How to Stop the Villain from Going Crazy
Translator: Fuyu
Chapter 38 - Perhaps, it was because animals used their scent to mark their territory (2)
Were they friends? He didn't know.
He only knew that every time he looked at her, he felt a stabbing pain in his eyes. At the same time, he noticed more details.
He discovered that her skin wasn't monotonously white. Sometimes, it was as white as milk. Other times, it was as white as plaster.
She was soft, delicate, and frail. He could even see the tiny blood vessels beneath her skin. Looking at her made his heart beat faster and his throat dry.
The last time he felt this way was when he was fiercely fighting with the condemned prisoners in the arena.
He was extremely patient, especially when hunting. He was never half-hearted. Like most predators, he enjoyed toying with his prey's emotions by slowly stalking them before delivering the fatal strike.
After each fight to the death, the arena was a mess and filled with the stench of a slaughtered animal.
That was the first time he experienced being highly valued.
Perhaps, the smell of their blood stimulated his nerves. He could feel his blood vessels beating in his temples and his heart pounding. His ears were filled with the sound of blood coursing through them.
That exhilaration was so intense. It felt like an illness.
So then, why was he excited now? Did it mean he still wanted to kill her?
Erik suddenly pulled out a dagger. The gloomy and cold blade was threatening.
She instinctively curled away.
He leaned forward, put his hand down by her side to support himself above her, and stabbed the dagger just short of her side.
As if she had been whipped, her breathing became rapid and shallow.
That excitement wasn't from the desire to kill. He clearly realized that he didn't want to kill her.
It felt more like he wanted to tease her. Like a cat playing with a bird, he wanted to see her uneasy, fluttering movements and profusely sweat.
He could see that she was truly frightened. She was shaking and looking at him with wide eyes. Her clear eyes were like mirrors immersed in water, reflecting his white mask.
He intently stared at her. He wanted to see her react more, so he picked up the dagger and lightly pressed the blade against her stomach.
The fabric sank a bit.
She was so soft, so fragile. If he used just a little bit more force, she would become even softer and weaker. Like a piece of butter that could be cut up by anyone.
Bo Li was frozen. The fear was like cold water wetting her temples. Her heart almost jumped out of her throat.
Although… she didn't sense Erik's killing intent.
He didn't want to kill her, but when he was staring at her stomach, she felt there was a moment when he wanted to stab her there. Perhaps, she was just too nervous.
His strange desire to attack made her tremble in fear, but she also felt weak in her legs from some other emotion.
Bo Li regretted her decision. Why did she have to go looking for trouble? Wasn't it good to let him sit there and read a book? Why did she have to ask?
The next moment, the pressure on her stomach was gone.
He tossed the dagger aside. He went back to reading and didn't answer her question.
Bo Li looked at the dagger and gulped. Her stomach still felt a bit cold.
After people went through extreme fluctuations in their mood, all sorts of crazy thoughts would float to the surface.
Just like now, an idea suddenly flashed through her mind. Although it was dangerous to approach a wild beast, the sense of accomplishment in taming it was immeasurable.
After all, he had genuinely wanted to kill her before.
This time, it was more like… teasing.
In addition to the terror, Bo Li had a hard time not feeling a sense of accomplishment. It was as if the game had entered a new stage, and new dialogue options were unlocked for the guide character.
It made her eager to continue and see if she could unlock more things.
Bo Li felt that she had lost her mind.
She had been placed in a dangerous situation and finally found a way to survive, but for an illusory sense of accomplishment, she wanted to get closer to him and even thought that she could tame him.
But the adrenaline rush that he gave her… it felt really good.
Bo Li wiped her cold sweat. She felt hot and sticky. She decided to toss these messy thoughts to the back of her mind and go to the lobby to ask for hot water to take a bath.
Before leaving the room, she thought of something and turned her head to ask, "Erik, have you taken a bath?"
He paused and looked up from his book.
Bo Li put on her coat, walked to the door, and finished the second half of her thought. "The human body produces a lot of sebum and sweat every day because of metabolism. You have to be diligent in bathing!"
The idea of metabolism didn't exist yet. He probably didn't fully understand her meaning.
That part didn't matter. She only said it to refute his "Do you?". After saying that, she slipped away.
A quarter passed before Erik tilted his head and sniffed his collar. He took a bath every day after entering the city, but it was true that he sweated a bit from overexcitement just now.
Had she smelled something? He didn't know why, but he didn't feel as ashamed that she smelled his scent compared to seeing his face or hearing his voice.
Perhaps, it was because animals used their scent to mark their territory.
T/N: Extra part to thank Peropera for their review.
If you're looking for Phantom of Opera fanfics with more plot to them, I would recommend stories by Quiet2885.
About the romance.
Each time they interact, there's a slight shift in how they view the other. Even as early as the last chapter, Bo Li can tell that Erik's attitude towards her has changed, or she wouldn't go on strike. Her fear of him is getting replaced with attraction.
I'll leave the spoilery part of my response in the comments below.