Suddenly Reincarnated Into R-19 Novel

Duke Felix's PoV

I stared at Henny as she closed her eyes. I couldn't bear to listen to her cries, knowing I was the reason behind them.

When I woke up, Henny was fighting for herself. I wanted to help her, but I didn't have the strength to do so in my current condition. I just watched her, feeling an overwhelming sense of pride at how strong she had become. I could see that she was capable of defending herself.

She was so different from the Henny I had known before. She had become braver and no longer needed anyone's help, yet here I was, ready to protect her even if she didn't require it.

"H-Henny, do you need help? I'm still feeling weak because of the unusual arrow that hit my shoulder."

"No! I told you I don't need your help. I can handle myself, so just rest there." I smiled at her words; they showed that there was still goodness left in Henny. It meant there was hope for me, and even if I failed, I wouldn't regret it—I just wanted to be with her.

I stood up and walked around, searching for something to heal Henny. I almost fell to the ground but managed to catch myself. After all, I'm the greatest alchemist in the empire (remember the Duke's laboratory in the basement filled with various poisons?).

"Wait for me, Henny."

Henny's PoV

I saw the Duke stand up by the tree. What was he planning to do? I readied my sword beside me, just in case he had malicious intentions, but he walked straight ahead.

I didn't have the strength to talk to him; my body was exhausted. Whatever he planned was up to him! I glanced at the wolf sitting beside me. Was it still here? Slowly, I reached out my hand toward its head and was surprised when it didn't flinch.

I stroked its fur, and it seemed to enjoy it, which made me happy. Did I tame this wolf? But how? Earlier, while I fought its companions, it just watched me as if observing my movements.

Suddenly, I was alarmed by rustling in the grass. The wolf woke up and stood protectively in front of me, its fur bristling and long fangs exposed.

Before me stood Duke Felix with a large glowing flower in hand. I also noticed that his wounds seemed to have healed.

"Here, Henny. Drink this healing flower. I never thought I'd find such a rare flower." He offered it to me, but I hesitated to take it—what if it was dangerous?

"Just trust me for once, Henny. Don't worry; it's not what you think. This flower can regenerate your energy." He drank from it right in front of me.

"See? It's not what you think; please drink it." Still silent, I knew Felix was intelligent.

"Henny please... Just trust me." Finally, I took it from his hand and put a drop on my tongue. To my surprise, my wounds began healing gradually. He was right; my injuries were mending.

I grabbed my sword and pointed it at his throat.

"Just because you saved me doesn't mean you can change my mind about killing you."

"I know, Henny." I lowered my sword.

"And another thing... between us, I'm the one in a higher position, so you have no right to call me by my name without my permission. Do you understand?"

"What should I call you?" he asked.

"Call me master. So how does it feel knowing your position with me is useless now, Duke Felix?"

"It's my pleasure to call you my master." Felix smiled at me—this was the first time I'd seen such a genuine smile from him: no sadness or anger—just pure happiness.

"Let's go, master." Part of me enjoyed that smile. Did he cast a spell on me?

"Okay," I replied shortly as we walked away from the capitol.

Duke Felix's PoV

"Let's stop here for a moment." Henny spoke up as we walked. She sat on a large rock next to her wolf.

"Why are you staring at me?" She shot a fierce look in my direction.

"You're beautiful, master. I'll truly appreciate—" Suddenly, she grabbed my collar.

"Are you kidding? Because that's not funny!" She pushed me slightly and walked away.

"Wait! Master, I just want to appreciate your beauty—" My words were cut off when she pointed her sword back at me.

"Shut up!" I raised my hands when I realized she wasn't joking at all. All I wanted was to tell her how beautiful she was.

"If you don't stop talking, I might just kill you right here."

"Okay, master." She walked ahead with her wolf. We reached a river when suddenly my stomach growled loudly.

"I guess I'm hungry, master." Henny shot me an annoyed look.

"Go find something to eat—" Just then, her stomach growled too, making me laugh.

"The master is hungry. Just wait here! I'll find food for you. But can I borrow your sword?" She tossed it at my feet. Picking it up with a smile, I said,

"Thank you, master! But how much do you want me to catch?"

"As much as you want! Tsk! You should be back here in 15 minutes; otherwise, I'll think you've been killed by monsters in the forest."

"Okay. Thank you for worrying about me." Hunting is so much fun!

"I'm not worried! As if I care if you die."

"You're so cold, master."

She didn't respond, so I let her go off on her own.

Henny's Perspective"That bastard! Who does he think he is talking to me so comfortably?" Frustrated, I threw a stone into the river.

I froze when the wolf beside me suddenly stood alert. Wait—I still hadn't given him a name: Mufasa? Roger? Kiro? No idea!

"Oh! Look who's lucky—a girl is here." My heart raced as bandits approached our direction.

Sh*t! The Duke had left his sword behind! Grabbing a rock for defense seemed like a good idea under the circumstances.

"Why not come with us? You'd be more useful than just sitting here," said a large man who seemed like their boss.

"I'd rather stay here than join you," I replied bravely.

"Don't you know there are monsters around?"

"I do know—and what's the difference between you and those monsters? I'd rather die by their hands than join yours." At this point, death didn't scare me; at least I'd be fighting back.

They moved closer towards me; my heart pounded loudly in my chest. Before I knew it, one of them grabbed my neck and lifted me into the air.

"If only you'd been nicer… then you'd still be alive—AHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!" He screamed suddenly as he noticed his severed hand before me.

"How dare you lay your hands on my master?" Those terrifying eyes belonged to Duke Felix. All fear vanished as he glared at the bandit with rage etched on his face.

The bloody battle began; watching Felix fight terrified me more than anything else could have. He mercilessly killed bandits right before my eyes while grinning as if enjoying every moment of it. His movements were so fast; he dodged attacks effortlessly as though playing a game.

Afterward, Felix turned towards me; panic washed over his expression as he approached.

"I'm sorry master. Did I s-care yo-u?" After all this time being a warlord had given him skills beyond ordinary talent—he could have killed me if he wanted to!

"Don't come near me!" My fear made it impossible for me to hide my trembling voice.

"I'm sorry master if I've scared you like that! I'll promise not to do that again!" Why did he act this way? It felt creepy!

"You're creepy! Stay away from me!" I stepped back from him.

"Please don't leave me master—"

"I never said I'd leave you! Just keep your distance from me! Do you understand?"

"Yes master! Thank you!" This was the first time I'd seen Duke Felix kill someone before my eyes—and now all the hairs on my body stood on end around him.