Living As the Villainess Queen

[A teleportation spell?] 

Flora’s astuteness impressed Eugene, hinting at a depth of understanding reminiscent of sanctuary teachings.

[Precisely. Sang-je requires Anika for its objectives. Hence, it will undoubtedly endeavor to transport both you and me to the capital. There must exist a method to breach the barrier without violating its integrity,] Eugene proposed.

As Flora read the suggestion, a shiver ran through her. Mara’s ominous words, ‘to consume Anika,’ reverberated in her thoughts.

Recalling Sang-je’s deceit under the guise of the Great God’s will to bring Jin to the capital filled Flora with anger and disgust. Her resentment towards Sang-je only deepened as she dwelled on the memory of her perverse enjoyment in executing that task.

[What do you suppose the monster desires? Does it seek to return to its own world? Is that its true aim?] Flora queried, her words transcribed by Aldrit.

Eugene’s response materialized moments later: [I’m uncertain myself. However, it’s evident that fulfilling the monster’s wishes will entail numerous innocent sacrifices.]

Flora inquired further. [And what of the aftermath of confronting the monster? The capital will plunge into chaos. Do you have a plan for that?] 

[To be frank, there’s no foolproof plan. Yet allowing Sang-je to hold the capital hostage will only exacerbate matters in the long run. We’ll have to contend with the consequences later. The kings have pledged not to forsake the capital’s populace, so we’ll find a solution. Writing this makes me feel somewhat naive. They say moderate pessimists live longer.]

Eugene’s message trailed off, seemingly embarrassed by the lengthy discourse. Flora couldn’t help but chuckle at the unexpected exchange. Conversing with Jin in this manner felt peculiar. She pondered the changes that had occurred in Jin during her absence after their marriage, realizing the subtle shifts she had previously sensed. In comparison, she felt infinitesimally insignificant, as if she had remained stagnant.

[If I could employ the teleportation spell I established in the guest room, I could infiltrate the capital. However, it failed; perhaps I erred in drawing the magic circle.]

[I doubt your error in drawing it. Mara likely sabotaged it.] 

[I detest him more than the creature reigning in the capital.] 

Flora’s anger was palpable even through written words, eliciting a wry smile from Eugene.

[Could you recreate the spell at the wanderer’s hideout? If you lack materials, I can dispatch them from here,] Eugene offered.

[No, the arrival magic circle in the capital was inscribed with specific materials. Redrawing it won’t link to the original. The spell possesses a peculiar nature; once activated, it vanishes automatically. Thus, the spell in the guest room is a one-time use. Once erased, it becomes unusable,] Flora explained.

Eugene pondered briefly, contemplating whether to suggest, ‘Then you must journey to the kingdom,’ but halted. She couldn’t discern if Flora spoke truthfully or sought an excuse to evade the wanderer’s hideout.

The constraints of written communication weighed heavily on her. The ability to perceive her expression and hear her voice would facilitate judgment. Yet, with Aldrit transcribing, Eugene remained bereft of such cues.

[I didn’t interfere with the magic circle. I left the part Mara tampered with, so you can rectify it,] Flora clarified.

Eugene opted for candor. [Can you truly confront Sang-je? Do you truly perceive Sang-je as a monster? Frankly, I didn’t anticipate your swift decision. I presumed your inner turmoil would persist longer.]

Upon reading Eugene’s direct inquiry, Flora experienced an unfamiliar sensation. Jin’s straightforward manner of speaking felt peculiar. She pinpointed the source of her earlier discomfort.

Was Jin’s handwriting always like this? she pondered, noticing subtle differences as she focused. Fascinating. Handwriting typically remains consistent.

Despite essentially questioning her trustworthiness, Flora harbored no offense. Were she in Eugene’s position, she would harbor similar doubts. Eugene’s lack of pretense in feigning trust while harboring ulterior motives actually bolstered her trust in her.

Do I truly trust Jin? she mused, sensing her heart had softened during her prolonged confinement in an unfamiliar environment.

[What reason would I have for doubt? My allegiance was to the word of God, not some purported monster. Rest assured, you’re not alone in your concern for the capital and its people. It is my birthplace and home; I will spare no effort to safeguard it.] 

Eugene vowed to relay this plan to the kings and solicit their input, bringing the protracted exchange to a close.

[Aldrit, your efforts are commendable. I anticipate requiring further assistance from you in the days ahead,] Eugene acknowledged.

[I would be honored to continue serving, Your Highness.] 

Eugene muttered to herself, “He certainly speaks eloquently,” as she set the pen down. She flexed her fingers, easing the stiffness that had settled in from the prolonged writing session.

This is the first occasion I’ve engaged in such a long conversation with Flora, Eugene reflected. Contrary to her initial expectations of Flora’s obstinacy and hysteria, the dialogue flowed surprisingly smoothly.

She doesn’t appear as stubborn as I had presumed, Eugene admitted to herself. Perhaps if circumstances were different, Flora and I might have forged a friendship.

Some individuals possess the uncanny ability to awaken the dormant demons within others. The fake Jin may have been such a negative influence on Flora, Eugene pondered.

I hope for the opportunity to convey to Flora that I am distinct from the fake Jin, Eugene resolved. She harbored the hope that once tranquility was restored, she could express this sentiment to Flora.

With determination, Eugene resumed her task, lifting the pen once more. It was time to apprise Kasser of the recent developments.

***

The kings convened in the tent meeting room, their attention focused on Akil as he summarized the proposed strategy.

“Anika Flora infiltrates the capital via the teleportation spell, then summons the larks using the summoning spell. Subsequently, we await near the barrier, seizing any opportunity to breach it,” Akil concluded.

“Just hearing it makes it seem as though victory is assured. However, reality seldom aligns with our expectations. I’ve lived long enough to understand that,” Akil remarked, his gaze shifting towards Richard. In truth, Richard was the sole individual in the room with firsthand experience.

Richard smiled knowingly and interjected, “Indeed. We must brace ourselves for adversity. Would you not agree, Fourth King?”

Kasser nodded in agreement.

“It’s merely a plan. There exists the possibility that Anika Flora may betray us upon entering the capital, or unforeseen circumstances could hinder her utilization of the summoning spell altogether. If it falls within the realm of anticipated variables, we can manage. However, in the event of an unforeseen occurrence—which, I believe, is highly probable—we must remain prepared,” he cautioned.