Someone truly seeing me as an enemy and trying to kill me. You're the first man to stand before me with such feelings.'
Of course, plenty had tried to kill her throughout that long history.
But nearly all were women, and even they fell completely to her charm.
In the end, she had to suppress her charm almost like putting on a play just to eke out some meager enjoyment.
But the man before her was different. He was trying to kill her with a will stronger than anything.
His skin-prickling killing intent even felt like fresh stimulation bordering on pleasure to her.
And in that moment, like a ghost, Cain drew his pitch-black greatsword and severed her neck.
"Cut the crap. You might actually die."
"No idea what you're talking about."
"You were about to use charm just now. You bitch worse than street trash...!!"
"Impressive. How'd you even know?"
Not just threatening with the sword at her throat. He actually swung and lopped off her head.
An act of aggression and rudeness that couldn't be called negotiation. Yet paradoxically, it only made her like him more.
Unlike Scarlett, who was purely admiring, Ryuku was dying, sandwiched right in the middle.
'Why is my wise master with matching strength suddenly rampaging like this today...!!'
In truth, the beastkin had surrendered to Cain not just for his power, but for his terrifying wisdom too.
No need to mention the beast king, their natural predator—even Beast King Khan had challenged him head-on and lost.
Could they stop him after he'd already devoured and grown from two monsters? No way. Better to join up.
That way, at least they'd avoid slavery. But now, he was rampaging excessively.
"Hey! Help me hold back the lord?! It's too much for me alone!"
"Everything Lord Blackguard has done so far has been essential."
"Right. It's all just steps toward victory. So we'll trust him this time too."
The two women who could rein in Cain Blackguard simply trusted him completely and left it to him.
Scardi, who'd reached the same realm as the Beast King, was even more extreme.
She nodded approvingly at his resolute swings of the pitch-black greatsword.
"Hm, not bad. A fine sword with no hesitation. I'd love to cross blades again sometime."
"......"
Still, thanks to Ryuku's desperate efforts, Cain barely clung to his reason.
Cain hadn't forgotten his purpose here either. Though the torment had nearly made him...
But if she pulled any tricks, he had zero intention of compromising. Slicing her neck just now was for that reason.
'This crazy bitch tries to use charm at the drop of a hat for no reason.'
In fact, Cain had just regressed once more. He'd fallen to her charm again.
He could resist somewhat with full effort, but only if used preemptively.
If caught off-guard, even Cain would succumb. At least for now.
"Your men have it rough."
"Shut it. Protecting my people from scum like you is my job."
"Your subordinates have a fine lord. I'm genuinely jealous."
"Just shut up."
Even amid his emotionally charged curses, Scarlett just smiled and nodded, driving Cain mad.
In the end, Cain chose to ignore her completely. No matter what she said or how she blocked his path, he brushed past.
Of course, even that fresh thrill excited Scarlett, but it didn't mean she felt great about it.
"By the way, didn't you come to negotiate with me?"
A line impossible to ignore. It finally drew Cain's full attention to her.
Cain was dumbfounded. Bringing up negotiation now? Yet he couldn't ignore it.
He had come here to negotiate with the Lost Empire, after all. He hadn't forgotten at least that much.
"Joke around again, and that head comes off for real."
"I don't like beating around the bush. What you want is time to buy... right?"
"......"
His goal exposed so easily. It was obvious, really. She was once a ruler who'd led an empire.
Though now devoured by the monster called ennui and abandoned everything, her insight remained sharp.
Of course, Cain didn't know she was the Immortal Lord. But... one thing was crystal clear.
"Will you truly sacrifice others' blood for the greater good?"
Scarlett Royal Blood.
She was undoubtedly a monster.
◇◇◇◆◇◇◇ No memories of her past life.
Precisely, no memories before becoming this body. Was she ever human? Or always like this?
But one certainty: she'd never met an equal in all this time.
At first, it was fine. Everything was new—first sights, sounds, experiences—so no boredom yet.
[Why are you sad? Dead? What's that?]
[Just get back up. Why aren't you?]
She, born twisted, didn't blend in from the start. Yet the reason she could blend.
Her innate charm power. With it, Scarlett easily claimed the world.
The world she claimed wasn't all that impressive. Whatever she wanted came easily.
[You promised to spend life together. But it's okay to kill so easily?]
[To prove my loyalty to you, gladly...]
[What the hell?]
Witnessing humans' emotions flip instantly, Scarlett realized love was utterly useless.
Lifelong partners killed each other; children sacrificed parents, parents children.
It was so repulsive even she, born twisted, could barely stomach it—and it didn't last long.
'They sacrificed even loved ones for gain or power. So what about you?'
Having once ruled an empire, she knew well. Even lofty ideals demand compromise eventually.
Looks like they want to negotiate with the Lost Empire—her—to check the alliance. What say you?
Will you give up like them? Or show another path? With such thoughts, Scarlett engaged.
"Will you truly sacrifice others' blood for the greater good?"
"Not a single drop to you."
"......I haven't even properly explained yet."
"No need. Obvious. Sacrifice some blood for negotiation, right?"
Unlike humans she'd met, Cain refused outright. Scarlett couldn't comprehend.
Doesn't he grasp the situation? Sacrifice a few under "greater good" and victory's assured?
But Cain's eyes held unyielding resolve. He answered as if unworthy of reply.
"I'm their lord. It's my duty to protect them. Don't test me."
That day, for the first time in centuries...
Scarlett Royal Blood was rejected.