Living As the Villainess Queen

“I apologize,” Pides responded earnestly, though his next action bordered on rudeness as he scrutinized her face intently. As Katie’s confusion morphed into irritation, a realization dawned on Pides. With a mixture of reverence and resignation, he uttered her name, “Anika Katie.”

“It seems the knights have grown more impertinent lately,” Katie remarked tersely before attempting to leave. However, Pides seized her arm urgently, prompting her to recoil with annoyance. “What do you think you’re doing?” she snapped.

“I’m sorry, truly. Anika Katie, I need your assistance. I implore you,” Pides pleaded desperately, his tone betraying his desperation.

Katie’s expression softened slightly as she scrutinized Pides, recognizing a familiar face. “You seem familiar… Sir Pides. What brings you to me? Or should I address you as Sir Holy Knight?” she inquired, her words tinged with a hint of sarcasm.

Pides regarded Katie with a mixture of surprise and suspicion. It hadn’t been long since he was bestowed the title of holy knight, and news of it hadn’t circulated widely. Katie’s knowledge of palace affairs hinted at a deeper awareness.

To Pides, Anika Katie had always been a figure on the periphery, seldom interacting with others. To think she was exchanging messages with the Arse family through the priests.

Pides felt a divine nudge, a sense that this encounter held significance beyond mere chance. Surveying the dim surroundings to ensure their privacy, he broached the subject.

“Anika Katie, this matter is not suitable for discussion here. Could you join me in the prayer room tomorrow morning?” he proposed earnestly.

“Why should I?” Katie responded, her tone guarded.

“The matter at hand concerns His Majesty the Fourth King and Anika Jin. Your assistance is crucial,” Pides explained, his eyes pleading for understanding.

Katie hesitated, her gaze flickering with suspicion before reluctantly consenting. She wanted to hear Pides out first. Had it been anyone else but Pides, Katie might have been less suspicious. His long-standing favor with Sang-je and recent elevation to holy knight status were testament to his influence within the palace.

If he seeks to manipulate me, he’ll find it’s not so easy, Katie resolved inwardly. Her life had been one of quiet reserve, purposefully distancing herself from the glitz and glamour of the Anika lifestyle, concealing her distrust of Sang-je out of prudence. In hindsight, it had been a shrewd choice.

However, entering the palace had thrust her into a whirlwind of activity, her once-quiet existence now scrutinized by all. Acting as an intermediary for the Anikas and discreetly conveying information to the Arse family had granted her a taste of influence. 

The taste of power was tempting, yet it wasn’t what Katie desired. Under the guise of letters to her children, she had gradually funneled palace secrets to the Arse family.

I may end up using him instead.

***

Following the successful defense spell, Sang-je found himself overwhelmed with a sense of elation, nearly bursting into laughter in solitary revelry. The intricate preparation and execution of the high-level spell had weighed heavily on his mind, balancing the prospects of success against the looming specter of failure.

With the spell now firmly in place, Sang-je savored the newfound security it afforded him, likening it to the sensation of stretching out in bed with both legs unencumbered. The palace had become an impenetrable bastion, impervious to external threats. Yet, amidst this triumph, one vexing presence marred his contentment: Alber.

Is she losing her mind? Sang-je pondered, his initial suspicions evolving into irritation. Alber’s incessant interference with the spell had begun to manifest in unwelcome disturbances, the repercussions of which he couldn’t entirely ignore.

For a human, she’s held out for quite a while, Sang-je acknowledged, begrudgingly admiring Alber’s unwavering determination. It wasn’t her knowledge or skills that impressed him most, but rather her indomitable will.

I’ll keep an eye on her for now, and if the spell remains stable, I’ll have to deal with her. Alber, you’ve lived for too long. It’s time for you to slowly make your way to the side of the God you’ve longed for.

Now that no one could enter the palace within the range of the defense spell, Sang-je ordered all the soldiers surrounding the palace walls to withdraw. Then he stationed soldiers around the walls at intervals and didn’t allow anyone to approach.

Sang-je chose particularly trustworthy devout followers among those who volunteered to become soldiers of the temple and gave them special tasks. They formed teams and climbed the walls a few times a day to scout outside the palace.

A few days following the triumphant defense spell, Sang-je received startling news from the scouting soldiers.

“Did you say all six kings have convened, Your Holiness?” 

“Yes, Your Holiness. The banners of the six kingdoms were seen flying together. What are your orders?” the soldier responded, his voice filled with awe at the magnitude of the moment.

“The kings have gathered in anticipation of the Holy War,” Sang-je declared solemnly, prompting a reverent reaction from the soldier, who clasped his hands in gratitude for being witness to such a sacred event.

“However, the time is not yet ripe. With the kings assembled, the divine decree will soon descend. Until then, not a soul shall depart from the palace, nor shall any sound breach these walls,” Sang-je commanded firmly.

“We shall heed your instructions faithfully, Your Holiness,” the soldier pledged before departing.

Alone once more, Sang-je contemplated the implications of the kings’ swift convergence. His thoughts drifted to Mara, the likely source of the leak, and regret gnawed at him for not acting sooner to eradicate his influence.

Nevertheless, Sang-je remained composed, trusting in the protective spell enveloping him. Considering the untimely convergence of the kings, he contemplated the possibility of seeking their aid to further the cause of the Holy War.

Summoning a priest, Sang-je awaited the confirmation of the divine mandate. As the priest entered and bowed deeply, Sang-je disclosed the awaited news.

“The divine decree has been bestowed,” Sang-je announced. 

“I uphold the words of the Great God,” the priest intoned, sinking to his knees in reverence.