I Became the Villain's Master - Chapter 135
Chapter 135
Eckart Manor.
Aria tossed and turned, sleep eluding her.
‘Will everything be alright?’
Since discovering she was the princess, she’d thought nothing could be more unsettling.
‘Rosie…’
Attending the recent Holy Festival with Terrion as her partner felt like a dream. Her wavering feelings for him had solidified into certainty.
And simply being with Rosette, her ultimate role model, had brought her immense joy. But…
The servant’s serpentine smile. The blackened corpse. Everything that happened to Rosette plagued Aria’s mind.
‘These incidents began after Emperor Cedric’s ascension.’
Her half-brother, Emperor Cedric. Mysterious disappearances had started happening after he became emperor. Everything felt suspicious.
‘Someone is targeting Rosie.’
The fact that someone targeting Rosette had infiltrated the palace deeply disturbed her.
Unable to sleep, Aria finally sat up. Pacing her room, contemplating a brief walk, she noticed something and tilted her head.
“Hmm…?” Something was writhing in the corner. Was the shadow moving? Was it the puppy her maid had recently brought?
It had been so fluffy and adorable. A rustling sound broke the silence.
“What is that…?”
Aria slowly approached the source of the sound.
“Becky? I told you not to wander around.”
Smiling, Aria walked towards the corner, then froze.
“…?”
The shadow, as if alive, squirmed and slowly crept toward her. Aria suddenly sensed danger.
‘A shadow…?’
She recalled the moment at the Holy Festival when she’d followed the servant with Rosette. The black energy emanating from the servant’s body.
Why did that memory surface now? The moving shadow felt like a supernatural phenomenon.
‘Is it magic…?’
She’d heard Duke Eckart was investigating something. Could this be related? Instinctively backing away, Aria spoke, her voice trembling. “Is anyone there?”
The shadow continued its advance, its speed increasing. Aria cleared her throat and called out for her guards. “Right now…!”
Suddenly, the door burst open, revealing a familiar face.
“Foul dark magic at play.”
It was Kiris, the Tower Lord, his red eyes and silver hair unmistakable. He ushered Aria behind him and immediately cast a spell.
Magical energy erupted from his fingertips, instantly enveloping the shadow. The creeping darkness shuddered violently upon contact with the magic, then vanished.
“Are you alright?” Kiris asked. Aria, frozen stiff, slowly nodded.
“Yes… Tower Lord, is that you…?”
“Indeed.”
“This is…”
Aria’s trembling lips moved without sound. Once she regained her composure, she looked at Kiris and asked, “…Is this the same dark magic from the Holy Festival?”
He clicked his tongue, touching the lingering traces of dark magic on the floor.
“It is. Even Eckart Manor isn’t safe.”
“Then… what should we do?”
“War is imminent. Stay safe. I will watch over you, there’s no need to worry.”
With those words, Kiris turned to leave.
“Wait.” Aria stopped him. “Did Rosie ask you? To protect me.”
“….”
Kiris paused, then gave a slight nod before disappearing with a teleport. Worried servants rushed in after him.
“My lady!”
“Are you alright?”
Comforted by their concern, Aria smiled, a realization dawning on her.
‘It’s not safe.’
Nowhere in the empire was safe. And… ‘I am the princess.’ Aria felt the weight of her birthright settle upon her.
* * *
[Dark Magic Manifests in Eckart Manor]
The empire’s citizens were in shock. Dark magic incidents had ceased, and peace had returned. Yet, traces of dark magic were found in the most noble Eckart family’s manor.
The news threw the imperial palace into chaos.
“The Eckart family has joined forces with the Tower. Maintaining neutrality all this time, only to betray the palace from behind…!”
The nobles expressed their outrage, criticizing Duke Eckart.
“Your Majesty, the Tower mages used dark magic! The Eckart family is preparing a rebellion!”
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