—Rexdeus, who has lost his name and identity—
I began to regain consciousness. Slowly. As if my awareness was being forced back to the surface from something dark… heavy…and unwilling to let me go.
The first thing I felt—was not pain.
But… discomfort. My hands wouldn't move freely. My body was restrained.
As my vision gradually cleared, I realized the irritating truth.
I was bound.
Seated on a wooden chair, ropes wrapped tightly enough to ensure I couldn't do anything reckless…Like striking back. Or simply… escaping.
I let out a quiet breath.
Of course—if they saw me as a threat because I am an Anathema…
I wouldn't complain. I wouldn't be angry.
That's only natural.
This world has always been like that.
What they do not understand… they fear.And what they fear… they destroy.
I'm used to it.
But—
To be treated as some kind of… pervert?
…
That… is completely unforgivable.
"Auntie…? Isn't this a bit too much?" The blonde girl's voice sounded soft—gentle, yet hesitant.
I shifted my gaze slightly
The blonde girl was looking at me with pity—
as if I were the victim of something unjust.
…
Don't. Please don't look at me like that. Don't pity me. All of this… is because of that 'kindness' of yours. A kindness that keeps feeding the fire…without you ever realizing it.
"No." Another voice cut in immediately—firm and cold. "This is normal."
I didn't even need to turn to know who it belonged to.
The pink-haired woman stood there—her gaze fixed straight on me, filled with undisguised suspicion. "We don't know what kind of depraved thoughts are lurking in his head… in his mind… in his heart."
Every word she spoke sounded like an accusation. Like a verdict already decided… without the need for proof.
I held my breath for a moment.
I am not a pervert.
Then—
Without warning—
"You bastard…" she clicked her tongue. "I thought you were into men."
…
I froze.
Instantly.
"So you were secretly interested in my little girl instead," the pink-haired woman said.
…
What? What did she just say?
Wait… are you serious?
My thoughts stalled for a moment.
Not out of embarrassment. Not out of offense. But because… I was confused.
Our Anathema clan doesn't even have the luxury for something like that.Our numbers are already too few.
Unlike humans… who can reproduce without considering the consequences. Even if half your population chose same-sex partners—your numbers wouldn't collapse.
But we, Anathema, are different. We only have one partner.
[One… for a lifetime.]
There is no replacement. No second choice. Not like humans… who so easily move from one to another.
And now—I'm being accused of something like that?
And worse—Me… being interested in that blonde?
What? What—?
"You…?" The woman's voice came again.
There was something different in it this time. "…you're not aware?"
I lifted my gaze.
Her expression had shifted slightly. Like someone who had just realized something… interesting.
"You're captivated by my girl?" the pink-haired woman said.
What? What does she mean by that? I hadn't even had the chance to respond—or rather, to process—
"Ck." She clicked her tongue in irritation. "Either way, I'm not handing her over to you."
Her tone rose again. Her emotions flared without restraint.
"Even if that child is a little… unusual."
She glanced briefly toward the blonde girl.
Quick—but clear. "I won't let you do as you please with her."
She stepped closer. One step. Slow—yet enough to make the air around me feel heavier.
"And if you ignore my warning…" A smile formed on her lips. Thin, dark and unsettling.
"I'll cut something off of you… piece by piece until there's nothing left."
CRACK—
The sound was sharp. In her hand, a wooden ruler snapped cleanly in two—without effort.
…
I went pale. My body tensed on its own. Cold sweat crept down my back.
I said nothing. Didn't argue. Didn't try to explain. I simply… nodded. Slowly. Very slowly.
Because for the first time—I truly believed...she would do it.
"Good." She sounded satisfied. As if she had just finished something important.
"Rurika, I've already given him a warning."
Her tone shifted again—more casual, yet still laced with threat.
"If he starts acting strange—"
She paused for a moment before continuing,
"Knock him out." Each word sent a chill down my spine "Or electrocute him."
…
What? I could only stare blankly.
Terrifying. Truly terrifying.
I shifted my gaze slightly. And without realizing it—a strange thought surfaced in my mind.
…I think I'm starting to understand why some human men choose… not to deal with women.
Not because they're incapable. Not because they lack interest. But because—human women… are terrifying.
After that, the two of them began talking.
I didn't pay much attention to their conversation.
Partly because I didn't care. Partly because… I was more focused on confirming whether the pink-haired woman would actually leave.
And when—Her footsteps finally faded. The door closed.And her presence completely disappeared from the room—
I let out a quiet breath without realizing it.
…Finally.
But that sense of relief didn't last long.
Without warning—
The blonde girl suddenly moved closer.
And before I could say anything—her hands were already working at the ropes binding me, undoing them quickly and naturally.
As if it were something she should have done from the very beginning.
…
I watched her for a moment.
Soon after, finally, I spoke.
"You…" My voice was flat. But the confusion within it… was impossible to hide. "…Didn't you hear your aunt telling you not to untie me?"
My hands began to feel lighter as one of the knots came loose.
She didn't stop. Not even for a second.
"But you're injured." The answer came just like that. Simple. Without hesitation. "And besides… I need to change your bandages."
She added it naturally as the final knot came undone. My hands were free.
…
Does this girl not understand danger?
I looked at her a little longer.
Her face—showed no fear. No caution. Only… a simple intent to help.
…
Whatever. Not my concern.
I'm not caretaker. Not teacher. And certainly—not a good enough person to teach anyone how to survive.
"Give me the bandages," I said at last.
My tone turned slightly firmer. Trying to reclaim control that, somehow, I had already lost. "I can change them myself."
The girl lifted her face, looking at me. There was a hint of hesitation in her eyes.
"But…" She lightly gripped the hem of her clothes. "I should check your condition too."
Her voice softened—quieter now. More careful. As if afraid I would refuse her again.
"There's no point." I cut her off immediately. Short and clear. "I have no intention of becoming a punching bag again."
Silence fell for a moment.
My words lingered—half serious. Half… a warning.
"Okay…" She finally gave in, offering no further protest. Without arguing any further.
She picked up the bandages and handed them to me carefully—as if I were something fragile.
In her other hand, she offered a small glass container.
"These are the bandages…"
She looked at me, making sure I really took them. "And don't forget… apply this ointment."
I took them. But the girl didn't leave.
…
She remained there. Standing and watching me in silence.
"…"
"..."
We fell silent together.
The silence returned—stranger this time. Longer. And for some reason… more exhausting.
"I can change it myself." I repeated, more firmly.
Hoping that this time—she would understand.
She nodded once, slightly—but didn't move.
…
I looked at her. She looked back.
No hidden intent. No awkwardness.
As if this… was normal.
"Haaah…" I finally let out a long sigh.
The wounds on my body might not have healed yet—but this situation was far more draining.
"Wait outside the curtain," I said, pointing toward the thin fabric dividing the room. "I'll change it inside."
I stood up slowly. A dull pain spread through me—but it was still bearable.
"I'll call you if I need help." My steps paused for a moment. Then, without turning around, I added—"You're not planning to peek, are you?"
My tone shifted slightly. Lighter. A little mocking. A little… testing her reaction.
"Hm?" She looked genuinely confused. Her head tilted.
"No?"
Her answer sounded like a question. Her face said only one thing: I don't understand what you mean.
…
I almost laughed.
"Good." I said shortly.
Then I pulled the curtain shut, separating myself from her. The world inside the curtain—and the world outside.
And honestly… I'm certain she misunderstood.
But that's fine.
It's better this way. At least, I don't have to explain anything.
More importantly—
If she ends up screaming after seeing my wounds… or the way my blood acts up—I won't have to pretend to be kind. Or protect her when I hear it.
Everything will be much simpler…As long as I don't have to understand that girl.