O14.

Chapter 14

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third person

"WHY HAS she changed so much?" the Crown Prince mused aloud as he gazed down at Arthemice's sleeping face. His eyes narrowed in thought, his mind racing to make sense of the drastic shift in her behavior.

"You were so arrogant when we met months ago," he murmured, his voice barely a whisper, yet heavy with unresolved emotions. His gaze lingered on her, as if by staring long enough, he might unravel the mystery she had become. "You said you would do anything to break off our engagement," he continued, the memory of her defiant words still vivid in his mind. "But now… now, it seems you don't care about it at all. You even showed concern for Lady Cecelia." He ran both hands over his face, the weight of his confusion pressing down on him.

"Are you really the same woman who was once so ruthless?" he questioned, more to himself than to her. His eyes remained locked on her peaceful face, as if she were a puzzle he was desperate to solve, yet feared the answer might be beyond his grasp.

Suddenly, Lady Cecelia entered the tent, her expression tinged with worry as she noticed the Crown Prince's troubled demeanor. "Is she awake?" she asked softly, her voice breaking through his reverie.

The Crown Prince shook his head, a faint smile playing on his lips despite the turmoil within him. "No, she's still unconscious," he replied, his tone distant, as if his thoughts were still entangled with the sleeping woman before him.

"Are you upset that your plan didn't go as expected?" Lady Cecelia asked, moving closer to him. Her hand gently caressed his back, offering comfort in the only way she knew how. The Crown Prince took her hand and pressed a tender kiss to it, drawing strength from her touch.

"And Lady Loughsin… She intervened, which is why there were only a few casualties, isn't it?" she continued, her voice soft yet probing.

"A few," he admitted, his voice carrying the weight of his regret. "As Crown Prince, I should have anticipated this, but because of my foolishness, I nearly led all of my knights to their deaths." His eyes grew distant, haunted by the memories of the battle.

Lady Cecelia gently cupped his face, turning it towards her. "It's okay, Lumi," she whispered, her voice soothing. "Thanks to the Lady, the losses were minimal. You'll learn from this. It was just a small mistake." Her smile was warm, full of reassurance as she tried to lift the burden from his heart.

'This was no small mistake, my lady,' the Crown Prince thought, his heart heavy with the knowledge of his near-failure. "Thank you, Ceci," he said aloud, his voice betraying the turmoil he tried to hide. He leaned in and captured her lips in a kiss, seeking solace in the familiar warmth of her embrace. The kiss was tender yet laced with the unspoken fears and regrets that weighed on his soul, a silent plea for forgiveness he wasn't sure he deserved.

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arthemice

My eyes twitched in irritation at the sight before me. Seriously? Get a room! I'm on your side, for goodness' sake!

'How can they kiss in front of an unconscious person?' I fumed silently, forcing myself to remain still and feign sleep.

This is beyond disrespectful. Alam na nga nilang may taong single na nakahimlay rito. Tsk.

"Let's go, Ceci. I'll call her knight to keep watch over her. You need to rest too," I heard Lumine say, his voice growing fainter with each step as they finally walked away. Hmph. Good riddance. The moment I felt their presence leave, I shot upright, gasping for air. Is it normal to forget to breathe while pretending to be asleep? Ugh.

"My lady?" A voice came from the entrance. I turned to see Sebastian watching me with a curious expression. I forced a smile and spoke lightly, "You're here."

"Are you feeling better now?" he asked, concern evident in his tone. I nodded in response.

"By the way, my lady, there's something they wish to tell you," he added, stepping aside. I raised an eyebrow, puzzled by his words, when suddenly, a group of knights entered the tent and knelt before me.

What the…?! I stared at them, utterly bewildered by their display. They all bowed their heads low, as if they were begging for forgiveness or had committed some grave offense. What in the world is happening?

"Thank you for saving our lives, Lady Loughsin!" they shouted in unison, their voices filled with gratitude. I could only gape at them, completely taken aback.

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Your reputation has increased due to your intervention in the battle. 5% will be added shortly.

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Ah, so that's why they're here. If I hadn't ordered them to stop, they'd probably be six feet under by now.

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Updating character details…

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Character Profile

Eiliyah Arthemice Loughsin

Title: The Ruthless Villainess 

Current Life: 37% 

Reputation: 15% 

Power Level: Primordial

Ability: Unknown

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"Stand up," I commanded, channeling the fierce presence that Arthemice was known for. I needed to assert my authority, especially since these knights had dared to question me when I intervened earlier.

"Didn't you all despise me? Why the sudden gratitude? Have you forgotten how you disrespected me?" My voice was sharp, and I let my gaze pierce through each of them, making sure they felt the weight of my words.

These weren't just any knights; they were the Crown Prince's elite guards, as well as the knights of the Loughsin family. I knew all too well how they treated Lady Arthemice—not as a noble of the ducal palace, but as if she were nothing more than a commoner. I hadn't forgotten how they stood by when she was nearly devoured by a monster in a past scenario of the game's storyline. Their loyalty had always been questionable.

"We… We apologize for our mistakes! We will obey and protect our Lady from now on!" stammered the leader, his voice trembling with fear. I could see the terror in his eyes, and rightly so—he should be afraid.

"Then convince me," I replied coldly, my tone leaving no room for doubt.

"We will, my lady! Our loyalty will be yours and to those we serve!" he swore, his voice desperate to prove their sincerity. A smirk tugged at the corners of my lips. Finally, some respect.

"You may go," I dismissed them with a wave of my hand. They all bowed deeply, their heads almost touching the ground, before retreating from the tent with newfound reverence. Ha... This is quite satisfying. I shouldn't have any trouble joining the patrols from now on. Time is ticking, and I need to resolve this predicament so I can finally go home.

I can't wait to be back in Arthemice's bed, with those fluffy pillows and delicious snacks. I drooled mentally at the thought, daydreaming of the comforts that awaited me. How nice it will be to return to that house.

"My lady?" Sebastian's voice startled me, causing my heart to nearly leap out of my chest. I had almost forgotten he was still here.

"Oh. Where is my brother, Darious?" I asked, suddenly remembering the image of him being stabbed.

"He's stable now. The other knights are gathering information to track down the culprit who attacked the young Duke," Sebastian replied, a faint smile touching his lips. That smile... it was a rare sight. He never smiled like that at Arthemice when I played the game.

"We're still clearing the battlefield, and Darious is working on reinforcing the barrier this time," he continued. I nodded, absorbing the information.

"Can I help?" I murmured, looking at him with concern. His eyes widened in surprise, as if he couldn't believe what he'd just heard.

"You've already helped, my lady. For now, I think it would be best if you rested," he suggested gently. He then approached me, lowering himself to one knee before me. I instinctively stepped back, bewildered by his sudden action. What is he doing?

Before I could react, he took my hand in his and pressed his lips to it. "Thank you so much, my lady," he whispered, his voice filled with sincerity. After the kiss, he held my hand against his cheek, closing his eyes as if drawing strength from the contact. We stayed like that for a moment, the air thick with unspoken emotions. I was too stunned to move, too shocked to even pull my hand away.

I cleared my throat awkwardly. "Y-You're welcome, Kyle," I managed to stammer. He released my hand and rose to his feet, the warmth of his touch lingering on my skin.

"I will bring your meal here, my lady. Please excuse me for a moment." Without meeting my eyes, he turned and left the tent.

As soon as he was out of sight, I exhaled the breath I hadn't realized I was holding.

What's wrong with these people?! First Darious, then the Crown Prince, and now Sebastian?! This is getting out of hand!

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I felt a growing sense of boredom after being stuck in this tent for hours. Although Sebastian had brought me some food, he soon had to leave to assist with the knights, leaving me alone as he attended to his duties.

Determined to break the monotony, I ventured outside and noticed the knights assembled in a nearby tent. From where I stood, I could hear their conversation as they strategized their patrol routes. They were preparing for their routine patrol, which had been delayed due to the unexpected monster attack earlier. Despite the disruption, they were determined to continue their duties this afternoon.

The Crown Prince was presiding over the meeting, flanked on either side by Darious and Sebastian, who were actively contributing to the discussion.

This is my chance, I must do something to join this patrol!

"I shall accompany you all," I interjected, stepping into the tent where the knights had gathered for their meeting.

"Greetings to my lady!" The knights immediately turned towards me and bowed deeply, their movements synchronized and respectful. I couldn't help but grin at the sight. How amusing it was to see them so obedient.

"Thank you," I said, placing a hand over my heart, feigning gratitude. The knights visibly blushed at my gesture and straightened up, some of them smiling sheepishly.

"Lady Loughsin's presence would be invaluable on this patrol, Your Royal Highness," one of the knights spoke up, and the others quickly murmured their agreement.

I noticed the Crown Prince pressing his fingers to his temple, likely trying to conceal his annoyance. Meanwhile, I maintained a pleasant smile on my face, careful not to let my usual smirk slip through. I had practiced this smile extensively to ensure it appeared genuine, not like the villainess grin that had earned me so much disdain in the past.

"Kyle will be the one to escort you, my lady," the Crown Prince conceded, his tone resigned but firm. He met my eyes briefly, searching for any sign of ulterior motives, but I kept my expression calm and sincere.

Well, that was easy. It seems my recent help in defeating the monster has earned me some favor. How fortunate.

Within minutes, we were ready to depart. Darious and a few other knights remained behind to guard the camp, while Lady Cecelia and Lady Athena joined us on the patrol. Their abilities would undoubtedly prove useful in the field.

"Please return safely, everyone," Darious said, bowing his head along with the knights who stayed behind.

"As you command, my lord," the knights responded in unison, their voices firm with resolve.

While the knights rode their horses, the ladies, including myself, were seated in the carriage. I must look like a mess, I thought bitterly. I hadn't had the chance to change clothes or bathe since yesterday. Meanwhile, Lady Cecelia and Lady Athena, sitting across from me, were impeccably dressed, their beauty and cleanliness radiating in the afternoon light.

Huh. I hope everyone had the sense to bring extra clothes before leaving the Capital, I thought, rolling my eyes in frustration. My fists clenched at my sides, anger simmering beneath the surface. It wasn't fair that the system had forced me into such a humiliating position, making me appear like a beggar next to these refined ladies.

"Are you alright, Lady Arthemice?" Lady Cecelia's voice broke through my thoughts. I looked up, forcing a smile onto my face.

"Of course, everything's fine, Lady Cecelia," I replied smoothly. She returned my smile with warmth, while Lady Athena merely rolled her eyes, clearly unimpressed.

And that was the end of our conversation. The carriage rolled on in silence, the atmosphere tense. Lady Athena had fallen asleep against Lady Cecelia's shoulder.

Observing them, it seemed they were on good terms, but I couldn't help but wonder why Lady Athena's reaction had been so unsettling earlier. Normally, she would have offered to help Lady Cecelia, understanding the exhaustion that came with her role, yet she hadn't. It struck me as peculiar.

Just then, my thoughts were interrupted as the carriage suddenly lurched to a halt. The jarring stop made me grip the edge of my seat to steady myself. The carriage wheels skidded slightly on the uneven ground before coming to a complete standstill, the sudden stop causing the contents inside to shift.

A spotlight seemed to beam down on us, illuminating the scene as a holographic message flickered into view.

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The Vorith the Devourer is nearby! It is time to confront your main predicament!

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A smirk played on my lips at the announcement. As expected, I was about to face that monster during this patrol.

"Your Highness, it is an oblivion-rank monster!" The shout from the knight outside snapped me out of my thoughts. My smirk faltered and faded as I realized the system had failed to inform me of the monster's rank beforehand.

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Remaining time 54:23:19. Good luck!

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Lady Cecelia and Lady Athena were visibly startled. Lady Cecelia's usually composed demeanor was replaced with a look of intense worry, her hands gripping the sides of the carriage as she steadied herself. Lady Athena, still groggy from sleep, stumbled and blinked in confusion. The urgency of the situation had stripped them of their usual poise, leaving them both in a state of alarm as they prepared to face the impending danger.

I quickly refocused on the holograph detailing the predicament.

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A new predicament has emerged!

Defeat the monster, Vorith the Devourer!

Go to the South, find the monster, and defeat it!

Reward: An ancient relic, the Amulet of Aegis. This amulet creates a protective shield when the wearer is in danger, providing temporary invulnerability.

Failure: Death.

Decide your course with great caution!

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No wonder death was the penalty for failure—the system had set an extraordinarily high challenge against an opponent whose power I had yet to grasp.

I sighed in frustration. What an unfortunate twist of fate.

fin.