Living As the Villainess Queen

Kasser carefully stowed away the note exchanged with Eugene in his leather pouch, then retrieved the kings’ missives. Thus far, there had been no noteworthy updates. Despite departing later than his counterparts, Kasser’s progress towards the buffer zone remained unremarkably on schedule.

However, today brought a new addition, and the contents were unsettling.

[I have reached the vicinity of the capital. Upon receiving strange news, I immediately redirected my course back to the kingdom. Unusual occurrences are unfolding. No one can approach the capital. It’s difficult to explain in words. Nicholas.]

Beneath, Kasser penned his response:

[I will hasten my journey. Expect my arrival within two days. Kasser.]

Followed by a string of replies from the other kings:

[It seems we shall arrive tomorrow afternoon. Richard.]

[There may be delays, but I shall endeavor to expedite my travel. Ferrard.]

[Let us strive to reach the capital by day’s end. Akil.]

[Riner.]

Riner’s question lingered in Nicholas’s mind as he sealed the notebook shut. His gaze drifted upward towards the imposing silhouette of the capital.

A mere two hundred paces separated him from the city gates. He could venture closer, perhaps another hundred paces, but access beyond that threshold remained forbidden. Nicholas had confirmed this through multiple expeditions, both by sending warriors and by personal visits.

Though the primary objective lay in defeating the monster within the capital, Nicholas found his focus diverging. With the assurance that other kings would address the creature, he resolved to channel all his efforts into rescuing the trapped citizens.

The remedy Eugene had shared with Nicholas wasn’t sourced from Alber, as he had misunderstood. It stemmed from her visions of the future, glimpsed through Alber’s activated magic. Yet, Eugene saw no need to rectify Nicholas’s misconception. Given the origin of her foresight, she deemed the remedy legitimate.

Nicholas harbored a desire to meet the individual who had provided him with his mother’s remedy, intending to express his gratitude. This person had not only saved his mother but also him.

Despite living alongside his mother, the depth of his affection remained concealed. Rather than resigning himself to fate like other kings might have, he felt a fervent determination burning within him. Had his mother passed away as she nearly did, his heart would have borne scars lasting a lifetime.

Following his mother’s recovery and her heartfelt apology, the wounds in Nicholas’s heart found solace. He experienced a miracle that painted the world in newfound beauty.

Since departing the Hashi Kingdom, Nicholas had meticulously orchestrated his plans. Having previously dispatched warriors to aid the other kings at the behest of the Fourth King, he possessed intimate knowledge of the location and layout of the prison housing his benefactor. Soldiers had already been tasked with assessing the current circumstances, ensuring a swift rescue operation.

Is this also the work of witchcraft? Nicholas pondered, his brow furrowed with concern. His meticulously laid plans had yet to unfold, and with his inability to enter the capital, he felt powerless. Normally, guards would be stationed atop the city walls above the gates, yet presently, there was no sign of any sentries.

He realized anew how important information was. If he had encountered this situation without any knowledge of magic, fear might have gripped him, attributing the circumstances to divine intervention. However, armed with the understanding that a monster was behind the chaos, his emotions swelled with anger.

Summoning his warriors, Nicholas issued commands. “We will camp here for the night. Make the necessary preparations.”

“Yes, Your Majesty,” came the dutiful response.

The original rendezvous point for the kings lay further back, yet Nicholas found no urgency in adhering to it. Deceiving Sang-je regarding the kings’ delayed assembly was no longer a paramount concern.

As dusk descended, King Akil arrived. The following day, King Richard joined, and the day after, all kings save the Dark King convened in front of the capital.

Inside the tent, five kings gathered around a table, deliberating on how to overcome the obstacle preventing their approach to the capital. Yet, no clear solution emerged. The situation seemed absurd, as they hadn’t anticipated Sang-je’s unconventional tactics.

“For now, let’s attempt something. I’ll investigate firsthand,” Riner proposed, rising abruptly before departing the tent. With a dramatic swing of his arms, he assumed a determined stance before dashing towards the capital.

As Riner’s pace accelerated, a faint red energy enveloped him, akin to a floating flame above the ground. The other kings observed closely as he neared the city gate, tension etched on their faces.

At precisely one hundred paces away, Riner encountered the same phenomenon. Unable to approach directly, he was compelled to veer alongside the wall. The outcome mirrored the observations made by the soldiers sent earlier.

It might have seemed as though Riner, running at full speed, had collided with an imperceptible barrier obstructing his path toward the city wall. Yet, to onlookers observing from afar, it appeared as if Riner had abruptly altered course, skirting along the perimeter of the wall.