To be the Villainess

O8.

Chapter 8

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I GRIPPED my dress tightly, frustration boiling within me as I carefully tried to stand up. The system was back, and now I couldn't speak. Again.

I wandered my eyes around and saw the people surrounding me acting normally now. The Emperor, who was walking towards me, had a hideous smile on his face.

“Happy Birthday, my lady,” he said, handing me a small box. His eyes glinted with a malicious satisfaction as he presented the gift, his movements deliberate and slow, as if relishing the moment.

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Bow to the Emperor when you receive your gift, and say: Thank you for your benevolence, your Imperial Majesty.

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I paused when I realized there were no choices I could pick. What? I thought I would have choices!

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Punishment for trying to act on your own is starting now.

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Kumunot ang noo ko habang tinititigan ang holograph na nasa harapan ko ngayon. Anong pinagsasabi nito? Is the system trying to control me now?!

“Thank you for your benevolence, your Imperial Majesty,” I said, taking his gift in hand while bowing deeply before him. My body moved on its own accord. What the heck is happening now? First the first mission?! And now... I sighed deeply, trying to relax. You’ll find a way out of this.

“Oh, this is nothing, Lady Loughsin!” Emperor Reynald laughed heartily, tapping my shoulders twice. “Now...” His demeanor shifted abruptly, a smirk barely concealed. “I need to speak with the Grand Duke. May I excuse myself?” he muttered, his smile not reaching his eyes as he turned and walked away with his knight. Wait... that knight looks familiar.

I narrowed my eyes into slits. Is that Zacharias? I thought, staring at him intently. But why? He is a royal knight, sworn to the Crown Prince! What’s happening?

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The character Arthemice is deep in thought as she gazes at the royal knight accompanying the Emperor.

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Nagulat ako nang biglang lumabas ang holograph sa harapan ko. What the heck?

Napailing na lang ako. Wait. I need to figure out what kind of mission I’m in right now. The prize is significant, so I need to be more careful.

I glanced to my right, noticing the holograph that refused to fade away.

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A new predicament has emerged!

The Grand Duke’s Toxic Chalice!

Reward: A 20% boost in life restoration and a rise in reputation.
Failure: A 20% loss in life and drop in reputation.