The soft rustle of the newspaper page was the only sound in the room. The light from the desk lamp bathed the study, creating dancing shadows that stretched across the bookshelves. Lloyd was reading avidly when the door was thrown open abruptly.
Dolph burst into the study with his usual lack of decorum and slumped into an armchair in front of the desk. The news he brought was juicy: the details of what happened with Zadu and Baron Lafan. A genuine smile of joy, like that of a man who has found the missing piece on the chessboard, spread across Lloyd's face.
"Oh? So that's what happened," he murmured, not looking up from the paper.
"That boy... Lyons, was it? He's quite fascinating," Lloyd commented, setting the newspaper aside. "What else did you find out?"
"Well, according to a little bird, the palace wants to execute him as soon as possible for laying a hand on a noble. Many want to prevent it, like the Queen. The point is, all of this is a pressure cooker about to explode."
Lloyd's smile only grew wider, his eyes gleaming with a cunning light as he absorbed every word.
"It's incredible. How a single person has managed to shake the political and social world in a single night."
"That's not all, boss," said Dolph, pulling a handful of candies from his pocket and starting to chew one nonchalantly. "After what happened at the ball, I think you might end up falling in love with him, haha. You want to recruit him for the Plebeian Faction, don't you?"
The Plebeian Faction, or Nameless Faction, was a secret movement involving civilians without a family name and people who shared the idea that the nobility was ruining the country. Lloyd was about to answer when a detail stopped him cold.
"I would like that... Wait, what do you mean by 'ball'? Did something happen at a ball?"
"Believe me, this is something the newspapers will be dying to be the first to report."
Dolph finished chewing and recounted what had happened a few hours ago. Lloyd's expression transformed into something indescribable; a mix of disbelief, intrigue, and a spark of something more, something that was only possible because of the heroine. Something inside him had grown.
◇
The air in the knights' barracks was cold and smelled of dust and metal. Several days had passed since the incident. The knights had brought me in for interrogation, though it was more of an excuse to intimidate me into confessing that I was an extremist jealous of the baron.
Thanks to Drake being present, they didn't harm me physically. Today was the last day, and the threats reached their peak. As I left that gloomy room, I met up with Drake to leave the place.
"It's incredible," I muttered, adjusting my jacket. "Instead of rewarding me for stopping a criminal, or at least for my part in it, I'm intimidated and threatened."
"You should be thankful that many in the palace hated Lafan," Drake replied in his deep voice. "They didn't care that your friends interfered or that he kidnapped that girl. They only care about making you pay for daring to mess with a noble. From today on, I recommend you sleep with one eye open."
"But I'm a baronet, so I'm a noble too, aren't I?"
"You are not, in the eyes of the other nobles. In fact, even if you were a baron or a viscount, or named Ford, you wouldn't be a noble to them. Only if you were an earl would they see you as their equal."
"It's a very rotten society."
(This guy isn't very talkative, but seeing how he looked after me all this time, I must admit he's trustworthy. Especially since he came every day to prevent them from beating me.)
"More importantly," Drake added, "His Highness wants to see you."
"Ethan? Understood."
We headed to a very elegant café. The aroma of freshly brewed coffee and sweet pastries filled the air. At one of the tables, Ethan was enjoying a strawberry cake with the concentration of a child.
He greeted us with a smile that couldn't hide a certain sadness in his eyes.
"I'm glad to see you're well."
"Thank you for all the help," I said, slightly bowing my head. "Both of you."
Drake shook his head.
"I just followed orders. It's His Highness who used his influence to get the Prime Minister to grant me the power to arrest them if they did anything to you."
"Really?" I looked at Ethan.
"I don't have any real power," he admitted. "My name is barely worth anything. But the Prime Minister has many enemies, and when I told him you could be useful to the palace, he went to speak with the Queen. Right now, there's a political war because of you."
"I'm sorry."
"Don't apologize. It was bound to happen sooner or later. More importantly, you need to keep a low profile. If you cause another uproar, I don't think I can cover for you."
"Understood. I will."
"Good. Now that we're here, how about a dinner to celebrate your freedom?"
The lunch was a pleasant affair. I felt I grew closer to Ethan, especially now that, in the public eye, he was openly meeting with me.
◇
The school had resumed operations as usual, but upon returning, I immediately noticed the atmosphere was thick, almost oppressive. Looks of contempt and dislike followed me from all directions, like invisible daggers.
Upon entering the classroom, my friends were there. When they saw me, they burst into tears, thinking something terrible had happened to me. I calmed them down as best I could.
Then we went to see Lillie, who seemed to be handling classes better. Apparently, Heidi had disappeared, as she hadn't returned to school. Knowing how it was in the game, she was the one who sent Lafan to kidnap Lillie. And now that I wanted to make Lillie my woman, I had more reasons to… deal with her.
Lillie came running in and hugged me tightly. I could see Donny biting the sleeve of his shirt while muttering, "Why the hell doesn't this happen to me? I participated too!" A twisted and amusing idea crossed my mind: I had a new way to have fun with him.
"Nothing bad has happened to you since then?" I asked Lillie.
"Absolutely not. In fact, strange as it seems, my life has improved. I'm no longer bullied or ordered to do strange chores."
"I'm glad you admit you were being harassed. But more importantly, why is everyone so excited?" I asked, noticing that alongside the hostile stares, there was a murmur of excitement running through the halls.
Patrick was the one who informed me.
"Today is the party to celebrate the end of the semester. They moved it up because of the investigations they want to conduct regarding Professor Clement."
"I still can't believe he's a criminal," someone commented.
While they talked about Robert, I thought about the ball.
(The ball event was the indicator of which route the heroine would take. At this point, it's evident she'll follow the reverse harem route. I guess I can enjoy today, since I got out of that dark room they called a cell.)
Before I knew it, night fell. The ballroom was just as I remembered from the game, but stunningly real: a huge space decorated with the finest pieces of art, a band with a powerful opera singer, chefs preparing exquisite delicacies on the spot, and a bar serving drinks with and without alcohol. As soon as we arrived, the first thing I did was head to the bar. The bartender served me a drink similar to ginger ale.
I watched everyone having fun. Nothing could ruin this moment… until a sharp scream cut through the air.
"This is the limit!"
Suddenly, the music stopped and the chatter turned into an uncomfortable silence. All eyes congregated on the center of the hall. There stood Ellie, wearing a beautiful dress that matched her red hair, but her face was contorted with fury. With my drink still in hand, I approached and felt a chill of horror at the scene.
Ellie was confronting Prince Kyle. The other "capture targets" — Matt, Keith, Ricky, and Zach — surrounded the heroine, Lydia, who had just been slapped by Ellie.
"I've put up with a lot," Ellie shouted, trembling, "but to dare to come with my fiancé wearing the same dress as me, and moreover… holding hands, is a complete mockery of me! I demand you leave this instant while I still retain my composure!"
The men consoled Lydia, who was weeping inconsolably. The prince and the others confronted Ellie.
"Eliza! How dare you damage Lydia's beautiful face? I will never forgive you!"
"I should be the one saying that! How dare you come with another woman who isn't me and hold her hand? You are already engaged! You are the one ruining your image by coming with a harlot who flirts with several men!"
"Do not call Lydia that!" Prince Kyle shouted, raising his voice. "Lydia is an honest and pure girl who understands my feelings better than anyone. Since I was a child, I always felt the expectations of others, and it terrified me."
(Hey, why are you using that game dialogue here and now?)
"But thanks to Lydia…"
(Stop it! That event shouldn't happen until the end of the year!)
"...I feel I can not only be myself, but I also feel that being born as the crown prince is not a responsibility, but a gift bestowed upon me."
The other capture targets backed him up, one after another.
"Lydia-san opened my eyes," said Matt. "I thought justice was something dictated by books, but I realized that sometimes you must be flexible. Therefore, I will not overlook the offense you committed."
"Lydia made me see how superficial I was," added Keith. "For the first time, I worry about someone other than myself. Therefore, I will not forgive you for damaging that beautiful face of hers."
"As someone from the underworld, falling in love is a weakness," continued Ricky, "but thanks to Lydia, I understand that some risks must be taken. Therefore, I will not forgive you for what you did."
"I felt my life was at the bottom of a well," concluded Zach, "but her kind words, her warm heart, and her goodness made me see that I was the one stuck down there. Therefore, I will not forgive you either, and I will make you pay for your offense!"
(Stop, you idiots! This shouldn't be happening. Besides, what you're saying is something that, in real life, would have severe consequences.)
The prince took a step forward and said calmly,
"All of us talked about this today. It took a long time, but we realized it late."
Then, all five knelt before Lydia. A chilling premonition froze my blood.
"Lydia, we love you. And we want to be happy with you."
The heroine, Lydia, seemed to be in a fairy tale. From what I'd heard from Ethan, she had been bullied by a girl who stopped after the prince threatened her. Now, coming from a ruined viscount family turned barony to avoid losing their title, she was receiving a confession from five men of the high society that had always scorned her. In the game, this would be a victory in love. In reality, it was a death sentence for a country.
Clearly, her response was crucial. But seeing her cry with happiness, I knew what she was going to say.
(Stop, heroine-chan. If you say what I think you will, you'll condemn us all.)
"I..." Lydia began, tears in her eyes and a radiant smile. "I love you too. I feel truly happy by your side."
The entire place fell into a sepulchral silence, charged with shock and horror. The prince's group, however, burst into jubilation. They stood up and looked at Ellie like hungry beasts.
"Now that we have revealed our feelings to everyone," the prince announced, "it is time for the announcement. All of us present, including myself, are canceling our engagements to marry Lydia Ford Bellman. Anyone who interferes with our love will not be punished... they will be destroyed. Starting with you, Eliza!"
"What did you say?!" Ellie and I exclaimed in unison.
The prince took off his glove and threw it at Ellie.
"I will not tolerate what you did to Lydia... to Lydie. Therefore, I want you to pick it up."
"Y-Your Highness? Is... is this what I think it is?"
"It is."
"B-but I'm a woman! And doing this with a woman is something no honorable man would consider!"
"I don't care about that!" the prince shouted with all his might. "I want you to pick up that glove, one way or another! I don't care about your arguments or excuses. I want to teach a lesson to you and all those who go against our love! If you don't pick up that glove now, I will see to it that the Duke's family is sentenced for treason!"
Ellie paled. Under everyone's gaze, she knelt with visible effort and picked up the glove. The prince and his entourage began laughing like madmen, then suddenly calmed down.
"You picked it up, therefore you accepted my duel. Eliza, your offenses against my future queen will not be forgiven. I should put you on trial for it, but I will be benevolent. We shall have a duel. The duel will be between your representatives and the five of us, who will represent Lydie."
Murmurs of indignation erupted.
"Is he really going to duel a woman?"
"He's the prince, but this is too much!"
"I wish I could do something for her..."
The prince heard the comments and his face hardened.
"Anyone who tries to help her will share her fate! If you lose, your family will be stripped of its wealth, lands, and name. The same fate awaits anyone who helps you. In contrast, if we lose, we will not only apologize, but I will ensure you are exempt from taxes and tributes for several years."
The silence was absolute. Helping her was social and political suicide. All eyes were on Ellie, who began to cry silently.
"Why are you so cruel, Your Highness? I only wanted that horrid woman who is bewitching you to go away. You don't understand the damage you are doing to your image, to the royal family, and to the country by wanting to marry a woman who is not of royalty or nobility!"
"Shut your damn mouth!" Kyle roared. "You only spout nonsense about nobility and royalty! The country is rotten because of your way of thinking! When I am king, I will make sure to eliminate all of them, except the royal family! That is why Lydia is the most suitable as my wife, my queen! She understands better than anyone the damage nobles do to the country! There will be ministers, true, but to improve this country, sacrifices are needed. And you will be one of them, especially for daring to belittle the woman I love!"
Then, he approached Lydia and said, for all to hear:
"Lydie, we must hide our love no longer."
"Your Highness..."
Before the astonished audience, they shared a passionate kiss. This moment, which in any game would be acclaimed, filled me with deep disgust. The prince pulled away and addressed Ellie:
"Now that you know, choose your representatives. The sooner we begin, the better for everyone."
Ellie began to look around, especially at the girls who usually accompanied her. Their faces only showed the pain of helplessness. No one dared to challenge the prince.
"No one? Very well," Kyle said disdainfully.
He then pulled Ellie's hair. The blood began to boil in my veins.
"Your Highness, it hurts! Please, let me go!"
"You see? You are a horrible woman, and no one will help you. Women and nobles like you do great harm to the country. That's why eliminating them will be better for everyone."
Seeing Ellie being mistreated, I couldn't help but remember our childhood together. Her little girl's voice echoed in my head. I remembered a night, looking at the stars:
"Hey, Rex-chan, I always wondered about this. You're Annerose and her sister's knight, right?"
"I'm not exactly a knight, but they keep me by their side as if I were. Anne said that when I grow up, I'll have to protect them both."
"I see. I was wondering if you could be mine too."
"Huh? Why me?"
Her tender gaze said it all: "Because there's no one I trust more than you. Not even my family. If I were in danger, I would ask for help from no one but you."
Remembering that, my senses sharpened. I could see her lips, touched by tears, and hear her whisper in a tone no one else could hear:
"Help me, Rex."
I couldn't take it anymore. I took a step forward. At first, no one noticed, but gradually, the gazes began to shift from the prince to me.
What did it matter that she had stopped talking to me over some past nonsense? She was always that capricious. What did it matter that she was a duke's daughter and I a semi-noble? What did it matter that she was a villainess destined for ruin?
No. That was what mattered.
I reincarnated for one reason only: to save the villainesses of this shitty game. And I would do it now, for my childhood friend.
I approached the prince and, with a serene motion, poured the contents of my drink over his head. The yellowish liquid ran through his blue hair and dripped onto the floor with a ridiculously loud sound in the silence.
The prince released Ellie and stared at me, his face contorted with rage.
"What the hell are you doing? No... who the hell are you?"
I decided it was time to let it all out.
"Oops, I'm so sorry," I said in a voice that sounded not at all sorry.
After seeing these guys' behavior, I felt such immense disgust that I couldn't help but look at them with contempt.
"My hand slipped. It's just that when I see a dirty bastard bullying a poor girl, the normal thing would be to punch him in the face until his teeth come out. But since he's the stupid crown prince, I had to restrain myself... but not too much."
These guys had ceased to be characters in a game and had become simply wretched abusers of power.
"That's why I couldn't help it," I said with all the calm in the world, with a grin from ear to ear. "I will be her representative and fight for her."
(To hell with the game. To hell with the heroine and the capture targets.)
"For one simple reason."
From now on, I will save the world from the Demon King. There's still the heroine of the second game for that. I'll make her my ally no matter what. I could afford to lose the first game's heroine and the capture target imbeciles.
I raised my middle finger, feeling a joy comparable to imagining being squeezed by Queen Sophie's breasts.
"I hate you all with all my heart. I want to beat you to death. That's why, let's have this damned duel. Besides..." I looked at Ellie with a smile that promised the same protection from our childhood. "...I can't allow my childhood friend to be bullied by trash."
Immediately, I felt the murderous gaze of the other four. Matt spoke, losing his composure for the first time.
"I don't know who you are, but you should know the crime you've committed is unforgivable... No, I remember now. You're that student His Highness punished. Is this revenge for that?"
"I wish it were. But really, I just want to protect her from imbeciles like you."
Keith backed up Matt.
"If I'm not mistaken, you're a baronet, aren't you? Do you even understand the implications of what you're doing?"
"Of course I do. But unlike an effeminate like you, who isn't even a real man, what would you know?"
Ricky laughed at me, and I returned the smile.
"Nyahahaha! This guy thinks he'll get away with raising his hand against His Highness."
"Of course I will. After all, the Second Prince protects me. That's why I'm not dead after eliminating one of your father's associates."
Zach just watched me silently.
"You... you understand what you're doing, right?"
"Zach, I'll give you the pleasure. We'll finally have our long-awaited duel."
"I see. Your Highness, if I may say something—"
Before Zach could finish, the prince exploded.
"I want someone to execute this insolent fool who dared disrespect me this instant!"
Several guards rushed forward, but were stopped by Ethan, who burst onto the scene.
"I'm sorry, elder brother, but no one will lay a hand on Rex. His methods were not appropriate, but I back him. This is an offense to the palace, the royal family, and the noble families. This will not end with a simple apology."
"Shut your mouth, you damn bastard! You are not my younger brother, you are that woman's bastard! If it weren't for social pressure, my father wouldn't have had to take that woman as a second queen! You are just a parasite in my life, and I will use this opportunity to get rid of you too!" He then pointed a trembling finger at me. "You, whoever you are! I assume you accept the duel. Then add this to the reward: that Ethan loses his right to the throne, and also..." A sinister smile spread across his face. "...your head on a platter. If you lose, the Duke's family and that bastard who calls himself my brother will be stripped of their titles, and your head will be on a pike. If you accept, of course."
I didn't take a second to think about it.
"Of course it's fine. But I want you to add this: no one will interrupt. No matter how much you beg or cry. No one will interrupt."
"Hmph! Very well. Someone, record what happened here!"
"I'm coming, I'm coming!" A portly man with a book in his hand made his way through the crowd.
"You will witness today's events and draft a document later."
After explaining the terms, the man nodded.
"Understood, Your Highness."
"Good. Since it would be absurd to do it now, given the events, we will leave the details for another day. Enjoy what's left of your time as the Duke's daughter," he spat at Ellie, "and you," he looked at me, "enjoy what's left of your life."
Before he left, I said to him:
"One last thing before you go. I want it recorded that the reward, instead of tax exemption, will be a public apology from the six of you. Furthermore, you will be dishonored and will run naked through the capital while I flog you."
He stared at me with pure hatred and reluctantly agreed.
"Fine. Anyway, your head can come after you've been tortured."
The prince and his group left. Immediately, Ellie and Ethan came running towards me, shouting questions with concern. It was evident I had screwed up big time.
But, well... what's the worst that could happen?
____________________________________
Arc: The Magical Kingdom of Lynneburg - Concluded.
I was reborn in an Otome Game and Now I'll Make a Villainess Harem - End of Volume 2.