I Was the Hero, But She Turned Me Into the Villain-Chapter 24 - 23 : Riesenhart – Part 2

—So... will you be my escort? —she asked, with that resolved smile on her face.

"...I’ll never be bitten by vipers again." I thought, looking straight into her eyes.

—Just for today —I replied with indifference.

***

As we walked down the corridors, the silence between us became almost uncomfortable. Clarisse didn’t speak, but she kept glancing at me out of the corner of her eye. It was as if she was waiting for me to say something first.

—Does my presence bother you? —she finally asked, stopping in front of one of the southern hallway windows. The morning light cast her silhouette clearly against the polished marble.

—I have no reason to answer that —I said without stopping.

—That’s not a "no."

I didn’t respond.

Clarisse let out an exaggerated sigh and caught up to me with calm steps.

—Don’t underestimate me, Daven. I’m not here just out of whim.

—Oh, no? —I asked, finally stopping and turning toward her— Then why are you here? To accompany your father? To negotiate a failed engagement? Or just to keep playing games?

A spark lit in her eyes, but she didn’t seem angry.

—I have no reason to answer that, —she said with a mocking smile.

—I don’t have time for games, Clarisse.

—Then make it easier for both of us —she said, turning her face with an air of indifference— Accept the engagement.

(...)

I remained silent. It wasn’t worth answering.

When we went outside, Alfred was already waiting for us with the carriage ready in front of the main garden. He opened the door with his usual courtesy, and I got in without saying a word. Clarisse followed me.

The interior was quite spacious and comfortable. The seats were upholstered in dark leather, soft to the touch, and the ceiling was adorned with discreet engravings in polished wood. The marquis’s attention to appearance was evident. I settled into one of the corners, next to the window, leaving a clear distance between us. I had no intention of continuing the conversation with her.

The carriage departed shortly afterwards, moving slowly along the stone path that descended from the hill where the mansion stood.

From my seat, I watched as the guards followed us carefully. I watched as the landscape began to change; at first there were the well-tended gardens, the neat fields and the rows of trees planted with precision near the mansion. Then, little by little, the city appeared before us.

«Riesenhart.

Its layout was clear and deliberate, as if meticulously carved by an artist. Straight streets intertwined with curved avenues; the houses were all built of gray stone with reddish tiled roofs, every detail crafted with purpose. It was obvious this wasn’t just any place—it was a border city. A line between the Kingdom of Aziel and the Principality of Betir. A bastion. A key point for trade... and war.

Security was tight; watchtowers peeked between buildings, and at major intersections flew banners bearing the crest of House Riesenhart. At the corners, wrought-iron lanterns stood unlit, waiting for nightfall. Carts rolled through the avenues, soldiers patrolled in order, and artisans worked on their wares.

After a few minutes, we reached the center.

The bustle engulfed us.

People were everywhere: merchants unloading their wagons, children running between stalls, curious onlookers eyeing the carriage. The guards escorting us were slightly tense due to the growing murmur around us. Some approached to peek inside; others simply stopped, as if our presence had disrupted their morning routine.

I tried to look beyond, toward the houses, toward the tall structures rising in the heart of the city: administrative buildings, towers etched with magical emblems, even a bell tower adorned with beautifully arranged reliefs.

"It’s been a while since I came here.

The last time... was with my mother."

I shook my head gently, trying to dispel the memory beginning to settle in—but it was too late.

A sharp ringing struck me squarely.

For a moment, the city’s murmur disappeared. The vivid image of Riesenhart was replaced by another... more cruel.

.

.

.

Ashes falling from the sky. Collapsed walls. Deserted streets littered with corpses.

The city I, as a hero, couldn’t protect.

The same one where I lost everything.

Verithia.

...

—Ah... —I let out a soft groan, breaking through my thoughts.

She heard it. Clarisse gave me a curious glance, but said nothing.

I kept my expression firm, as if nothing affected me. I couldn’t show weakness—not to her.

The pain slid through my head like a persistent sting. I closed my eyes. Breathed deeply... trying to stop the chaos threatening to consume me. 𝒻𝘳ℯℯ𝑤ℯ𝒷𝘯ℴ𝓋ℯ𝘭.𝑐ℴ𝑚

"No... This isn’t the same city. This isn’t that world." I told myself, calming my breath.

I opened my eyes carefully, fearing reality might shatter again.

But no, the image remained. Intact.

People laughing. Voices tangled in everyday conversations. Children running freely.

Not a single crack in the walls. Not a drop of blood.

Everything was different.