Chapter 18

══ ◈ ══

WE FINALLY made our way back home. However, as our carriage rolled into the city, a large crowd had gathered in the southern quarter, people lining the streets on both sides. They were cheering and thanking us for saving their area once again. After receiving their gratitude, we successfully left the bustling scene. The journey was far from simple, taking us two days to reach the border. There were no houses along the way to stop at, as that was the only part of the South where life could be sustained.

“My lady, here’s your cloak,” the maid from the South said as she handed it to me. I looked at her and smiled, satisfied that I had managed to bring her along. This was only possible because I had requested it from Grand Duke Dousel. As a favor to the Crown Prince, who acknowledged my significant contribution to the war, the request was granted without hesitation.

“Thank you, Eleanor,” I said warmly, taking the cloak from her hands. Yes, that was her name.

╔═════════ ◈ ═════════╗

You have arrived at the Ducal Palace!

╚═════════ ◈ ═════════╝

As I read the system’s announcement, I quickly wrapped myself in the cloak. The Grand Duke had decided to travel incognito to avoid drawing too much attention. He wanted us to have a moment to rest, a sentiment the Crown Prince fully agreed with.

When we stepped out of the carriage, we were met by a sea of people.

“Welcome home, Your Grace, Lady Arthemice, and Lord Darious! We are honored by your return,” the servants greeted in unison, bowing deeply before us.

The Loughsin knights stood tall, saluting with their swords before sheathing them. “It is our highest privilege to welcome the Grand Duke and his noble family back to the Ducal Palace. May your victories bring prosperity and peace to our lands.”

The head steward stepped forward, bowing deeply as well. “Your Grace, the household is fully prepared for your return. We are ready to serve you, Lady Arthemice, and Lord Darious in every way. Please, allow us to attend to your needs.”

I was taken aback by the grand welcome we received. Is this really how over-the-top people welcomed others home in ancient times? I rolled my eyes at the thought. Well, not everyone, I suppose. It’s just the game’s storyline making everything here so exaggerated. Tsk.

The Grand Duke nodded as the servants lined up in orderly rows as we made our way inside the manor. Without wasting any more time, I asked for permission to retire to my room. That journey had been utterly exhausting.

“My lady!” As I opened the door, I was startled by the sudden appearance of the young girl I had saved last time. For a moment, I had almost forgotten about her. Well, at least the system wasn’t lying when it said it would take care of this matter.

“Prepare my bath—” I began, but then paused, realizing I hadn’t even asked for her name yet.

“My name’s Lilith, my lady,” she murmured, smiling shyly as she bit her lower lip, clearly nervous after introducing herself.

I returned her smile warmly. “Please, prepare my bath, Lilith,” I said, gesturing for Eleanor to step closer. “And this is Eleanor; she will be your partner from now on.” Lilith’s eyes sparkled with excitement as she gazed at Eleanor, but Eleanor only offered a slight, awkward smile, seemingly unfazed by the situation. A perfect combination, isn’t it? The OA and the nonchalant. Pfft...

“Yes, my lady!” Lilith exclaimed, clasping Eleanor’s hands with her own, her bright smile radiating joy. “Nice to meet you, Miss Eleanor!” she added, giving her hands a gentle shake.

“It is my pleasure to meet you too, Miss Lilith,” Eleanor replied, her tone calm and composed.

“Then, do your best, both of you, in this manor.” I smiled, catching their attention.

“We will do our very best to serve you, Lady Arthemice,” they both said in unison, bowing deeply before me.

“Thank you. Can you both prepare my bath now? I want to sleep afterward,” I muttered, letting my cloak fall from my shoulders.

“Right away, my lady!” Lilith chirped as she eagerly pulled Eleanor toward the bath area of my room. I couldn’t help but shake my head at her infectious brightness.

Who would have thought this was the same girl who once stole my money? I chuckled at the memory. Well, at least my maids are different now. Maybe, just maybe, I can live here somewhat peacefully...

══ ◈ ══

╔═════════ ◈ ═════════╗

A new predicament has emerged!

Secure the Heirloom – Eliminate the Assassin!

Reward: Increase life by 8% and gain a legendary artifact from the Grand Duke’s heirloom chamber. Failure: Lose the most prized relic and face the complete destruction of the Ducal Palace.

Decide your course with great caution!

╚═════════ ◈ ═════════╝

Peaceful my fucking ass! I just fell asleep for goodness’ sake, and it’s the middle of the goddamn night—Argh!

“Can I do this predicament tomorrow?” I asked the system, pressing my pillow against my face in frustration.

╔═════════ ◈ ═════════╗

The attack is only tonight, and assassins only strike at night.

╚═════════ ◈ ═════════╝

The system’s response appeared on the surface of the pillow. The moment I read it, I hurled the pillow across the room.

“Of course, you’d be a smartass about it!” I groaned, raking my fingers through my hair in frustration. The celebration starts tomorrow, and I desperately need sleep! Why does the system have to rob me of my rest right now?

My internal rant was cut short when I heard faint footsteps echoing outside my room. Instantly alert, I quietly drew the dagger Lady Cecelia had given me and tiptoed to the door, pressing my eye against the keyhole.

╔═════════ ◈ ═════════╗

The unknown assassin is on his way to the heirloom chamber!

╚═════════ ◈ ═════════╝

Through the keyhole, I spotted a man clad in a black cloak, his face obscured by a mask. He moved cautiously, his head swiveling left and right as he scanned the surroundings.

The moment he turned left down the corridor, I silently opened my door and slipped out, gripping both daggers tightly in my hands as I followed him.

You messed with my sleep, so don’t expect mercy. If I corner you, it’s game over.

I kept my distance, carefully tracking him as he ascended a narrow staircase. My heart pounded, but not from fear—more from the sheer annoyance of being woken up. Was it the daggers that gave me confidence, or just the fact that this damn assassin disturbed my rest? Definitely the latter. I rolled my eyes at the thought.

We weaved through countless corridors and rooms, the sheer size of the Ducal Palace making the chase exhausting. How can a place be this massive with only one father and two children living in it?

Finally, I heard the faint clinking of metal and saw the assassin trying to pick the lock on the most ornate door in the manor. So this is where the heirloom is kept? Damn, getting here was a workout. They could’ve just stored it downstairs, for heaven’s sake.

The door creaked open as he swung it wide, stepping into the room with a cautious grace. I slipped in behind him, swiftly hiding behind a massive suit of armor, my eyes never leaving his every move. As he ventured further inside, I finally caught sight of the heirlooms.

The room was a treasure trove of history and wealth. Large, ornate bookshelves lined the walls, filled with ancient tomes and scrolls. Glass display cases stood proudly, housing an array of precious artifacts and glimmering jewels that caught the faint moonlight streaming through the tall windows. The room was bathed in a soft, ethereal glow, the jewels reflecting the moonlight like stars scattered across the dark sky. My gaze was drawn to a set of heavy, velvet curtains on the far wall, which concealed what appeared to be a large, square portrait—a hidden masterpiece, perhaps.

But my curiosity was interrupted when I noticed the assassin ignoring the relics and jewels entirely. His focus was elsewhere, as he moved from wall to wall, his gloved fingers tracing the edges and corners, searching for something hidden.

I carefully moved to a better hiding spot, realizing too late that I was now exposed. In my haste, I accidentally stepped on the armor’s footplate, sending it crashing to the floor.

“So, you finally decided to reveal yourself, my lady.” His voice was low and mocking, freezing me in place. He knew I was following him all along?

I cleared my throat, trying to disguise my voice with a deeper tone. “Who’s this lady you speak of?” I replied, attempting to sound unbothered. He chuckled darkly, and before I could react, he vanished from my sight.

“Found you, my lady.” His voice sent a chill down my spine as I felt the cold steel of a blade press against my neck. He was right behind me, his breath hot against my skin. The voice—it was familiar. I swallowed hard, tightening my grip on the daggers in my hands.

Just as I was about to respond, the door handle rattled as if someone was trying to enter the room.

╔═════════ ◈ ═════════╗

The assassin who will steal the rarest heirloom has now arrived at the heirloom chamber!

╚═════════ ◈ ═════════╝

What the hell? Then who is this man I’ve been following?

He withdrew his sword from my neck, but instead of letting me go, he pulled me closer to him. He spun me around, and for a brief moment, I caught a glimpse of chestnut brown hair peeking out from under his mask.

“Zach—” I began, but his hand quickly covered my mouth, silencing me.

“Hush, my lady. That bastard is going to find us,” he whispered urgently, his eyes locked on the door. I shoved his hand away and turned my back on him, anger and confusion swirling inside me.

But the system said an unknown assassin was heading for the heirloom chamber. Don’t tell me this royal knight is an undercover assassin too?!

The door burst open, and a figure clad in a black cloak stepped inside, his face entirely hidden behind layers of dark fabric. Zacharias reacted instantly, leaping from the shadows like a coiled spring. His sword gleamed as it arced through the air, aimed directly at the intruder’s heart.

But the assassin was no novice. With a swift, fluid motion, he spun on his heel, raising his blade to deflect the blow. The clash of steel against steel rang out, echoing through the heirloom chamber. Sparks flew as their swords met in a violent dance, each strike more powerful than the last.

The fight began that instant!

Zacharias pressed the attack, his muscles straining as he unleashed a flurry of blows, each one aimed to kill. The assassin, however, was equally skilled, parrying each strike with calculated precision. Their movements were a blur of speed and power, both men maneuvering with deadly intent.

The assassin feinted to the left, his blade slicing through the air inches from Zacharias’s throat, but the knight was ready. He sidestepped the attack, pivoting on his back foot, and brought his sword down in a brutal overhead swing. The assassin barely managed to block it, the force of the blow driving him back a step. His eyes, barely visible beneath the mask, narrowed in frustration.

They were evenly matched, each anticipating the other’s moves, countering with deadly precision. The tension in the room was palpable, the only sounds were the harsh breaths of the combatants and the relentless clang of their swords. Despite the chaos, they moved with an almost inhuman grace, weaving between the ancient relics, careful not to damage the precious heirlooms surrounding them.

╔═════════ ◈ ═════════╗

Zacharias is not your companion. You must kill the assassin yourself to complete the predicament.

╚═════════ ◈ ═════════╝

I rolled my eyes at the system’s message. Of course, it had to make things more complicated.

Tightening my grip on the daggers, I approached them with silent steps, careful not to make a sound. My eyes locked onto the assassin, searching for an opening to strike his vital organs. But they were moving too fast, their swords blurring as they clashed again and again. How was I supposed to land a hit?

“So, it’s you again,” the assassin hissed as their swords locked in a deadly cross, each man pushing against the other with all his strength.

“You will not take her body,” Zacharias growled, his muscles straining as he held his ground.

I watched, my heart pounding as I saw my opening. This was my moment. I took a deep breath, centering myself. My mind sharpened, everything around me slowed. I visualized the assassin’s body as a dartboard, each vital point a bullseye. This was it.

“Sir Zacharias, duck!” I shouted, my voice cutting through the clash of swords.

Zacharias didn’t hesitate. In one swift motion, he dropped to the ground, his sword still raised to parry the assassin’s attack. At that exact moment, I launched myself forward, my daggers held tightly in my hands.

Time seemed to slow as I surged toward them. I twisted my body mid-air, using the momentum to hurl the first dagger with all my might toward the assassin’s stomach. The blade sliced through the air with deadly accuracy, striking true and embedding itself deep into his flesh. The assassin’s eyes widened in shock, but I wasn’t done yet.

Using the force of my leap, I landed gracefully, my feet barely touching the ground before I spun on my heel and threw the second dagger. This one flew straight and true, piercing the assassin’s chest, right where his heart should be.

The impact sent him staggering back, his sword falling from his grasp as his hands instinctively clutched at the daggers protruding from his body. Blood spilled from his wounds, darkening his cloak as he gasped for breath. His eyes, now full of disbelief, met mine just before blood seeping from the corners of his mouth as he crumpled to the floor.

He fell with a heavy thud, his body convulsing once before lying still. Blood pooled around him, spreading across the cold stone floor, as the life drained from his eyes.

╔═════════ ◈ ═════════╗

Congratulations! You have successfully completed the predicament! Rewards will be given shortly!

╚═════════ ◈ ═════════╝

My shoulders slumped as the system’s announcement flashed before me.

╔═════════ ◈ ═════════╗

Updating character details…

╚═════════ ◈ ═════════╝

╔═════════ ◈ ═════════╗

Character Profile

Eiliyah Arthemice Loughsin

Title: The Ruthless Villainess Current Life: 45% Reputation: 15% Power Level: Primordial Ability: Beast Tamer

╚═════════ ◈ ═════════╝

Wow. My life is nearly at half now.

╔═════════ ◈ ═════════╗

The legendary artifact from the Grand Duke’s heirloom chamber will be given within 72 hours!

╚═════════ ◈ ═════════╝

Pinapadali akong matapos pero ang isang reward, three days pa pala bago ko makuha. Naks! Ang ganda ng pagkaka-program ng system na ‘to! I heaved a deep sigh, irritation bubbling inside me at the thought.

“Are you alright, my lady?” Zacharias’s voice cut through my frustration, reminding me that I wasn’t alone. He had removed his mask, revealing his face bathed in the soft moonlight filtering through the room.

His features were striking—chiseled and strong, yet softened by the light. His dark brown eyes held a quiet intensity, framed by thick lashes that brushed against his skin with every blink. The added light accentuated the sharp lines of his jaw and the slight stubble that only made him appear more rugged. Sweat clung to his temples, making his hair shimmer as it caught the light.

“I should be asking you that,” I replied, brushing off his concern as I approached the lifeless body on the floor. It was the first time I’d killed someone, but I felt no fear, no hesitation. After all, this was just a game, and this assassin was just a character. It didn’t count, right?

I knelt beside the corpse, my fingers wrapping around the hilt of the dagger buried deep in his flesh. With a firm tug, I pulled it free. The blade slid out with a sickening squelch, and a spray of blood followed, splattering across my right cheek and leaving crimson dots on my chemise. The blood was warm and thick, its metallic scent filling the air.

Huh. Maliligo na naman ako nito.

I stared at the blood for a moment, my expression remaining calm and indifferent. There was no fear, no disgust—just a simple annoyance at the mess it made. The reality of what I had done didn’t seem to touch me. It was as though I was merely cleaning up after an inconvenience.

“This is your first time killing, right? Why aren’t you afraid?” Zacharias asked, his voice laced with confusion as he stared at me.

I stood up and met his gaze, noting the puzzled expression on his face. “To be exact, it’s my third time,” I replied nonchalantly. Without warning, I grabbed the black cloth from his hands. Zacharias flinched, his eyes widening as I took it from him. I began wiping my daggers, meticulously cleaning every drop of blood from the blades. His mouth hung open in shock, clearly taken aback by my calmness.

Well, those two monsters count, don’t they?

“Here,” I said, handing back the now-stained cloth after I finished. I used the last clean edge to wipe the blood from my hands and even the few splatters on my cheek, then returned it to him. “I’m going to rest now. I’m exhausted. You can handle the cleanup, right?” I added, glancing down at the lifeless body, yawning as if I hadn’t just killed someone.

Zacharias blinked, his expression a mix of confusion and something bordering on amusement. “Yes, my lady,” he finally responded, though the bewilderment in his voice was unmistakable. “But before you go, can I ask you a question?” His eyes searched mine, curiosity deepening the furrow in his brow.

“How did you know there would be an assassin here, trying to steal from the heirloom?” he asked, clearly intrigued.

“Then should I ask you how you knew about it?” I countered, raising an eyebrow.

He glanced down as I struck the needle with my hammer, the impact echoing in the silence between us. I nodded, interpreting his response—or rather, his lack of one. It seemed he had no intention of answering me either, so...

“Let’s keep this little encounter and incident between us, Sir Zacharias,” I muttered as I turned my back on him.

I heard a soft chuckle behind me, a sound of amusement that didn’t quite reach his lips. “A secret, huh?” he mumbled, though it wasn’t as quiet as he thought—I heard every word. “Yes, Lady Arthemice. Have a good night’s sleep.”

Without looking back, I hurried out of the room. This heirloom chamber was too far from my quarters, and I needed to get to bed quickly to maximize my rest.

Once I reached my room, I immediately tossed my dress into the fire pit, watching as the flames consumed it, turning it to ashes. There was blood on it, and if those two maids saw it, there would be trouble. Afterward, I took a quick bath, dressed, and finally threw myself onto the bed, sinking into the softness.

Haaa! What a freaking long day.

fin.