Living As the Villainess Queen

The scout on the city wall returned with news, disappointing for Sang-je despite being anticipated.

“The kings have retreated… but not all of them?” Sang-je inquired.

“Indeed, Your Holiness,” replied the scout. “The kings’ tent remains standing, and a sizable contingent of warriors is still present.”

“I understand. Maintain a close watch. Report any changes immediately.”

The scout departed, leaving Sang-je deep in thought. How long do they intend to camp out there? he pondered.

The two envoys sent to demand Jin and Flora’s return were instructed to relay that the kings could signal their decision with a red flag. Yet, the flag remained unmoved.

Clearly, the kings had no intention of returning Jin and Flora. They likely recognized the futility of breaching the capital’s defenses. But what purpose did their continued presence outside serve?

If the kings vanished, Sang-je planned to send knights to each kingdom for information. Their movements were concerning. He needed to determine the extent of Mara’s leaks and the purpose behind the kings’ gathering.

Perhaps waiting until the active season is wiser, Sang-je thought. A hasty move could backfire.

Sang-je, sensing his approach, called out, “Enter.”

Pides entered and reported diligently, “The list of non-citizens and verification of their dwellings is complete, as per your instructions.”

“Excellent work,” Sang-je acknowledged. “There’s no need for a second pass. However, I have another task.”

Spies had relayed Pides’ meticulous execution of the citizen list. His unwavering obedience and steadfast nature made him the ideal candidate. Sang-je intended to assign him to guard the ritual site for Flora’s planned teleportation spell.

Defense of the barrier spell remained the top priority, followed by surveillance of the outer wall. This new task, guarding the ritual site, held moderate importance. Even if Pides acted unexpectedly, it wouldn’t be catastrophic. A failed spell simply meant Flora couldn’t return through that specific magic.

However, Pides’ limited magical knowledge would likely lead him to perceive the ritual as highly significant, based on his experience at the barrier spell activation site. Observing his behavior here would be a valuable test of his loyalty.

“This mission will require you to remain outside the main palace for a while. It’s not challenging, but it is tedious. Can you handle it?”

“Your Holiness’s orders are my only command. I will dedicate myself fully to the task.”

“As I expected, dependable as always. A priest will guide you to the designated location.”

“Thank you, Your Holiness. However, I have a small request. I made a promise to assist with a task, and I would like your permission to complete it before I depart.”

“A request? Does it require my authorization?”

Pides hesitated a moment before replying. “Anika asked me to retrieve an item for her…”

Sang-je’s brow furrowed subtly. He knew the Anikas occasionally smuggled items through the priests, a practice he turned a blind eye to, avoiding punishment for both parties. Pides’ reputation for politeness among the knights made his involvement unsurprising. His bluntness in reporting it, however, was characteristic.

“Frugality is the rule within the palace walls,” Sang-je said with a click of his tongue, prompting Pides to bow deeper, as if taking the blame.

“Well, a promise is a promise. However, while on your external mission, you are to have no personal contact with anyone.”

“Understood.”

The audience chamber doors hissed shut behind Pides. Wasting no time, he made his way to the annex where the Anikas resided. Wary of potential enemy surveillance, Pides avoided meeting Anika Katie directly and instead requested an audience with Anika Anne through a priest. Although they had long been estranged, Katie was still the mother of the Fourth King.

Upon meeting Anne, Pides delivered a brief message. “It’s hidden in the usual spot,” he said, receiving a knowing nod from the younger Anika. Before departing the palace, Pides had stashed a note in a secret location accessible only to him and Katie.

“I’ll be away for a while,” he added. “If the priests suggest visiting the underground prayer room during my absence, refuse politely but firmly.”

Following this cryptic warning, Pides made a quick stop at a cosmetics shop, fulfilling Anne’s request for various beauty products. He ensured their delivery to the palace before finally setting off for his designated mission site.

The priest leading him ventured towards the capital’s outskirts. Even for the periphery, the area they arrived at was strikingly desolate. “Did such a place even exist within the capital walls?” Pides thought, a flicker of unease sparking within him.

The sight that greeted him solidified his growing discomfort. Towering walls, topped with menacing iron bars, enclosed the location. As the rusted gate groaned open under his touch, Pides peered into the surprisingly open space. A single, unassuming building stood in the center, surrounded by a bed of crushed gravel.

“Is that where I need to be?” Pides inquired, gesturing towards the lone structure.

The priest chuckled, a dry, unsettling sound. “Good heavens, no, no one enters there. Please, follow me.”

As they walked past the building, the constant crunch of gravel underfoot sent a jolt through Pides. It wasn’t the sound itself, but its purpose – a crude yet effective method of detecting movement. ‘A prison?’ he thought, his unease morphing into full-blown dread. ‘Who, or what, could they possibly be keeping here?’

***

“The exact timeframe for the operation remains uncertain,” Kasser began, his gaze sweeping across the assembled kings. “However, one thing is clear: delay is not an option. We strike before the dry season wanes, even if it means pushing the very limits. Until then, I urge you to return to your kingdoms. Prepare for the coming active season with renewed vigor. I, myself, will remain here.”

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