To be the Villainess

O49.

Chapter 49

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I STIFLED a yawn, carefully placing the vials into the Aether Pouch. The sleek material shimmered faintly as it absorbed each container. Convenient, indeed. At least those grueling five hours weren’t wasted. My shoulders sagged in relief as I secured the pouch, brushing stray strands of hair away from my face.

“Here’s your lunch, my lady,” a soft voice interrupted. I turned to see a servant carefully setting a tray of food on the table. Her movements were precise but heavy, as though each step drained her energy. Her pale complexion and the dark circles under her eyes didn’t escape my notice.

I offered her a small smile, softening my voice. “Thank you.” Her tired gaze met mine briefly, and she gave a polite nod before retreating. Poor girl. Was it because of the Empress’s abduction? Everyone in the palace seemed worn down since that day. It had been a week now. Rumors swirled that the Empress had died—and then miraculously returned to life.

The thought made my stomach churn. How absurd. Yet, as I picked up my fork, a memory surfaced, unbidden. It reminded me of the time I first met the real Arthemice, when I lost consciousness during my battle with the otherworldly monster. There was something eerily familiar about it—almost as if she, too, didn’t belong to this world. A chill pricked the back of my neck. Coincidence? Or something more sinister?

I shook the thought away and took a bite of the food. The rich flavors exploded on my tongue, making my eyes widen in delight. “Waaaa, ang sarap!” I muttered, shoveling another spoonful into my mouth. The savory aroma and perfectly balanced seasoning were unlike anything I’d tasted in days. What’s the occasion? This kind of feast didn’t come without reason.

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A new predicament will be sent at any moment.

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The system’s announcement flashed before me, causing my hand to freeze mid-air. My brows knitted together as I chewed slowly, the words sinking in. Predicament? Now? In the middle of training? A heavy sigh escaped me as I rolled my eyes. Of course. This system never knows when to give me a break. And here I thought it was getting kinder.

Once I finished the meal, I flopped onto the bed, letting out a groan. Another dull day, it seemed. My fingers absentmindedly tugged at a lock of my hair, now streaked with faint silver-white strands. The black still dominated, but the change was promising. At least I knew I was recovering. My strength was slowly returning, and with it, my resolve to sever the head of that Emperor.

I let out a long breath, my eyelids growing heavier. As the weight of exhaustion pulled me under, a small, determined smile played on my lips. Every day brought me closer to my goal.

Sleep came swiftly, carrying me into the unknown.

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The distant sound of terrified screams rippled through the air, slicing through the palace’s false sense of security. I squinted toward the door, annoyance flickering across my features. What in the world is this racket?

The desperate cries grew louder, mingling with the metallic clang of weapons and the pounding of boots. The palace was in chaos—a symphony of panic and violence

“There’s one maiden here!”

The muffled voice sent a chill down my spine, followed by the unmistakable rhythm of approaching footsteps. I straightened immediately, my muscles tensing as I prepared for what was coming.