“You might regret it after hearing it, but is that okay?”
Judith fiddled with the strings of the bathrobe Erne had given her. They were tied so loosely that they would come undone with the slightest tug.
If she want to hear what kind of unwholesome imagination Erne had, she don't need to say anything else. Just pull the string.
Gulp, dry saliva passed. Judith didn't know she would spend her nights like this. But why not?
The atmosphere may have flowed strangely unintentionally, but that is no reason to not pull on the string.
They are adults, married, and always will be.
So, wouldn't it be okay to pull this?
Her fingers, which were holding the gown, gained strength. It was the moment when the gown strings were wrapped around her fingers and pulled smoothly.
“...!”
Erne's eyes lost focus and then came back. It was just for a split second. So much so that Judith, who was staring at him, didn't even notice.
But to Erne, it felt like a few minutes. He lifted Judith up from her seat and hugged her urgently.
No, rather than hugging her, he hid her in his arms.
“Why, why are you like that?”
Erne, who had kept Judith tightly hidden in his arms, took out the dagger that she always kept under her pillow.
An ominous sensation clung to his skin.
Erne looked around, hiding Judith even deeper in his arms. It felt like there were eyes everywhere.
There were eyes all around him, staring intently at him and Judith, like barnacles clinging to a rock.
It's creepy. It makes his hair stand on end and his instinctive guard is sharpened.
He wants to run away from the snow, but there are snowballs all around him, so where can he run to?
“Erne...”
“Don't come out.”
Erne held Judith tightly as she tried to escape from his arms. He did not want even a single strand of Judith's hair to be exposed to that unpleasant gaze of the voyeur.
His head was in a jumble, wondering what was what, whether it was fantasy or reality, whether this gaze was real or fake.
Amid this chaos, there was only one thought that ruled Erne.
Judith. The idea that Judith must be protected.
“Erne, Erne!”
Judith was embarrassed in Erne's arms. She was so caught up in him that she had no time to do anything, and her posture was not very good.
Her cheeks were crushed against the bare chest revealed through the gap in his gown. Erne's thumping heartbeat was transmitted directly to her cheeks which were touching each other.
Not only that. His breathing became rough, his muscles bulged with strength, and his arms wrapped around her with such eagerness. Something had happened to Erne.
“Wake up, Erne. You’re out of breath.”
Judith hit his shoulder with her relatively free arm. First, she had to bring Erne back to his senses.
“No, it’s dangerous. Wait a minute.”
But no matter how hard she punched Erne in the shoulder, he showed no sign of coming to his senses. Judith let out a short sigh.
She didn't want to go this far.
Judith lifted her heel slightly and bit down on Erne's protruding collarbone.
“Ugh.”
Erne flinched violently, screaming loudly. He breathed heavily as if he had just surfaced.
As the strength in his taut chest muscles gave out, Judith slowly slipped out of his arms.
“Erne, are you awake?”
“...Thanks to that.”
He looked more confused than before, but he was able to communicate.
Erne looked at Judith with strange eyes and then hurriedly opened his gown.
What the heck, this pervert treatment? You gave me your gown string to pull on just now, and what is this change in position?
Judith frowned in discontent. She had no intention of continuing what she had been doing in this situation.
But she was about to argue with him because she felt it was unfair to treat her like a pervert who stripped a person without thinking, when she heard a thud from outside, along with the sound of a heavy object falling, and a scream that sounded like it was going to tear apart.
“Stay here, no, no.”
Erne, who was about to run out of the room wondering what was going on, hesitated for a moment and eventually decided to hold Judith's hand and leave.
“What’s going on... Kaya!”
As Judith was about to ask Mia, who was kneeling on the floor, what was happening, she saw Kaya lying on the ground with a nosebleed.
Beside the drooping Kaya were portraits of Erne and Judith.
Unlike Judith, who was fine, Erne's portrait had darkened eyes as if someone had burned only that area.
“Look over there, Miss Harrington.”
Mia pointed to something in the portrait with trembling fingers. Several spots around Erne’s portrait weren’t there originally.
Judith leaned over the portrait and examined the stain closely.
What is this stain? How did it get on the painting when it wasn't even raining?
"...OMG."
Judith, who had been looking so closely at the portrait that her nose almost touched it, took a deep breath and stepped back. Her face turned pale.
That's not a stain.
It's eyes.
A pair of evil eyes glared at Erne with pitch-black pupils.
Kaya quickly came to her senses and explained what had happened.
Kaya, who was sleeping in the room directly above Judith and Erne, felt something ominous and came out of the room.
If it were a normal time, she would have woken up her godmother, Tan, or Mia who was sleeping with her, but Kaya, whose spiritual power was activated while she was sleeping, came down to the first floor alone without realizing it.
Kaya walked towards where she felt the curse and thought that she had to get rid of the curse that was gathering around Erne.
Because he owed Erne and Judith a favor and she had to repay it!
Kaya, who didn't know how to destroy it, remembered something she had picked up somewhere.
Kaya entered the incense workshop and came out holding a fountain pen that Judith used to take notes on quantities.
And the moment the curse gathered on Erne, she swung the fountain pen and tore the portrait apart.
“It was an ignorant method.”
The godmother commented after hearing Kaya's explanation. Trying to tear apart the curse's true form without any protection.
It was possible because Kaya had outstanding spiritual powers, but if she was not careful, the curse could have been turned around on Kaya.
“Fortunately, it wasn’t that bad. It’s just that she collapsed because she suddenly used up all the spiritual power in her body. She’ll get up again after a few days.”
Only then did Erne and Judith calm down. They felt a little relieved, but that did not make them feel at ease.
The child got hurt while trying to protect the adult. Erne felt particularly heavy-hearted.
“Still, it seems the portrait was effective. The curse went to the portrait and not to Sir Erne.”
“But Erne felt eyes on him even from inside the bedroom.”
“Since it is a curse directed at Sir Erne, it is inevitable that it will have some effect on Sir Erne. Even if the actual damage is taken by the portrait.”
Besides, Erne is a knight. Even for those who live always on the lookout for danger, it is natural for them to develop a sixth sense, although it is not a spiritual power.
“I don’t know what the curse is, but I know who sent it.”
Judith nodded as well. He was a priest. There was no one else but a priest. Perhaps he did this to prevent him from becoming a noble this time.
'There are many people involved, but the reason you are attacking Erne by singling his ut is probably because he misunderstands Erne as a possessed person.'
If it weren't for Erne, this would have happened to Judith. Judith felt sorry and grateful to Erne, but at the same time, she was annoyed by the priest.
The one who gave the order to arrest the priest was the Emperor. The one who mobilized the police soldiers to arrest the other followers was Cain.
But why do the arrows of anger only fall on the possessed?
'I don't know who he was possessed by, but do I know who was possessed by him?'
Let's say the priest knew that. But Judith in her previous life had not done anything to deserve such resentment.
'I don't remember the last few days before I died. What did I do then? Did I do something bad and then run away?'
Did I do something bad before I died? Did I steal something? No, why on earth?
It was frustrating because there were no clues. Judith had a feeling that she would have to sit down somewhere quiet and slowly recall what she remembered.
“Godmother, I checked and came back.”
Tan returned after going to check the amulet hung on the outer wall of the mansion at the order of the godmother.
“This one had a crack in it. I don’t know if it was because of the curse or if it was always cracked.”
Tan held out the obsidian wrapped in rags as if he were embarrassed. The matron took a deep breath. If it had been a proper amulet, this curse could have been stopped.
However, the godmother did not have materials strong enough to protect the mansion. However, she could not ask Judith, who was paying off the debts and the food and living expenses of the family, to buy expensive materials.
Moreover, the godmother resolved never to use witchcraft to harm others in her life.
'But how long will I live here?'
What's the point of holding on to one old belief while that young one falls and repays the favor?
“Can I ask you one favor?”
Judith fiddled with the strings of the bathrobe Erne had given her. They were tied so loosely that they would come undone with the slightest tug.
If she want to hear what kind of unwholesome imagination Erne had, she don't need to say anything else. Just pull the string.
Gulp, dry saliva passed. Judith didn't know she would spend her nights like this. But why not?
The atmosphere may have flowed strangely unintentionally, but that is no reason to not pull on the string.
They are adults, married, and always will be.
So, wouldn't it be okay to pull this?
Her fingers, which were holding the gown, gained strength. It was the moment when the gown strings were wrapped around her fingers and pulled smoothly.
“...!”
Erne's eyes lost focus and then came back. It was just for a split second. So much so that Judith, who was staring at him, didn't even notice.
But to Erne, it felt like a few minutes. He lifted Judith up from her seat and hugged her urgently.
No, rather than hugging her, he hid her in his arms.
“Why, why are you like that?”
Erne, who had kept Judith tightly hidden in his arms, took out the dagger that she always kept under her pillow.
An ominous sensation clung to his skin.
Erne looked around, hiding Judith even deeper in his arms. It felt like there were eyes everywhere.
There were eyes all around him, staring intently at him and Judith, like barnacles clinging to a rock.
It's creepy. It makes his hair stand on end and his instinctive guard is sharpened.
He wants to run away from the snow, but there are snowballs all around him, so where can he run to?
“Erne...”
“Don't come out.”
Erne held Judith tightly as she tried to escape from his arms. He did not want even a single strand of Judith's hair to be exposed to that unpleasant gaze of the voyeur.
His head was in a jumble, wondering what was what, whether it was fantasy or reality, whether this gaze was real or fake.
Amid this chaos, there was only one thought that ruled Erne.
Judith. The idea that Judith must be protected.
“Erne, Erne!”
Judith was embarrassed in Erne's arms. She was so caught up in him that she had no time to do anything, and her posture was not very good.
Her cheeks were crushed against the bare chest revealed through the gap in his gown. Erne's thumping heartbeat was transmitted directly to her cheeks which were touching each other.
Not only that. His breathing became rough, his muscles bulged with strength, and his arms wrapped around her with such eagerness. Something had happened to Erne.
“Wake up, Erne. You’re out of breath.”
Judith hit his shoulder with her relatively free arm. First, she had to bring Erne back to his senses.
“No, it’s dangerous. Wait a minute.”
But no matter how hard she punched Erne in the shoulder, he showed no sign of coming to his senses. Judith let out a short sigh.
She didn't want to go this far.
Judith lifted her heel slightly and bit down on Erne's protruding collarbone.
“Ugh.”
Erne flinched violently, screaming loudly. He breathed heavily as if he had just surfaced.
As the strength in his taut chest muscles gave out, Judith slowly slipped out of his arms.
“Erne, are you awake?”
“...Thanks to that.”
He looked more confused than before, but he was able to communicate.
Erne looked at Judith with strange eyes and then hurriedly opened his gown.
What the heck, this pervert treatment? You gave me your gown string to pull on just now, and what is this change in position?
Judith frowned in discontent. She had no intention of continuing what she had been doing in this situation.
But she was about to argue with him because she felt it was unfair to treat her like a pervert who stripped a person without thinking, when she heard a thud from outside, along with the sound of a heavy object falling, and a scream that sounded like it was going to tear apart.
“Stay here, no, no.”
Erne, who was about to run out of the room wondering what was going on, hesitated for a moment and eventually decided to hold Judith's hand and leave.
“What’s going on... Kaya!”
As Judith was about to ask Mia, who was kneeling on the floor, what was happening, she saw Kaya lying on the ground with a nosebleed.
Beside the drooping Kaya were portraits of Erne and Judith.
Unlike Judith, who was fine, Erne's portrait had darkened eyes as if someone had burned only that area.
“Look over there, Miss Harrington.”
Mia pointed to something in the portrait with trembling fingers. Several spots around Erne’s portrait weren’t there originally.
Judith leaned over the portrait and examined the stain closely.
What is this stain? How did it get on the painting when it wasn't even raining?
"...OMG."
Judith, who had been looking so closely at the portrait that her nose almost touched it, took a deep breath and stepped back. Her face turned pale.
That's not a stain.
It's eyes.
A pair of evil eyes glared at Erne with pitch-black pupils.
***
Kaya quickly came to her senses and explained what had happened.
Kaya, who was sleeping in the room directly above Judith and Erne, felt something ominous and came out of the room.
If it were a normal time, she would have woken up her godmother, Tan, or Mia who was sleeping with her, but Kaya, whose spiritual power was activated while she was sleeping, came down to the first floor alone without realizing it.
Kaya walked towards where she felt the curse and thought that she had to get rid of the curse that was gathering around Erne.
Because he owed Erne and Judith a favor and she had to repay it!
Kaya, who didn't know how to destroy it, remembered something she had picked up somewhere.
Kaya entered the incense workshop and came out holding a fountain pen that Judith used to take notes on quantities.
And the moment the curse gathered on Erne, she swung the fountain pen and tore the portrait apart.
“It was an ignorant method.”
The godmother commented after hearing Kaya's explanation. Trying to tear apart the curse's true form without any protection.
It was possible because Kaya had outstanding spiritual powers, but if she was not careful, the curse could have been turned around on Kaya.
“Fortunately, it wasn’t that bad. It’s just that she collapsed because she suddenly used up all the spiritual power in her body. She’ll get up again after a few days.”
Only then did Erne and Judith calm down. They felt a little relieved, but that did not make them feel at ease.
The child got hurt while trying to protect the adult. Erne felt particularly heavy-hearted.
“Still, it seems the portrait was effective. The curse went to the portrait and not to Sir Erne.”
“But Erne felt eyes on him even from inside the bedroom.”
“Since it is a curse directed at Sir Erne, it is inevitable that it will have some effect on Sir Erne. Even if the actual damage is taken by the portrait.”
Besides, Erne is a knight. Even for those who live always on the lookout for danger, it is natural for them to develop a sixth sense, although it is not a spiritual power.
“I don’t know what the curse is, but I know who sent it.”
Judith nodded as well. He was a priest. There was no one else but a priest. Perhaps he did this to prevent him from becoming a noble this time.
'There are many people involved, but the reason you are attacking Erne by singling his ut is probably because he misunderstands Erne as a possessed person.'
If it weren't for Erne, this would have happened to Judith. Judith felt sorry and grateful to Erne, but at the same time, she was annoyed by the priest.
The one who gave the order to arrest the priest was the Emperor. The one who mobilized the police soldiers to arrest the other followers was Cain.
But why do the arrows of anger only fall on the possessed?
'I don't know who he was possessed by, but do I know who was possessed by him?'
Let's say the priest knew that. But Judith in her previous life had not done anything to deserve such resentment.
'I don't remember the last few days before I died. What did I do then? Did I do something bad and then run away?'
Did I do something bad before I died? Did I steal something? No, why on earth?
It was frustrating because there were no clues. Judith had a feeling that she would have to sit down somewhere quiet and slowly recall what she remembered.
“Godmother, I checked and came back.”
Tan returned after going to check the amulet hung on the outer wall of the mansion at the order of the godmother.
“This one had a crack in it. I don’t know if it was because of the curse or if it was always cracked.”
Tan held out the obsidian wrapped in rags as if he were embarrassed. The matron took a deep breath. If it had been a proper amulet, this curse could have been stopped.
However, the godmother did not have materials strong enough to protect the mansion. However, she could not ask Judith, who was paying off the debts and the food and living expenses of the family, to buy expensive materials.
Moreover, the godmother resolved never to use witchcraft to harm others in her life.
'But how long will I live here?'
What's the point of holding on to one old belief while that young one falls and repays the favor?
“Can I ask you one favor?”
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