C8
This is where Liena meets him for the first time.
At first glance, a chance encounter may seem fateful, but in reality, it's an extremely bad relationship.
From where I am, I can only see the man's back.
The well-toned muscles of his back are clearly visible even through the cloth covering his body. A murky aura surrounds him.
A sinister dark red that shines intensely.
"Wow..."
His black hair flows along with his heavy breathing, as if he had just moved his body violently.
The novel's villain and the worst enemy standing in Liena's way.
Terence Friheiden. He was there.
"Hyuk."
I was mesmerized, admiring the man's back, and in the next moment, I snapped back to reality.
I don't know why, but the view from behind was so impressive that I lost my composure.
Quickly and silently, I hid behind the tree next to me.
"I can't believe he's really here!"
Of course, I came here knowing that this was Terence's favorite training spot.
But I didn't know he would be here when I came.
"I just came here today for a preliminary visit!"
The intention was to determine the exact location and geographical features of this place before we met face to face.
How can we meet as naturally as possible, as if it were a coincidence?
Terence stays at home or wanders the streets except when he's training. So, if I want to pretend to have a chance encounter, the only place I can go is the Wandering Forest.
I was lost in thought with my back pressed against the hard wooden surface.
"What do I need to do?"
Should I simply pretend to be lost and step out in front of that person?
There's no one who can support me during my divorce.
The Marquis Friheiden.
Terence, who is still a high-ranking noble, actually hides an even greater identity and will soon gain significant power.
The purest noble blood of the empire flows through his veins.
And I have "information" I can give him in exchange for his cooperation in the divorce that I covet.
This is not the case with the Andala mine.
Although the mine is a bonanza, for now, it's just useless baggage.
Even if I loudly defend its future value, I'd be lucky if they don't treat me like a lunatic.
On the other hand, the "information" I will provide to Terence can be used immediately.
However, it's only useful to him.
For other people, it wasn't worth supporting my divorce, not even to the extent of pretending to be with Cassius.
That's why I came to see Terence among so many influential people.
"All right! Let's go now!"
If not now, when else would I have the chance to meet Terence here?
The excuse of being lost is a bit old-fashioned, but it's not suspicious enough to raise doubts.
The nearby residents also frequently visit the trails of the Wandering Forest.
"..."
However, contrary to my firm determination, my feet didn't advance easily.
"I-Is it going to be okay?"
I was struck by the fact that Terence is a character who does things right in the second half of the novel. He's truly a villain with no blood or tears.
Isn't this like poking a lion's nose while trying to avoid a wolf?
The plot unfolds as I try to divorce Leandro, but will I be drawn in by Terence?
In my head, I have confidence that such a disaster won't happen.
It was much later when Terence truly turned dark.
In the novel, it's clearly written that, although he's inherently somewhat nervous and twisted, he's not beyond the category of a sensible person.
Above all, if I use the "information" I know well, it's possible to prevent him from turning dark to some extent.
"But..."
After witnessing that terrifying aura, I hesitated.
Shwaaaa!
Meanwhile, I could constantly hear the sound of a sword striking the scarecrow's armor.
I took a deep breath and calmed my fear.
It's foolish to worry about the worst that may not come and be reluctant to act.
"Do I want to live in that house for the rest of my life, being ignored?"
When I think of Cassius, who is happy with everyone but me, my worries vanish.
Will prevails over fear.
With that decision in mind, I was about to step out from behind the tree.
"Who is there?"
A voice full of chills fell gently.
It was a beautiful deep voice that tickled my ears, but my body was frozen.
...Did I get caught without taking a single step?
"If you value your life, show yourself obedient."
Somewhere, a languid warning.
"You thought I wouldn't know you've been hiding behind me for a while."
My heart started to beat vigorously.
"I have to get out quickly."
I have to go out and explain that I got lost...
But my body didn't respond.
I stiffened and barely moved my neck to peek out from behind the tree.
He hurled the sword he was holding with a powerful strike. The sword instantly grew in size and rushed toward me.
Instinctively, I threw myself to the ground, protecting my head with my arms.
Crack!
A crunching sound was heard, and the tree split in two.
...The tree right in front of the tree where I was hiding.
"Curses!"
And then, a masked man appeared out of nowhere and brandished a sword.
"Die!"
Terence dodged the dagger and lunged toward the attacker's side.
With that, the match was decided.
The next moment, Terence was alone, holding a bloodied dagger.