Reincarnated as The Villain's Hound

[03] Dispute and Stardew

Yleana was summoned by the prince, and she quickly made her way to his chambers, her mind racing with curiosity about what he wanted to discuss. As she entered the room, she found the prince standing next to Caspian, who was lounging on a couch, looking bored.

"Ah, Yleana, there you are," the prince said with a serious face. "I have someone I want you to meet."

Yleana's eyes fell on Caspian, who was said to be 17  years old, yet carried himself with an air of confidence that was beyond his age. She bowed politely, acknowledging his presence.

"This is Lord Caspian, the Duke's son," the prince said, introducing them. "He's visiting the palace for a short stay."

Caspian looked Yleana up and down, a mischievous glint in his eye. "So, you're the infamous maid that Ignatius can't stop talking about. I expected more from someone who has captured his attention."

Yleana kept her composure, not rising to Caspian's taunts. She had learned to have a thick skin and remain composed in the face of provocation.

"I assure you, Your Grace, I am here to serve the prince and carry out my duties," Yleana replied with a curt nod.

Caspian rolled his eyes, looking unimpressed. "Well, he didn't mention that you were so uptight and formal. You could loosen up a bit, you know. You're not the queen herself."

'this annoying brat...'

The prince chuckled, enjoying the playful banter between Caspian and Yleana. He could see that Caspian was already treating Yleana like an annoying younger brother, and he found it amusing.

"Alright, alright," the prince intervened, stepping between them. "That's enough, Lord Caspian. Yleana is a trusted member of my staff, and I expect you to treat her with respect."

Caspian pouted, crossing his arms over his chest. "Fine, fine. I'll try to contain my overwhelming enthusiasm, Your Highness."

Yleana couldn't help but smirk, finding Caspian's attitude amusing in a childish way. She was used to the prince's unpredictable friends, but Caspian's youthful energy and impulsive behavior were a new experience for her.

As she left the prince's chambers, Yleana couldn't help but reflect on the complexities of palace life. She had to navigate not only the dark and calculating nature of the prince but also the spirited and impulsive personality of Caspian, who seemed to view her as an annoying older sister figure. Despite the challenges, she remained focused on her duty and her resolve to uncover the truth behind Caspian's visit to the palace, knowing that her loyalty to the prince and her role as his trusted maid would be put to the test.

Yleana ana recalls reading the novel "The Virtues of a Traitor" in her past life, where she lived in a world vastly different from the one she currently finds herself in. It's strange to her that she's now living in a world that she previously only read about in a book.

She remembers the story of two feuding families, the Dukedom of the North and South, and their attempt to create an alliance through the marriage of their heirs, Caspian and Maria. The union was meant to strengthen their kingdoms and prepare them for the impending war against the South's armies.

But things went awry when Maria died on her wedding night from poisoning, which turned out to be a suicide. Yleana can't help but wonder if Maria had any other options or if the pressures of the kingdom were just too much for her to handle.

Yleana reconciles with the fact that she is now living in a world that she once only read about in a book. She wonders if there's any connection between her previous life and her current situation. But for now, she knows she needs to focus on her duty to the prince and solving the mystery of the recent deaths in the palace.