Arlecchino slowly crouched down… her eyes fixed firmly on the ropes binding Noah.
She frowned slightly and whispered, "This rope is unusually tight, and the material seems different… it even has a binding spell on it.
If you move too much, it automatically tightens."
Hearing this, Noah's expression didn't change at all. In a calm tone, he asked, "So, it can't be undone?"
"It's not that it can't," Arlecchino replied, still frowning. "But it must be broken by force. You need to keep a little distance from it—just enough so it doesn't automatically tighten."
Obediently, Noah adjusted himself carefully, finding a position that prevented the rope from locking tighter.
Seeing this, Arlecchino nodded, then conjured a dagger in her hand.
The dagger radiated a cursed aura, its blade a mix of black and crimson. Wisps of flame slithered ghost-like along its surface.
Without hesitation, Arlecchino used the blade to cut the ropes starting from Noah's lower legs. The flames danced with each slash, quickly setting the rope alight.
Between the cut and the fire, the rope split into two, and at last, Arlecchino freed Noah.
The moment of liberation washed over him with indescribable relief.
Yet, a more pressing matter immediately came into focus: after half a month of torment, his clothes were tattered beyond repair.
Because Noah's frame was big, Arlecchino simply removed her own coat and draped it over his private area covering them.
Then she asked softly, "Can you walk?"
Noah furrowed his brows. He tried stepping off the bed… but after only two steps, his legs gave way and he pitched forward.
Thankfully, Arlecchino reacted quickly, catching him firmly in her arms.
"I can walk on my own…" Noah's voice was faint, with a hint of stubbornness.
"I know you can," Arlecchino said firmly, "but we're pressed for time. We must leave immediately… so, hold on tight."
Without hesitation, she shifted her grip and carried him in a princess hold.
Noah knew she was right. Even though his face turned red with embarrassment, he quietly wrapped his arms around her neck.
This would be a dark history in his memories. Little did he knew in the future
Arlecchino would use this against him
Ironically following a certain hentai anime plot the blackmail trope.
"Waaah~ A princess carry, huh?" Suddenly, Lucy's playful voice rang in Noah's mind.
"If you don't speak, anyone will mistake you for a mute!" Noah snapped back mentally, exasperated.
But Lucy only giggled, teasing, "Hehe~ you're blushing!"
"Come on, let me take a good look!" her mischievous voice chimed again.
"Ugh, enough!"
However, Arlecchino, carrying Noah, was far from calm on the inside… the scent emanating from him made her increasingly captivated.
She almost wanted to have her way with him on the spot… yet a thread of reason still restrained her.
She licked her lips, This night she would make sure to make him fully hers.
She took wanted to see Tsaritsa reaction when she sees the two of them together going at it.
-----
As they stepped out of the basement, Noah's heart raced even faster, and tiny beads of sweat appeared on his forehead.
If he were caught by Tsaritsa again… he couldn't even imagine what fate would befall him, or whether he would survive at all.
Not only would he be punished, but Arlecchino, who came to rescue him, would likely be implicated as well.
The mere thought of Tsaritsa' presence made Noah shiver uncontrollably.
"Don't worry. I'll handle everything from here on," Arlecchino's voice was soft, yet for some reason, it brought Noah a sense of comfort.
That day, Arlecchino had deliberately dressed in neat clothes.
Her hair was carefully arranged into a precise hairstyle, topped with a cap to conceal her hair and avoid curious glances.
Even after successfully carrying Noah out of Zapolyarny Palace (Snezhnaya castle), he still found it hard to believe how smoothly everything had gone.
Not a single figure had appeared along the way.
"Have we… made it out?" Noah whispered, unsure.
Suddenly, a warm ray of sunlight shone on his face… he hadn't felt sunlight on his skin in a very long time. It felt surreal.
The afternoon sun in Snezhnaya wasn't harsh; instead, it brought a rare warmth to the cold land.
This sunlight acted like a magical key, unlocking a door that had long been closed in Noah's heart, allowing his once-dull spirit to stir with life again, giving him hope for the future.
Though he didn't know how long this fleeting ray of light would remain in his heart… for now, it filled him with brightness and hope.
"Put me down… I feel a bit awkward," Noah said , his face blushing again as he felt the gaze of people around them.
"No! You're still too weak… and we need to move fast," Arlecchino shook her head decisively. "If the Queen catches up with us, not only will you be taken back, but I'll end up in prison too."
Yet, despite her explanation, her true thoughts were different—she was simply captivated by Noah's body.
(Inside, Arlecchino just wanted to ravage him!)
Noah, unaware of her inner thoughts, merely shut his mouth down after hearing her firm tone.
He could only quietly rely on Arlecchino's warm embrace, resting his head tightly against her chest, as if it offered him some safety.
Feeling Noah's dependence, Arlecchino experienced a surge of satisfaction.
She gently patted his back and comforted him: "Don't be afraid. With me here, no one can hurt you."
At the same time, she quickened her pace, heading rapidly toward Snezhnaya harbor.