Chapter 25
Fiorentia’s fingers tingled.
Confusion? Panic?
She couldn’t quite define the feeling that swept over her.
No. I can’t get caught up with this man.
Fiorentia forced herself to stay calm and slowly pulled her hand away from Theodore.
He was much calmer than she expected. In other words, he was ready to listen.
They kept a proper distance, took quiet breaths, and then Theodore spoke in an even tone.
“I’ll tell you exactly about the experiments you went through at the breeding facility.”
He nodded shortly, signaling that he was ready to listen.
“It’s an experiment that separates the soul from the body.”
“What nonsense is this?”
Her furrowed brows showed her disbelief clearly.
But Fiorentia didn’t intend to explain more than necessary. She had to give Theodore only the information that suited her, the information that increased her chances of survival.
“Many people have already died. Your body was paralyzed because of my poison, so you showed no reactions. Desdemona thought the experiment failed with you.”
“So they assumed my soul had left my body?”
“Yes. That’s correct. Desdemona didn’t need you anymore, so she handed you over to me. If she realized your consciousness was still intact, she would have taken you back.”
Theodore frowned, arms crossed, clearly showing how much he despised Desdemona.
“Why is she so obsessed with me? She usually loses interest in things quickly.”
Fiorentia shook her head.
“No, it’s very unlikely. My half-sister collects only what’s beautiful and shiny. And your appearance fits perfectly with her tastes.”
“That’s creepy.”
Theodore shuddered, listening to her explanation.
“So while you’re with me, it’s better if you just play along like a doll.”
“…”
Theodore didn’t reply. Fiorentia felt a little impatient and added carefully, trying to convince him.
“I’m not saying I’ll treat you like a doll when it’s just the two of us.”
This time, Theodore let out a heavy sigh.
“I understand the situation. Still…”
He ran his hand through his dark hair, exhaustion on his face.
“What about that maid? She’s annoying.”
Fiorentia nodded slightly. They were thinking the same thing.
“Yes, she’s annoying. There wasn’t originally a servant assigned to this building, but since I brought you here, Desdemona attached her. You saw her in the main building recently, right?”
Theodore paused, then frowned and asked again.
“By the way, I never got a proper answer. Why did you change your mind and listen to me then?”
“Just whim. And I found nothing.”
Fiorentia finished quickly, glancing at his face. Theodore didn’t seem disappointed.
Did he not expect anything?
No, his expression seemed confused, like he didn’t know what to say.
Did he really not expect me to agree at all?
Theodore adjusted his hand near his mouth and spoke quietly after a long pause.
“You say it was whim, but… thank you.”
“…You’re welcome.”
A brief awkward silence fell between them. Theodore raised his voice to break it and returned to the main topic.
“So, what will you do about the maid?”
He crossed his arms and lightly tapped his own arm.
“She’s observant. If she keeps showing up while we talk, it could be a problem.”
“Definitely.”
Desdemona’s servants didn’t get their positions easily. If the maid noticed anything strange from Theodore, she would immediately report to Desdemona. They might even be discovered before escape.
Do I need to change the plan?
Fiorentia rubbed her temple.
“What do you mean, ‘do something about her’?”
Theodore answered casually.
“If you can’t, I can do it.”
Fiorentia tilted her head.
“What do you mean by ‘do it’?”
He gave a light answer without thinking.
“Kill her. Simple.”
“…What?”
Her voice trembled and her red eyes widened.
Theodore watched carefully. Fiorentia’s emotions were always hidden behind her mask, but her eyes and voice betrayed her feelings.
So even she can panic.
Fiorentia froze, unsure how to respond. Theodore leaned forward provocatively.
“What do you think? Good idea, right? Just let me handle it and it’ll be done.”
Her red eyes stayed locked on him without blinking. He met her gaze without looking away.
He was curious—would she agree or refuse? Either way, he wouldn’t lose anything.
If she agrees, I can free these damn chains. If not, I’ll learn her personality.
After a moment, Fiorentia regained her composure. She exhaled and scolded Theodore in a flurry of words.
“Are you crazy?”
Of course. Theodore’s lips curled slightly.
“You don’t want to be caught, right?”
I knew she’d say that.
She likely expected this answer. He shrugged lightly, pretending he wasn’t serious.
Fiorentia sighed, sweeping her long hair back.
“Don’t touch the maid. Stay out of it. I’ll handle it.”
It was a little cute that she added the warning, as if worried he might actually do harm.
“Hmm.”
Theodore looked her over from head to toe, arms crossed.
“Seems like you can’t do much anyway.”
Clearly, he was trying to provoke her, but Fiorentia didn’t fall for it.
“There’s a way if we find it. Don’t try anything.”
Theodore didn’t argue. If Fiorentia handled the maid, that was fine by him.
Fiorentia added more conditions.
“No seduction. And I won’t release the shackles, no matter what you do.”
“You won’t budge. That’s a shame.”
Theodore clicked his tongue. Then he smiled slightly and asked her.
“But you think I’m handsome, right?”
Fiorentia flinched subtly, realizing she had revealed her true feelings unconsciously.
Well… he is handsome.
It felt unnatural to deny it.
