36. Team Battle (3)

* * *

I flipped through Rosaria’s new literary interest – a yuri novel where a maid binds her mistress in intricate rope patterns before engaging in…questionable activities. The exact same one I’d read before.

“How…interesting.”
“G-give it back!”

As if a healer could overpower me in brute strength. This smutty treasure was mine now. “So,” I mused, “do you want to be the mistress? Or were you hoping I’d play that role?”

Her flustered silence spoke volumes. Typical nun problems.

“I’m quite skilled at shibari,” I whispered. “Do well today, and I’ll tie you up like a bitch in heat all night long.”

*gulp*

The audible swallow confirmed my suspicions. Somehow all the heroines had devolved into masochistic lesbians. Not that I minded – the original Azhidahaka brought calamities, not sexual deviancy. Though I did enjoy consuming attractive women. A dragon’s appetite, you understand.

“W-who wants that? I’m just humoring you because I can’t resist!”
“Your damp underwear suggests otherwise.”
“Don’t touch there! People are watching!”
“So it’s fine when no one’s looking?”

Rosaria’s crimson cheeks betrayed her. My proper British nun wanted to be dominated. How delightful.

As I maneuvered her toward the restrooms, a blonde obstacle appeared.

“Rosaria, darling! Fancy meeting you here. Has it only been a year since London?”

Allen. That sickeningly sweet British knight who in the original timeline got skewered by Si-woo after turning into a monster obsessed with Arthurian legends. According to the author’s notes, he’s Lancelot’s reincarnation while Rosaria is Guinevere. Ridiculous lore.

“Miss Yoo Eun-ha! Britain’s Round Table has taken notice of your White Flame title.” His smile didn’t reach his eyes. “We hope you’ll foster friendship between our nations.”

Translation: become important so we can use you. Britain and Korea had grown close since Jin-seok’s era – the only acceptable nationalism in this world.

“I’d hate to disappoint the Round Table,” I lied smoothly.

As Allen departed, Rosaria panicked. “That wasn’t what it looked like!”

“Oh? It’s not?” I feigned confusion. “Pity. Stealing engaged women is half the fun.”

Office life taught me married women were easiest to seduce.

“You’re insane! Korea’s rising star is a psychotic lesbian?”

“Believe it. I’ll be your Arthur – just with more sapphic tendencies.”

Her trembling revealed horrified arousal. Beneath her habit, I spotted black garters – this nun came prepared. Tonight’s feast was decided.

“This doesn’t mean I like women! Reading BL doesn’t make me gay!” she shouted while storming off, her flushed neck betraying her.

* * *

Park Joon-hyuk, leader of Hanseong’s B-Class, gnawed his nails raw.

“Damn it! Where does that power come from?”

Yoo Eun-ha – the privileged A-Class princess coasting on her brother’s fame. Her white flames had incinerated the arena effortlessly, no incantations needed. The unfairness burned.

[You’re too impatient.]
The voice of Constellation Martial God echoed in his mind – the spirit of Cheok Jun-gyeong that had guided him.

“Should I just watch them surpass me?”

[My greatest regret was acting rashly during the Yi Ja-gyeom rebellion…]

Joon-hyuk was sick of the ancient general’s platitudes. As he sighed, a new voice slithered into his mind.

-Do you desire power?

The sinister whisper promised victory against the Divine Sword and White Flame through the Fragment of Gluttony. Though hesitant, his envy overpowered caution.

[Fool! You choose destruction over the path of Musin!]

The Constellation’s voice faded as Joon-hyuk accepted the corrupting gift. On this day, the first Apostle of Gluttony was born.