Raise Me, So That I Can Eat You Up - Chapter 3

The books Benedict recommended were masterpieces. Especially ‘The Circumstances of the Virile Male Lead’ was worth keeping.

“He must see me as a complete pervert. He saw right through me.”

I started reading the borrowed novel and lost track of time, reading until dawn.

I made a mental note to ask for his recommendations in the future.

As I was leisurely savoring the elegant descriptions, there was a knock at the door.

I quickly hid the book under my pillow.

“My lady. It’s Laura.”

“Come in.”

Laura entered the room hesitantly, wearing a somewhat awkward expression.

“My lady. Lunch is prepared.”

“Suddenly?”

This was an unscheduled event. Usually, I woke up late in the morning and had simple meals in my room.

Today, I hadn’t eaten yet, but a sudden lunch? It was strange.

“Young Master Leon has returned.”

Leon Hayworth.

He was the Empire’s youngest Sword Master and Ariella’s younger brother.

He belonged to the knights’ order and seemed to have returned from a monster subjugation mission.

Light pink hair, blue-green eyes, and a tall, handsome appearance.

Though he seemed prickly, his steadfast and sweet side would have entangled me if I had possessed a different female lead, but…….

[System: Get a grip! Leon Hayworth (Occupation: Sword Master) is not available for conquest.]

He was an ill-fated character who had been relegated to a supporting role in Ariella’s route due to game regulations.

In short, he was just a ‘family register mate’ with no real connection to my life.

“If he’s back, he’s back. Why the fuss?”

I asked indifferently.

“Well, he came with General Pelard. Since it’s almost mealtime, we hurriedly prepared lunch.”

“So you’re saying I should go down.”

It would be rude not to go out and greet guests.

Moreover, General Pelard was Leon’s direct superior.

‘Leon wouldn’t have invited him first.’

It was obvious. He, like Ariella, had not a speck of sociability.

It was equally rude for the other side to visit without notice, even if it was a subordinate’s home.

‘What a bother.’

With Father, Viscount Hayworth, also absent, I couldn’t not go down. My brow furrowed in annoyance.

“What’s on the menu?”

“I hear it’s lamb rib steak.”

Lamb? I unconsciously gulped.

“…Fine. It can’t be helped. Let’s get dressed and go down.”

I reluctantly agreed to join the lunch. Well, lamb rib steak was worth the trouble.

***

When I entered the dining room, Leon and General Pelard were already eating.

They probably didn’t expect me to come down. Leon looked a bit surprised to see me.

“It’s an honor to meet you, General. I am Ariella Hayworth.”

I lightly lifted my skirt and gave a polite greeting.

General Pelard’s lips curled up in satisfaction at my appearance.

“You’re as beautiful as the rumors say, Lady Hayworth.”

For a moment, I felt uncomfortable with his gaze scanning me up and down, but I lightly ignored it. It wasn’t the first time I’d experienced this.

Leon had a somewhat stiff expression.

“Sister. Haven’t you had brunch?”

“No. I overslept.”

Perhaps he was glad to see me after a long time. Leon suddenly asked about my well-being affectionately.

“Did you gain weight while I was gone?”

“What?”

“You look puffy. It’s been a while since I’ve seen you.”

So that’s why he suddenly seemed affectionate. It was all groundwork to pick a fight.

‘Brothers, really…….’

Leon’s handsome face overlapped with my family register mate from before the possession.

Since he started the provocation, I had no choice but to return the favor.

“Thanks for your concern. But are you okay?”

I smiled nonchalantly.

“What do you mean?”

“I thought you might have hurt your eyes while hunting monsters.”

“I didn’t. I’m fine.”

“Or maybe it’s your head?”

“That’s fine too.”

“You’re not a doctor. How would you know?”

“Are you worried about me?”

“Of course. You’re my only sibling.”

“As expected, I only have you, sister. I love you, sis.”

‘Ugh. What’s with this sappiness.’

Perhaps it’s because he’s not a male lead for me. I felt goosebumps all over my body.

“I think you’ve gone a bit crazy. Go get checked. Don’t be cheeky. Understand?”

Fighting in front of a guest. It was rude behavior, but I was Ariella Hayworth, known for my poor character. It was behavior fitting the character setting.

“Since you’re worried, how about sharing some of your steak? Sorry, but I’m really hungry.”

“That would be difficult. I’m quite hungry too.”

As I was about to cut the steak and put it in my mouth, Leon smirked.

“It’ll be bland if you eat it plain. Sister. Let me sprinkle some salt for you.”

“No thanks. I’ll enjoy the meat’s natural flavor.”

“Don’t refuse.”

Leon forcefully shook the salt, and the salt shaker spilled. My precious steak was covered in spilled salt.

“Oh no. An accident.”

“I guess I’ll just switch with yours then.”

When I widened my eyes, Leon quickly stuffed his steak into his mouth.

“Oh dear. I’ve eaten it all.”

“……”

I wonder what would happen if I killed a character in the game. I tightly gripped the knife in my hand.

“Sis. You’re not angry over just a steak, are you?”

“Well. I’m fine now. But who knows what might happen if I go crazy from hunger.”

“For now, go to your room and calm down. I’ll tell the chef to grill a new one for you.”

“You’d better do that quickly.”

As I stood up, I whispered ominously into Leon’s ear.

“Before I go mad and roast you instead.”

Perhaps he read the intense killing intent in my eyes. Leon fidgeted and avoided my gaze.

“Then, I’ll take my leave.”

Whether General Pelard responded or not, I put down my napkin, gave a polite greeting, and left the dining room.

***

“Ugh. How annoying.”

I sprawled out on the bed, feeling drained. What a sight, going to eat lamb ribs and ending up like this.

I was going to sit there for the sake of my own dignity (in front of the lamb ribs), but it was ridiculous.

“They say even a dog isn’t bothered when eating, but what a dirty and petty guy.”

I ground my teeth and cursed Leon.

He seemed like a lovable big dog when conquering other female lead routes. I guess that was limited to the female leads.

The Leon Hayworth I met briefly was just a mad dog.

Knock, knock, there was a sound at the door.

Seems like he doesn’t want to be roasted whole. Finally, it looks like they’ve sent up the lamb rib steak.

“Come in.”

As soon as I gave permission, an unexpected person entered the room.

It was General Pelard.

My face stiffened in surprise when I saw him.

“What brings the General here?”

“I have an urgent matter to discuss with you, my lady.”

As I stared at him with incredulous eyes, the General smiled lasciviously as if to say ‘What’s wrong with that?’

“It must be extremely urgent. You’re committing a tremendous breach of etiquette right now.”

“I apologize. I felt this was the only way you would agree to meet me.”

“The apology is noted. I’m busy, so please get to the point.”

“I’ve been waiting for a perfect woman like you all this time. Please marry me, Lady Hayworth.”

General Pelard knelt on one knee and presented a ring.

‘Barging in suddenly to propose.’

I couldn’t help but laugh.

Moreover, General Pelard was middle-aged, at least twenty years older than Ariella.

“Is this for me?”

“Yes. It’s a proposal gift.”

“May I keep it?”

“Of course. You are the rightful owner of this ring.”

“Don’t change your mind later.”

It was quite a large diamond. I tossed the ring into my jewelry box and smiled crookedly.

“Excuse me, but how old are you this year?”

“I believe age is irrelevant in the face of love.”

“I’m not interested in your thoughts. It’s important to me. Your biological age.”

“You must be too young to understand, my lady. Men become more dignified and charming as they age.”

“That’s not what I meant.”

At this point, I had to deliver the final blow.

“Since you seem to have trouble understanding, I’d like to recommend a book to you.”

I handed the General ‘A Thousand and One Nights with a Younger Man’.

“What is this?”

“This is my ideal type. Please read it and reflect on yourself with your hand on your heart.”

General Pelard’s face contorted horribly as he read the book’s title.

“Is this obscene thing what you mean?”

“It’s okay for you to propose to me, who could be your daughter, but it’s obscene for me to like younger men?”

I asked with an innocent face. General Pelard seemed baffled by my attitude and kept letting out dry laughs.

“Are you not worried about your only brother’s future, my lady?”

“No.”

I have my own problems to deal with. Why should I worry about a Sword Master? He’s good-looking too, so he’ll probably meet another female lead and live well.

It was a very natural answer, but was it a bit out of the ordinary? General Pelard’s eyes widened.

“With one word from me, I could send Leon to a dangerous border region.”

“Is that so? How impressive.”

I’m not interested, but since he says he’s that great. I gave a soulless compliment.

Considering the lamb rib incident, sending him to the border might not be so bad.

“The future of the eldest son is directly linked to the fate of the family, isn’t it?”

“Ah, so. Are you trying to threaten me using Leon now?”

“Threat is such a harsh word. I’m merely offering advice, hoping you’ll make a wise choice.”

“And that wise choice is to marry a middle-aged man who acts like a common thug? For my brother’s sake?”

“You’re going too far with your words.”

“You’re the one who’s gone too far. I refuse your proposal. Goodbye.”

Without even looking at him, I dismissed him. General Pelard seemed angry and breathed heavily.

“You didn’t accept the ring. I thought you might play hard to get a little.”

“I tend not to get emotionally attached to gifts. If you regret it, shall I return it?”

I cheerfully took out the ring again and gave it back to him.

At this, General Pelard’s face turned red and blue.

“This is what I get for being nice!”

As General Pelard forcefully pushed me, I was calculating the angle to kick him in the groin.

At that moment, the door burst open and someone entered with a tray. It was Leon.

“Your meal is here, sister.”

Leon put the lamb rib steak down on the table with a thud.

“Thank you.”

“By the way.”

He twisted his lips into a smile.

“I thought I saw a rat and was looking for it. Turns out it was in sister’s room.”