Salvation Through Delusion C140

Chapter 140

When the butler said there was good news, I was in the middle of reading a letter Dr. Kim had sent through the portal. It was absurdly short.

“Dr. Kripe will handle it.”

Kripe was Dr. Kim’s alias. Why write it like that instead of just saying I’ll take care of it? And what exactly was being handled?

The butler answered that question for me.

“The Duke has returned.”

I shot to my feet. Of course — Dr. Kim must’ve done something. I hurried out, only for the butler to guide me toward Tyroc’s room.

“Why are we going there?”

“The Duke’s chambers are this way.”

I knew that — but why his room specifically…? Then Koon family rules surfaced in my head. Don’t tell me they expect me to greet him in bed after battle?

I counted on my fingers in protest.

“But it hasn’t been ten days yet. Today makes… nine!”

The butler smiled warmly at my trembling voice.

“You’re worried about breaking protocol by greeting him naked before the ten-day mark. That’s considerate, Rue.”

It was not okay.

“The only exception to Koon regulations is intercourse with the Duke. You may part your legs whenever you wish.”

Why announce that like a court proclamation?

I was about to object when he added:

“Unfortunately, given the Duke’s injuries, I cannot recommend it today.”

I froze.

“Injuries?”

“He’s receiving treatment now.”

Why didn’t I feel it?

Tyroc stared at his hand, replaying the battle with Baiyan. He had fought with his life on the line — yet he never reached that breaking point again.

Against monsters at Crystal Lake, he assumed his opponent wasn’t strong enough. Baiyan had been ideal. He’d given everything.

Still… nothing.

He needed to touch that limit again — to understand the lightning power that wasn’t divine force and wasn’t Swordmaster aura either.

How did it happen back then?

He’d lost his aura… accepted Borhumi’s divine power… trained for a day…

His gaze darkened.

Could that be connected?

“Duke.”

A subordinate entered, reporting Black Bear had vanished.

“Keep chasing Baiyan. She’ll lead you to her.”

The soldier left. Tyroc clenched his fist.

An enemy with motive was easier to accept than help without reason. No kindness was ever truly free.

The walk to his room felt longer than it was.

I opened the door — and saw bandaged flesh stained dark red across his back.

He turned slowly.

“Rue.”

“Yes.”

He beckoned. I hesitated, stepped closer, and he pulled me in. I nearly resisted — until his back muscles flexed.

That would tear the wound.

“Why?” he asked.

“Why what?”

“Does it hurt you to see me injured?”

His teasing tone let me answer lightly.

“This level of injury is normal against monsters.”

That was true. Unless you lost a limb, it barely counted.

“Then why worry?”

His voice sharpened near my ear.

Why indeed?

His warm gaze made me want to believe something dangerous — that it was meant for me.

Idiot. You’re not here to fall in love.

“You shouldn’t get hurt,” I said.

“Why?”

“I want you strong. So strong no one can touch you.”

I shrugged.

“Crush them all.”

A slow smile spread across his face.

“If that’s what you want.”

Too dazzling. Too sweet.

I shoved the discomfort aside.

“Don’t promise so easily. What if I ask you to use divine power?”

“I’ll use it.”

“…What?”

“You want me to. Do you?”

His thumb traced my hand. His gaze lingered.

Normally I’d see through it — but my head was busy. He needed to accept divine power to help Black Bear.

So I blurted:

“You weren’t mad at the divine beast?”

His lips twitched. Maybe he was mad at me now.

“If you’re upset, it’s probably the divine beast’s fault,” I added.

He saw through my intent instantly.

“Did Borhumi return?”

“No.”

He waited for the real explanation.

I didn’t know how to say it — until Dr. Kim’s note flashed in my head.

Kripe will handle it.

Oh.

I stood abruptly and pointed out the window.

“Duke — someone wants to meet you there.”

His gaze sharpened.

“The Acorn Forest?”

I nodded hard.

He didn’t press further.

The next morning, before sunrise, I led him there.

Black Bear was training in front of the cabin.

We barely stepped forward—

Shing.

Tyroc drew his sword and blocked my path, killing intent spilling from him despite his injuries.

I hurried to introduce her.

“Say hello. This is Dr. Kripe.”