Chapter 12

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“WHAT ABOUT her?” I asked the system, glancing at the young miss.

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The system will take care of her.

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Huh, they’re so sure. If not, I’ll really give them a piece of my mind.

“Then take me to the South now,” I muttered, closing my eyes. Suddenly, I felt my body being lifted, and as my feet touched the ground, I opened my eyes slowly.

I was greeted by a horrifying sight. The desolate landscape was shrouded in smoke, with dead trees looming ominously over scattered corpses—both human and monstrous. The air was thick with an acrid stench, a testament to the recent violence that had unfolded here. Dark clouds hung low, casting an eerie pallor over the scene.

“What the hell?” I exclaimed, realizing I was the sole living presence in this grim tableau. “What does the system think it’s doing?”

“Did you want to see me get killed?!” I shouted angrily.

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The predicament will now commence. Remaining time 72:00:00. Good luck!

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“What?! I wasn’t told about any time limit! Ano na ang gagawin ko ngayon?!” I stomped my feet in frustration, running my hands through my disheveled hair.

The system was playing games, and I was stuck in the middle of it.

“What are you doing here, Lady Loughsin?” A voice interrupted my thoughts, sending a chill down my spine.

I turned to face the source of the voice. “Your Royal Highness,” I muttered, finally recognizing him. He looked exhausted, his silver hair disheveled and his face smeared with blood. His usually sharp black eyes appeared blank, reflecting his fatigue and the horrors he had witnessed.

He approached, stopping a meter away. “I asked you, what are you doing here?” His eyebrows furrowed deeply in frustration.

“I’m a bit lost,” I lied. “Where am I, Your Highness?” I continued, feigning terror. His expression softened slightly as he observed my act.

“You’re in the South,” he replied, glancing away to take in the dreadful scene around us. “You’ve just stepped onto the battlefield, my lady,” he added, locking his gaze with mine.

Yes, I know. And I must step in because of this ridiculous situation. I prayed not to cause major trouble for the Grand Duke, but this system is really testing me.

“This way, my lady. Ride my horse, and I’ll take you to the camp,” he said, pointing to his horse. “I can’t take you back to the capital, I’ve exhausted all my energy wiping out these creatures.” He glared at the monsters scattered around.

Don’t tell me, he defeated all of these?!

“If you’re wondering, I didn’t defeat them all. My squadron helped, but I stayed behind to secure the area in case there were more,” he explained, sheathing his sword and offering his hand to me.

I took his hand, and walked beside him. “How did you know what I was thinking, Your Highness?” I mumbled, keeping my gaze averted.

“Your expression says it all, my lady,” he replied. His voice was a mix of weariness and gentle amusement. I was surprised when he grabbed my waist and effortlessly hoisted me onto the horse. His hands lingered a moment, steadying me, before he mounted behind me.

“The Grand Duke Loughsin is in the tent of the Grand Duke of South Dousel. He is discussing important matters with them,” he said, urging the horse into a swift gallop. I quickly gathered my hair, trying to keep it from whipping around and bothering him as we rode, the ground still littered with remnants of the skirmish.

“How’s Lady Cecelia?” I asked, sensing his surprise at my question despite not being able to see his face. His silence stretched for a moment, and I could almost feel him considering his response.

“She’s safe, and she’s been a great help in this battle,” he responded finally, a hint of admiration in his tone. I smiled at the news, relieved.

“That’s good to hear.” I looked up at the sky, dark and ominous, with thick clouds swirling. It was always like this in the South, just as the game described, casting an eerie, perpetual twilight over the land. So, I was not surprised at all.

“And you, Your Highness? Are you doing well?” I asked, concern creeping into my voice.

“Are you taking an interest in me now, my lady?” he teased, a playful edge returning to his voice. I scoffed at his response, rolling my eyes.

“How boastful,” I remarked, unable to suppress a small smile. His soft chuckle reverberated through my back, a brief, warm sound in the cold air.

“Your response is very disrespectful, my lady,” he continued playfully. I shook my head at his jest, feeling the tension between us ease slightly. I heard him sigh deeply, a sound heavy with fatigue. “I’m quite alright, my lady. I’m still hanging on. No need to worry,” he added, his voice softer now, almost vulnerable.

Who says I’m worried about him? I only asked because he looked exhausted. He might overexert himself and lose the strength to hold another front. His determination and the burden he carried were almost palpable, and I couldn’t help but feel a pang of concern.

After our exchange, silence enveloped us. The rhythmic thudding of the horse’s hooves against the ground was the only sound. I didn’t want him to waste any more energy, he needed to conserve it to save this region and the Capital.

By the time we arrived, night had already fallen. I saw tents scattered around the area, knights bustling about, busy with their evening rations. Lady Athena was healing everyone with her magic, her hands glowing softly in the dark.

“The tent of the Grand Duke is over there. You can go there once they finish discussing the battle,” the Crown Prince muttered, pointing to the large tent in the center. I nodded in acknowledgment.

“You don’t want to listen to their discussion?” I asked as he tied the rope on his horse.

“Not really. I have important matters to take care of. Let’s leave it to the higher-ups,” he replied, walking away. I followed him, puzzled.

But he is the Crown Prince?

I was about to speak when he suddenly stopped and looked at me. “We will talk tomorrow about how you got here. I need to rest for a while. I have an early patrol,” he said, then dashed off to his tent without another word. Huh. He just left me here.

Well, let’s go and see the Grand Duke.

I quietly slipped into the tent, unannounced, my heart racing with a mix of curiosity and concern. The voices inside belonged to my father, the Grand Duke of the Capital, and the Grand Duke of the South, along with their councils. They were deep in discussion about the pressing issues of food shortages, water scarcity, and the sudden appearance of monstrous creatures.

“The food and water shortages in the south have reached critical levels,” my father’s voice resonated with authority and concern. “Our supply lines are stretched thin, and now these creatures...”

I strained to listen, absorbing every detail as they debated strategies and assessed risks. The atmosphere was tense, yet their determination to find solutions was palpable.

“... making our situation even more precarious,” an official from the south added, his frustration evident.

Listening to them, I marveled silently. In the game, these scenarios had been mere storylines, challenges to overcome for points and achievements. But now, as someone who had been reincarnated into this world, these were real lives at stake, including my own.

“The priority must be securing supply routes,” my father asserted firmly, his voice pulling me back to the urgency of the present moment. “Without adequate provisions, our efforts in the south will falter.”

My mind raced with possibilities. I had a unique advantage—I knew about the monsters from the game. Perhaps there were weaknesses or patterns I could exploit. I needed to find a way to contribute, to help alleviate their burdens and ensure the safety of everyone involved.

“We need a comprehensive strategy,” the Grand Duke of the South declared, his voice carrying the weight of command. “Enhanced patrols, expedited relief convoys, and strengthened defenses against these creatures. We cannot afford hesitation.”

My thoughts turned to the mission I had embarked upon—to defeat a certain monster in the south.

“I will find a way to help,” I resolved quietly to myself, my determination solidifying. “Whether through direct action or by providing strategic insights, I must make a difference.”

As their discussion continued, I lingered in the shadows, absorbing every detail and formulating my plan.

Could that monster be linked to these sudden attacks? If so, defeating it would not only fulfill my mission but also provide critical relief to the region.

I immediately walked away from the tent, determined to overcome this predicament and rewrite the game’s storyline to be of real help.

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Don’t interfere with the system’s storyline. Your punishment will be served afterward.

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I rolled my eyes as I looked at the hologram. “You’re the one who put me in this predicament, and now you’re threatening me to stay still? How ridiculous,” I muttered, hiding behind the tent.

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The system does not understand what you are saying.

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Ugh. How frustrating.

“Then, you should know what classes of monsters are here, right?” I asked the system, settling myself on the ground.

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Data analyzing...

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I stared at the hologram, waiting for the system to provide information about the monsters around here.

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We can only provide information about the monster in the current predicament, others may not be qualified.

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I nodded. That made sense. However, it would be helpful to know the weaknesses of other monsters to provide useful information to the Grand Duke.

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To give you information about Vorith the Devourer, we need some of your extra life.

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Wow. Have they never heard of free services? How can they demand my life when it’s only at 47%?!

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We need 10% of your life to give you complete information about the monster.

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I accepted the offer. I had no choice. Without knowing what kind of monster this was, I would surely fail.

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Success. 10% of your life is now reduced.

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Updating character details…

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Character Profile

Eiliyah Arthemice Loughsin

Title: The Ruthless Villainess Current Life: 37% Reputation: 12% Power Level: Unknown

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I sighed in exasperation at the sight. Maybe I should help more people so my life percentage will gradually increase? Tsk.

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Identifying the information about the monster Vorith the Devourer.

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I stared at the loading screen of the holograph, anxiously waiting. Suddenly, multiple holograms popped up in front of me with a bright flash and a soft hum. I gasped, my eyes widening in surprise and my heart skipping a beat.

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Vorith the Devourer, character analysis:

Vorith the Devourer is a massive, nightmarish creature, standing at least twenty feet tall. Its body is a twisted mix of muscles covered in dark, greenish scales. Sharp spikes stick out from its back and shoulders, dripping a corrosive liquid. Its long arms end in razor-sharp claws that can cut through stone and steel.

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Vorith’s head is its most terrifying feature. It has a mouth full of serrated teeth that can crush bones in one bite. Its eyes glow red, piercing the soul of anyone who looks at it. Its breath is a toxic fog that wilts plants and blisters skin on contact.

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Vorith is surprisingly fast and agile for its size, making it a tough opponent in battle. It emits a low growl that shakes the ground, instilling fear in even the bravest warriors.

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Weaknesses:

Eyes: Vorith’s eyes are vulnerable. Blinding it, even temporarily, can give you an advantage.

Underbelly: The scales on its underbelly are thinner and less protective.

Corrosive Spikes: The spikes on its back can be used against it if you break them off and throw them back at Vorith.

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Huh. This is quite amazing. Now I know the appearance and weaknesses of this monster. I really didn’t waste my 10% life for this information. I grinned at the thought.

For now, I need to join their patrols so that if I encounter it, maybe I can end this predicament and contribute something to them.

“Did you perhaps mistake the battlefield for a nursery? How adorable, yet futile.” I turned my gaze to the speaker. His eyes gleamed with mockery as he grinned at me.

“Brother, you’re here,” I said, smiling at him from ear to ear. Out of all the people who could see me, it had to be him. Tsk.

He looked exhausted, yet he had the energy to mock me.

“You should go back home, sister. You don’t want to get yourself killed, do you?” he responded, his eyebrow furrowed in disdain. Without waiting for my response, he seized my wrist with an iron grip and began dragging me through the camp.

I stumbled along behind him, struggling to keep up as he cut through the maze of tents and soldiers. My brother’s pace was relentless, and I could barely manage to stay on my feet as he pulled me along, his grip unyielding despite his apparent exhaustion.

We finally arrived at the Grand Duke’s tent. He yanked me inside, and I nearly tripped over the threshold. The sudden quiet inside the tent was disorienting compared to the bustling camp outside.

“What are you doing here, my lady?” The surprise was evident in their voices. All eyes turned to me, wide with shock and disbelief—except for the Crown Prince, who regarded me with a mixture of irritation and curiosity.

I glanced at the Crown Prince, silently pleading for his help, but his cold, unyielding gaze met mine. He raised an eyebrow, as if challenging me to explain myself. My heart sank. He wasn’t going to help me. I had no choice but to come up with a lie. I couldn’t tell them the system had teleported me here.

“I—” I started to speak, but the Crown Prince interrupted me.

“I brought her here because she insisted,” he said, stepping forward. Lady Cecelia and Lady Athena flinched at his words, their expressions a mix of confusion and alarm. “She’s so stubborn that I had no choice. I will take responsibility for her, young Duke, don’t worry.” His voice was smooth, almost soothing, but there was an edge to it that sent a shiver down my spine. He patted my brother’s shoulder, his eyes never leaving mine.

Darious’ grip on my wrist tightened, sending a jolt of pain up my arm. I winced but held his gaze, refusing to show weakness.

“Yes, your Highness,” Darious responded, his voice strained. He finally released my hand, and I rubbed my wrist, trying to soothe the ache.

The Crown Prince’s eyes flicked to my wrist, then back to my face. “You should be more careful, Lady Arthemice,” he said softly, but there was no warmth in his tone. “We wouldn’t want you to get hurt, would we?” The way he said it, with that subtle emphasis, made my blood run cold.

“Lumi! I thought—” Lady Athena’s sentence hung in the air as the Crown Prince gave her a weary look.

“I’ll explain everything when the war is over, Ena,” he replied. His use of her nickname made me realize how close they had become. Of course, the three of them were childhood friends, so it wasn’t surprising.

“I’m glad that Lumi brought you here safe and sound, Lady Arthemice,” Lady Cecelia said, giving me a tired smile. They all looked worn out, except for me.

Oh, right! I need Cecelia’s help, but asking her now would be difficult given how exhausted she looks.

“You must rest, Lady Cecelia,” I muttered, noticing her trembling hands. She had clearly overused her magic. I gently took her hands in mine, feeling their coldness. Her eyes widened slightly at my touch, and she gave me a weak smile, her gratitude evident despite her fatigue. “Don’t overdo it.” I smiled gently.

Lady Athena, standing nearby, also appeared drained. “You too,” I added, turning to her. Her eyes flickered with surprise at my concern, and she flinched slightly, as if unused to kindness from me. Her exhaustion was evident in the way she swayed on her feet.

“Where is the Grand Duke, Your Highness?” I heard Darious ask Lumine.

“They left,” the Crown Prince replied shortly.

Darious nodded, his gaze then shifting to me.

“Sister, you will sleep in my tent tonight,” Darious said suddenly, gripping my shoulder with surprising firmness. “Let’s go.”

“Yes, brother,” I replied. I looked at them and bowed deeply. “See you tomorrow, Your Highness, Lady Cecelia, and Lady Athena,” I bid them farewell, and they responded in kind.

Darious tightened his grip on my shoulder and led me out of the tent. The night air was cool and refreshing compared to the stuffy interior. We passed Lady Cecelia’s tent, which was nearby, before reaching Darious’ tent. His grip remained firm as he guided me inside. The tent was dimly lit and sparsely furnished, with a sense of quiet that contrasted the bustling camp outside.

“Sleep, I will guard the area tonight,” he said, tossing the pillow and blanket directly at my face. The impact was harsh and unexpected, making me recoil slightly.

I shot him a glare as I removed the blanket and pillow from my face but quickly changed my expression to one of awe.

“He said he will guard the area, but now he is sleeping,” I muttered aloud as I looked at him. Despite his rough demeanor, he looked almost serene in his sleep. The Grand Duke genes really were something, he looked so handsome, but his attitude left much to be desired.

I walked towards him and knelt down, gently placing the blanket over him. Even if he was arrogant towards me, he did his best to protect his homeland.

He wasn’t a bad person at all. In fact, he only seemed to act this way around Arthemice. I frowned at that thought. How ridiculous.

I patted his head gently and turned to leave, but as I moved away, I suddenly felt a strong grip on my wrist. His hand had shot out with surprising speed and precision, gripping me firmly yet not painfully. The suddenness of his action took me by surprise.

“You should use this blanket, the Southern weather is not the same as the Capital,” he muttered, placing the blanket back in my hand. His eyes were half-closed, yet his grip remained steady.

“You should also rest, brother. I will just sleep on the chair. You’ve been out of the manor for too long,” I retorted, not looking at him. I felt him stand up behind me, his presence looming as I tried to maintain my composure.

I flinched when I felt his hands on my shoulders, his grip firm yet gentle. He leaned in closer, his breath warm against my ear. “Are you worried about your brother now, sister?” he whispered, his voice a soft murmur that sent a shiver down my spine. I abruptly stepped back, my heart racing as I stared at him in shock. What the heck is he doing?!

“Y-You!” I stammered, unable to finish my sentence as he approached with a mischievous grin. His sleepy eyes, half-lidded and alluring, made him look irresistibly attractive. I shook my head, trying to clear the thought. Come on, self! This is Arthemice’s brother—get a grip, you silly ass!

“Haa...” I gasped when he rested his head on my shoulder, the unexpected weight pressing down gently. “We should mock ourselves when this war is over, shouldn’t we?” he murmured, his voice filled with a weary amusement as he pulled me closer by my waist.

“W-What are you doing?” I mumbled, my voice barely a whisper as I stood there, stunned by his sudden intimacy.

“I’m hugging my arrogant sister,” he answered, his breath warm against my neck as he inhaled the scent of my hair.

My knees buckled, and I sank onto the wooden bed beside us. Since he was still holding me, he followed, sitting down next to me.

Neither of us spoke. My mind was a whirlwind of confusion, my eyes wide with shock. This was not what I expected. Darious is not the kind of man who would hug his sister!

I flinched again when I heard him snoring softly behind me. He had fallen asleep, his exhaustion evident. My hands trembled as I gently patted his head, the gesture feeling oddly tender. I’ll let this one slide because I know he’s tired.

“Sleep well, brother,” I whispered, my voice barely audible in the quiet room.

fin.