CH 34

“Why do you despise Latvan so intensely?”

I couldn’t comprehend Evelina’s anger towards Latvan. Perhaps something had occurred that wasn’t mentioned in the book? However, based on Latvan’s demeanor, he didn’t seem like someone who would cause harm or bear grudges against others. If Evelina disliked him because her demands were not met, I could understand to some extent. But to exhibit such vehement fury?

“He did nothing wrong.”

“Th-this… release me…”

“He truly did nothing wrong.”

As Evelina muttered those words, she soon released her grip on my throat. Though she hadn’t exerted excessive force, my fragile body was prone to breaking with even the slightest impact.

[Cough!]

As Evelina released her grip, my vision blurred. Unable to regain my composure easily, I swayed before her eyes. Her bored expression turned into one of annoyance as she spoke.

“I made a grave mistake in choosing you.”

She then gazed into the distance.

“I thought it would be entertaining. That’s why I deliberately chose someone like you. But I suppose it’s better to give the chance to other pitiful souls. To those who live according to their desires, unabashedly.”

A chill crept into one side of my chest. I understood what Evelina meant by her words. She was now seeking another soul to inhabit her body.

I had always pondered it.

Having entered a body without reason, it could depart without reason someday.

One must prepare oneself in advance to not feel unjust or saddened when departing from Evelina’s body. That’s why I had made daily preparations in my own way, but when Evelina mentioned choosing another soul, fear overwhelmed me.

My body trembled. I never expected that the extra life I had luckily received would end like this.

“Am I really going to die now?”

With that thought in mind, I lowered my head and sat down, and Evelina approached me, sitting in front of me and chuckling softly.

“Indeed, did this body please you? You seem so reluctant to let go.”

I couldn’t respond to her teasing words. Every word Evelina spoke was the truth. I lifted my head and gazed at her. The healthy body I had enjoyed until just a while ago was shining before my eyes.

I recalled the routines I had enjoyed over the past few weeks.

When I wanted to go somewhere, I could go without any worries. The tiredness that followed a day of walking felt fascinating. The breeze brushing my face as I ran down empty corridors felt delightful. The ability to endure unfamiliar tasks in an unfamiliar world was all thanks to that joy.

Now, I can no longer experience it.

It was never truly mine to begin with. If the owner wants it back, I must return it. But why does it feel so unjust and regretful?

Tears fell onto the back of my hand. I realized I was crying without even noticing. It was embarrassing and irritating to show such a side to Evelina. As I turned my head away, she laughed. Then, she grabbed my hair and forced me to look at her.

“Do you desire this body?”

“…….”

I didn’t answer. She had asked the question even though she already knew the answer.

“You may have it.”

In an instant, my heart leaped. Evelina’s words expressed my deepest desires. I knew I had only two more years to live. Yet, I still desired Evelina’s body.

“But there is one condition.”

“What is it?”

I couldn’t even hide my anxious heart. My dry wrist held onto Evelina. Unlike my rough, calloused skin, her skin was soft and fair, and in that moment, my greed grew stronger.

I want this body again. Even if it has an end, I want Evelina’s body, not someone else’s.

“I don’t know if you can do it…”

“I’ll do anything.”

As I replied, a wicked smile formed on Evelina’s face. She intended to mock and toy with me. She would surely demand something absurd. But it didn’t matter what it was. As Evelina looked at me and simply laughed, my impatience forced me to ask first.

“Do I… have to kill someone?”

The greatest sin and the most difficult thing I could think of was undoubtedly murder. However, Evelina shook her head at my words.

“That’s impossible. A saint cannot kill others. Suicide is also out of the question.”

“……”

Evelina’s voice was firm, as if she had already attempted it.

“And it’s not even enjoyable. It’s better to have fun, right? So… yes, let’s go with something that seems challenging for you.”

“What do you mean by challenging me?”

Evelina spoke with a brighter smile than ever before.

“Engage in sexual intercourse with a man. Within a week.”