Holy Kingdom – Interrogation (2)

When first questioned by Cassios, Lucas hadn’t thought much of it.

But being interrogated this thoroughly meant Cardinal Cassios now suspected Lucas.

An absurd situation where the interrogator was being interrogated had unfolded.

The only saving grace was that Lucas had managed to give plausible excuses so far, allowing him to scrape by.

But eventually, crisis came for him as he walked this precarious tightrope.

“She doesn’t seem afraid of you at all, Interrogator. How do you explain this?”

“…”

This might be serious trouble.

A cold sweat trickled down Lucas’s cheek at the sharp observation.

‘Was blocking everyone else’s access the problem…’

His excessive protection of Rena had clearly earned him great resentment.

But Lucas had tortured Rena terribly. Burdened by that guilt, he couldn’t stand by watching her suffer.

“Hmm…”

As Lucas remained silent, Cassios smiled faintly. His expression showed the thrill of having his suspicions confirmed.

“You’re not… protecting the criminal, are you? Seduced by someone conspiring with demons?”

“Hahaha! Why would an interrogator like me protect a criminal? What an absurd joke. It’s about time for a meal – shall we go?”

Lucas laughed loudly and tried to leave the room.

But despite his efforts, Cassios didn’t let him go.

“Interrogator Lucas. This is no joke.”

“Tch…”

So he still won’t let it go.

Lucas hadn’t expected Cassios to challenge him about Rena’s reaction toward him.

‘He didn’t become Cardinal for nothing.’

Cardinal Cassios’s ability to observe situations and interrogate was absolutely on par with Lucas, whose profession was interrogation.

The problem was that someone with such skills had driven an innocent woman to hell just to manipulate the Hero.

Lucas glanced sideways to check Rena’s reaction.

Rena was quietly curled up, watching him.

Her pitiful eyes held unmistakable anxiety.

‘Stay calm. Think carefully.’

Admitting everything here was obviously impossible.

That would mean total defeat before even attempting anything.

The only hope was that, in Lucas’s view, Cassios was still testing him rather than being fully convinced.

Though being this close to conviction was problematic.

Lucas decided to push back strongly.

“If you’re seriously interrogating me, Your Eminence, you’ve crossed a line. That question doubts and insults my loyalty to the Holy Kingdom and His Holiness.”

“I’m well aware of your loyalty. But this matter requires clarification. I tried to let it go, but there are quite a few suspicious circumstances.”

“Haha… Frankly, this is ridiculous. Do you know how many demons and spies I’ve interrogated? Being suspected like this itself is humiliating.”

“I don’t wish to argue. Just explain two things: why Miss Rena remains unharmed despite torture and interrogation, and why she doesn’t fear you. Do that, and I’ll admit my mistake and apologize.”

“…Then I’ll be honest. I lacked skill.”

Cassios made a subtle expression at the sudden claim of incompetence.

“Your skill? Please explain in detail.”

“That I tortured and interrogated her is undeniable fact. His Holiness could confirm I performed the torture. But my skills were insufficient to extract any information.”

Lucas’s clenched fist began trembling.

“No matter what torture I inflicted, the criminal remained indifferent. She even laughed in my face, praising demons and insulting His Holiness. That you sensed her lack of fear toward me… is truly shameful.”

Cassios fell into brief thought upon hearing this.

“So you’re saying Miss Rena’s mental fortitude was too strong. But that’s strange. Earlier, she seemed afraid when she saw me.”

“That’s precisely her scheme! You said I was seduced, but she’s trying to deceive you into suspecting me. As you observed, the criminal doesn’t fear me at all. But she pretended to fear you to sow doubt about me.”

-Thud.

Lucas desperately grabbed Cassios’s arm.

“This is utterly frustrating and unfair. Please don’t fall for this disgusting act.”

…Would this work?

Lucas’s explanation was the best excuse he could muster in limited time.

This at least partially explained why Rena showed no fear toward him.

If Cassios didn’t accept this explanation…

‘I might have to escape now.’

As Lucas considered worst-case scenarios:

-Swish.

Cassios bowed toward Lucas.

“Your Eminence…?”

“I apologize for doubting you due to my misunderstanding. I failed to consider your difficulties.”

“…Thank you for understanding.”

So he accepted my explanation? This should build some trust.

Lucas sighed in relief.

“She really got you good. I didn’t expect her to incite discord among us until the end.”

“She’s the vilest creature I’ve encountered. I even suspect she might be a demon rather than human.”

Enough already. How long will this go on?

Lucas prayed Cassios would leave soon.

But Cassios betrayed his expectations by calling out again:

“Interrogator Lucas.”

“…Yes?”

“How about sexually violating the criminal before me now?”

“Y-yes? What?”

“I’m rather angry about being deceived. I’d like to watch Miss Rena suffer.”

“…Even so, doing this before Your Eminence is too embarrassing.”

Suddenly being told to have sex with Rena in front of someone?

Lucas was utterly baffled by the absurd suggestion.

Cassios patted Lucas’s back.

“Since I caused her pain earlier, it’s better if you do it this time. Though I’d like to taste her looks myself, as Cardinal I must maintain dignity. You understand?”

“Y-yes, of course. Being Cardinal…”

Lucas cursed Cassios internally.

Since when did a Cardinal’s dignity involve watching rape?

He must know Rena was framed, yet acted so shamelessly.

The problem was Lucas couldn’t refuse this nonsense.

Having come this far with excuses, he couldn’t let everything go to waste now.

“Do you dislike violating Miss Rena? If so, I’llㅡ”

“No. If you wish, I’ll show you as much as you like.”

Lucas turned and strode decisively toward Rena, instantly reaching her.

Their eyes briefly met.

“Disgusting bitch. Time to pay for deceiving people.”

“…”

Despite Lucas’s harsh words, Rena remained silent. But her face clearly showed tension.

‘Must I… really do this?’

Guilt made Lucas’s hands tremble.

Rationally, he had to.

Raping and violating Rena now would likely make Cassios fully trust him.

But this would inflict deep wounds on Rena.

As Lucas hesitated to begin, Rena’s lips moved.

“…It’s okay.”

A voice so quiet it was barely audible.

Through it, Lucas sensed Rena’s resolve.

‘Right. This is all for Rena. Let’s finish quickly.’

Lucas steeled himself and slowly lowered his pants. After laying Rena down, he spread her legs apart.

The revealed secret valley glistened with moisture.

“Hmm. Already wet? Did seeing my cock excite you?”

“N-no! Get away!”

“Still pretending? This is the thing that’s made you cum so many times. Today you’ll get fucked by me until you die.”

To avoid suspicion, Lucas kept spouting vulgarities. Rena seemed to understand his intent, feigning terror.

“Shall we taste it now?”

-Swish, swish.

“No… Hng… Hah…”

Each time Lucas’s cock brushed her secret valley, wanton moans escaped Rena’s lips.

‘…This is maddening.’

Calm down. I’m human, not beast.

Lucas desperately fought to maintain reason against the erotic sight.

Of course Lucas had sexual desires.

He’d trained not to feel arousal toward interrogation subjects, and after deciding to help Rena, fought desperately not to have lewd thoughts when seeing her naked out of guilt.

“Stop… Hng…”

But now Rena panted naked under his member.

Seeing the beautiful face and body comparable to the Saint’s – which he’d forced himself to ignore – his suppressed lust neared explosion.

“Rena. I’ll enter slowly now.”

Lucas whispered only for Rena to hear, then carefully began inserting his cock.

The glans pushed past pink folds inward.

Squelchㅡ

“Kkh… Haaang!”

“Kgh…”

‘It’s… incredibly tight.’

No wonder others went wild for Rena like beasts.

Lucas panicked at the unexpected tightness.

The vaginal walls clamped his cock with pressure unimaginable for a body violated by so many men.

Lucas suppressed his climax and began moving slowly.

-Squelch. Squelch. Squelch.

“Haaang… Hng…”

Each thrust through her depths made Rena’s hips twitch slightly.

The pace was extremely slow.

“Hng… This feeling…”

Consequently, Rena seemed to feel more pleasure than pain.

It resembled tender lovemaking between caring lovers.

Yet Lucas’s heart sank each time Rena trembled.

‘Is she alright?’

He worried if even this much caused her pain.

Then Cassios spoke from behind:

“My, Interrogator enjoys slow sex. Is your goal to satisfy Miss Rena?”

Lucas’s spine chilled instantly.

Had Cassios noticed him being considerate?

‘Damn. What to do? But I can’t just ravage her…’

As Lucas struggled internally:

-Thud.

Rena suddenly pulled Lucas close. Pressing against him, she whispered in his ear:

“Hng… You can go all out. Only then will suspicion fade.”

“…Are you sure?”

“Yes. Don’t feel guilty. This is for me.”

After speaking, Rena pushed Lucas away, then gently caressed his cheeks with both hands.

-Swish.

“Ah…”

Soft and warm.

Feeling the warmth from her small hands, Lucas looked directly at Rena.

Tears welled in her eyes… but her mouth smiled brightly.

“Lucas-nim.”

“…Rena.”

“Fuck me properly.”