An Extra’s POV

"W-what…?"

Belle's mask of bravado broke as Ralyks made his statement. Her eyes were wide open as she looked at the darkness before her.

"There's no need to hide it. I see through you, you know?"

More chuckles of amusement echoed from behind the mask as Ralyks drew closer to her by shifting his body forward.

Belle felt like she wanted to retreat, but there was nowhere to run to.

She could only watch him approach.

"S-so what if I am?" She found herself asking.

This would be the time where she was meant to deny what he was saying, but here she was digging a deeper hole for herself.

'I've never been this honest with anyone before.'

Belle didn't want to stop, but she also understood how dangerous her current disposition was—especially if she was found out.

'I can't let everything come crashing down! I can't be found out!' She panicked as she tried to look away from Ralyks.

"There's no need to worry."

The calm words that came from Ralyks seemed to embrace her and draw her body closer to him.

Belle suddenly felt at ease.

"I won't tell on you. In fact, I find your personality refreshing…"

"W-what are you…?"

"I mean that I quite like you, Belle. You're very much my type."

"I-I don't understand…"

Belle was so confused, yet something within her felt happy to hear those words.

She felt her cheeks grow hot, and she felt herself sinking deeper into the gaze of a man whose face she didn't even know.

"There's no need for you to understand. I understand it all—your thoughts, your emotions, and your current dilemma."

was only now that Belle

see through

heart raced even faster as her body

what to say

evil?" She asked

"Pardon?"

that Conrad went to make his announcement so suddenly and in public, I would

that all?" Ralyks' tone seemed

It puzzled Belle.

would be considered despicable by most, yet this

I caused a lot of people to suffer for defying me or trying to

else?" Ralyks

suffer for outshining me. Even after knowing that they're good people, I can't help

few seconds of silence elapsed, and Belle

will be enough…' She thought to herself as she maintained eye contact

did not flicker for a moment,

her this question, Belle felt a sting within

look of disappointment that oozed from the eyes of

stare was

Too cold.

I suppose there's no harm telling you…"

like she wasn't even hearing him with her

I have consumed several worlds and

as images of horror played through

saw was

understand most of it. The end of it all, however, was

you really have the right to call yourself

the more she uttered the words that were imprinted

"You are not evil."

She repeated with

We all make mistakes when we're

more mature now. You understand things

understand

nodded his head and patted Belle on her head, his fingers coursing through the beautiful yellow strands of her

most aren't our intentions, but our actions. Despite your sociopathic tendencies, you chose to stay behind

that is simply due to

recognized as a hero. As

who I

you help people, or do you help people because you