It might not have been typical for Halia, but it was a desperate plea.
Realizing a bit too late that Usher was on the verge of experiencing something akin to assault, Halia struck Bersia on the back of the neck, knocking her unconscious. That’s how the situation was resolved.
While the cleanup was still underway, Usher returned to the lodge and explained everything to Halia.
“…The curse of desire, you say?”
Her tone was more incredulous than shocked or serious.
Usher bowed his head in shame. Despite the importance of the matter, he had chosen to keep it hidden, unsure of how it might affect things. It was only natural.
Halia scratched her head in frustration. Then, after a thoughtful “Hmm…!” she gave this answer:
“…Well, nothing too serious has happened so far, right?”
“For now, yes.”
“Then that’s that.”
“Pardon?”
“I mean, at worst, it’s just a case of getting assaulted, isn’t it? If it comes to that, just close your eyes and let her get it out of her system once.”
“…What?”
What did I just hear?
Could those words really come from a saint?
Usher’s mind went blank. As he stared at her in shock, Halia continued,
“What else can you do? It’s better than letting Bersia roam around, sleeping with anyone she pleases, isn’t it?”
“W-well, yes, but then what about me…?”
“Why? You’re a decent kid. If it comes to it, just take responsibility and marry her.”
“…???”
Halia didn’t seem to take the situation seriously. No, more than that, she exuded a peculiar sense of trust.
“The curse of desire has historically caused major upheavals, but it’s not the curse itself that’s terrifying. It’s the change in the behavior of the cursed that’s frightening. If you can control that, you can at least delay the consequences. We missed the witch this time, but if we catch her, maybe we can solve this after all.”
Nothing she said was wrong. The only issue was the optimism underlying her words.
Maybe it was a relief that she was thinking this way. But was it really okay to handle it like this?
Conflicting thoughts clashed in Usher’s mind, giving him a slight headache.
The only comforting thing was that Halia wasn’t entirely clueless.
“Hmm, I’ll have to dig through the ancient texts.”
Rather than agonizing over a problem with no immediate solution, she intended to search for a way out.
Usher couldn’t decide whether to feel reassured or anxious.
Anyway, that was how the conversation concluded.
However, the problem turned out to be more serious than they initially thought.
Bersia woke up and spoke.
“That woman, she’s a saint. Sera Wisdia.”
Her tone was calmer than before, indicating that her agitation had subsided. The content was just too shocking.
Halia’s expression grew more grave, as did Usher’s and Diego’s, upon learning that they had faced the fallen saint who ended the era of the Holy Kingdom.
“What a disaster.”
The curse word slipped out.
And it was the most accurate way to describe the situation.
The fall of the Holy Kingdom was a crucial event not just for the church but for the entire continent’s history.
Of course, it was. That great collapse marked the beginning of the current political system and reshaped the world’s societal structure.
The name Sera Wisdia was at the center of that history.
Reflecting on the horrors she inflicted, her survival was an incredibly significant matter.
Upon hearing this, Halia immediately left with Diego.
“…I’m heading to my palace. I need to investigate any traces of what she was doing here.”
“I’ll…”
“You stay here and guard Bersia. You know what to do if things go south, right?”
“…….”
And so, the two of them were left alone.
Bersia’s limbs were tied up. Halia’s precautionary measure, but Usher felt uncomfortable watching her in that state.
She looked up at him with big, innocent eyes, which stirred feelings of sympathy within him.
“This is uncomfortable.”
“…I won’t untie you.”
“I’m really okay now. I’m sorry about earlier.”
“Even if you’re sorry, no. You have no idea how scared I was…!”
“I was under a spell. I can’t believe I let my guard down like that.”
Usher narrowed his eyes, glaring at Bersia.
From what he could see, she seemed to have fully regained her composure.
Yet, he couldn’t let his guard down, knowing just how good she was at hiding her emotions.
Who knows? She might pounce on him the moment she’s freed.
“I-I don’t trust you! You’re a monster whose mind is ruled by lust!”
“That’s a bit harsh.”
“But it’s true! Honestly, I didn’t expect you to jump me like that! It’s not like your body changed drastically, but you immediately acted on impulse!”
Once he started ranting, he couldn’t stop.
“It’s at a level where you could’ve controlled yourself! I’ve been in that body long enough to know! You just have no self-control! How can you aim for greatness with such weak willpower? This isn’t just about your body; as a leader of the church…!”
Usher had to admit he was venting quite a lot.
His stern expression didn’t falter as he continued, showing no signs of stopping.
At one point, he even started lecturing her. He knew he should stop, but it wasn’t easy.
Not to shift the blame, but Bersia was quietly listening, nodding occasionally with responses like “Mm-hmm,” “I see,” and “Ah.”
And then it hit him.
‘…Wait a minute.’
Was that really just her way of responding?
Something felt off.
Her reactions were too short and oddly excited.
Realizing this, Usher turned his head sharply to look at Bersia.
And he saw it.
Her body squirming, legs twisting together, and eyes filled with lust staring right at him.
“…Mm-hmm.”
‘……’
‘Yeah….’
It was a moment to remember.
Usher felt a deep contempt for the way she was so blatantly trying to do something, as if she didn’t need to hide it.
Bersia’s cheeks reddened further as her expression showed it.
‘What are you doing?’
‘…Waiting. Just a little longer.’
‘Ow!’
Usher jumped to his feet and wrapped the duvet around Bersia’s body, flipping her onto her back.
Bersia whimpered in frustration and tried to twist this way and that, but the seal was tight.
Finally, she gave up and let her body relax.
‘Why can’t a woman have a bottom?’ she said in a somewhat disassembled tone.
‘Why can’t a woman be spanked?’
‘Please!’
Usher felt tears threatening to fall.
When Halia showed up later, she finally said.
‘I can’t do it, it’s too hard! I’d rather you just throw me in the middle of the pagans!’
‘Ouch.’
Halia scratched the back of her head, grimacing.
It was hard enough being an Usher, being tormented by Bersia, who had zero willpower.
He was a man, a man, and when you’re constantly exposed to that kind of environment, you can’t help but think.
Of course, I didn’t do anything, but I had a dream. I’d wake up in the morning and feel deeply self-conscious that I’d had such a dream.
-Like it?
The voice in my dream was still ringing in my ears when I woke up.
I had very dark circles under my eyes.
Seeing her, Halia apologised.
“I will take care of Bersia for the day. You will go with Diego to the castle. Leave the investigation to him… “
Yes, my friend.
You’d better come and see me and cool off.’
‘…Thank you.’
I meant it.
I hadn’t really been willing to be bothered by Bersia until today.
Why did Diego’s pat on her shoulder as if she was having a hard time make her cringe?
As they left for the king’s castle, Usher had to swallow back the tears that threatened to fall again and again.
He left the inn.
He wondered if Bersia would be alright, but decided to trust Halia.
She might be a wild and crazy person, but she’s got experience.
‘Let’s go, Usher.’
‘…!’
Usher turned away from the inn.
The curse of separation, it wasn’t easy.
At this point, she could look at the corner of her desk in the corner of the room and think of all sorts of things.
Bersia felt like her mind was drying up. Or perhaps it was more accurate to say that her body was drying out.
She twisted in her bonds, trying to relieve the heat somehow.
She tried to create a crack in the Usher’s seal.
At that moment, Halia spoke.
‘You need help?’
The words were obviously sarcastic.
Bersia tried to ignore her, but Halia leaned in.
It was a mischievous, nasty smile.
She tried to ignore it, but Halia’s next words killed her simmering lust.
‘I can help you, even at my age….’
Though often forgotten due to the girl’s outgoing nature, Halia was old enough to be called a grandmother by most.
Hearing that specific number in her ear, Bersia’s heart turned cold.
‘…No, I don’t need it.’
‘Would you mind wiping your face, I’m suddenly feeling nauseous.’
The old woman, Bersia, realised the fear of the word.