QT: The Secondary Character Counterattacks (Obey Me! characters x Reader)

Arc 5. The Unfavored Daughter Chooses an Unlikely Backer (Mammon x Reader) 6

He gritted his teeth. "Yes, Uncle..."

***

Mammon was grateful that he didn't run into anyone else as he made his way out the viscount's office and into the hallway. Unable to breathe properly, he loosened his tie. He has faced countless beasts and barbarians in his short tenure as the Duke of Roksana, yet none of those things could cause this—this feeling of complete despair, like the air itself was being ripped out his lungs.

The hallways were twisting.

He had to stop walking. His knees were weak and he felt like throwing up.

He grabbed onto something soft as he struggled to catch his breath, but to no avail.

His vision was spotted with black, he could feel his consciousness wavering–

"What color is that curtain?"

"W-what?"

"That curtain in your arms, what color is it?"

Urged by the calm, demanding voice, Mammon forced himself to focus on the fabric. "Blue."

"Right. What color is the carpet?"

Mammon looked down at his feet. "Orange."

"What is your full name?"

"My name is... ugh... my name is Mammon of Roksana."

"So you lied to me, huh."

"Excuse me!?" Mammon met the eyes of a woman dressed in white and blue. Her gown didn't reach the floor though. What an odd dress.

"If you're done admiring my ankles, I'd appreciate it if you look me in the eye, Your Grace."

"I wasn't–!"

Cheeks flaring, he met your gaze and froze. You looked familiar. He couldn't quite put his finger on it, but if he did, he'd have to wash it.

"Ah, that blank, glazed-over expression, you really don't remember me?" The lady placed a fan over her face, disappointed.

"I-I beg your pardon, miss, I apologize if I offended you–"

You pushed your face towards his, causing him to heat up. "You truly don't remember me? After that night of passion we shared?"

His ears burned. "I-I don't...I..." What was this woman spouting about?!

He seldom indulged in liquor, but the rare times that he did often resulted in blackouts. Did he really do something that could have hurt this lady?

Mammon got down on one knee. The woman blinked in surprise as he held her hand. "Y-you are right, though your face does elicit something in my memory, I am presently unable to recall the specificities. If I had done something to offend or dishonor you, I apologize." He put his free hand over his chest. "I will take full responsibility."

You stared at him wide-eyed. His hold on you was firm but gentle, as though handling a lotus.

"..."

"My lady?"

"Pft." You put away your fan as you laughed. "Oh, wow, I didn't take you for the type to take responsibility. Now I feel bad for messing with you."

"?"

"Do get up, Your Grace. It would be inappropriate to talk like this where anyone can hear us so walk with me."

"???"

***

YOU