O10.

Chapter 10

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"DID YOU get some sleep, my dear?" The Grand Duke asked, his gaze fixed intently on me. "You haven't touched your food. Are you alright?" His voice was laced with worry as he studied my face.

I realized I was having breakfast with the Grand Duke and Darious. I had been so preoccupied with my thoughts that I might have forgotten something important. Why can't I remember anything after Sebastian helped me last night? I confronted him, but he insisted that I went to sleep after he helped me take off my stockings. He said I even pushed him out of my room quickly. However, I don't remember doing that. Did I miss something?

"I'm quite alright, Father," I replied, forcing a smile. Darious rolled his eyes and continued eating, clearly unimpressed by my response.

"I need to leave soon, Father. His Highness has requested my presence in the South," Darious said while gently wiping his mouth with the tablecloth. "There's an issue with the monsters going berserk for some unknown reason." He stood up and bowed deeply to the Grand Duke.

"The food shortage and evacuation centers are the biggest problems in the South right now," the Grand Duke said after swallowing his food. He shook his head quietly, his expression grim.

Come to think of it, the Academy was built to enhance the abilities of those in the Empire who were blessed by the gods. The South is where the monsters come from, there's a portal they've been searching for years. However, every attempt has failed as the number of knights gradually decreases with each pursuit of this daunting mission.

"The Crown Prince is trying hard to find a solution for this, but I must say, the nobles of this Empire will have difficulty agreeing with His Royal Highness," Darious remarked. "Now, may I take my leave, Father?" The Grand Duke nodded, and Darious walked towards the door. Before closing it, he shot me a piercing glare. Huh, he really does hate me. I rolled my eyes at his childish behavior.

"If the Priestess were here, she might be the one to solve this problem," the Grand Duke muttered, running his fingers through his hair in frustration.

My eyes narrowed into slits as I tried to recall the Priestess he was talking about. I hadn't encountered her in the game, so I had no memory of the Priestess he mentioned.

"Who is the Priestess, Your Grace?" I asked, catching the Grand Duke's attention.

He looked startled, as if he had forgotten I was there. "I almost forgot you were there, my dear. My apologies," he said, his lips curving into a slight smile. "The Priestess is the one who sealed the portal of the monsters in the South. No one has seen her face because she always wore a veil and a hat, but she was very popular back then because of her divinity." He put down his utensils and focused on me. "The South... I met your mother there. She was the most beautiful woman—"

I cut him off. I didn't want to hear tales of Arthemice's mother. I wanted to know why the seal was broken.

"I already know that, Father," I lied, smiling at him with practiced pretentiousness. He seemed satisfied with my hypocritical gesture, which prompted him to continue the story.

"Well, the barrier of the portal broke when the Priestess took her own life in a desperate attempt to save us all. On that day, the portal vanished, but the monsters remained," he said, placing his elbow on the table and clasping his hands together, resting his chin on them. "It was a devastating loss because now the South is the most perilous region," he continued.

"That's horrible," I commented, my voice tinged with genuine concern, which made him smile faintly.

"Yes. That's why I try my best to donate to the people there. They're the reason the monsters don't appear on our borders. I have great connections with Grand Duke Dousel, and he is very thankful to us." He stood up and straightened his noble attire. "Well, not as thankful as we are. They save us every day by fighting those monsters." He placed his napkin on the table and smiled at me.

He's right. If it weren't for the people of the South, the monsters would be lurking all over the Empire, and we wouldn't be able to live freely. But how about the people of the South? How are they living there? I wondered.

"Then, I will get back to work. And oh, I will find a good servant for you now," he said.

I put my utensils down and stood up. "Let me handle that on my own, Father. Besides, I am capable of doing things on my own now," I replied, walking towards him.

"Well, I'll leave it to you. I will ask Kyle to escort my capable daughter in finding her servant," he responded, pinching my nose teasingly. I swiftly swatted his hand away.

"Don't do that, Father," I said, glaring at him playfully. He just laughed and patted my back.

"Alright, alright," he conceded.

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"Kyle went to the South to help out there. Many knights have been lost, so they needed to ask for help from the capital," my father's butler conveyed, his tone formal and precise as he stood at attention.

Kyle is a knight, so it didn't surprise me, but to think he would go to the South just to defeat the monsters? Maybe that's not his only reason. Perhaps he wants to save innocent lives? I shook my head. No, that's definitely not it. It's ironic to even consider it.

"Then who will be my escort?" I asked, my brows knitting together in concern. I couldn't imagine the Grand Duke allowing me to go outside alone.

"No one," he replied curtly. I paused, taken aback by his response. He looked at me with disdain before turning his back on me.

Huh. How surprisingly arrogant. He serves the Grand Duke yet treats his daughter this way? I rolled my eyes in frustration.

I crossed my arms. "Well, it is nice to have some liberty—" I paused, suddenly feeling a sharp pain in my head. What is this? I thought I'd heard that before. Who said that? Me? I shrugged my shoulders, dismissing it as a hallucination.

"System, please don't pop up when I am outside. I don't want to trouble the Grand Duke because of your silly predicament," I muttered under my breath. I might encounter a new predicament outside, but I just hope I won't.

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The system does not understand what you are saying.

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I rolled my eyes so hard I thought they might fall out of my head. The system's pretense of ignorance was infuriating. Tsk.

I snatched the pouch of money the butler had given me, my frustration evident in the forceful way I grabbed it. I also picked up the list of names of the servants who wanted to be my personal maid. However, I didn't like any of them. I felt sure that Darious had given this list to the Grand Duke, so I decided to throw it away.

I crumpled the paper and tossed it onto my veranda. I grabbed my cloak and put it on hastily. I needed to travel incognito and disguise myself as a commoner. Well, if Sebastian were here, maybe everything would be simpler.

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The city was just as bustling as it had been when I last visited to buy some skewers. Nothing had changed. It was alive with activity. People were gossiping, and everyone was busy with their own affairs.

I let myself blend into the crowd. Vendors and townspeople approached me, trying to sell their wares, but I declined their offers politely.

"Who could possibly—" I didn't finish my sentence because suddenly, a young woman snatched my pouch of money. I stood there, startled, as I watched her dash into a nearby alley.

"Hey!" I shouted, abruptly chasing after her. What the hell? How can I get a new maid if she steals my money?!

I was already out of breath as I ran. She turned left, and I followed, my heart pounding. How can her little feet run so fast?! I quickly took off my heeled shoes and continued the chase barefoot.

We darted around corners, dodging pedestrians and leaping over obstacles. The city blurred around me as I focused on the thief. Finally, she reached a dead end and stopped abruptly.

"I-I'm sorry!" she stammered, her voice trembling with fear.

"Haaa!" I gasped, catching my breath and leaning forward, hands on my knees. I watched as she sat on the dirty ground, her thin body trembling, and stretched her hands out, offering me the pouch.

"I-I didn't mean to steal anything," she said, avoiding eye contact, her voice shaky as she tried to catch her breath.

I gestured for her to wait a minute as I held my temple in frustration. We had run too far for goodness' sake!

"You run too fast!" I exclaimed, gulping a few times to calm myself.

"My pet needs treatment, and we don't have any money to buy him medicine. He is dying!" she cried out loud, her voice breaking like that of a child. Her face was very pale, her dark brown hair messy, and tears streamed down her cheeks.

Huh. She made me chase her all this way, and now she's crying in front of me?

"Here," I muttered, handing her the pouch. Her eyes lit up with surprise and gratitude as she took it.

"I also had a pet who died because no one helped me. So, consider this as my help," I said, turning my back on her. Her expression had caught my heart. Maybe if I can open the door in the basement, then I might save Chewy from dying.

"I-I..." I was startled when she grabbed my clothes.

"Cut the chase off. I'm still mad at you for making me run that far," I replied, glaring at her. She flinched and looked down, her face a mask of shame.

"I'm sorry..." she whispered, tears streaming down her cheeks as she cried silently.

"You didn't have to steal. You could have just asked me if you needed help. I would have given you some," I stated, my forehead creased with irritation.

"I asked for help many times, but no one helped me. That's why stealing was my last resort. However, I felt so guilty. I am really sorry!" she whined, clutching the pouch I gave her tightly to her chest.

'Haaa. You don't feel guilty, you're just afraid because I caught you at the dead end,' I thought, rolling my eyes.

"Whatever, just go to your pet and buy some medicine!" I exclaimed. She didn't say anything else and ran off, shouting, "Thank you, Lady Loughsin!" as she disappeared. Ha! So she knew who I was all along, which is why she targeted me.

I stamped my foot in frustration and put my shoes back on. How annoying, making me run like that!

"How interesting..." My heart nearly jumped out of my chest when someone suddenly appeared behind me.

I turned to face the man, frowning as I recognized who it was. His presence loomed over me, and I couldn't help but feel a mix of curiosity and apprehension.

"Your Highness," I muttered, my voice tinged with annoyance. "What are you doing here?"

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Crown Prince Lumine has been following you while you chased the thief.

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I bowed deeply as the drama spotlight illuminated the place. Well, it's drama time.

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Please greet the Crown Prince.

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I rolled my eyes again when I saw that.

"Greetings to the little sun of the Empire, Your Royal Highness the Crown Prince," I said, my voice dripping with forced politeness.

Why is he here now? I thought he went to the South to deal with the monster outbreak.

"What are you doing here, my lady?" he asked, feigning innocence as if he hadn't been following me. How I wanted to smack him.

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Choose your response to the Crown Prince.

◣ I was just taking a stroll, Your Highness. ◥

I ran away because I don't want to live in the Ducal Palace anymore.

I chased someone.

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Wow, it's been a while since these goddamn choices appeared. Well, I'm doing a play, not facing a predicament, right?

"I chased someone," I replied, picking the truthful option. I couldn't lie right now, and it was a good thing the system reminded me that he had been following me.

I saw his brow furrow in apparent confusion. Now, now. Don't pretend you didn't know, bastard.

"Okay then, why did you come outside without any guard?" he asked, crossing his arms over his chest, his posture exuding authority.

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Choose your response to the Crown Prince.

◣ Because I didn't expect to be followed, Your Highness. ◥

Why did you asked?

The Butler said that I don't need anyone, Your Highness.

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I sighed, my irritation barely contained. "Because I didn't expect to be followed, Your Highness," I said, matching his gaze with a steely one of my own.

His expression remained unreadable, but there was a flicker of something in his eyes—perhaps amusement, or maybe curiosity. "You should be more careful, my lady. The streets are not safe, especially for someone of your stature."

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Choose your response to the Crown Prince.

◣ Are you slowly falling in love with me now, your Highness? ◥

I appreciate your concern, Your Highness, but I can take care of myself.

I know, your Highness.

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I resisted the urge to roll my eyes again. "I appreciate your concern, Your Highness, but I can take care of myself."

The Crown Prince's lips curved into a slight smile, though it didn't reach his eyes. "Is that so? Well, it seems you've had quite an adventure already."

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Choose your response to the Crown Prince.

◣ Yes, and I would prefer if my adventures remained my own business.◥

No, your Highness.

Yes, your Highness.

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"Yes, and I would prefer if my adventures remained my own business," I retorted, feeling a mix of defiance and frustration.

The Crown Prince chuckled softly. "Very well, but remember, my lady, the Empire watches over all its subjects."

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Choose your response to the Crown Prince.

◣ Are you interested in me now, Your Highness? ◥

Oh, how adorable.

I know, Your Highness, and I am thankful because of that.

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Huh. Why is the system being kind to me today? I only get good choices.

"Are you interested in me now, Your Highness?" I smirked as I said it. He looked taken aback by my bold response but quickly regained his composure and shot me a glare.

"I will escort you home," he replied, adjusting his battle suit with a determined look.

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Choose your response to the Crown Prince.

◣ You have something to do, right? Please spare your time on that matter, Your Highness. ◥

As you wish, Your Highness.

Please do me the favor, Your Highness.

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"You have something to do, right? Please spare your time on that matter, Your Highness." I said as I selected the choice. He needs to go to the South, right? Why bother escorting me home when I can manage on my own?

"That can wait," he replied, grabbing my hand and pulling me along. The spotlight vanished, so I walked beside him. It was a relief that the play was over, now I could speak freely.

"The lives of the people there are at stake," I said, giving him a frosty look. He paused for a moment, his mouth opening slightly before he composed himself.

"The Grand Duke will not be pleased if he sees you wandering all by yourself," he replied, changing the topic. I rolled my eyes. Well, I couldn't just refuse the Crown Prince, right? Besides, my heart was pounding too fast. Arthemice really loves this bastard. I rolled my eyes at that thought.

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"Thank you so much, Your Highness." I bowed deeply as soon as I stepped out of his carriage.

He just nodded in response and left. I heaved a deep sigh. Well, I didn't find a personal maid, so my trip was all in vain.

How frustrating. I messed up my hair in frustration as I walked inside the manor. Tsk.

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third person

The Crown Prince Lumine stared ahead, deep in thought about what had transpired when Lady Arthemice chased the thief.

"She's not like that before," he muttered, his eyebrows knitting together in confusion. He was deeply bothered by how much Lady Arthemice had changed in such a short period of time. Lady Cecelia had been incessantly talking about how much she admired Arthemice since her coming-of-age ceremony.

'To think that she hates getting into contact with a commoner,' he thought, the scene he had witnessed earlier flashing vividly in his mind. The sight of Arthemice chasing down a thief, barefoot and determined, was so unlike the haughty noblewoman he had known.

"Ha... What am I thinking about?" he suddenly said aloud, running his hand through the middle of his hair in frustration. His fingers lingered at his scalp as if trying to massage away the perplexity. His mind kept replaying the moment when Arthemice, breathless yet resolute, handed the money back to the thief with unexpected empathy.

The Crown Prince's jaw tightened as he tried to reconcile this new image of Arthemice.  He couldn't shake off the feeling that there was more to her than he had realized, and it unsettled him deeply. As he pondered this, a faint frown creased his lips, and he found himself inexplicably drawn to uncover the mystery behind her transformation.

'What could have brought about such a change in her?' he wondered, his thoughts swirling with questions and possibilities. The Lady's newfound compassion and resilience intrigued him more than he cared to admit, and he resolved to keep a closer watch on her actions from now on.

With a deep sigh, Lumine shook his head, trying to dispel the growing curiosity that threatened to consume his thoughts. He had more pressing matters to attend to, the important situation in the South where monsters were wreaking havoc, yet the enigma of Lady Arthemice lingered at the edges of his mind, refusing to be ignored.

fin.