Reincarnated as the Villainess’s Unlucky Bodyguard

As they exited the throne room, Ananara continued its monologue of self-praise, rattling off a list of its many imaginary accomplishments. Liria trudged toward her room, exhaustion weighing on her like a lead cloak. Enara followed close behind, snickering at every exasperated look Liria threw at the talking fruit.

"You really should write a book, Liria," Enara teased. "It could be called 'The Adventures of a Pineapple Whisperer.'"

"Not funny," Liria muttered.

Just as they reached the hallway leading to Liria's chambers, a familiar figure darted around the corner.

"Liria!" Milara exclaimed, her soft curls bouncing as she sprinted forward. Before Liria could react, Milara wrapped her arms around her in a tight embrace, her warm cheek pressing against Liria's soot-streaked shoulder.

Liria froze, feeling her exhaustion multiply. "Milara," she said, her voice flat, "I just survived a dungeon. Please don't—"

But Milara was already pulling back to look her in the eyes, a hopeful glint in her gaze. "Does this mean you've finally changed your mind? We can get married now, right? I even picked out flowers for the ceremony!"

"Still no," Liria said firmly, stepping back.

Milara's expression wavered for a moment before her eyes landed on Ananara, who was currently lounging in Liria's arms. The cheerful smirk on Milara's face vanished, replaced by a look of sheer determination.

"And who," Milara said, pointing dramatically at the pineapple, "is this?"

Ananara puffed itself up, raising its tiny arms in a show of authority. "I am Ananara, Sovereign of the Sweet Sands! Kneel before me, rival, for I claim dominion over this realm and Liria's favor!"

Liria blinked, momentarily stunned by the sheer absurdity of the moment.

Milara's eyes narrowed. "Rival, you say? How dare you assume you can challenge me for Liria's heart?!"

"Oh no," Liria muttered, already regretting her life choices.

"This isn't a competition, because I've already won!" Ananara declared, gesturing dramatically with its stubby arms.

"You?!" Milara scoffed, hands on her hips. "You're just a glorified fruit with delusions of grandeur!"

"I am no mere fruit!" Ananara shot back. "I am a legend! My intellect and charm are unmatched, as is my sweetness!"

Liria took one step back. Then another. Seeing her opportunity, she turned to Enara and whispered, "I'm leaving this circus to you."

"Wait—what?!" Enara began, but Liria was already slipping into her room and shutting the door firmly behind her.

"Have fun," she called through the wood, before letting out a long sigh of relief.

Finally alone, she let the chaos fade into the background and crossed the room to her private bath. The warm glow of enchanted lanterns lit the space, and the steaming water in the tub beckoned to her like a promise of salvation.

Slipping into the hot water, Liria felt the tension in her muscles melt away. For the first time in hours, she could relax.

[Congratulations on surviving the day. Barely.]

"Don't start," she thought, leaning her head back against the tub.

[It's not criticism. Simply an observation. Although, given the pineapple's dramatic tendencies, I estimate a 73% chance this rivalry ends in property damage.]

Liria snorted. "Honestly, I wouldn't be surprised."

[Would you like a status update while you have a moment of peace?]

"Sure," she thought. "Might as well see what I earned for all that chaos."

With a blink, the familiar glowing interface appeared before her.

[Status Update:]

Name: Liria Silverthorn

Level: 13

Experience: 5/3000

Health: 1700/1700

Magic: 1200/1200

Attributes:

Strength: 38

Agility: 40

Endurance: 38

Intelligence: 28

Magic: 48

Abilities:

Swordsmanship (Level 3 > 4)

Endurance Training (Level 3 > 4)

Fireball (Level 4)

Ember Swipe (Level 3)

Blade Mastery (Level 2 > 3)

Inferno Burst (Level 2)

Hellstorm (Level 1)

"Not bad," Liria thought, a small smile tugging at her lips.

[Your progress is steady, though I recommend focusing on your endurance and intelligence. Surviving an academy full of demons will require wit as much as strength.]

"Right. Because surviving a demon academy sounds so easy," Liria replied sarcastically. "What's next? Combat etiquette lessons from a sentient cucumber?"

[Unlikely. Statistically speaking, Ananara will be the most eccentric companion you encounter. Though I can't rule out surprises.]

She rolled her eyes but found herself chuckling. "Great. Can't wait."

After soaking for a while longer, she dried off and dressed in fresh clothes. As she stepped back into her room, muffled shouting from the hallway reached her ears.

"—a mistake to underestimate me!" Milara's voice carried, filled with righteous fury.

"You're all talk and no action!" Ananara shot back. "Bow to your superior, lesser mortal!"

Liria sighed, running a hand through her damp hair. "Tomorrow's going to be a nightmare, isn't it?"

[Undoubtedly.]

"Great. Something to look forward to," she muttered, stepping away from her desk and toward the door. As she opened it, the scene outside was as chaotic as she had expected.

Milara and Ananara were still locked in their heated argument in the hallway.

"You can't even walk on your own! What kind of rival are you?!" Milara shouted, pointing an accusatory finger at the pineapple.

Ananara waved its tiny arms dramatically. "How dare you insult my noble stature? You may have legs, but I have flair! And charisma unmatched in this realm or any other!"

Liria shook her head. "I need a vacation," she mumbled under her breath.

At that moment, the door across the hall creaked open, and Enara stepped out, freshly dressed in clean clothes. Her dark hair was damp, and she raised an eyebrow at the commotion in the hallway.

"Still at it?" Enara asked, giving Milara and Ananara an amused glance.

"They've been at it since I got back," Liria replied with a shrug. "Honestly, I'm impressed they haven't tried to physically fight yet."

Milara whirled toward Liria, her expression full of righteous indignation. "I wouldn't waste my time. Besides, what would you even do if I disappeared?" Read latest chapters at empire

"Sleep better at night?" Liria offered dryly.

Ananara puffed itself up, hopping in Liria's direction. "A wise choice, Champion! Your loyalty to me is commendable!"

"Don't push it," Liria said, picking the pineapple up by its leafy top and holding it at arm's length.

Enara grinned. "Well, if we're done with the theatrics, it's dinnertime. You coming?"

"Yeah, yeah," Liria replied, setting Ananara down carefully before the pineapple could protest.

The group made their way down the wide stone halls, the air filled with the sound of their footsteps and Ananara's ongoing declarations of glory.

The dining hall was as grand as ever, with high vaulted ceilings, long tables adorned with silverware, and the faint scent of roasted meat and spiced wine lingering in the air. Daena was already seated at the head of the table, her sharp gaze sweeping over the room. Despite her relaxed posture, there was a commanding presence about her that made everyone tread carefully.

"Ah, the dungeon delinquents return," Daena said, a small smirk tugging at her lips.

Liria felt her shoulders tense slightly under the weight of Daena's gaze.