Chapter 44: Your Life is Now Mine
In the Book of Genesis, there is a story where God decided to test Abraham. He instructed, "Take your beloved son Isaac to Moriah and offer him as a burnt sacrifice on a mountain I will show you."
Abraham was stunned by this command, but he dared not disobey. Resolute in his faith, he prepared to follow through.
At the critical moment, as Abraham raised his knife to kill his son, an angel called out from the heavens: "Abraham! Do not harm the boy. Now I know that you fear God, for you have not withheld your only son from me."
In the Book of Zerubbabel, the archangel Michael declared: "I am the one who saved Isaac and wept for him."
…
Roy's Holy Right's fifth Authority, derived its essence from this story. Among his seven Authorities, it was the only one tied to healing.
While this power could not match Madam Aisha's Authority, which could heal endlessly as long as life lingered, it had its own unique advantages. A key distinction was its potency—it could not only heal wounds but also remove curses or even restore individuals afflicted with debilitating conditions, such as Alice's. It was a truly miraculous power, albeit one with strict limitations.
Roy could only use it once per day.
Madam Aisha's authority on the other hand is helpless in the cases of curses and negative status conditions.
When applied to others, the power of Isaac's Salvation could heal injuries, dispel all negative states, and even create temporary protective effects. When used on himself, it could revive him from the brink of death, allowing him to fight at peak condition for a short time before the accumulated injuries returned.
Though limited in frequency, the Authority's effectiveness was extraordinary—turning despair into hope at crucial moments.
For this authority to work on others, it only needed physical contact. But the reason why Roy used the method of exchanging body fluids through the act of snogging was simply because he wanted to do so.
"...Mmm!"
Alice let out a muffled sound of protest. Her pale, delicate hands feebly pressed against Roy, attempting to push him away, but her weakened state which had only lying on bed for so long left her powerless. After a brief struggle, she gave up and slumped back against the headboard, surrendering to his actions.
Erica and Liliana stood nearby, their faces flushed with embarrassment and disbelief. Neither had anticipated Roy would be so... direct. Caught in their astonishment, the two young knights were rendered momentarily speechless.
Liliana, in particular, found her thoughts spiraling. Her mind inexplicably conjured scenes from romantic novels where domineering CEOs overwhelmed their love interests.
The faint scent of Roy's presence enveloped Alice, quickening her heartbeat and clouding her mind due to the lack of oxygen. Her fragile body felt overwhelmed, not just by his proximity but by the immense, divine power coursing into her.
This energy was unlike anything she had ever encountered—neither mundane magic nor spiritual energy. It radiated a mysterious, divine quality she could not comprehend. She knew without doubt that this was a manifestation of a god's stolen Authority. The miraculous power now flowing through her began to repair her failing body.
The changes were immediate. Muscles long atrophied began to regain their vitality. Her heart, which had once struggled to beat, now pulsed with renewed vigor. For the first time in years, Alice felt truly alive.
With newfound strength, she finally mustered the will to push Roy away, gasping for air as she did so.
"Haah… haah…"
"King Roy, don't you think that was a bit... excessive?" Alice chided him between breaths, her voice tinged with shame and indignation. One hand clutched her chest as she struggled to steady her breathing.
But as her body calmed, she noticed something startling: her voice, once weak and frail, now carried a strength she hadn't felt in years.
Her limbs felt light, her senses sharper. Even her pale, bloodless hands had begun to show a healthy flush. Although she was still somewhat weak compared to an average person, the transformation was undeniable.
For the first time in six years, Alice could envision herself walking unaided, enjoying a meal, or even leaving her house.
This was something that Alice had not felt since she collapsed on her bed six years ago.
Roy ignored her rebuke, instead licking his lips as if savoring the moment. His tone was teasing as he said:
"Hmm… how refreshing. It seems this really was your first time, Alice. I'll admit, I was half-expecting Alexander Gascoigne to have already gotten there before me."
"You're insufferable!" Alice snapped, her pale cheeks flushing a delicate pink. "And I'd appreciate it if you didn't lump me in with that troublesome man!"
"Oh?" Roy tilted his head in mock surprise. "But aren't you two supposed to be the perfect pair? The White Princess and the Black Prince—it sounds like something straight out of a fairy tale."
Alice's face soured at his words. "I find the comparison infuriating, but since people insist on calling us that, I've given up arguing. That said, if I truly were close to Alexander, your actions here could be considered a declaration of war against him."
Roy chuckled at her boldness. "And why would I care? If anything, that would only make this more fun. A true Devil King takes joy in stealing the princess right out of her lover's arms, leaving them both to wallow in despair.
"…As for Alexander Gascoigne, he's overly cautious—practically a singular trait among Devil Kings. I bet he's nearby even now, watching us. He's probably agonizing over whether I'm baiting him into a trap while silently envying me for claiming your first kiss."
Roy glanced theatrically around the room as if expecting the Black Prince to materialize from the shadows.
"You're impossible…" Alice muttered, half-laughing despite herself. She glanced at Erica and Liliana, whose expressions betrayed their shifting opinions of their King.
'What a pervert,' they both thought.
Alice took a deep breath, composing herself before speaking again:
"King Roy, women tend to dislike men who act so domineering and thoughtless. While some might enjoy being handled forcefully, I am not one of them.
"I don't care whether you like me or hate me, whether you consent or resist," Roy declared unapologetically. "I am a Devil King—one who roams the earth without regard for rules or norms. If I were to declare you my woman here and now, to openly collect a harem of beautiful girls in this modern age, no one would be surprised. Such is my right!"
Pausing, he shrugged casually and added:
"Now that you're able to move freely, you no longer have any excuses to refuse me. From this moment forward, Alice, your life belongs to me."