Epilogue

“Maybe if I walk away now, then I might escape before anyone notices,” Gwen muttered, pacing outside the entrance to the throne. Through the doorway, she could hear the King’s loud voice as he continued his speech.

Luckily, they allowed her to wear her adventurous outfit. It went a long way toward making her feel better. The major downside was that they wouldn’t let any of her parties come today, which included Bun-Li. So she was alone, and it sucked.

Maybe I should’ve asked Duke Vanderick and his family to come. It would be better than having to be surrounded by fake people who, over a month ago, wanted pretty much dead.

It’s been a week since Adrian and Damien were put in custody, and the silver-haired mage’s life hasn’t gotten any better. If anything, it’s only grown worse, and she’s sick of it. Between the nobles sucking up and the regular people apologizing, everything began to grow tedious.

Gwen threw her arms up in frustration. I just wanted to be an adventurer, but I somehow got wrapped up in a plot to assassinate the king!

A sigh escaped her lips, and she couldn’t help but shake her head. Oh, why was she cursed to deal with this when all she wanted was peace? The only bright side was finding out Adrian set up Die in the anime. Apparently, before ‌Gwen became the villainess, she overheard him talking to one of his minions, and she decided to look into it.

If I had gone back to the Duke’s home, I would’ve discovered all of this sooner.

The villainess loved to take notes and, ironically, had enough dirt to take him down. Still doesn’t make sense, but that's an Otome anime for you. Do they ever make sense?

“Gwendolyn!” a voice boomed from behind her.

Gwen spun around to the Duke, who was marching toward her, a smile on his face. A woman who shared the same looks as her and the same icy gaze walked next to him. Her eyes widened, and she realized this was the first time she had met the villainess's mother. During the engagement, it was just her father, and immediately after, she left for the church and then registered as an adventurer.

“Like that, honey, our daughter is so stunned to see us she hasn’t said anything yet,” Duke Vanderick said, quickly approaching her.

His wife snorted, her eyes shining with amusement.

I guess Gwen took after her mother; if anything is to get by, she thought to herself, but out loud said, “Hi… I wasn’t expecting you guys to be here.”

“Like we would miss our precious daughter receiving an award for saving the king’s life! Gosh, I can’t wait to brag about it to the other nobles.”

“I see…”

“Don’t mind your father, he’s just excited to see you.” Gwen’s mom tried to touch her shoulder, but Gwen stepped back. Awkwardly, the older woman lowered her hand.

“Yeah, sorry. With adventuring, I’ve been busy.” Gwen replied, ignoring the frown on the woman’s face.

The Duke crossed his arms and stared down at her. “That’s no excuse, young lady, for not keeping in touch with your family.”

“Your siblings have been worried sick over you,” his wife added softly.

Hesitating, Gwen opened and closed her mouth multiple times. Finally, when she was about to talk, a loud voice cut her off.

“I now introduce you to my savior and protector of the kingdom! Gwendolyn Vanderick!” Loud applause followed after the King finished speaking.

Hesitantly, Gwen looked at both ‌people in front of her. An indescribable feeling bubbled up in her chest, and she couldn't tell what it was. Guilt, sadness, anger? Deep down, she felt they deserved the truth, to at least know what happened to their actual daughter.

“Come, Gwendolyn, don’t just stand there staring!” Duke Vanderick said, eyes sparkling. “We can talk later, but you deserve this! Have a smile on your face and approach the king.”

“You’re just saying that because you want to brag.”

His face turned red, and he sputtered out a reply.

His wife, shaking her head, spoke up in his place. “Go on, I promise we’ll be right here for you.”

With one last look at both of them, Gwen took a deep breath and turned. Mustering up all ‌her courage, she pushed the grandiose doors. Head held high, she marched forward and ignored the surrounding whispers.

A glance showed only a few nobles, roughly thirty of them, not including her parents. And while some people judged her for dressing like a peasant overall, they didn’t say anything too bad. A win compared to recent days.

Gwen marched swiftly across the red carpet, doing her best to only stare at the king on his throne and nowhere else. Her heart hammered against her chest as she grew closer before finally stopping.

The king was dressed in a lavish white robe with purple and golden lining. On his head was a golden crown embedded with jewels. On his right was his wife, wearing a similar gown but black instead. She entered st Gwen with slight scrutiny but didn't say anything. She glanced to the left and saw the seat Eric was in empty.

Strange… I wonder where he could be

Realizing she was staring too long, Gwen dropped to one knee and bowed her head. “I’m sorry, Your Highness, for my rude manners. I was in awe, having the fortune of being allowed into the castle.”

“Always so good with words,” the king chuckled. “There’s no need to bow your head after saving my life and those of the kingdom.”

Raising her head, Gwen gave the King a small smile. “You honor me, my king, with such kind words.”

“Nonsense, we were once—”

“I think we should get on with why we’re here, husband,” the queen spoke up.

The king cleared his throat. “My apologies, Gwen,” he said, raising his voice. “Today I’ve gathered everyone to announce contributions given by Gwendolyn Vanderick in rooting out traitors to the kingdom.”

The room went quiet, and Gwen could feel everyone staring at them.

“Since she already turned down marrying into the royal family, the first anyone has done of that,” the king paused as the people chuckled. “The greatest reward I can give the one who saved our lives is the title of Special Investigator to the Crown!”

Gwen’s eyes widened in shock. “S-special investigator?”

The King nodded his head. “I thought it would be the best way to not only allow you to continue adventuring without something like this happening again, but also because there are still followers of the Dark Lord out there.”

“And if there are any in the kingdom, you want me to take them down.” Gwen finished.

“Exactly, we also give you money and one promise from the crown that I’ll do everything in my power to fulfill.”

“W-wow, t-that’s,” Gwen stuttered before taking a deep breath and gathering herself. She bowed deeply. “Thank you so much, my lord.”

“Think nothing of it, my dear! Now give her a round of applause for being the first Special Investigator!”

The entire room broke out in clapping that thundered around her ears. Gwen couldn’t help the huge smile that grew on her face and the warmth that bubbled up in her chest.