"You're exactly on the right track," the cat finally spoke.
I rushed to her side. "First of all, why do you meow most-times?"
She sat down and curled her tail around her legs. "I talk only when needed. The rest of the time, I'm just a normal cat."
I hummed under my breath, processing that, it made sense, in a twisted way.
"Plus, don't I get, like, a cheat or something?" I asked.
She nodded. "Only when you survive the hardest parts and actually get some things right. Then you get help and maybe gifts. But that hardly happens." She paused, stepping closer. Her paws rested lightly on my cheeks. "Host, what you need right now is to level up."
She leaned in. "The academy is no place for an F-rank female. I'm sure you know that."
Of course I knew. The original villainess died today. Her burial was barely respected: insults hurled at her corpse. Even her beast-men consorts got transferred straight to Elowen, also more happened at the academy, Elowen won hearts, climbed ranks, and eventually… well, to be honest, I never read the novel to the end.
"That's if I survive tonight," I muttered.
The cat chuckled. She shoved my head away annoyed, my gaze darkened.
"Hey!"
She just smirked and sat down again.
"I really don't care if you die or not, host. It's up to your will to survive. Just because I guide you doesn't mean I like you." Her eyes blackened for a second, then she meowed like nothing happened.
I sighed, hands dropping to my waist. The unread parts of the story were still far off. What I needed to focus on now....is surviving tonight.
I licked my lips. I had to help Thyrian. Only then would the others even start to trust me. I needed to gain a skill—any skill. They wouldn't trust me fully, obviously, but it was a start.
My survival was riding on that merman tonight.
I headed to the bathroom, showered quick, and walked out minutes later in my undergarments. The door suddenly opened.
Lilith stepped in, her hair in a high ponytail, black strands shimmering softly, a warm smile on her lips.
"Sister!" She rushed toward me and threw her arms around me in a tight hug.
I remembered now. Lilith, was Raven's little sister, only sixteen. The original villainess actually cared about her. But this girl… she ended up hating her too.
"I heard you're leaving for the academy tomorrow," she said, snapping me out of my thoughts.
I didn't know how to react at first, but knowing she stayed loyal to Raven until…
A small smile curled my lips. "So… you'll miss me?"
She nodded, her arms still wrapped around my waist. "I'll miss you so much." She pressed her head into my shoulder.
"No need to miss me too hard. I'll write you letters every day. How's that?"
She wiggled happily, hugging tighter. "Mom said you're cruel and I should stay away, but really—"
The door opened again. A maid stormed in. "Lady Lilith, this is unacceptable!"
She grabbed Lilith by the shoulder and yanked, that pissed me off instantly.
I shoved the maid's hand away. "What are you doing? You dare touch her right in front of me?"
The maid narrowed her eyes, then chuckled, folding her arms under her chest. "And? Are you going to hurt me?" She ran a hand through her hair, mocking. "You're really not fit to be the heiress. F-rank, bad temper… The Duke shouldn't have taken you in at all."
Her veins popped as she spat the words, cruelty lighting up her eyes. She was enjoying this.
Lilith's cheeks puffed in anger. She opened her mouth, but I stepped forward first.
POW.
The slap cracked across the maid's cheek. She staggered back, face blooming red instantly.
"How dare you talk to me like that? No manners at all? A mere maid slandering me?" I raised my hand again.
Elowen swept in, holding the hem of her dress. "Stop!"
She rushed forward to shield the maid. "This is inhumane. Barbaric. You shouldn't hurt people just for your amusement!"
I scoffed. "Amusement? She insulted me. Ranted about how I'm unfit to be heiress."
Elowen pressed her lips together. "Still… this isn't how to discipline someone."
I crossed my arms under my chest, glaring at the maid. "Next time, it won't be just a slap. I'll drag you out and strip you in front of everyone."
She shuddered. She knew I meant it.
"I wouldn't let you—"
"Then keep your fucking maid in check," I said, stepping closer to Elowen, "or I will."
Elowen's gaze darkened, her fists clenched. The disrespect clearly cut deep.
Everything suddenly went blank.
"Don't cross paths with her, host. You will die," the cat warned from behind.
I chuckled. "Hm."
The world snapped back. Elowen moved, but then she burst into tears.
I froze. I hadn't even said anything else. What the hell was she playing at? The Duke strode in, emerald gown, royal gloves, staff in hand. Cold fury on her face.
I knew instantly. Elowen had set this up.
"How feral! Making your cousin cry!" the Duke snapped.
My lips parted, but Elowen beat me to it. "Don't slander her, Mom. She just hates me ever since Darian accepted me as his master,"
I clenched my fist so hard my nails pierced my skin. Another layer of plot armor. The Duke favored Elowen
Plus Elowen was painting me as the jealous, shameless one who hated her over a man. How cute.
"She did no such thing!" Lilith stepped forward, defending me.
That only made the Duke angrier. "Teaching your sister your bad behavior is unacceptable!" She turned to Lilith. "To your room!"
Lilith growled low but ran off.
I stared straight at Elowen. She hugged the Duke, crying glass tears, just like my twin Rosy used to do, everyone always favored her. The same pain twisted in my chest raw.
"Believe what you want," I said clearly to the Duke.
Her eyes blazed with fury, sge stormed out.
Elowen paused, then rushed to me, grabbing my hand. "You really shouldn't feel bad. You did nothing wrong. I'll talk to Mom."
"I wouldn't be nice to her if I were you, Lady," the maid muttered, glaring.
One look from me, and she dropped her gaze to the floor.
"No need," I said flatly, shoving Elowen's hand away.
Her eyes brightened at the rejection. What a psycho.
"Really, I'm doing this for your bes-"
"She's not your mom."
She froze. That angelic, innocent look cracked for a second.
"Huh?"
"My mom is my mom. She's not yours. Stop calling her that, Elowen. Trying to steal her attention and love is a crime. Don't covet what isn't yours."
"Leave"
Her lips parted, but everything turned black and white. Everyone froze.
"Hate level 300%," the cat yelled. "I told you not to cross paths with her. Do you have a death wish? Apologize to her!"
I froze.
What?