Chapter 47

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THE REWARD for completing the first training session was delivered to me earlier this morning. My body feels surprisingly refreshed now. It’s strange, really—I would’ve expected my muscles to still be screaming in pain. But since they aren’t, who am I to question it?

My gaze drifted toward a row of glass bottles on the table, each containing remnants of my failed elixirs. I had spent hours practicing on my own, carefully following the notes Mire had given me. Speaking of him, I haven’t seen that elusive beast since yesterday. Where on earth could he be?

With a sigh, I began cleaning up the mess from my latest experiment. The explosion had been minor, thankfully, but it was enough to reduce the table to splinters. The palace servants, efficient as ever, swooped in and replaced it almost immediately. Their speed was almost unsettling.

“They must really fear the Empress,” I murmured, shaking my head. Perhaps she had ordered them to attend to me with this much urgency. Was I being treated as some sort of VIP guest? The thought made me chuckle. The idea of myself as someone important enough to command this level of attention was laughable.

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The next training session will be given to you in the evening! Please wait patiently!

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I glanced at the system’s announcement and nodded. Pabait ng pabait ang system sa akin. Ano kaya ang nakain nito?

After finishing my clean-up, I stepped onto the balcony, inhaling deeply as the crisp air filled my lungs. The freedom of the outdoors called to me, but for now, I was confined to this room.

The palace was a marvel in its own right, an intricate blend of craftsmanship and grandeur. Marble columns framed the view, each one etched with delicate patterns that gleamed faintly in the sunlight. The sprawling grounds below hinted at the power and prestige of the Empress who ruled here.

Unfortunately, my current room didn’t boast the finest view. Beyond the balcony stretched a dense forest, its emerald canopy swaying gently in the breeze. The occasional birdsong broke the silence, but the scene felt oddly isolated, like a barrier separating me from the wider world.

I leaned against the railing, allowing the quiet to settle over me. The beauty of the palace was undeniable, but my restless heart craved the vastness beyond the trees.

Maybe there are wild animals I could tame in that forest? The thought alone sent a spark of excitement coursing through me. My lips curled into a small grin at the idea of commanding a beast to follow my will.

But...

My gaze shifted to the glass window. The faint reflection staring back at me brought my excitement to a halt. My fingers instinctively reached up to touch my hair as I studied my appearance.

“I’m not ready to tame anything yet,” I muttered under my breath, running my hand through the jet-black strands of my hair. My crimson eyes, framed by unsettling silver-white eyebrows and lashes, only made the image more jarring. I looked... cursed. And maybe I was.

A faint chuckle escaped me. “If that silver-white hair of mine ever comes back, I’m challenging the Empress to a rematch,” I said with a small, amused smile. Her ethereal beauty still lingered in my mind—unforgettable and intimidating in equal measure. She was frustratingly perfect but kind enough to let me stay at the palace despite everything. For that, I couldn’t bring myself to dislike her.

I leaned on the balcony railing, letting my thoughts drift as the gentle breeze played with my hair. Minutes passed, and a quiet drowsiness crept over me. Deciding it was best to rest before the evening, I yawned and shuffled back into the room. Who knows? I might end up sparring with someone tonight.

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Trial of the Veiled Guest

Confront the uninvited challenger and defeat them using your daggers.

Reward: A significant boost to your Power Level. Failure: Endure the penalty for failing the training.

Decide your course with great caution!

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I stared at the system’s message and rolled my eyes. “Not even wrong,” I mumbled under my breath, already bracing for the evening’s challenges.

The sun had just set, leaving the room bathed in a faint, dim glow. The servants had already prepared my meal earlier, so I had eaten and was ready to retire for the night.

I pushed back my chair and was about to stand when an enormous arcane circle materialized in front of my bed. The air seemed to hum with energy as the glowing sigils rotated rapidly, casting fleeting shadows across the room. The circle spun faster and faster before halting abruptly, its energy stabilizing into a steady glow. From its center, a figure emerged.

Clad in a cloak and mask, his presence was shrouded in mystery. The dimly lit room made it nearly impossible to make out his features, but his silhouette exuded an aura of authority and danger.

“So you’re here,” he said, his voice smooth but edged with an unsettling sharpness. His black eyes gleamed like polished obsidian as they locked onto mine, unflinching and piercing.

A smirk curled my lips as I leaned against the edge of my chair, arms crossed. His polished demeanor and attire suggested he hailed from a noble—or perhaps royal—lineage.

“Are you here to assassinate me?” I asked coolly, my tone laced with mockery as I stood and began to close the distance between us.

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The ability [Evoke] has been activated.

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He began to speak, his words measured. “Oh, no. I came here—”

Before he could finish, my dagger was at his throat in one swift, fluid motion.

“Really?” I murmured, my voice dripping with skepticism. “Then why the mask?” My eyes narrowed as I tilted my head, studying him.

He let out a soft sigh, one that carried a faint hint of exasperation. “Well, if that’s what you think…” His hand moved to his side, unsheathing a sword with deliberate precision. The blade caught the faint light, gleaming ominously. “Why don’t we settle this with a match?”

The corners of my lips twitched upward, though my grip on the dagger remained firm. “A match, huh?”

He didn’t flinch under my scrutinizing gaze. Instead, he extended his hand as if to seal an unspoken agreement.

“If you win,” he said, his tone even, “I’ll tell you why I’m here. But if you lose, you’ll grant my wish.”

My brows furrowed at his proposition, suspicion prickling at the back of my mind. “And what exactly is this wish?”

He didn’t answer directly, instead summoning another smaller arcane circle above his hand. The air around it shimmered with latent magic.

“Put your index finger here,” he instructed.

I hesitated but eventually did as he asked. The moment my finger touched the circle, a sharp prick stung my fingertip. A bead of blood welled up, quickly absorbed into the circle, followed by a droplet of his own. The circle swirled briefly, then dissipated into thin air.

“You can’t break that promise now,” he said with an unmistakable tone of satisfaction. Though his mask hid his expression, I could sense the smirk behind it.

I rolled my eyes, letting out a huff of annoyance. “Fine.”

He stepped back, raising his sword into a ready stance. “Shall we begin?”

The clang of metal echoed through the room as our weapons met. The force of his strike vibrated through my dagger, sending a sharp ache up my arm. I gritted my teeth, barely managing to sidestep his next attack.

He moved like a shadow, swift and unrelenting, his sword glinting in the dim light. Each strike was calculated, aimed not just to defeat but to utterly humiliate. I hated it. Hated how easily he seemed to overpower me, hated the smug air that lingered even through his silence.

“You’re slower than I expected,” he remarked, his tone cold and detached as his blade locked against my dagger.

I gritted my teeth, shoving back with all the strength I had left. “And you’re more talkative than I expected,” I snapped, forcing a smirk despite the burn in my muscles.

His eyes narrowed slightly, but he didn’t reply. Instead, he pushed forward, his strikes coming faster and sharper. Each one chipped away at my defenses, forcing me further and further back.

I stumbled, my heel catching on the edge of a rug. He seized the moment, disarming me with a quick flick of his wrist. My dagger clattered to the floor, spinning out of reach.

Before he could press his advantage, I darted forward, aiming directly for his face. My fist collided with his mask, cracking it further. He staggered back, momentarily caught off guard, and I used the opportunity to retrieve my weapon.

But my movements were too slow. His sword was already at my side, and I barely had time to block the strike. The vibrations from the impact rattled through me, nearly causing me to drop my dagger again.

“You fight like someone who’s been forced into this,” he said, his voice calm yet cutting.

“And you fight like someone who thinks too highly of himself,” I retorted, my eyes narrowing.

I lunged again, my dagger aimed at his mask. This time, the blade hit its mark, shattering the cracked porcelain into pieces.

I froze.

Silver hair spilled out from beneath the mask, framing a face I never expected to see. His sharp features, piercing black eyes, and composed expression struck me silent.

“Your Highness…” I breathed, disbelief washing over me.

His lips curved into a faint smirk. “Finally figured it out?”

What the hell is he doing here?!

I blinked, struggling to process the revelation. My grip on the dagger loosened slightly, and he took the opportunity to press his sword against my arm, halting any further attack.

“You’re distracted,” he said, his tone shifting to one of quiet authority. “And in battle, distraction is defeat.”

I stepped back, my gaze flicking between his sword and his face. My pulse was racing, though whether from exertion or realization, I couldn’t tell.

He lowered his blade, sheathing it with an air of finality. “This match is over,” he declared, his voice calm yet firm.

My jaw tightened. “It’s a draw at best,” I said, unwilling to concede entirely.

His smirk deepened, and he tilted his head slightly. “You can call it whatever you like, but the outcome remains the same. You owe me a wish.”

My stomach twisted at his words. “What could someone like you possibly want from me?”

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Congratulations! You have successfully completed the task Trial of the Veiled Guest! Rewards will be given shortly!

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He walked toward me, sheathing his sword with deliberate slowness. “I came here just to see you. I didn’t imagine we’d end up sparring like this,” he said, his voice low and velvety as he shrugged off his cloak.

My brow furrowed, irritation flickering in my chest. His sharp tongue grated on my nerves, and for a moment, I contemplated running my blade through him just to wipe that smirk off his face.

“Oh, really? Well, you’ve seen me now. Feel free to leave,” I replied, a wide smile plastered across my face as I gestured to the balcony window.

“Not so fast, my lady,” he said, stepping closer with maddening confidence. He raised his hand, and I felt the weight of invisible chains pulling against my wrist.

Oh right, he bind me with his ability.

I rolled my eyes, crossing my arms over my chest. “Fine. Say what you need to say, but make it quick. Just don’t ask for something impossible,” I snapped. “You know my movements are limited here.”

He smirked, his dark eyes glinting with something I couldn’t quite place.

“Don’t worry, my lady. This one is simple,” he murmured, his voice dipping lower.

I raised an eyebrow. “What is it?”

“You.”

Before I could react, he closed the distance between us in a heartbeat, pinning me against the wall. His left hand captured mine, holding them firmly above my head. My eyes widened in shock, my heart thundering in my chest as his body pressed against mine.

“What the hell are you doing, Your Highness?!” I demanded, glaring at him. His face was infuriatingly close, his gaze flickering from my left eye to my right, then down to my lips before locking back onto my eyes.

“I haven’t seen you in forever,” he whispered, his voice heavy with longing. He leaned in, resting his head on my shoulder, and I could feel his warm breath against my skin. “I’ve missed you, my lady. Every moment without you feels like an eternity.”

My jaw clenched as I struggled against his hold. “Get a grip, Your Highness! Lady Cecelia—” I cut myself off, exhaling sharply. “You’re engaged. I don’t want to hurt her, so let me go.”

He lifted his head, his face inches from mine, his eyes piercing and unrelenting. “I know,” he said softly, his voice tinged with something almost vulnerable. “But just this once, give me the chance to show you how I feel.”

I scoffed, though my pulse betrayed me with its erratic rhythm. “You don’t love me, Your Highness,” I said firmly, willing my voice to remain steady.

“Yes, I do,” he replied without hesitation. His gaze burned into mine, filled with a conviction that made my breath hitch.

“No—”

Before I could finish, he silenced me with his lips. The kiss was fierce, claiming, and utterly consuming. His hands tightened their hold on mine, as if he were afraid I’d vanish if he let go.

I froze, my mind racing as the intensity of the moment washed over me. His lips moved with a desperate hunger, as though he’d been craving this for far too long.

I thrashed against his hold, desperate to free myself from the heat of his lips, but his grip was unyielding. His strength overwhelmed mine, his hands moving with deliberate intent as he captured every attempt at resistance.

“Ha...” A gasp escaped me, sharp and startled, as his hands moved with purpose. One slid to my waist, steadying me, while the other gripped my thigh firmly—no, tightly—his fingers digging into my flesh as if to anchor me to him. I tensed, my breath hitching as he effortlessly hoisted me, positioning my legs over his hips.

“Let me go!” I tried to shout, though the words barely formed, lost in the heat and urgency of the moment.

His hold on my thighs was maddeningly secure, his fingers pressing into my skin with a possessive strength that sent a jolt of anger—and something else I refused to name—racing through me.

My nails clawed at the bindings, my body twisting as I tried to wrench myself free, but it was futile. His kiss deepened, stealing the very breath from my lungs as if he were determined to claim every ounce of resistance I had left.

‘What the heck?!’ I thought, panic and fury swirling within me.

His touch was maddeningly firm, every move deliberate, as though he reveled in my defiance. His lips moved with a raw, unrestrained passion that left me simultaneously furious and disoriented. Heat flooded my cheeks, and I cursed the way my body reacted, betraying the fury that boiled inside me.

I turned my head sharply, finally breaking the kiss, panting heavily as I glared at him. “What the hell is wrong with you?!” I spat, my voice trembling between anger and disbelief.

He paused, his dark eyes meeting mine, and for a fleeting moment, I saw something unspoken flicker there—a hunger, a longing that sent an involuntary shiver down my spine.

But I wasn’t about to let him win. My glare hardened as I struggled once more, though my body remained pinned against him, my movements utterly restrained by both his strength and his maddening persistence.

“Your lips taste amazing,” he murmured, his voice thick with satisfaction as he slowly licked his lips. The invisible bonds that held me loosened, and he gently set me down on the floor.

I clenched my fists, feeling the heat of my anger rise. As soon as I regained my strength, I slapped him hard across the face.

“You crossed the line this time, Your Highness,” I hissed, my voice cold and laced with fury as I glared at him. My chest heaved with the force of my emotions.

He held his cheek, the smile never leaving his lips. “Well, this is the last thing I’ll do, and I promise to be a good fiancé to Ceci.” His words were laughable, so absurd they almost made me want to laugh. But instead, my eyes narrowed. He must’ve lost his mind.

“Get out of my sight before I decide to make you regret that kiss,” I warned, my tone icy, each word dripping with venom.

He only grinned wider, completely unshaken. “Well, I’ll wait for that day, my lady,” he teased, clicking his tongue as the arcane circle began to swirl beneath us.

“By the way,” he added, his voice dropping to a softer, more serious tone, “You need to hurry. The Emperor is really mad.”

I rolled my eyes in disdain. “Let him stay mad. It won’t matter once I’m done with him,” I muttered under my breath.

“You should be the one hurrying to leave,” I shot back, my patience now gone. “Because if you don’t, I might just kill you where you stand.”

He leaned in, too close, and my heart skipped a beat in surprise as he brushed a soft, teasing kiss near my lips. I stiffened, taken aback by the unexpected move. “Goodbye,” he said, his voice low and dangerous as he winked at me, the smirk never leaving his face.

And then, as quickly as he’d appeared, he vanished.

“Bastard,” I muttered, my hands shaking with fury, but my expression remained stone-cold, betraying no weakness.

fin.