OO7.

Chapter 7

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"EVEN IF her mother is a prostitute, she's still my daughter," the Grand Duke began, his commanding presence filling the room as he strode towards us. Darious' smug expression crumbled as he heard his father's declaration, the enjoyment vanishing from his face.

Kyle hastily zipped my dress, his fingers trembling with urgency, and stepped aside the moment the Grand Duke reached me, his towering figure casting a shadow over us.

"Greetings, Your Grace," I greeted him immediately, bowing deeply. I struggled to maintain my composure, berating myself for not locking the door properly. Inside, a wave of panic surged through me.

"You see, am I impudent too because I raised this child, hmm... Darious?" Grand Duke Daryl spoke without glancing at his son, his voice dripping with cold authority.

Darious' eyes dropped to the floor as he responded, "No, Father," his voice barely a whisper.

The Grand Duke nodded, satisfied with his son's submission. "And, Arthemice, you had better explain yourself. Why would your personal knight commit such an insolent act?" His gaze, sharp and unyielding, turned to Sebastian, who stood unflinching, unfazed by the intimidation.

"I believe the young lady will explain it to you, Your Grace," Sebastian muttered, bowing with unwavering calm.

"I did force him to help me, even if he didn't want to," I replied, meeting the Grand Duke's eyes with a serious expression.

"And why is that?" he demanded, his tone carrying a hint of suspicion.

I heaved a distant sigh before answering him. "Father, please, with all due respect, replace all my servants. I feel uncomfortable with all of them. They don't seem like my servants anymore," I said. Though my response was indirect, I knew he would understand. He isn't called the Grand Duke for nothing.

I saw him smirk at my remark, his stern expression softening a bit. "I see," he mumbled, but I heard it clearly. "I get it now. Please don't do such things again, so no one can misunderstand, okay?" he continued, gently patting my head.

I froze at his touch. I thought the Grand Duke hated Arthemice, but I was wrong. The Grand Duke didn't appear in the game, so I didn't know much about him. The system described him as stern, but now, I could see he favored Arthemice more than I expected.

"T-Thank you, Father," I replied, giving him a faint smile. I saw his lips curve into a soft smile as well.

"This is your first time calling me 'Father,' and I hope you get used to it, my dear," he muttered, pinching my nose playfully. I was stunned, caught off guard by the warmth of the gesture. I hadn't realized that Arthemice had never called him 'Father' before.

"But now, we need to hurry. Time is slipping away, and I need you to endure the sight of your personal maid for now." The door swung open as Stella and the other servants nervously entered, their eyes wide with apprehension. Stella, in particular, seemed especially anxious, her hands trembling slightly as she clutched a bundle of garments.

"I will work on this matter once your coming-of-age ceremony is done, if that is okay with you," he added. Within moments, his soft demeanor transformed into a stern, authoritative presence. He stood tall, exuding the dignity of high nobility, his eyes commanding respect from everyone in the room.

"Make my daughter the most beautiful lady today," he commanded, and all the servants bowed deeply in response. "I forgive you for assisting my daughter on her special day, Kyle," he said, casting a glance at Sebastian. "Enjoy your day, my dear. I have prepared something special just for you." With that, he exited the room with Darious. I saw the bitterness etched on Darious' face, realizing why he despised me.

The servants brought in a new dress and accessories that perfectly matched my taste. Kyle respectfully bid his farewell, and as the door closed, all the servants began their work diligently.

It took an hour to complete my final look. I called for Sebastian and had the servants leave. I wanted him to escort me to the hall, and he was getting changed now.

I look in the mirror again, I see myself wearing a stunning ball gown that flows like the night sky. The bodice is covered in delicate lace and shimmering sequins, hugging my figure perfectly. Silver chains and tiny stars drape from my shoulders, adding a magical touch. The rich blue fabric cascades elegantly to the floor, with sparkling accents scattered throughout. Sheer, long sleeves give it a touch of mystery, and the back features an intricate design.

My hair is styled in a luxurious, flowing manner with soft, voluminous waves cascading down my back. Two delicate braids are woven into the sides, each adorned with elegant blue accessories that perfectly match my gown. A few strands are gathered and twisted into a loose, intricate updo at the crown, adding a touch of sophistication. The look is finished with small, pearl-like embellishments scattered throughout.

Arthemice's beauty is truly enthralling. I could gaze at her forever, until my dying breath. I know I'm exaggerating, but that's just how captivating she is.

"My lady, it is starting now. Shall we make your glamorous entrance?" Sebastian entered the room with a refined air. His hair remained the same, but the fine, tailored clothing he wore accentuated his handsomeness. His deep blue coat, embroidered with silver threads, fit him perfectly, highlighting his broad shoulders and lean frame. His chiseled features and intense eyes gave him a rugged yet noble charm befitting a knight. He is not one of the male leads for nothing.

I smiled at him. I know he is just pretending to be kind, but his act is so convincing that I almost forget he is destined to assassinate me soon enough. Well, I should shake off that thought because today marks the beginning of Arthemice's tragic life.

"With pleasure, Kyle," I said sweetly, taking his hand and walking beside him.

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"The young lady, Eiliyah Arthemice Loughsin, is now entering!" As I heard the grand announcement, I braced myself for the beginning of the storyline in this game.

I heaved a deep sigh as the doors opened, greeting me with the dazzling lights of the chandelier. The hall was mesmerizing, adorned with elegant drapery, shimmering crystals, and floral arrangements that exuded opulence. This was Arthemice's grand coming-of-age ceremony, and it was evident that the Grand Duke spared no expense for his daughter, despite her being despised by many. It was the most extravagant debut I had ever witnessed.

The aristocrats surrounding me had varied expressions as they fixed their eyes on me, a mix of curiosity, disdain, and intrigue. In the right corner, I spotted familiar faces— Lady Cecelia, Lady Athena and Crown Prince Lumine. They watched me intently, as if expecting me to cause a scene.

I shrugged off the thought and focused on myself. I needed to gain a good reputation, didn't I? So I was determined to act graciously in front of them. This was the tiring part of the play.

I walked forward, fully aware that today marked a significant chapter in Arthemice's life. With a composed smile, I bowed to them. However, instead of praises, they started murmuring about something I couldn't understand. Why? Haven't they seen anyone as beautiful as I am?

"My lady, you shouldn't give them a dirty look," Sebastian whispered behind me.

My forehead wrinkled. "I am smiling at them. What's wrong with my behavior?" I whispered back, and he looked at me, dumbfounded. He might as well have had a question mark floating above his head. I rolled my eyes at him.

I saw him trying to manage not to burst out laughing. Seriously? He is so annoying.

I was about to say something, but the Grand Duke approached, making the whole room fall silent in an instant. As soon as he stood beside me, he began giving a speech, and my ears felt like they could blow up from the cliché-ness of it all. It was so embarrassing that I wanted to disappear. I frowned the entire time he spoke. To clarify, I don't hate the Grand Duke; it's just that his overly affectionate speech was too much for me.

"And so, we celebrate the coming of age of my beloved daughter, Eiliyah Arthemice Loughsin, blah blah blah…" The words blurred into a monotonous drone.

I glanced at Sebastian, who was barely holding in his laughter. I thought my smile was normal and delightful, but judging by his reaction, it was probably more like a classic villainess's smirk.

This day just keeps getting better and better.

When the Grand Duke was finally done, it was time for me to greet all the guests and thank them for coming. I didn't even know if this was appropriate, as I wasn't familiar with this world, but I tried my best to smile at them even though I didn't want to. If it weren't for Arthemice's father watching, I wouldn't be doing this. Sigh.

"May I excuse myself for a bit?" I respectfully bid my farewell to them with a bow. I needed to sneak out because my jaw was aching from all the fake smiling. It was a good thing they didn't speak ill of me while I was talking to them, because if they had, I would have done the same.

I felt the numbness in my feet and had to steady myself. "Why am I acting like a pushover again?" I mumbled to myself. I spotted a server carrying a tray of wine, so I quickly grabbed a glass and downed it in one gulp.

I massaged my temples, closing my eyes. How exhausting.

"Happy Birthday, Lady Loughsin!" I turned my gaze to the voice and saw Cecelia beaming at me, her smile stretching from ear to ear.

I was awestruck by her beauty, my mouth hanging open in amazement. "Uhm... My gift!" she suddenly said, raising her index finger as if she had just remembered something important. "I-I will give it to you once it's done," she continued, her sweet smile radiating charm.

I shook my head to clear my thoughts. I'm not gay, but her beauty could make anyone question themselves. "Thank you, my lady. I really appreciate your kindness," I replied, standing up. She looked surprised by my response, clearly not expecting it.

Well, I don't blame her. Arthemice never found her interesting in the first place.

She looked down, a blush spreading across her cheeks. "Well... I hope you'll like it when it's done," she said, her smile so dazzling I had to squint.

I smiled back at her, gently tucking a strand of her hair behind her ear with a graceful gesture. "Thank you again for coming, Lady Cecelia. You're very much appreciated."

"Hey! What are you doing to the Lady?!" I heard footsteps approaching as the furious face of Crown Prince Lumine appeared, accompanied by Lady Athena.

"Are you going to hurt her again?!" Lady Athena demanded, pulling Cecelia into her arms. Right, these three are childhood friends who would protect each other at all costs.

"You must have misunderstood, Lady Athena. She approached me first, and I didn't do anything to her," I said, shooting a cold and piercing glare at her. She ruined my moment with Lady Cecelia, how dare she.

"You should stop this right now! Lady Loughsin did not do anything wrong!" Cecelia intervened, catching everyone's attention. She clenched her fists, her eyebrows meeting in anger as she looked at her friends. "S-She apologized! And we're already friends!" she lied, clinging to my arm.

Crown Prince Lumine and Lady Athena's faces were priceless, their jaws dropping and eyes widening in utter shock at Lady Cecelia siding with me, their supposed enemy.

I was on the verge of bursting into laughter at their hilarious expressions, but I couldn't hold it any longer.

I laughed so hard I had to hold my tummy, patting Cecelia's back. "You see? The young lady said it herself," I mocked them, secretly making faces at them behind Cecelia's back.

I grabbed Cecelia's shoulders and turned her to face me. "And Lady Cecelia, please call me Lady Arthemice instead of Loughsin. Let's have our tea time in our free time sometime, hmm?" I muttered, patting her head while smiling. She nodded like a child and gave me her brightest smile. There it is again, so blinding.

"Yes, Lady Arthemice!" she responded. I saw the Crown Prince and Lady Athena's eyes twitching as they clenched their fists, struggling to hold back their anger. Hold it firmly, people. Pfft...

"Then, will you excuse me for a bit? I am going to see the Grand Duke right now," I said, bidding my farewell to them. Lady Cecelia waved at me happily with her brightest smile, while her two friends scowled behind her.

I knew Cecelia wasn't faking it as she showed her genuine side to me. I knew her better than anyone here because she was my favorite character in this game, after all. I had often used Cecelia as my avatar, guiding her through countless adventures. Every nuance of her personality, every little quirk, was etched in my mind. Seeing her now, smiling at me so warmly, felt like reuniting with an old friend. It was a comforting reminder that even in this strange, game-like world, some things remained beautifully familiar.

I roamed my eyes around, everyone was dancing except for the birthday celebrant. Well, what else could I expect? Many people are afraid of me, right?

I was about to take my leave when I saw Darious staring at me with narrowed eyes. He looked like he was watching me carefully, as if I might do something bad.

I rolled my eyes at him, and he snapped, glaring at me angrily. What did I ever do to make this man so furious with me?

"The Emperor of the Imperial Palace, Reynald, is entering!" All of us were stunned when someone announced that.

I hastily glanced at the sudden change of atmosphere.

Everyone froze, their faces turning pale as the Emperor made his entrance. He walked in with a regal elegance, every step measured and graceful, exuding an aura of absolute authority. His royal attire was magnificent, a deep crimson cloak trimmed with gold, draped over an intricately embroidered tunic. His crown, adorned with precious gems, caught the light and shimmered brilliantly.

His knights flanked him, their expressions stern and intimidating. Each knight was clad in black, armor polished to a mirror shine, their hands resting on the hilts of their swords. Their eyes scanned the room with piercing gazes, making everyone feel small and vulnerable.

"Greetings, Your Imperial Majesty!" All of my guests bowed deeply, as did the Grand Duke, except for me.

Reynald... Reynald... I swear I've heard that name somewhere else. Wait... T-That Emperor?! He was the one who brought chaos to this world!

I heard some sounds that hurt my head so much, like nails scraping on a chalkboard amplified a thousand times. I screamed so loud that I couldn't hear anything else. What's happening? Why am I hearing this fucking sound?! I squeezed my eyes shut, the pain searing through my skull like a hot blade.

Slowly, I pried my eyes open, only to see everyone frozen in place, their forms glitching as if they were stuck in a broken video game. What the hell is happening?!

"Fuck!" I cursed when the sound pierced my ears again, even worse than before. I covered my ears, desperately trying to block it out, but it felt like the noise was drilling into my brain.

Without any warning, a light flickered like a spotlight toward me.

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The system has finally fixed and a new update arrived! Thank you for your patience, dear player!

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Huh?! Did I read it right? A new update?

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Updating character details…

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Character details?

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Character Profile

Eiliyah Arthemice Loughsin

Title: The Ruthless Villainess 

Current Life: 22% 

Reputation:  2% 

Power Level: Unknown

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I shook my head clearing my mind. I am imagining things right?

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A new predicament has emerged!

The Grand Duke's Toxic Chalice!

Reward: A 20% boost in life restoration and a rise in reputation.

Failure: A 20% loss in life and drop in reputation.

Decide your course with great caution!

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What the heck?!

fin.