Living As the Villainess Queen

The following day, Alber summoned the apparition once more. Sang-je appeared, but only briefly, casting a venomous glare before vanishing into the darkness.

The next day presented an opportunity. With Sang-je likely dismissive of any further magical triggers, Alber seized her chance. That night, she infiltrated the dreams of Rahan, the head of Muen.

***

As the midnight hour drew near, soldiers from the Flake Kingdom spurred their steeds onward with urgency. Dispatched on the orders of their lord, they rode swiftly toward the Holy City, tasked with a clandestine mission before the king’s arrival. Their directive: to infiltrate the city ahead of the monarch’s procession and assess the internal situation.

As the lead rider tugged on the reins, signaling a gradual deceleration, the others followed suit, bringing their mounts to a halt.

“We’re nearing the Holy City. Dismount and secure the horses,” commanded their leader.

With practiced efficiency, the soldiers complied, swiftly removing saddles and reins to set their steeds free. Fearful of leaving the animals vulnerable to prowling predators if tethered, they opted to release them into the wild.

With their mounts tended to, the soldiers resumed their advance, moving swiftly and silently through the night. Though not trained as traditional warriors, they were an elite unit, honed through rigorous training and specialized tactics.

In the annals of the Flake Kingdom, these soldiers were recruited for their agility and keen senses, specifically trained as scouts adept at navigating treacherous terrain. While they might not rival seasoned warriors in combat prowess, their role was indispensable, particularly in situations where conventional forces were constrained.

Nicholas’s decision to deploy soldiers rather than warriors to the Holy City was a calculated one. Heeding the Fourth King’s warning regarding Mara’s followers’ uncanny ability to detect warriors, caution prevailed. While the extent of Sang-je’s knights’ abilities remained uncertain, the possibility that they harbored hidden talents couldn’t be overlooked.

“We’ve arrived,” came the hushed announcement, barely audible over the sound of their steady footsteps. In the distance, the imposing walls of the Holy City loomed, shrouded in the cloak of darkness. The soldiers advanced cautiously, their movements calculated to minimize any sound that might betray their presence.

“It’s unusually dark,” remarked one of the soldiers, prompting nods of agreement from the others. Ordinarily, the Holy City’s walls would be aglow with torches and lanterns after nightfall, offering a guiding beacon visible from afar. The absence of such illumination left the soldiers unsettled, a tangible unease lingering in the air.

“Stay vigilant,” came the terse command, met with resolute nods. Despite the darkness, determination gleamed in their eyes as they pressed forward. Disguised to conceal their true affiliations, they were prepared to resort to drastic measures if discovered—poison capsules concealed in their possession, a grim safeguard against capture. The repercussions of their presence within the Holy City could escalate into a full-blown conflict between their kingdom and the revered sanctuary.

Undeterred by the eerie atmosphere, the soldiers continued their approach. Yet, as they neared the walls, a disconcerting realization dawned upon them: the distance to the walls remained unchanged. Though they walked tirelessly through the night, the looming barrier seemed to recede with each step, frustrating their efforts to breach its perimeter.

As the first rays of dawn threatened to illuminate their predicament, the soldiers halted in unison, their expressions a mix of bewilderment and resignation. Trapped in a perplexing loop, they gazed helplessly at the distant walls, which stubbornly refused to draw any closer.

***

“I understand you. Then, does the correlation between these patterns also form part of the pathway?” Eugene penned the question in her magic notebook, patiently awaiting a response. Soon enough, words materialized on the pages before her.

[I’m uncertain about that aspect as well. I’ll investigate and provide you with an update.]

[Very well. Thank you,] Eugene acknowledged, appreciating the convenience of the magic notebook for exchanging notes with Aldrit. With only Mara’s energy being expended, there was no undue strain on her resources. Just as she was about to rise from her seat, new writing began to emerge in the notebook.

[Your Higness, there’s something I must discuss regarding Anika.]

Eugene sighed softly, inwardly lamenting, ‘Oh, Flora, Flora. What am I to do with you?‘ as she retrieved her pen.

[What’s the matter now?]

In recent days, Eugene had learned that Mara had divulged Sang-je’s identity and intentions to Flora. Subsequently, Flora had withdrawn, refusing sustenance and retreating to the solitude of her log cabin, her anguish occasionally spilling out in cries audible even to Aldrit. It was a predictable response to the upheaval of confronting a reality so far removed from one’s expectations—a journey through denial and anger.

[Today, she began eating again and expressed a desire to speak with the tribe’s leader. I’m unsure of how to approach her or how much information to disclose.]

“Hmm,” Eugene mused, caught off guard by the unexpected development. “I hadn’t anticipated this.”

Uncertain whether Flora had progressed beyond denial and anger or if ulterior motives were at play, Eugene felt a sense of unease at leaving Flora to her own devices, fearing Mara’s influence in her vulnerable state. There was no guarantee that Flora, feeling trapped, wouldn’t succumb to Mara’s manipulation.

After careful consideration, Eugene lifted her pen once more.

[Convey the truth to Flora as objectively as possible. However, be aware that she may struggle to accept your role as the tribe’s leader. It will require thorough explanation and reassurance.]

[Understood, Your Highness.]