Bab 18: You're Aware of My True Identity, Aren't You?
"I agree..."
Roel answered calmly, eliciting a momentary expression of surprise on Freya's beautiful face.
"Are you serious? I expected you to ponder a bit more, but of course, I'll grant you additional time," Freya replied with a light tone, her red eyes gazing softly at Roel.
Upon hearing this, a warmth enveloped Roel's heart, prompting him to shake his head ever so slightly.
"No need, as I've already given it some thought," he said, declining the offer, for he had indeed reached a decision.
If he deliberated and hesitated for too long, the opportunity for him to rise up and exact revenge on Julius would become increasingly difficult.
The concerns of those closest to him about his absence would likewise linger, a scenario he absolutely wished to avoid.
"Alright, if that's the case, I'm genuinely pleased to hear your answer, you know." Freya smiled faintly, her tone carrying a seductive charm that prompted Roel to involuntarily ponder something.
"Freya, there's something I need to ask you, and I hope you can be completely honest with me," he said with a serious undertone.
"Hmm? Of course, go ahead and ask if you truly have something on your mind.," she responded, blinking curiously at Roel, who had unexpectedly shifted into a more solemn demeanor.
Upon hearing her consent, Roel took a few deep breaths before finally parting his lips.
"You're aware of my true identity, aren't you?"
Instantly, the atmosphere hushed, and Freya too fell into immediate silence.
They locked eyes without exchanging words until a charming smile finally graced Freya's lips.
"Have you known from the start?" She tucked her long white hair behind her small ears, posing the question with a calm expression.
"No, I wasn't aware from the beginning. Only recently did I realize this and form some vague suspicions. Am I correct?" Roel shook his head, offering a faint smile.
"Pfftt! Well, it seems I can't keep this from you, Roen Lionidas. Oops, I mean Roel Lionis, right?" Freya chuckled, her hand covering her mouth as she playfully exposed his true identity.
Roel could only respond with a helpless smile.
"Indeed, it seems you were well aware of my true identity, and here I am, looking like a fool for not catching on sooner." He massaged his temples, feeling a headache coming on.
To be honest, he had harbored suspicions from the beginning, given Freya's overly attentive demeanor, which seemed inexplicable.
However, he consistently dismissed those thoughts, deeming them implausible.
Thus, he casually disclosed that he was merely the son of a minor baron, adopting the name Roen Lionidas.
Considering his status before his current predicament, it was highly improbable that he would end up in the forbidden forest on the brink of death, resembling a dying pig.
Unfortunately, when Freya explained the absolute contract magic earlier that morning, he felt as if he had been laid bare, realizing that this woman might actually be aware of his true identity while feigning ignorance!
Just contemplating this left him feeling incredibly embarrassed, realizing that he had played the fool.
'(Damn it! I want to conceal my face from her!)' Roel cursed himself with self-loathing, his face flushing red at the notion.
Sensing the shift in his expression, Freya could only chuckle and bite her lower lip, as if trying to suppress laughter.
"Pfft! Don't be so bashful. I won't laugh at all," she stated calmly, though her expression contradicted her words.
This only heightened Roel's embarrassment, causing him to turn his face to the side as if he couldn't be bothered to face her.
Observing his reaction, Freya refrained from laughing further, opting not to exacerbate his embarrassment.
"Ahem! Alright, Roel Lionis. Could you enlighten me on how you ended up on the brink of death in the heart of the forbidden forest?" Freya swiftly shifted the topic, her face revealing an unmistakable curiosity.
Roel hesitated briefly, releasing a small sigh as he adorned himself with a wistful smile.
"The reason I find myself in this situation is because someone schemed against me and set a trap." His countenance appeared strained, and a chill emanated from his golden eyes, momentarily startling Freya.
"Trapped? By whom?" Freya's tone turned instantly cold, bearing an undertone of murderous intent that Roel failed to notice.
"Julius, the Emperor of the Arcadia Empire," Roel answered succinctly, proceeding to narrate the entire story from the beginning.
His fear and wariness of Freya had dissipated because he recognized that she hadn't posed any threat or inflicted harm upon him.
Considering she had been aware of his true identity from the outset and there was no hostility directed toward him, he felt at ease sharing the complete story with her.
Upon hearing Roel's explanation, Freya's palms clenched tightly, and her red pupils reflected an unbearable cruelty.
"I see... I comprehend it now. I never expected Julius to attack his own people for such a trivial reason. Divination? Hahaha, it's as if his brain took a blow and he's turned foolish." Freya spoke with a cold indifference that reassured Roel.
He didn't anticipate that the one standing up to defend and understand him at this moment would be the legendary Black Dragon, feared by all races in the world.
'(Life is truly filled with mysteries and unexpected twists,) he murmured softly, wearing a troubled expression.
Suddenly, a question crossed his mind, and he turned his gaze toward Freya, whose expression remained cold and filled with anger.
"By the way, Freya, as a member of the dragon race, isn't this a golden opportunity for you to eliminate me, a potential threat to your kind?" Roel's abrupt question caused Freya's expression to freeze, and she gazed at him in surprise.
"What do you mean by saying that?" She narrowed her eyes, and there was a tinge of dissatisfaction in her tone.
Regretting his question, Roel looked at Freya, who appeared angry, realizing it was a foolish thing to ask.
Nevertheless, if he refrained from addressing it, despite believing Freya wouldn't harm him given her kind attitude, an uneasy knot would linger in his heart, causing discomfort.
Therefore, it was preferable to lay everything bare at this very moment before they ultimately decided to form an absolute contract.
"I would like to inquire candidly: why have you refrained from ending my life or permitting my demise? You must be aware of how many enemies of the human race want me dead because of my potential in the future." Roel laid out everything he was thinking, and surprisingly, he didn't feel uncomfortable at all after expressing himself.
Upon hearing this, Freya fell silent, and Roel also refrained from speaking, as if both of them were now immersed in their thoughts.
Suddenly, Freya's annoyed voice pierced through the silence.
"Are you being foolish?"
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