OO5.

Chapter 5

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SEBASTIAN, who had been watching me, raised an eyebrow. "Is everything alright, my lady?" he asked, his voice tinged with genuine concern—or was it just another layer of his deceit? I ignored him, my mind racing.

How could the system know who I really was? What else did it know about me? A chill ran down my spine as the reality of my situation sank in. This wasn't just a game anymore; it was a battle for control over my own fate.

I took a deep breath, resolving to find a way to break free from its grasp. I had to uncover the truth behind this world and the system that controlled it. The stakes were higher than I had ever imagined, and I knew I had to tread carefully.

But one thing was clear: I would not go down without a fight. As we continued walking, the grand hallway seemed to close in around me, the tapestries and chandeliers now feeling more like a gilded cage.

I could feel the weight of the system's gaze upon me, and the uncertainty of what lay ahead loomed larger than ever.

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third person

A man cloaked in shadows slipped into a secluded room within the Ducal Palace. Inside, the young Duke Darious awaited, a vial of potent poison in hand.

"Are you certain this won't kill him if he drinks it?" Darious asked, his voice tense as he clenched the small glass container.

"Yes, my lord," the man replied. Darious' eyes gleamed with a dangerous light as he stared down at the cloaked figure. The man's resolve wavered, but he held the Duke's gaze.

Darious exhaled slowly. "You may go now," he commanded. "And remember our deal. You know I can find you, right?" He pocketed the poison.

"Yes, my lord. I will not fail you." The man disappeared into the shadows.

Darious stepped out into the grand hallway, masking his emotions. He walked with cold precision, his fingers gripping the vial in his pocket. He bit his lower lip, stifling a sinister smile. His excitement needed to be concealed, his dark scheme hidden to ensure its success.

'This is what you've driven me to, father. On that day, he will suffer the most excruciating death,' he thought, striding flawlessly down the corridor.

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arthemice

I stared blankly out the window, the world outside teasing me with its freedom. I wish I could go outside and take a stroll, but I can't. I don't even know the name of the place I'm living in right now. Well, I skipped every detail about the places when the system described them to me, so I remember very little. Most of it I've already forgotten.

"Tomorrow is your big day, my lady. You should not be sulking in this room. Go get some air outside." His voice broke my reverie, and I turned to face him with a raised eyebrow. Ever since he escorted me to the Grand Duke's office, he hasn't left my side for hours.

If only I could speak, I would have lashed out at him long ago. Curse this system. I haven't been able to choose my words since that day... when the system mentioned my freaking name! I tried to speak, for goodness' sake, but I failed! How am I supposed to communicate with them? They will think I'm mute now, right? I rolled my eyes internally.

"Feels like I am talking to myself again," he whispered, his irritation evident in his tone. He's been frustrated with my silence these past few days.

I don't care about his feelings anyway. He is just an idiot who killed Arthemice in the game. Being in the same room with him is suffocating. Hays.

"Can't you just leave me?" I spoke, glaring at him intensely. I was about to stand up when I realized something...

I-I'm speaking!

I bolted to the mirror.

"Mic test, mic test," I blurted out, barely believing my own ears. "Oh my god, oh my god!" I jumped up and down, ecstatic to hear my voice again. Freaking hell! I can now speak without those stupid choices!

"You can hear me, right?!" I ran toward Sebastian, who looked utterly bewildered. Grabbing his broad shoulders, I shook him repeatedly. He must think Lady Arthemice has completely lost her mind.

"Yes, I can hear you loud and clear, my lady," he replied, making me grin from ear to ear. I shook him even harder out of sheer joy.

But he didn't seem to enjoy that, so I quickly let him go and flopped onto my bed. I started rolling back and forth, giggling like a child. "I can speak! I can finally speak!" I chanted, rolling so vigorously that I nearly fell off the bed, grabbing onto the edge just in time. I laughed even harder, feeling like a complete idiot but not caring one bit.

"Leave me, Kyle, I'm doing fine." I stopped rolling and looked at him, slightly out of breath.

"B-But—" He hesitated, but I stood up and crossed my arms, glaring at him.

"This is an order," I commanded, making him frown in silence.

With no choice, he opened the door. Before leaving, he muttered, "You should sulk more, my lady. That makes you more attractive," and bit his lip. I saw his expression darken as he shut the door behind him.

What was that? He said, 'You should not be sulking,' but now it's the opposite? Where is this man's brain?

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The system is currently rebooting for some reason. Please rest assured that it will be back once it is done.

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I saw the holograph pop up in front of me. I just smirked. As I suspected, the system malfunctioned when it mentioned my real name. Well, I hope it never reboots again.

I walked to the mirror and adjusted my hair, then carefully examined my entire reflection. I look so beautiful with this face. I've almost forgotten my real appearance because of this new visage.

My skin is so soft, my ginger eyes are so enthralling, my pinkish lips are so kissable, and my hair is like silver dust that flows through the air.

Is this really me now? This is my face? I caressed my own face, marveling at my transformation. Even my voice has the sweetest sound of anyone around here.

Should I go outside, just as Sebastian suggested? "I should, right?" I spoke aloud, my voice like music to my ears.

I twirled around, admiring my outfit. I am wearing a blue dress that exudes elegance. The bodice features intricate lace with a high neckline and long sleeves, giving it a regal feel. Golden chains and ornaments drape around my waist, adding a touch of opulence. The skirt has layered ruffles that flow gracefully to the floor, creating a stunning and sophisticated look.

"Kyle," I called out, knowing Sebastian was still outside my room.

"Yes, my lady?" he answered as the door swung open, bowing immediately upon seeing me.

I turned to him and smiled. "It is a great day to stroll outside, don't you think?"

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The streets were alive with activity. The market was a riot of colors and sounds, with vendors calling out their wares, each one trying to outdo the other. Stalls lined the cobblestone streets, overflowing with fresh fruits, vegetables, and exotic spices. The air was thick with the mingling aromas of baked bread, roasted meats, and sweet pastries.

I laughed. It's like in my world, but with a charming, old-fashioned style.

Children darted between the adults, their laughter ringing out as they played games. Street performers entertained passersby with their acrobatics and music, adding to the festive atmosphere. I saw a blacksmith hard at work, the rhythmic clanging of his hammer echoing down the street as he shaped molten metal into tools and weapons.

I looked at the person beside me. It was Sebastian, quietly observing my behavior. When he saw me looking at him, he just smiled sweetly.

"Why don't we eat something while we're here, my lady?" he suggested, smiling and pointing to a restaurant we passed by.

I shrugged my shoulders, noting how classy it looked. I don't like the taste of expensive stuff. I ate too much of that in the company of Mr. Verde. Well, I don't have any reason to dislike it, besides his son feeding me poisonous food.

"I'd like to try some skewers, Kyle. Can you lead the way to a stall?" I asked, biting my own fingers. I saw his initial look of confusion, but he quickly replaced it with a pretentious smile.

"You must change your taste buds, my lady," he said while placing his hand on the small of my back. I was taken aback by the gesture.

"Y-Yes, I must," I replied, smiling nervously at him.

"Well, it is your birthday tomorrow, so let me treat you, Lady Loughsin!" he exclaimed excitedly as he walked ahead of me, then stopped and turned to smile at me.

He looked so handsome when he did that. I shrugged off the thought and reminded myself: He is an enemy. He will assassinate you sooner or later!

"Well, then that's good to hear, Sir Kyle," I answered, smiling again.

We walked toward an elderly vendor selling skewers. The vendor had a warm, inviting smile, his face weathered with years of experience. His stall was simple yet charming, adorned with colorful banners and lanterns. The skewers were displayed neatly, each one perfectly grilled with a golden-brown hue. The aroma of marinated chicken, mingled with a hint of smoky charcoal, wafted through the air.

Sebastian bought five chicken skewers, handing over a few coins to the vendor.

I clasped my hands behind my back and closed my eyes, inhaling the delightful aroma. It was the nicest smell I'd experienced since arriving here.

After a few minutes, Sebastian handed me one of the skewers he had just bought. "Thank you for the food!" I said, taking a bite. My eyes sparkled with delight as I tasted the perfectly cooked and flavorful chicken. It was the best skewer I'd ever eaten!

As we walked toward my carriage, I happily chewed on the BBQ skewer. Some sauce dripped onto my dress, but I couldn't clean it as my hands were full.

I glanced at Sebastian, who was silently walking beside me. He looked like he was plotting to kill me in the middle of the night—kidding. It's not time for that yet.

"Why didn't you buy one for yourself?" I asked him.

"I've never tasted it, so it might—" he didn't finish his sentence because I suddenly put one of the skewers in his mouth.

He took a bite, and for a brief moment, I saw a look of delight flash across his face. But he quickly hid it, trying to maintain his stoic expression. The sauce spread all over his face, making him look like a messy child. I couldn't help but laugh. The handsome assassin's face was now covered in sauce. Pfft...

"Stop laughing at me, my lady." He looked down and blushed, but then he looked up at me, glaring while wiping the sauce off his mouth. His attempt to look angry only made it funnier, and I flinched, momentarily worried I had offended him. Well, who cares anyway.

"Well, I can't stop laughing at your funny face," I replied, trying to suppress my giggles as we reached my carriage. I had intentionally left it here because I didn't want a dramatic entrance at the market.

"Shall we go?" I asked, extending my hand towards him.

His eyes widened in shock, clearly confused by my unexpected gesture. I smirked, relishing the moment. "I should be the one offering my hand, my lady," he muttered, struggling to reconcile this unfamiliar kindness.

"Are you going to reject my kindness?" I teased, my brows knitting together in mock exasperation. "My arm is hurting now."

He hesitated, his confusion evident as he tried to process this new side of me. "As you wish, Lady Loughsin," he finally said, his voice tinged with reluctant curiosity.

fin.