Stonewood

Richard Gredig. The sight of him sent a chill through me that somehow boiled my blood. I'd always hated his route the most and after reliving Aurelie's interactions with him through her memories…

"It isn't right the way His Highness treats you, Lady Scelerat. You are to be the moon of the empire, yet he ignores you for Sarah."

His gloved finger brushed Aurelie's chin as she stared into the aquamarine jewels hidden behind his polished glasses. She knew she couldn't trust him, that he was using her to remove his romantic competition. So why couldn't she look away?

"He won't listen to me," Aurelie whispered. She clutched her chest, trying to calm her pounding heart as he brought his face closer. She could smell the sweetness of his breath, the rich fullness of his cologne.

"Then you need to dissuade her from seeking him. Remind her of his engagement and his responsibility to the empire."

She hated it. Hated that the only person looking at her had his true sights set on that retched commoner. How, oh how, she'd grown to hate that girl. Who cared if she could combine elemental magic? She didn't know the first thing about budgets, agriculture, diplomacy, or any of the other million facets of becoming empress.

"I-I will. I'll remind them both. Just promise me when the time comes that you'll stay by my side."

"I promise. The Gredig Trading Co. will work hand in hand with you once you ascend the throne whether Sarah chooses me or not, so long as you uphold your duty."

She nodded, pulling away from the man's delectable scent. Was it wrong to desire the affections of the only man who showed her compassion? Who didn't pity her, but instead acknowledged and aided her. The emperor and her family were already breathing down her throat, threatening to disown and exile her if she didn't do something drastic. If only Richard loved her, if he would only spirit her away and protect her behind his fortune and influence…

I'd cried when I awoke from the dream. Well, I cried after every dream I had of Aurelie's life. But it was a perfect opportunity. For whatever reason, the male lead was in Purga alone with what seemed to be only Ajax and his bandits for protection. The death of Richard Gredig would prove my devotion and be my first step towards becoming a true villainess.

Assuming I can kill him. I wish I could just order Yahime to kill him now.

The greatest drawback of Yahime's gained awareness. With the mental capacity of a child, it felt wrong for me to order her to kill when she no longer wanted to. No decent mother would ever do that and whether I liked it or not, that was what I was to Yahime. Despite being weaker, her wellbeing and growth had become my responsibility and I refused to push my ideals on her like my parents had me. It was stupid, but I refused to budge on the matter.

All I could do was watch as my target bickered with his ogreish mercenary while retreating back into the forest.

"Transform into your human form so you don't scare the villagers. They're probably still on edge, but I'm not going to pass up the opportunity to sleep indoors again."

Yahime didn't answer. She didn't feel temperature or sleep so she couldn't understand.

***

"I thought I told you bastards to leave us alone!" the old raspy voice of the rabbit person yelled from atop the wall as we approached. "We ain't got nothing left to say to you."

"I'm not part of the bandits. I'm just a traveler looking to meet with…" I tried to remember the name Bixey had given. "I want to talk with Lucinda."

"Then you're talking to her. Now state your business unless you and your cloaked friend want to become pincushions."

Despite her threat, I didn't feel endangered. Her tone alone betrayed the emptiness of her threat.

"My friend Bixey told me to come here."

Lucinda's ears perked up at Bixey's name.

"She told you to come alone? That old fox would never have sent a stranger to us."

"That's because…" I didn't want to say it aloud. "She sent us here alone because she died."

The clatter of a cane came from behind the wall and the perked rabbit ears disappeared. I could understand the shock.

"Dead you say." Lucinda's voice was somber but tinged with angry disbelief. "And why should I trust a human? For all we know, you have her imprisoned and tortured the information from her to blackmail us into opening the gates."

I'll have to tell the truth. I just hope they'll believe me.

So I did. About the fate of the resistance and Shiro's betrayal. About how Bixey's kindness had led to her demise. I omitted the part about Yahime absorbing her soul; I would tell them once we'd built up a rapport. I also left out my own origin, fabricating a half-truth about being exiled and saving Bixey from the slavers.

"Then it's true… We'd wondered why there'd been no contact with the young ones. To think… We'll open the gate for you. Just hurry in."

I slipped in the instant they cracked the gate, only to be greeted by a small group of villagers brandishing farm tools and crude weapons. It reminded me of the Edgeton residents and their pointless mob. How had these people survived so long?

"Now tell us your name." The nervous chatter of the crowd died when Lucinda spoke and they parted as she approached. "Your relationship with Bixey seems credible enough. I also know she would never intentionally put her home village in danger."

"My name is Kyomi and this," I motioned to Yahime beside me, "is my friend Yahime."

Lucinda's eyes narrowed when she noticed Yahime who, even with her disguise, still seemed to absorb light around her.

"Kyomi. I've never heard of such a name. An alias?"

Crap. They're an isolated village so I'd hoped they wouldn't know anything about human names. It's not like I can just say "hey, I'm from another world where you're all characters in a video game". They'd think I'm insane and might even try to kill me on the spot. The last thing I want to do is fight Bixey's hometown.

"It is, and I'd prefer to keep it that way until we get to know one another more. I promise I'm not here for malicious reasons. I just needed a place to stay until I could stand on my own in Purga."

It was true. While I was wrapped in the cloak I'd pilfered from Murus, the beastfolk were, as a whole, scantily dressed for the weather. I knew Bixey's body had run hot. She'd rolled on top of me enough in her sleep. Not that I'd minded the warmth. Having fur was likely the only reason they could survive in such harsh conditions.

"Hmph. Well I don't see a reason to turn you away. You must be exhausted from your journey if you came from Edgeton, just the two of you. I know the monsters are more active in the southern parts of the forest and those bandits are always hungry for blood. Follow me."

A middle-aged rabbitman with grey fur blocked my path.

"You're too trusting, mother! She's still a human. You know they're a species that loves to lie."

Lucinda grimaced and returned to her son. Then she smacked his ears.

"You might be next in line for elder, but you're not elder yet. Don't go thinkin you can make these sorts of decisions on your own. I said we're accepting them as our guests and that's damn well what we'll do."

"But—"

"No buts, Taro! You're a grown ass man. Stop acting like a child and show some hospitality." She gave a stern look to the other villagers. "That goes for the rest of you, too. I'm not telling you to welcome the human with open arms, but I won't tolerate any hostility. We've enough to deal with already."

To my surprise and awe, no one argued. Some grumbled under their breath. Some even glared. But all lowered their improvised weapons and the group dispersed.

"Now come along. Taro and I were just about to eat before that crystal eyed fool and his beast interrupted us."