To be the Villainess

O59.

Chapter 59

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third person

THE CHILLING sound of the real Arthemice’s laughter echoed through the grand halls of the palace, a haunting melody that sent shivers down the spines of all who dared breathe within her reach. Blood painted the once-pristine floors as she mercilessly cut down anyone who moved, her silver-white hair stained with streaks of crimson. Time ticked agonizingly on, each passing hour fueling her rage at Faerie’s absence.

“It’s getting dreadfully dull. Where in the hell is she?!” Her voice sliced through the air, sharp and commanding, as her ginger-colored eyes glimmered with a sinister light.

Her gaze locked onto the Emperor. Without warning, she vanished from her spot, reappearing before him in a flash. Her hand shot out, gripping his face with such force that he winced. “Should I start the fire now, Reynald? Hmm?” she purred, her voice dripping with mockery, her lips curling into a wicked smile.

The Emperor thrashed in her grasp, his body trembling under her hold. His futile resistance only deepened her amusement, and a cruel, menacing laugh escaped her. “Oh, how I love that reaction! Pathetic... absolutely delightful. Fine, I’ll grant you a little more time. Consider it my generosity.”

To mock him further, she tapped his nose with a condescending smile. His glare was fierce, but he didn’t dare move again.

Arthemice tilted her head, her expression transforming into one of dark delight. “Oh, did I mention? My mother’s body is truly extraordinary. With a little magic, I can strip you of all your power—leave you weak, helpless, and at my mercy. Doesn’t that sound fun?” Her laughter, sharp and cold, filled the room as she floated effortlessly into the air, her figure exuding both grace and malice.

The Crown Prince Lumine, Lady Cecelia, Lord Darious, and Zacharias narrowed their eyes, glaring at the woman before them. Each of their faces bore a mixture of tension and disbelief. Meanwhile, Lady Athena’s usually vibrant gaze was dulled, her eyes empty and lifeless, as though the spark of her soul had been extinguished.

‘Damn it! Why did I let my guard down when I met her?!’ the Crown Prince cursed inwardly, his fists clenched so tightly that his knuckles turned white. When she first captured them, they’d all thought she was Arthemice or the Lady Intruder they’d come to care for. But now the horrifying truth loomed over them: they had been deceived, manipulated into a web of her making.

Hovering above the trembling crowd, Arthemice’s gaze swept across the room, predatory and calculating. “Oh, how perfect this is!” she mused, her voice soft but dripping with malice. “I’ll turn every single one of you into nourishment for my masterpiece. Isn’t it poetic, Reynald? I’m granting your deepest wish—destroying this kingdom you’ve ruled so selfishly. And here’s the best part…” Her voice dropped to a venomous whisper. “…you’ll be part of the carnage too.”

The Emperor’s eyes widened, his expression contorted with rage and disbelief. ‘I thought she was Artemisia… Why in the gods’ name has that useless child’s soul taken the body of my beloved?!’ His breath hitched as he stared at her, a desperate thought clawing at the edges of his mind. ‘Where is my Artemisia?!’

The sunlight streamed through the shattered windows, casting an ominous glow on the chaos below. It caught the malevolent gleam in Arthemice’s eyes, making them burn like molten gold—unforgiving and unyielding.

‘The way you were fooled by my plea. The way you groveled under the Emperor’s hand. The way you trained relentlessly, only to return with nothing but failure—all your sacrifices rendered meaningless. Oh, how I relish it!’ Arthemice’s lips twisted into a cruel smile as her gaze swept over the blood-soaked carnage. ‘Oh, Faerie... How delicious this revenge tastes.’