To be the Villainess

O53.

Chapter 53

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“NOW, NOW,” I whispered, gently pushing aside the slender tree branch obstructing my view of the city. My eyes fell on the bustling crowd below. It was the same as I remembered—vibrant, chaotic—but now there was an unmistakable surge of joy in the air. Perhaps it was because the Emperor had temporarily contained the monsters lurking beneath the colossal tree?

“Festival! The Founding Festival of the Empire!” a young girl’s voice rang out, clear and bright. She waved a crumpled newspaper above her head, her excitement palpable. “Ha! I wish we could go to the capital,” she sighed wistfully, her eyes shimmering with a mix of longing and delight as she gazed at the vivid illustrations on the paper.

I frowned, my brow knitting in confusion. Can’t they celebrate here? Aren’t they part of the empire, too? It felt unjust, almost cruel, that they were barred from the grand festivities at the heart of the kingdom.

A soft nudge on my shoulder snapped me from my thoughts. Chewy rubbed his furry cheek against me before leaping to the ground and transforming into his larger, more formidable form. Beside him stood Kaelios, his imposing frame barely concealed by the shadows of the forest. Who would’ve thought that this beast—a reptile, of all things—would become my ally? But their presence here risked drawing attention, and I needed to remain inconspicuous while searching for the orb.

Why was the orb even here, of all places?

“Kaelios,” I began, my voice soft but firm, “return to the river and stay hidden. I’ll come find you when I can, and I’ll summon you if I need your help.” I reached up to pat his scaled head. He let out a low, reluctant growl, his glowing eyes dimming with unspoken sorrow, but he obeyed. With a swift, silent motion, he vanished into the darkness.

I turned to Chewy, who stared at me with those big, curious eyes. “And you,” I whispered, leaning close, “back to your cute, small form. We can’t have you scaring the locals.” His ears twitched at my words, and I couldn’t resist a playful boop on his nose. In a flash of light, he shrank down, his form shifting into that of a tiny, unassuming cat. He purred and leaped onto my shoulder, his warmth a comforting presence.

I pulled up my hood, a sly smile tugging at my lips. “Time to investigate, huh, Chewy?” I murmured, rubbing my cheek against his soft fur.

As I stepped out of the forest, the lively hum of the city greeted me like an old friend. The crowd enveloped me, a patchwork of vibrant colors and laughter. Though simpler and smaller than the capital, the city pulsed with life. Despite being excluded from the grandeur of the empire’s central festivities, the people here had created their own celebration. Their joy was defiant, a testament to their resilience. Children ran through the streets, their laughter mingling with the upbeat tunes played by local musicians. Vendors called out cheerfully, their stalls adorned with bright banners and trinkets.

“Skewers!” I whispered excitedly, my eyes lighting up as I spotted a vendor grilling them over an open flame. The savory aroma wafted through the air, stirring memories of simpler times. Oh, how I’d missed this. I hadn’t tasted these in months. My stomach growled in anticipation as I hurried over, eager to relive the familiar flavors of home.

I inhaled deeply, savoring the smoky aroma that wafted from the grill. It was rich, savory, and irresistible. I reached for the small pouch hanging from my belt. Good thing I’d brewed a few elixirs to sell along the way—alchemy might be tricky, but it’s a reliable way to earn some coin when you’re on the road with nothing else. I rummaged through the pouch, pulling out a handful of coins, their weight reassuring in my palm.