Please Leave The Sickly Villainess Alone

Perceiving my startled expression, Luka spoke first.

“There’s a teleportation magic circle within the palace.”

Ah, so the Magic Tower had installed one at the palace as well. What a convenient amenity – I envied the royals.

More importantly, why had Luka come here?

I approached him, able to discern from years of observing him that he was far from alright currently. Cupping his cheek, I asked:

“Why the expression? Are you okay?”

I refrained from inquiring about specifics, certain he must have been deeply shaken – having endured those events passively in the original story.

“I…”

Luka clasped my hand, pressing his lips against the Sun’s Emblem.

His muffled words followed:

“I still cannot comprehend you, Ria.”

The warmth of those lips tickled my hand, yet I couldn’t withdraw it.

“What… don’t you understand?”

Though dozens of thoughts probed my mind, I simply voiced that question instead.

Having rushed here directly from the carriage, leaving the nonchalant Miller and Tharo behind, my heart pounded erratically.

“You were present at the Grand Nobles’ Council too, weren’t you?”

How…?

Separating his lips from my hand, Luka’s crimson eyes, redder than the setting sun, regarded me intently. Those translucent, piercing orbs seemed to strip away any resistance.

“My subordinates went to eliminate the witnesses. Yet when they informed me of spotting you there, I couldn’t believe my ears…”

Luka’s subordinates had been present? Was that lingering gaze I had sensed theirs?

“In that fleeting moment, the palace knights arrived to apprehend the witnesses, leaving my subordinates incapacitated. If those witnesses had been able to testify as intended, I cannot fathom how the situation might have unfolded.”

His gaze fell upon my hand, which he then gripped tightly, his subtle trembling hinting at his contemplation of the worst possibilities.

Witnessing his demeanor, I could no longer dissemble, conceding:

“…Yes, I was there too.”

“Did you come for my sake?”

A faint smile played upon Luka’s lips as he gently inquired.

For his sake? Of course. I had no other motive.

“Well, Drehan kept fretting, so I couldn’t help but worry too… I just couldn’t sit idly by.”

In other words…

“I was concerned for you, so I had no choice.”

As I averted my eyes and confessed candidly, Luka let out a deep sigh.

Fearing a lecture about my reckless actions, I raised my head, prepared to offer further justifications. Yet in that fleeting moment, a pleasant fragrance wafted towards me.

Luka had enveloped me in a warm embrace.

“You truly are…”

His breath caressed the nape of my neck with its warmth.

“Why do you awaken such feelings within me? Why must you always…”

“What are you talking about?”

“Whenever you show concern for me, I desire to imperil myself further, craving more of your undivided attention.”

“You can’t be serious…?”

I attempted to push Luka away, but his expression betrayed no hint of jesting.

“Thank you for your worry, and for coming to me.”

Beholding his slight smile, the tension gradually dissipated.

“You would have done whatever you could to help me too. We are existences deserving of such mutual regard.”

Of course – we had escaped from the Troy Orphanage together as comrades.

My words prompted Luka’s face to bloom into a radiant grin.

Yes, if I could always witness that smile, then I would…

“If you’re thankful, treat me to lunch tomorrow!”

Draping my arms around his neck playfully, I laughed.

* * *

The following day, Luka visited the Ducal estate for our luncheon.

Miller had departed for swordsmanship training, while Dad and Drehan seemed preoccupied forging new noble connections in the aftermath of yesterday’s council.

Thus, Luka and I ventured out together.

Though Tharo had wished to join us, he unfortunately caught Terry’s eye and was promptly co-opted as her playmate.

And so we found ourselves alone in the carriage.

Regarding Marquis Gassen’s fate, Luka informed me that a public execution would be carried out – the price for his reckless, life-risking gambit.

“This is our first time dining out alone together.”

“Indeed. Is this the restaurant Ria had booked reservations for days in advance?”

I nodded. When Luka inquired about my choice, I immediately named the very establishment we were headed towards.

Through the attendants, I had barely managed to secure a reservation there yesterday after our encounter.

Ordinarily, booking a table required at least a week’s advance notice.

Suddenly recalling our previous exchange, I leaned towards Luka mischievously. Caught off guard by our proximity, his ears flushed crimson as he swiftly averted his gaze.

“Serunibeti, wasn’t it? That’s what you had written on the card you gave me – an incantation for happiness?”

“For Ria must become happy, after all.”

“What’s with that earnest tone? It’s rather amusing.”

“Ria shall undoubtedly achieve that state.”

“As will you, Luka. I hope you find happiness too.”

“Serunibeti…”

Murmuring once more, I gently ruffled Luka’s soft hair.

Having never subscribed to such superstitions before, in this singular moment, I truly felt as though uttering those words could manifest their intent. Unable to resist, I whispered that ‘happiness incantation’ again.

Just as Luka’s ears had reddened to an unmistakable degree, prompting an impish urge to caress them, the carriage halted as the coachman announced our arrival.

Retracting my hand, I exclaimed eagerly:

“Let’s go. I’m curious to witness what about this place warranted high praise even from the notoriously acerbic Madam Kelli’s magazine.”

When someone renowned for biting criticism lauds an establishment, it piques one’s intrigue all the more.

Perhaps for that very reason, even during this leisurely late-morning luncheon hour, affluent nobles already lined up before Piet’s Restaurant.

Not literally queuing, of course – they had likely made prior reservations.

Yet a constant stream of patrons flowed in and out, including some renowned grand nobles.

Buoyed by mounting anticipation, I grasped Luka’s hand as we entered the restaurant.

“Welcome… W-We are honored by His Imperial Highness the Crown Prince’s presence!”

The genial host who had greeted us immediately bowed upon recognizing Luka behind me.

With his jet-black hair and crimson eyes symbolic of royalty, the staff paused their duties to respectfully bow as the host directed us according to Luka’s status.

As the other guests craned their necks curiously towards the commotion, I swiftly whispered to the host:

“Please guide us to the table reserved under the Rayes Duchy.”

“Y-Yes, certainly!”

Following him through the main hall and down a corridor, we arrived at a private dining room featuring expansive windows overlooking a lush forest scenery.

Undoubtedly a venue where renowned nobles would convene to discreetly discuss trade secrets or political discourse, this secluded chamber now served as a haven for the two youths who had set the Empire abuzz.

‘How convenient that this world’s lore dictates specific hair colors for identifying individuals.’

Silver tresses signified the Rayes Duchy, while ebony locks denoted royalty – rendering privacy a mere fantasy here.

Despite it being lunchtime, I insisted on ordering the restaurant’s signature dish – a meat stew simmered with garlic and butter.

After placing a simple brunch order, Luka chuckled amusedly at my eagerness.

“I wonder if it will truly suit Ria’s palate.”

“That’s my greatest curiosity as well.”

Having been spoiled by the culinary mastery of Chefs Shrimp and Gaori.

We continued conversing until our awaited dishes arrived.

Taking one bite of the steaming hot stew, my eyes widened in surprise.

‘What… is this…?!’

It didn’t surpass Chefs Shrimp and Gaori’s skills.

Yet their caliber was undoubtedly matched.

High praise indeed – the aroma alone was utterly divine.

“Wow, this is genuinely delicious.”

And just as I took another bite…

Kwabooom!!

A deafening explosion thundered from somewhere, prompting Luka to immediately rise and shield me.

“What, what was that?!”

Didn’t they know not to disturb patrons during meals?

Who could have caused such a disturbance within this sacred dining establishment?

Following Luka’s lead, I too stood up – though not before hastily shoveling another mouthful, loath to let the scrumptious stew grow cold.

“What’s going on?”

Glancing back, Luka responded:

“I’ll go investigate. Ria, remain here and don’t leave this room.”

Retrieving his sword, Luka cautioned me once more.

“I’ll return shortly.”

I nodded.

Even after Luka’s departure, the resounding blasts continued echoing intermittently.

Then, an eerie silence descended, prompting me to cautiously crack open the door and survey the situation.

‘Is it over…?’

Yet what confronted me through that narrow aperture resembled a monstrous aberration straight from the pages of a bestiary.

Its purple eyes gleaming menacingly, the grotesque creature lumbered down the corridor. And by sheer misfortune…

‘It noticed me.’

A chill ran down my spine.

It curled its lips in an unsettling grin, fixing me with its sinister gaze.