Extra's POV: My Obsessive Villainous Fiancee Is The Game's Final Boss-Chapter 27: Report

Ren sat in his quarters, absently running a hand over the smooth wooden desk in front of him.

He had to admit that the room he had been given was impressive.

Nice, big, and most importantly, soft bed, soft sheets, a nice big window to let the light of the sun in, a hearth, and of course, the desk and chair for any personal work.

It reminded him of a hotel room. That was the same feeling he was getting.

The Underwood estate was certainly grand and beautiful, but it wasn't home.

The air carried the scent of pine and cold stone, and despite the warmth of the hearth, the place felt distant. Foreign.

So much time has passed that I didn't even know when the Ross castle became home.

At least, there was no denying that his betrothed was from a... rich family.

Well, he'd have to uplift the Ross family.

It was times like this that made him wish he could grow up faster. No one likes being poor.

He exhaled as he turned back to Thorn, who stood in front of him with his usual easy confidence, arms crossed at his back.

Foll𝑜w current novℯls on ƒrēewebnoѵёl.cσm.

"Report."

"The soldiers are settling in well." Thorn informed him. "Their accommodations are better than expected. The Underwood family treats its guests well."

Ren nodded, but that wasn't what he was interested in. "And?"

Thorn smirked. "And I've been gathering information, just like you asked."

Ren leaned forward, interested. Thorn's imbued earrings were one of the reasons he was seriously considering turning the boy into his personal guard.

The earrings were powerful, enhancing Thorn's ability to pick up conversations and piece together details that others wouldn't have been able to get.

"Lilith Underwood is... unique." Thorn said, hesitating.

"Just say it." Ren sighed.

"From what I could hear, her family both reveres and are repulsed by her. She has some kind of Divine Gift and they see it as a blessing and a curse."

"She is the youngest daughter of Lord Underwood, yet she stands apart from her siblings in more ways than just age."

"While her sisters are treated as noble daughters expected to marry well, Lilith is kept at a distance.Simply put, they acknowledge her strength, but they do not embrace her."

Ren hummed. "They isolate her."

Thorn nodded once. "For her own good, they say. But in reality, it's for theirs."

"No one knows the limit to her Divine Gift, and it terrifies them. Even Lord Underwood, despite his affection, is hesitant around her."

"I got most of this information from listening to the servants, and they... pity you."

Ren chuckled at hearing that. "What else did they say?"

"They whisper among themselves about the way flowers wilt when she is upset, about how even Knights hesitate before approaching her."

Ren frowned. "So she's spent her life knowing that even her own family fears her."

Thorn exhaled. "Exactly. I wonder just how lonely she is."

While Ren also didn't know the answer to that question, he could relate. That kind of loneliness. It does things to a person.

He pulled out the chair and sat, drumming his fingers against the desk as he thought.

He had suspected that this was the case, but hearing it confirmed was another thing entirely.

If he wanted to change Lilith's fate, there was only one thing he had to do.

From Lilith's wiki, the price of using her Gift are her emotions. The more she used it, the less human she became.

So, all he had to do was make sure her emotions remained intact and not let her use her power.

So, he'd make her emotionally attached to him. He had to become her anchor.

That's it!

He had to become a constant in her life, someone who didn't see her as a monster.

"Good work." Ren finally said, looking up. "Anything else?"

Thorn nodded. "You'll be invited to lunch soon. Just thought you should know."

Ren smirked. "Always looking out for me."

Thorn grinned. "Someone has to."

Ren dismissed him, then leaned back in his chair, staring at the ceiling as Thorn left.

Loneliness. That was the key. It was the one thing they shared between them.

If he could get her to see that, to recognize him as someone who understood, he might just be able to reach her before it was too late.

There was a knock on the door, pulling him from his thoughts. A servant entered, bowing respectfully. "Lord Ren, Lady Lilith has invited you for a walk in the gardens."

Ren raised a brow. He hadn't been expecting that.

"Thorn." He called out, speaking normally. A second later, Thorn was outside the door, as if he had already been expecting it.

Ren turned back to the room, and flipped one of his imbued coins to the top of the desk.

If anything goes wrong with Lilith, he'll teleport back here to safety.

With that done, he adjusted his clothes and stepped out.

He was led through the halls of the estate, Thorn following behind as his silent shadow.

As they walked, Ren spoke. "We'll need to keep up with training while we're here. If we're staying for a while, I can't afford to stagnate."

Thorn nodded. "Agreed. I can scout out the best locations for sparring. The Underwood knights are skilled, but they have a different way of fighting. Could be useful to observe."

"Do that." Ren said. "And see if you can find out more about their Bloodbinding techniques. If there's anything unique, I want to know."

Before long, they reached the gardens and waiting there for them was Lilith, her arms crossed as Elias stood beside her, his stance ever-watchful.

"My lady." Ren greeted with a smile.

Lilith stared at him for a beat before turning to Elias. "Stand guard here."

Elias hesitated. "My lady—"

"I'll be fine." She insisted. "Just wait here."

Ren met Elias's gaze and, sensing his reluctance, added, "Thorn can stay with him."

Thorn smirked but gave a mock bow. "I'll keep him entertained."

Elias still looked unsure, but at the look in Lilith's eyes, he finally relented.

Ren stepped forward, falling in step beside her as they began their walk.

They moved in silence at first, the sound of their footsteps barely audible as they strolled.

Lilith's hands were clasped behind her back as she tried to keep her expression neutral. Ren could feel how... tense she was, but he remained patient.

Then, finally, she spoke.

"What's your deal?"