(2) Living as the Villainess Queen

Chapter 258

A flicker of interest aroused in the crimson eyes of Mara. Aside from the seven elders, whom he had spent many years with, this was his first time seeing another human being remaining calm in his presence. But to be exact, the seven elders were no ordinary human. Every single chief of the tribe he had encountered so far had all shown repulsive signs and refused to speak with him from the outset.

– I’m fine to be called that. What will your question be?

“There are quite a lot.”

– You’ll only be allowed to ask one. And I too will make my decision according to the question you ask.

Aldrit asked after a moment of contemplation.

“What is the relation between you and Mahar?

Mara let out a guffaw upon hearing the question. He then tossed Aldrit something which he managed to catch in the air.

Aldrit studied the small yet firm object as he held it tightly in his hand. The surrounding was too dark for him to discern its color, but it seemed like a lark seed judging from its shape and size.

– You must give me something in return if you want to know about my secret. Eat. It’s something you’ll have to eat anyway now that you’ve stepped foot in this underground cavern.

Aldrit was reminded of what Mur had told him before he entered the underground cavern.

[… Once you get in there, you’ll be bound by a new spell, and you will be watched henceforth by it]

Mur gave a nod when Aldrit glanced at him. After giving the seed a roll in his hand, Aldrit popped it into his mouth and swallowed without hesitation.

***

Despite having dreamt endlessly all night long, Eugene was feeling surprisingly refreshed as if she’s got a good night’s sleep. Attended by the handmaids, Eugene washed her face and got changed. When she was ready, she gave a long, good stare into her reflection in the big mirror, which her handmaids had brought her. She was studying her dress to be more exact.

She had not brought any of her clothes to change as she had no notion to sleep over when she headed for the Arse manor yesterday. Since they couldn’t have a dress made overnight, she suspected that it was one of Jin’s dresses they had been storing in the manor as it fitted seamlessly to her body.

‘Jin’s… No, it’s actually my room. I would like to see what my room looks like. ‘

“Anika. Shall I bring your breakfast to your room?”

“Breakfast? Isn’t it almost time for lunch?”

“But you still would need to wait for more than an hour.”

“That’s fine. I can wait.”

Eugene jumped up startlingly as she mindlessly reflected on how she had slept through until morning. “Has the Desert King arrived, waiting for me perchance?”

“Yes. Anika.”

“When did he come?”

“Early this morning.”