Chapter 17: You are Shameless

Lilith noticed the shift in my demeanor and continued her explanation. "You see, my influence plays a significant role in maintaining a precarious equilibrium among those women. If anyone among them dares to violate certain boundaries, especially with you, they'll have to face repercussions, administered by me personally. The consequences would be severe enough to render them unable to participate in their beloved intimate activities for a period of time. I enforce this delicate balance for my own reasons, reasons that serve my interests."

She paused, letting the weight of her words sink in. My skin was now cold and clammy, my nerves frayed by the chilling implications of her statements. Lilith leaned in closer, locking her gaze with mine.

"Given all this, have you ever stopped to consider what life would be like if I were to step away from this tightly controlled ecosystem? What chaos might ensue in my absence?"

It was an unnerving thought, to say the least, but there was another question, a critical one, that I could no longer avoid. My voice wavered as I finally asked, "So, how does this complicated scenario intersect with your intentions to retire? What role am I destined to play in your future plans?"

"Did you ever consider," she asked, her tone contemplative, "that without me, this vital organ wouldn't function as effectively as it does? It's not a simple task to find a replacement for me in this intricate world. There are formidable individuals out there, including the jukdols below, who possess strengths beyond what I initially believed. Yet, I'm the only one who can manage and control those individuals. They've all retired now, living leisurely lives with jars of honey by their sides. I can't even reach out to them to inquire about the sweetness of the honey they now enjoy. Even if they found it too sweet, I doubt their personalities would drive them to such actions."

He understood the predicament all too well. He had listened to Lilith's grievances for a considerable amount of time, as she lamented her inability to retire, despite possessing the unique ability to guide those who had lost their way.

This accumulation of frustration had built up over a considerable span, evident in the weariness that occasionally crept into Lilith's voice.

"That's precisely what I thought," she admitted with a sigh. "If this is the situation, you'll be tethered to this life indefinitely. If I were to retire, I'd need to find someone capable of assuming all my responsibilities. But I never encountered anyone who suited my preferences. So, I contemplated creating my own successor. And then, when we crossed paths..."

"Me?" he interrupted, still trying to process the significance of his role in this intricate web of destinies.

"Yes, that makes sense," I replied, my mind working to piece together the unfolding situation. The clarity of understanding I thought I had attained was still tinged with uncertainty, leaving me eager to delve deeper into the matter.

My curiosity piqued, I couldn't help but ask, "...so, why me?" The enigmatic circumstances surrounding my involvement in this intricate scenario warranted a straightforward answer.

Lilith, the intriguing character at the center of it all, responded with a mischievous giggle. Her amusement hinted at a hidden truth beneath the surface. "How many times can you stop me from saying it? You said you liked it," she teased, maintaining an air of secrecy.

Determined to uncover the genuine motive behind my involvement, I pressed on, "Don't be so evasive. Tell me the real reason." The need for clarity grew stronger as I yearned to understand my role in this unfolding narrative.

At one point, I had entertained the possibility of being a chosen figure, perhaps destined to become the crown prince of an alternate dimension. However, those expectations were swiftly shattered, leaving me in a state of uncertainty about my true purpose.

Lilith, a woman unapologetically unconventional in her demeanor, casually shrugged her shoulders and crossed her legs, further emphasizing her audacity. She didn't shy away from her unorthodox traits, and this added a layer of intrigue to the conversation.

"To put it bluntly," she began, her words carrying an air of directness, "it's about your eyes." The notion of my eyes being the focal point of this enigma raised more questions than answers.

"The initial trigger was an illusion," she continued, offering a tantalizing clue, "but ultimately, it wasn't the wrong choice. I'm satisfied with it." The complexity of her response hinted at a multifaceted plot that I had only begun to unravel.

"Your character is shameless," she noted, revealing her appreciation for my personality.

Seeking clarification, I couldn't help but ask, "...What happened to my eyes?" Lilith's previous comments about my eyes had intrigued me, and I needed to understand their significance in this intricate narrative.

"Eyes that hold an infinite sincerity in their existence," Lilith responded with a touch of admiration. "Even in the face of impending death, they couldn't let go of their pride." Her words painted a vivid picture of unwavering determination.

"Those eyes, glaring at me when I desired to live so desperately, even when death was imminent," she continued, her voice filled with a mix of nostalgia and appreciation. Lilith's explanation shed light on the profound impact my eyes had on her, offering a glimpse into the deeper layers of this unfolding story.

"The individual with those distinctive eyes falls into one of two categories," Lilith mused, her gaze fixated on me with an intensity that sent shivers down my spine.

Her words hung in the air, laden with an enigmatic weight that demanded attention. "Either you persist in living as you are and eventually meet your demise, or you endure to the end and attain your desires."

As she spoke, Lilith extended her toe, its delicate touch grazing my chin. It was a subtle, yet unmistakable gesture that revealed her enigmatic nature.

Her emerald eyes bore into mine, holding me captive. "So, which path will you choose?" she inquired, her lips curving into a seductive smile, like a spider luring its prey into its web.