A Caged Bird Doesn't Cry - Chapter 5

Chapter 5

Theodor Vuter’s first impression usually left a positive mark. His warm, chestnut-brown curly hair and the soft atmosphere created by his matching eye color often made people open up to him easily. Theodor was well aware of his charm. He knew that when he smiled, his rounded eyes made him look quite affectionate. For this reason, Theodor was now doing his best to smile.

“Lati.”

As Theodor’s crescent-shaped eyes curved gently, Laticia’s lips also slowly formed a smile.

“Theo…”

Even as she watched, Laticia couldn’t believe it. She blinked several times, rubbing her eyes. When she finally realized it wasn’t an illusion, she rushed toward Theodor. Stumbling as if she might fall, she didn’t stop her legs.

“Lati!”

Theodor gently caught Laticia, who was breathless. The fresh scent of green grapes pleasantly filled his nose. As he lightly kissed her forehead, Theodor spoke in a moved tone.

“Lati, you’re safe. I was worried.”

Locardi had been furious, claiming that Duke Kalidnas had broken his promise, but Theodor had trusted Laticia. And his trust had been spot on. The fact that he was now standing in the garden of the Kalidnas estate was proof of that. Seeing Laticia’s eyes welling up with tears at his words of concern, it felt like a natural conclusion.

“Theo, Theodor Vuter! Is it really you?”

“Yes. Lati. It’s me.”

“It’s really you. It’s really Theo.”

“Mhm. So, Lati, what kind of person is Duke Kalidnas?”

“Huh?”

Laticia, who had been about to ask how Theodor had been, what paintings he had made, and if he was feeling well, hesitated at the sudden question. She wasn’t curious about the Duke and didn’t have much to say about him.

The Duke, who had teased her by putting his fingers in her mouth and climaxed, had smirked before suddenly contorting his face in a terrifying expression. Startled, Laticia tried to figure out what she had done wrong, but no matter how much she thought about it, she couldn’t understand. It was the Duke who had pushed his fingers into the cage, and it was the Duke who had watched her intently as she sucked on them.

Though his expression suggested he wouldn’t hesitate to kill her on the spot, for some reason, that night Laticia was finally able to leave the cage. It wasn’t particularly surprising. She had heard enough about the whims of nobles to know that today they might lovingly stroke your hair, only to cut it off the next day.

So Laticia was anxious. What if today she was freed from the cage, only to have a collar put on her tomorrow? Fortunately, that didn’t happen, and instead, she found herself in the dream-like situation of meeting Theo.

“Theo, I’m so happy. Truly, really happy.”

“You haven’t changed, Lati.”

Seeing Laticia, who was too excited to talk about the Duke as requested, Theodor naturally hid a sigh behind his practiced smile. Having lived confined since childhood, Laticia had a childlike innocence about her. It was part of her charm. Theodor liked Laticia’s purity very much. More precisely, her pure ignorance.

“Tell me slowly. But first, I think I should meet the Duke.”

“Then I’ll guide you. Oh, Theo, you’re sweating a lot, here.”

Laticia handed him a handkerchief and walked ahead with light, dance-like steps. After being freed from the cage, the first thing she did was explore. Laticia wandered everywhere until late at night, her feet wearing out.

The Ducal estate was incredibly beautiful. The garden, filled with trees that had grown lushly over the years, completely captivated her heart. She even slept under the largest tree, using the starlight as her blanket.

When she woke up, the brilliant sunlight was pouring down directly. It was blindingly bright, but she was happy. So this is how other people greet the morning. She spread and closed her fingers like a fan, marveling at the sight, when she spotted Theo walking toward her from afar.

“It seems the Duke is treating you well. Lati, I’m so happy you’ve finally found the freedom you wanted.”

Seeing Laticia confidently guiding him, Theodor spoke softly, as if reassured.

“Well…”

Laticia muttered shyly. Theodor didn’t know she had only been freed the night before. Since he didn’t know, she would have to explain carefully.

“I practiced.”

“Practiced?”

“Yes. Remember when you told me, Theo? To imagine myself leaving that place… the underground. You said if I kept imagining it, I’d be able to leave someday.”

Laticia had imagined escaping the underground prison every day. She dreamed of the outside, retracing the path she had taken before being locked away.

“I practiced like that. Theo, I thought, when you come, I’ll guide you like this.”

Laticia had carefully memorized the path from the Duke’s bedroom to the garden, and before falling asleep, she would replay the scene in her mind. She imagined holding Theo’s hand and guiding him through the estate.

‘Theo was right.’

If you yearn for something deeply enough, that scene will unfold before your eyes someday. That’s why she had to keep wishing even harder. But as they approached the duke’s quarters, an inexplicable unease stirred in her chest. It felt like a deep blue fog, like the Duke’s eyes, was slowly rising from the pit of her stomach.

“Are you uncomfortable?”

Seeing Laticia clenching her fists and pressing them against her chest, Theodor turned to her. The warm, chestnut-brown eyes blinking gently at her brought her some comfort.

“It’s nothing. Just… suddenly feeling a bit suffocated.”

“Is it because of the high ceiling? I feel a bit intimidated too. There’s a sense of pressure.”

Laticia liked the high, open ceiling, but she silently agreed with Theodor. In her mind, she pondered the source of her unease. The memory of the fingers that had so easily explored her mouth came to mind. Sucking on fingers was something she could do without hesitation.

But what if it went further than that?

Would she still be okay?

She wasn’t sure.

“Still, I’m glad you’re here, Lati.”

Recalling the countless acts of intimacy she had witnessed, Laticia, who had been growing pale, snapped out of it at Theodor’s affectionate whisper. She, too, felt reassured because Theodor was here. Theodor had always been her light and hope. When she was trapped deep underground, it was Theodor who had drawn pictures of the outside world for her every day. He was the world itself.

Old Man Paul had warned her not to trust the son of a sl*ve trader, but it was also Theodor who had vehemently opposed her imprisonment.

Her savior.

Laticia’s feelings for Theodor were something more sublime than love. Everyone called her “Canary,” but Laticia only acted like a bird around Theodor. A baby bird following its mother.

“Oh, I heard from my father. He said you worked hard for me. Thank you so much.”

Theodor spun the tale without batting an eye. Locardi had no interest in a sl*ve girl given as a bribe. Even though he had acquired a valuable sl*ve for free, he only complained about Duke Kalidnas’s lack of response. So, there was no way Locardi would have spoken to Theodor about Laticia. The part about Locardi was a lie, but seeing Laticia’s proud expression, it seemed she had indeed worked hard.

‘Good, Laticia. Keep working hard.’

To encourage her, Theodor stopped Laticia in her tracks and put on a serious expression.

“Thank you so much, Lati. If it weren’t for you, when would I ever get to paint a portrait of such an esteemed person? I’ll never forget this.”

“It was nothing. I’d do anything for you, Theo.”

A blush spread across Laticia’s cheeks, which had always been pale. Without her noticing, Theodor clenched and unclenched his fist. He wanted to bite her lips, which were shyly murmuring in joy.

Even though he could have reached out and taken her at any time, Theodor had never done so. It wasn’t because he cherished her or held her dear. Locardi’s strict surveillance to maintain the sl*ve’s value and the interference of that damned old man Paul, now deceased, had played a part.

But here, there were no overseers or meddlers. Perhaps it was the sense of liberation, but he felt everything would work out. He would gain fame as a painter and have his way with pretty girls to his heart’s content. First, he would taste Laticia’s flesh.

As he imagined violating Laticia in his mind over and over, Theodor smirked.

“Lati.”

“Yes, Theo.”

Just calling her nickname made her blush like an apple. Would her pale flesh turn just as red if he stripped her? Quite curious, he waited for the Duke in the drawing room where he had been guided. He thought they would meet soon, but time kept dragging on.

‘Is he having a good time?’

He had heard that even the prince had to wait patiently when the duke was busy with a woman. Theodor had heard many stories about Duke Kalidnas’s legendary exploits with women. It was almost a given that it would be quicker to find a noblewoman who hadn’t been with the duke than one who had. Listening to tales of the women who had passed through the duke’s bedroom, Theodor had reached one conclusion.

The duke despises lowly things.

Wanting to confirm his conclusion, Theodor deliberately furrowed his brow and lowered his voice.

“Lati, surely the duke… didn’t do anything to you, did he?”

Uncharacteristically fierce, especially when mentioning the duke, Theodor’s demeanor made Laticia hastily deny it.

“No, nothing like that.”

Of course. Theodor was convinced his assumption was correct. Though he didn’t show it outwardly.

“But if, if something like that happens, would you hate it?”

“Yes. I’d hate it.”

At her firm answer, Laticia’s face darkened momentarily. Theodor seized the moment and whispered sweetly.

“Of course, Lati! It would be hard for you. And it wouldn’t be something you wanted.”

A sense of relief gradually spread across Laticia’s face.

“Laticia. Even if something like that happens, don’t be too upset. What does that matter? What’s important is here.”

Pointing near her heart with his index finger, Theodor relaxed his expression slightly. The fierce scowl on his face had been replaced by a sorrowful smile.

“What’s important is here.”

The core.

Theodor muttered softly and smiled mischievously. Laticia, who had been recalling the quill pen teasing her between her legs, soon followed Theodor’s lead and smiled innocently.

“Really, nothing happened, Theo. It’s true.”

Of course. Theodor nodded in agreement.

No matter how stunningly beautiful you are, Laticia, you’re still a sl*ve with no status. Duke Kalidnas would be horrified by the touch of your body. But I’m different. I think it would feel incredibly good to be inside you.

Girls experiencing it for the first time always struggle, so Laticia, still ignorant, would surely be the same. Her voice is pretty, so her moans would be pretty too.

Theodor reassured Laticia with his harmless expression.

“I know. I believe you.”

Even if, by some chance, the duke were to desire Laticia, he would be the first. The thought of the duke stepping on the virginity he had already trampled gave Theodor a sense of pleasure. Would he have the honor of sharing a woman with the lofty Duke? As he thought of this crude joke, the corner of Theodor’s mouth twisted meaningfully.

Clueless, Laticia was simply happy that Theodor seemed in good spirits. His excitement was contagious. She had never seen Theodor this excited before. The thought that she had contributed to his happiness filled her with joy.

So she had to work even harder.

But when she tried to think about it, she couldn’t figure out what effort she had made that led the duke to summon Theodor. So Laticia decided to do what she had always done. Imagine it vividly.

‘Ah…’

But as soon as she started, Laticia’s attempt was blocked. She tried to imagine herself proudly introducing Theodor as a talented painter, but the moment she recalled the duke’s deep blue eyes, even in her imagination, her breath caught. The cold, emotionless eyes froze Laticia in place. As she stood motionless, the door to the drawing room opened.

The man she had just imagined walked in. With shadowed eyes.

Theodor Vuter reflexively stood up. Not because the other person was a Duke, but because of the overwhelming sense of pressure he instinctively felt. Like a small dog facing a wolf, Theodor shrank back. Duke Kalidnas was simply too superior for him to stand tall.

Andrea Kalidnas was a masterpiece crafted with particular care by the gods. From his perfect face to his flawless body.

Feeling defeated from the start, Theodor blushed. The words of greeting didn’t come easily. Even though Duke Kalidnas gestured arrogantly to a chair, Theodor didn’t feel like sitting down. Still, he managed to pull himself together and bowed politely.

“Theodor Vüter. It’s an honor to meet you, Your Grace.”

As he bowed his head, avoiding the duke’s gaze, Theodor finally found some stability. His kind appearance had always brought him advantages. This time would be no different. He had to trust the impression he gave, one that inspired trust even at first meeting.

Theodor straightened his back and faced the duke. But the moment he met those dark, deep eyes, the courage that had briefly surged vanished. The situation didn’t look good. Anyone could see that Duke Kalidnas was in a bad mood. Even Theodor’s gentle face lost its usefulness. The duke’s indifferent gaze wasn’t much different from looking at an insect.

Gulp. Theodor swallowed dryly and forced a smile.

“When should I start working?”

Andrea turned his eyes away from Theodor, who was desperately trying to win his favor. The thought of sitting for a portrait was repulsive. Holding a pose for hours was bad enough. Especially for someone like Theodor Vüter.

“I’ll call you when needed. Until then, I’ll provide you with a place to stay.”

“Thank you, Your Grace.”

Andrea stood up before the short greeting was even finished. He was faintly annoyed at the waste of time. Theodor, Theodor, he had thought the man must be something special to be sung about, but he was far more insignificant than expected.

Seeing Laticia, who was sparkling like she was seeing stars next to this mediocre man, made his temples throb. It was the result of not getting a wink of sleep the previous night.

Once freed from the cage, the sl*ve girl had been so excited that she didn’t even check if he was asleep before hurriedly leaving the room. The moment the door closed quietly but hastily, Andrea opened his eyes. He sat by the window and waited for the right moment.

He had planned to shoot her dead with an arrow the moment she left the Kalidnas estate without his permission. That way, the troublesome task of controlling the urges that surged every time her grape-like scent wafted past his nose would finally end.

As expected, it wasn’t long before Laticia crossed the garden. Her silver hair shimmered in the moonlight, fluttering as she moved. She ran lightly, as if she had truly become a canary. Andrea aimed his bow at her back. He considered piercing her throat but instead aimed for the center of her head. There was no particular reason. It just felt like a target because it was round, like an apple.

Now the sl*ve was completely on the main path. It led straight to the exit. Andrea pulled the bowstring taut. He thought it would be quite satisfying to see red blood bloom like a flower against her silver hair. Even better if he could see the snowy battlefield he had imagined when he first saw Laticia at the sl*ve market.

Seeing blood would help him sleep.

Just as the arrow was about to leave the bowstring, Laticia, who he thought would just keep running, suddenly stopped. She changed direction and lay down under the large tree in the center of the garden. Andrea’s arrow never left the bowstring, and the night passed without incident.

‘I should have just shot her.’

Seeing Laticia chattering away with Theodor Vüter, Andrea regretted his decision from the previous night. Especially when Theodor buried his face in her silver hair. He should have just killed her.

“Lati.”

At Theodor’s affectionate call, Andrea, who had been leaving the drawing room, paused. The regret he had been suppressing resurfaced. Feeling the chill spread across his scalp, Andrea slowly turned around. The violet eyes that had been fixed on Theodor Vüter followed him unconsciously. Andrea gestured lightly toward the door with his chin.

“To the bedroom.”

At the short command, Laticia’s wide eyes blinked slowly.

***

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