Saintess? Not Anymore! I'd Rather be a Destroyer-Chapter 31 - 20: Eva’s Plight
Aurianna glanced at Eva, a hint of skepticism in her eyes. "Hold on a second. Didn’t you say I couldn’t come back until I completed the quest?" she questioned, seeking some clarity from Eva.
Eva paused, contemplating Aurianna’s remark. "Well, lucky for you, it’s morning now. Training during the day isn’t really feasible, so you’ll continue your sessions at nighttime. Plus, if you were to disappear during the day, it would cause quite a ruckus in the palace. And trust me, that wouldn’t leave you with much personal training time," Eva explained, crossing her arms in a thoughtful manner.
"Alrighty then," Eva clapped her hands cheerfully, shifting the topic to Aurianna’s remaining skill points. "Now, let’s talk about those skill points. How many do you have left?" she asked, even though she already had a pretty good idea of the answer.
Aurianna squirmed uncomfortably, trying to avoid Eva’s piercing gaze. "Um, just thirteen," she confessed sheepishly, anticipating a less-than-enthusiastic response.
"You...fool!" Eva’s voice boomed, frustration evident in her tone. Aurianna flinched, her face reflecting a sense of defeat.
With puppy dog eyes, Aurianna watched as Eva let out a sigh, her initial anger dissipating. Slowly, Eva raised her hand into the air, leaving Aurianna puzzled about her intentions. Before she could comprehend what was happening, Eva’s hand came crashing down on her head with an unexpectedly intense force, causing Aurianna to yelp in pain and quickly cover her throbbing head.
Eva’s forehead wrinkled with disappointment, her fists clenched tightly. "What did I tell you about saving points? And here you go spending them on these flashy skills!" she scolded, a blend of exasperation and concern lacing her words.
"They’re not flashy, they were helpful..." Aurianna muttered, her voice tinged with a hint of defeat and frustration.
Eva let out another sigh, a mix of frustration and resignation. "Well, no use fretting over it now. You’ll have more skill points to spend later, but this time, hold on to them!" she urged, emphasizing the importance of saving the points for future use.
Aurianna nodded silently, acknowledging Eva’s directive. The compliant response brought a small sense of satisfaction to Eva, who couldn’t help but smirk. "And hey, congratulations on reaching level 36!" she exclaimed, clapping her hands. However, before Aurianna could bask in the praise, Eva quickly added, "That’s pretty good, but it’s still not good enough. Let’s be honest here—you still have a long way to go. You need to get stronger."
Aurianna began to open her mouth, perhaps intending to defend herself, but no words came out. Deep down, she knew Eva was right. Despite gaining valuable experience and becoming adept at fighting various enemies, there were still moments when she would find herself defeated.
In a real fight, she couldn’t confidently guarantee victory. Sometimes, she would become overconfident and fall victim to sneak attacks. Other times, the sheer number of enemies would overwhelm her. And then, there was that one specific creature—an entity that struck fear deep within her core.
Her hands started to shake involuntarily, betraying her fear. "Eva, do you think you could kill a Death Harpy?" Aurianna’s voice quivered as she voiced her concerns, her mind haunted by the terrifying image of that creature.
"Please, I need to know how. I felt like I could never defeat it. I couldn’t even get close. Whenever I tried to run, I was paralyzed with fear. If I don’t overcome something like that, I’ll never be able to achieve my revenge!" Aurianna pleaded, her desperation evident in her voice.
Eva’s expression transformed from blank to amused, a mischievous smirk adorning her face. ’Ah, this will be a valuable lesson for her. Despite her fast leveling, she’s far from being the strongest being in the world. Power shouldn’t breed arrogance when compared to others. However...’ Eva’s thoughts trailed off, finding amusement in Aurianna’s expression.
Aurianna let out a sigh, her eyes fixed on Eva. "Eva, I’ve been wondering for a while now. What am I exactly? What does it mean to be a Diamond? And what’s the deal with this shared skill points system I have with a twin sister I’ve never even met?" Aurianna blurted out her inquiries in rapid succession, unable to contain her curiosity any longer.
Eva responded calmly, her voice composed. "It’s not the right time for you to know all the answers just yet. As you grow stronger, I promise I will reveal everything to you. Patience is key, my dear," she assured Aurianna.
"And as for the Death Harpy, rest assured, one day you will become strong enough to face her. It may not happen as quickly as you’d like, but it will happen in due time," Eva added, offering a glimmer of hope to Aurianna.
Aurianna held back her urge to ask for more details and instead mustered a forced smile, reciprocating Eva’s expression. Silently, she rose from her bed, clad in her nightgown, and began to explore her surroundings.
’At first I was too busy being shocked about being small again. Now I want to explore,’ The room was surprisingly spacious, adorned with intricate golden flower patterns that embellished the walls. A stunning mirror caught her attention, adorned with dazzling diamonds and encased in a crystal frame. Aurianna couldn’t resist but check her reflection, revealing a younger version of herself, approximately seven years old, radiating undeniable cuteness. However, beneath that innocent facade, a subtle glimmer of darkness flickered in her eyes, a testament to the experiences that had shaped her.
Meanwhile, Eva floated around the room, her curiosity piqued. She ventured into drawers and explored Aurianna’s closet, inspecting the details of her living arrangements. Aurianna completed her self-examination in the mirror and promptly returned to her cozy bed. The mattress was like a fluffy cloud, embracing her as she sank into its softness. From this comfortable vantage point, she gazed up at the ceiling, stretching out her tiny arms in contemplation.
"Well, I suppose it’s time to start planning," she murmured, a manic chuckle escaping her lips.
Eva squinted at Aurianna, her thoughts wandering in surprise. "Wow, she seems to have swiftly overcome her decades-long depression about dying. It’s strange, I expected her to experience more mental turmoil or shock. Perhaps there’s more to her than meets the eye. Maybe she possesses untapped potential," she pondered silently.
With her assessment completed, Eva redirected her focus to Aurianna’s intriguing room. The allure of the space captured her attention, and she continued exploring, delighting in the sensation of running her hands over the silky textures of the numerous dresses adorning the drawers.
As Aurianna’s maniacal laughter subsided, a surge of determination coursed through her. She sat up in bed, exuding newfound vigor. "It appears the time has come for me to reveal myself and rid myself of those worthless and treacherous subordinates."
Eva, engrossed in the room’s ambiance, abruptly halted her exploration at the mention of killing. She swiftly turned around, a worried expression adorning her face. "Hold on, calm down. Remember to approach things rationally and use your intellect wisely," she urged, her voice tinged with concern as she observed the sinister aura enveloping Aurianna.
Aurianna let out an exasperated sigh, accompanied by an eye roll. "Fine, fine, I suppose I won’t immediately eliminate my enemies or those who wronged me," she conceded with a touch of sarcasm. Annoyance flickered across her face, reflecting her discontent with Eva’s disapproval of her goal. "Well, it’s only for now," she added defiantly, determined to assert her authority in due time.
Eva floated over to the side of the bed, peering down at Aurianna with a concerned expression. "Listen, I’m not against you seeking revenge eventually. I just think it’s important for you to take your time and approach it with a strategic mindset. Right now, you’re nothing more than a young princess. If you rush into killing everyone in the palace, you’ll not only make enemies of the entire kingdom but also attract the attention of other kingdoms who may come after you."
Aurianna’s face fell, reflecting a tinge of sadness at Eva’s words. She understood the reasoning behind the cautionary advice. It was a sobering realization.
Eva offered a reassuring thumbs-up. "Don’t worry. You should try utilizing some of that royal elegance you possess. You can make it work in your favor." 𝗳𝚛𝚎𝚎𝘄𝕖𝕓𝕟𝕠𝚟𝚎𝕝.𝗰𝕠𝐦
Aurianna nodded, her curiosity piqued. "Okay... but how exactly?"
Aurianna’s previous life had been sheltered, filled with people who professed care for her and shielded her from harm. However, she now began to see through the veil of naivety and realized that she had been used and manipulated all along, whether in the shadows or in plain sight.
Eva inwardly cursed her luck, thinking, ’Why was I saddled with such an oblivious master?!’ She spun around in the air, assuming a lying position as she stared up at the ceiling. Placing her fingers on her chin, she adopted a pensive expression.
"Clearly, the approach of being a ’gentle princess’ and displaying kindness and humility to your subjects didn’t work in your previous life. You were still betrayed. Instead, you should instill fear in them, make them tremble at the mere sight of you, they wouldn’t even dare to entertain treacherous thoughts or actions when you’re around," she suggested, emphasizing the need for Aurianna to command respect and create an aura of intimidation.
"Princess, it’s time to get ready!" a maid exclaimed, knocking on Aurianna’s door with urgency. Startled, Aurianna glanced at Eva, silently hoping for her to disappear or find a hiding spot. However, before she could give Eva a signal to hide, the maid barged in, accompanied by eight more maids. They swiftly entered the room, assessing its tidiness and ensuring everything was in its proper place. Their duty was to maintain the cleanliness of Aurianna’s chambers and cater to her needs.
Two maids proceeded towards the bathroom, the sound of running water filling the air as they prepared for Aurianna’s bath.
’Looks like they can’t see Eva, judging by their lack of screaming,’ Aurianna thought, relieved that the maids didn’t react to her presence as they approached.
To her surprise, one of the maids casually passed right through Eva, who floated beside the bed, eliciting an indignant scoff from her.
"Talk about rude!" Eva muttered under her breath.
"Princess, we kindly request the honor of escorting you to the bath," five maids spoke in unison, their synchronized voices creating a slightly eerie effect. Aurianna found it unnerving to hear more than two people saying the same thing at once, even though the maids themselves didn’t creep her out individually.
Aurianna hesitated for a moment before nodding in agreement. She had forgotten just how intense the maids in the palace could be. . It wasn’t that they scared her, but the collective precision of their actions and words always left her with a slight unease.
With gentle care, one of the maids scooped Aurianna up in her arms, carrying her towards the bathroom.
As Aurianna was gently lowered into the warm, translucent bathwater, a sense of tranquility washed over her. The water enveloped her body, soothing her senses. . The bath itself was a magnificent sight, adorned with an array of sweet-scented plants that filled the air with their delightful fragrance. Aurianna paid no mind to the size of the bath, which was nearly as large as a swimming pool. It was a luxurious indulgence she wholeheartedly embraced.
Eva, on the other hand, couldn’t contain her astonishment. Her eyes widened, and her jaw dropped as she swiftly zipped over to the bath, performing an impressive swan dive. To Aurianna’s surprise, no water splashed or rippled when Eva entered. Moments later, Eva resurfaced with a blissful expression on her face, thoroughly content.
’I’ve missed bathing like this. It’s always so relaxing,’ Aurianna mused to herself, enjoying the gentle touch of the maids as they softly scrubbed and cleaned her body. Perhaps it was the result of enduring thirty-six years of dirt and constant battles, but in this moment, she finally felt a sense of relaxation and allowed herself to lower her guard, if only partially, within these palace walls.
After an hour of indulging in the bath’s rejuvenating embrace and being thoroughly cleansed, Aurianna and Eva emerged from the water, both exuding an air of tranquility. The maids, displaying their utmost efficiency and skill, swiftly dried Aurianna, leaving not a trace of moisture. They were truly elite in their craft. Once she was completely dry, Aurianna was delicately wrapped in a smooth cloth and escorted back to her room, where the maids began the meticulous process of dressing her in regal attire.
"Oh, princess, this necklace is absolutely stunning! Can I pretty please have it?" Another maid made a feeble attempt to coax the princess, hoping to acquire the coveted piece of jewelry.
Aurianna couldn’t help but chuckle, her indifference evident despite the odd glances thrown her way. She simply locked her gaze onto the brown-haired maid, someone she had once considered a friend. However, they had proven themselves to be anything but trustworthy, never standing by her side during her moments of distress. In the past, Aurianna had considered some of the maids as companions, but she soon realized they were merely opportunistic and disloyal. When she faced hardships and troubles, they were nowhere to be found. They reveled in gossip and laughter behind her back, oblivious to the hurt they caused.
Had it not been for her sisters imprisoned alongside her, divulging the maids’ deceitful actions, Aurianna might have remained oblivious to their malicious side hidden beneath the maids’ friendly facade. Though she didn’t witness their actions directly, she overheard their derisive remarks when she was unjustly sentenced by her own father, the King. Even as she was escorted to her confinement, their callous laughter echoed in her ears. Not a single maid in the room extended a helping hand during her darkest hours.
She couldn’t forget how these self-centered maids shamelessly demanded her jewelry, showing no hesitation in their pursuit, and even resorting to theft when met with refusal. This resulted in Aurianna frequently lacking the adornments she desired, foolishly giving them away to appease their greed.
Aurianna felt a mixture of anger and regret. She had been too trusting, too naive, and had given away her possessions freely, thinking she was being kind. But the maids had taken advantage of her generosity, abusing their newfound privilege by continually taking stuff from her and even stopping spreading lies to tarnish her reputation among the other concubines.
One of the maids remarked, "Our princess seems rather distant today." She observed Aurianna’s aloof demeanor throughout the entire dressing session. Aurianna, lost in her thoughts and burdened by memories of past mistreatment, haunted by unpleasant memories involving these very maids. She remained silent, wearing an annoyed expression.
Taking offense to the maid’s comment, Aurianna snapped, "And why should that concern you?!" Her eyes flickered with a hint of anger, causing the maid to shrink back in fear and hastily apologize.
The maid from ealier, adorned with a stunning emerald necklace, approached Aurianna, admiring her reflection in the mirror. "Princess, does this necklace suit me? I really like it. Can I keep it?" she asked eagerly.
Aurianna cast a cold gaze upon the maid, who was already wearing her coveted necklace and flaunting the necklace, seemingly lost in her own vanity. A frown creased Aurianna’s face as a white aura enveloped her being.
"Come here," Aurianna commanded, pointing at the maid wearing her necklace. The maid obediently approached, glancing at Aurianna with curiosity. Aurianna’s gaze, however, fixated on the necklace itself—the very necklace that now adorned the neck of the greedy maid.
As the maid leaned down to listen to Aurianna, a warm sensation engulfed her neck. Startled, she looked down, only to witness blood spurting from her throat in a horrifying display.
The maid’s agonized scream pierced the air as she desperately clutched her neck, attempting to stop the flow of blood before collapsing lifelessly to the ground. The room fell into an eerie silence, everyone frozen in shock and horror at the gruesome sight before them.
Aurianna tilted her head slightly, her gaze unmoved by the chaos unfolding around her. "That necklace looks hideous on you. And who gave you the audacity to casually take my belongings and wear them?" Her voice carried a cold indifference, undisturbed by the escalating shrieks of the remaining maids.
The shrill cries continued to escalate, reaching their crescendo, until a sudden surge of chilling energy permeated the room. In an instant, silence befell the terrified maids, freezing them in place. Some crumpled to their knees, drained of all strength.
"What are you all waiting for? Swiftly remove my necklace from that wretched woman’s neck and summon the guards to dispose of this filth. And one of you, clean up this mess," Aurianna commanded with an air of icy authority, each word dripping with disdain.
"Yes, princess!" The remaining maids sprang into action, their movements swift and efficient, striving to avoid displeasing her in any way possible.
"And consider this a stern warning to all of you. Anyone who dares to take my garments or accessories without my explicit permission will meet a fate far more gruesome," she declared with an icy tone, her glare piercing through each maid. "Something far worse than what befell her!" A malicious grin played upon her lips as she pointed towards the lifeless maid, relishing in the terror that now gripped the room.
"Yes, Princess!!" The maids replied in unison, their voices trembling, their fear palpable in the air. Aurianna’s sudden transformation left them shaken and uncertain of what lay ahead.
In a remarkably short span of time, the room was restored to its former state of cleanliness. The blood was wiped away, and the maid’s body was swiftly removed by the guards, who exchanged bewildered glances but refrained from questioning their princess’s actions. Aurianna was well aware that news of her macabre act would quickly circulate throughout the castle. Yet, she welcomed the rapid spread of information, for it spared her the arduous task of individually asserting her dominance to each and every person.
Once the maids finished assisting Aurianna in dressing, they bowed respectfully and hastily exited the room, eager to distance themselves from the chilling events that had transpired.
"What has come over our princess?" contemplated one of the maids, her hands carefully cradling a pail of now bloodstained water.
"I cannot say, but I must admit, I find this version of the Princess rather unsettling," replied another maid, her voice laced with unease as she vividly recalled the gruesome scene that had unfolded before them.
"And Naty lost her life. How could the Princess be so cold!" Yui exclaimed, her voice filled with anguish as tears streamed down her face.
"It’s Naty’s own fault! I repeatedly warned her to refrain from coveting Aurianna’s jewelry, but she never heeded my advice. She always insisted that the Princess wouldn’t mind. She brought this upon herself," Jane uttered, shaking her head with a mournful expression etched upon her features.
"Let us not act recklessly! We must learn from this, or we too could meet a similar fate," Jane commanded, her gaze stern and resolute as she addressed the other maids. Each one nodded in agreement, their expressions focused and determined. Although some of their hands quivered imperceptibly, they chose to keep their fears unspoken.
As Jane turned away from the group, her true emotions became apparent. A nervous twitch flickered in her eye, and she anxiously bit her lip. She muttered softly to herself, "This has taken us all by surprise. I could never have imagined our princess capable of such actions. She’s... different now. Or perhaps I am simply allowing my thoughts to run wild..."
