Saintess? Not Anymore! I'd Rather be a Destroyer-Chapter 39 - 26: Bad Princess
"It appears that the populace is growing increasingly restless, Your Highness," Advisor Chu remarked, his glasses perched on his nose and his jet-black hair adding a touch of seriousness to his appearance. He observed the King, who reclined on an enormous bed, surrounded by opulence.
Before them, King Girsal of Sandeph, a middle-aged ruler, sat leisurely while an enchanting woman knelt before him, giggling and skillfully kneading his body. The atmosphere was relaxed, with the King’s long, ebony hair cascading over his well-built physique, and his piercing emerald eyes maintaining a distant, indifferent gaze as Chu spoke.
"Command the church to lend us the aid of their mages in acquiring more arable lands," King Girsal instructed, his voice resonating with authority. However, his attention was intermittently diverted by the seductive presence of his concubine, who playfully tickled his ears and traced her fingertips along his back. He shifted his focus between her and Advisor Chu, his interest waning as the conversation progressed.
Although Advisor Chu’s untimely intrusion had initially irked the King, who was relishing his time with the concubines despite protests from the guards that the king was busy, the unwavering loyalty displayed by Chu quelled any immediate dismissal and interrupted him anyway. The King recognized the gravity of Chu’s interruption and allowed him to proceed.
Nonetheless, Chu, demonstrating his steadfastness and knowledge of the kingdom’s affairs, shook his head with conviction. "I regret to inform you, Your Majesty, that such a request may not be possible."
Perplexed, King Girsal redirected his attention from the captivating distractions in his chamber to Chu, his curiosity piqued. "And why is thay?" His gaze intermittently shifted between his concubine and the advisor, his focus divided.
"Actually, Your Majesty, don’t you recall the dispute you had with Head Priest Kairo?" Advisor Chu voiced his concern, his expression reflecting worry and a touch of informality.
In response, King Girsal let out a hearty chuckle, seemingly unruffled by the matter. "No need to worry. That guy is a self-proclaimed saint who always lends a helping hand. He won’t let innocent bystanders suffer due to our personal squabbles," King Girsal confidently reassured him.
However, Concubine Cecelia, with her alluring brown eyes fixed on Chu, interjected impatiently, "Your Majesty Girsal, please don’t keep us waiting any longer." Her long, golden locks cascaded over the bed, and her embrace around the King’s form accentuated her olive-toned arms.
Undeterred by Cecelia’s protest, Chu ignored her impatience and persevered with his report. "Furthermore, Your Majesty, we have been facing covert incursions from the beast-men along our borders, as they conduct operations to free their fellow beast-men slaves."
Acknowledging the information, King Girsal nodded in understanding. "Ah, I see. We can address those matters later. For now, I desire some quality time with my concubines," he declared, turning his attention away from Chu and bestowing a kiss upon the waiting Cecilia.
Although Advisor Chu felt disheartened, he maintained his composure and respectfully bowed to the King’s wishes. Lowering his head in deference, he exited the room, granting King Girsal the freedom to continue indulging in his intimate pursuits.
As the passionate affair drew to a close, the other concubines gracefully made their exit, leaving Momo and King Girsal alone in the room. Momo, a captivating woman adorned with smooth brown skin, enchanting blue eyes, and cascading green hair, called out to the King in a voice that exuded allure and affection.
Gently, Momo expressed her desire, her hand gliding seductively over King Girsal’s chest as she spoke, "Please, remember to enroll our son in the Mystical Academy."
King Girsal, his voice tinged with a hint of dismay and his fist clenching, voiced his objection, "Momo, you know well how much I dislike that race loving school. Why not consider the Royal Academy instead?"
Momo, her hands tenderly embracing King Girsal’s face, countered with a heartfelt appeal, "Come on honey, you can’t deny that the Mystical Academy is renowned as the finest educational institution in the world. Moreover, it holds special significance for you since it was where you received your own education."
Relenting to her words, King Girsal released her hands, his face adorned with a gentle smile. "Very well, I shall grant Ruther permission to attend the Mystical Academy."
Filled with happiness and affection, Momo expressed her gratitude, showering King Girsal with a passionate kiss before leaving the bed. She turned back, giving him a playful wave before making her exit from the room.
"My concubines are getting more impatient to place their children on the throne. I’d open to it but only if they’re suited enough for it," King Grisal muttered as he got from his bed. With purposeful strides, he walked towards a portrait adorning the opposite side of the room
King Girsal’s smirk widened as his gaze fixated on the mesmerizing portrait before him. "Well, I have no intention of relinquishing this throne anytime soon. Once I obtain the blood of the next Saintess who gets to a mature age, I can rule my kingdom forever and be granted eternal youth!" he chuckled, his confidence radiating through his words.
"Well, that’s been the way of things for the past three centuries. But it seems the effects of the former Saintess’s blood are starting to fade," King Grisal grumbled, inspecting his hand, which, although wrinkled, still retained some vitality. He was well aware that he was gradually returning to his former aging state.
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Time flew by, and within a span of two weeks, Aurianna found herself being guided through the halls by four maids, making her way outside. The opulent mansion she had called home slowly faded from her view, replaced by a grand carriage that awaited her. As she stepped inside, she couldn’t help but marvel at the sight before her—a mansion even larger and more extravagant than her own. From its vantage point, she caught a glimpse of the imposing main palace on the left, hinting at the sheer scale of the surroundings.
A delightful surprise awaited her arrival—a welcoming committee consisting of ten maids and butlers, their warm smiles reflecting genuine hospitality. They guided her through the entrance, unveiling the opulence that lay within. Every step she took through the halls revealed a tapestry of luxury, adorned with priceless vases and mesmerizing floating glass balls that tantalized the senses. The interior was a sanctuary of elegance, a testament to the refined tastes and extravagant lifestyle that prevailed within those walls.
"He sure has a thing for fancy stuff," Aurianna muttered quietly to herself, her voice laced with a touch of sarcasm. As she approached a colossal door crafted from shimmering violet crystals, she couldn’t help but marvel at its extravagant design. When the door swung open, revealing the room beyond, Aurianna’s gaze fell upon eight women, each seated beside their children. A hushed silence filled the air as they patiently awaited breakfast.
"You’re running late!" Concubine Celine sneered, shooting a disapproving look in Aurianna’s direction.
"Hey, at least I made it, right?" Aurianna replied, flashing a warm smile, undeterred by the snide remark. Cecilia averted her eyes, her cheeks flushing slightly in response to Aurianna’s captivating presence.
"Looks like my sister has turned even more gorgeous," Husae complimented, his smile directed at Aurianna.
"Thank you, big brother Husae," Aurianna responded, her cute smile eliciting a collective gasp of admiration from those around her.
Ralph, on the other hand, couldn’t resist his abrasive nature. "Can’t you even bother to greet your older brothers when you see us?" he grumbled loudly, glaring at Aurianna.
This person whom she once considered her beloved brother was the very one who had violated her and played a major role in bringing her life to a tragic end. As Aurianna’s gaze locked with Ralph’s, she tightened her grip on her hand. Despite maintaining her cheerful appearance, a chill ran down Ralph’s spine, causing him to shudder involuntarily.
Although her facial expression remained jovial, Aurianna emitted an eerie, dark aura that contrasted sharply with her outward demeanor. Ralph nervously averted his gaze, shifting his eyes downward to the table.
Refusing to engage in Ralph’s provocation, Aurianna simply walked around the table and took her customary seat to the right of King Girsal, with the Queen seated on his left side.
As Aurianna settled into her seat, she couldn’t help but observe her brother Ralph and her mother, Queen Amber, exchanging disapproving glances towards the concubines. A small smirk played across her lips, finding amusement in Ralph’s evident discomfort.
She let out a sigh, reflecting on her own past foolishness. ’A stupid fool, just like I once was,’ Aurianna thought, her gaze shifting to the Queen. Memories of her mother from the past resurfaced, revealing certain details she had previously overlooked.
In the past, Queen Amber had played the role of a nurturing mother figure to Aurianna, but now she saw her true colors. Queen Amber proved to be nothing more than a self-absorbed and indolent woman, caring only for herself and her own beauty. Childish in nature, she harbored disdain for the other concubines, yet she never voiced her true feelings or expressed her discontent.
The Queen neglected her duties as the ruler’s consort, leaving the arduous tasks to Concubine Momo and Cecilia, who took on more responsibility and commanded greater respect within the castle despite their status as concubines. While they worked tirelessly and endeavored to be of service to King Girsal, Queen Amber indulged in frivolous tea parties with wealthy noblewomen and squandered gold extravagantly.
’Now that I think about it, all the other concubines met their demise in a demon ambush, or so the news would have it,’ Aurianna contemplated, her mind wandering. Her thoughts drifted momentarily as Queen Amber caught her gaze, smiling in response to Aurianna’s lingering stare.
Aurianna reciprocated the smile from Queen Amber before diverting her attention. ’Wouldn’t surprise me if Queen Amber had a hand in getting rid of the other concubines and their children, aiming to secure the throne for one of her own sons,’ she mused inwardly. ’The tragic demise of Husae, who valiantly led the army against the demons, left Ralph as the sole remaining heir. Furthermore, I firmly believed that Concubine Momo deserved the title of queen, with her son being the rightful heir. Although the specifics of their deaths are blurry in my memory, rumors circulated that both Momo and her son met their demise at the hands of the demons. Whispers in the castle suggested that Queen Amber met a grim fate as well, allegedly strangled to death by King Girsal during my duties on the front lines. But who’s concubine Momo’s son again?’
Lost in her ruminations, Aurianna failed to notice the arrival of a newcomer into the dining hall. "My half-sister has certainly blossomed in beauty," a deep and familiar voice resonated, sending a shiver down Aurianna’s spine. Startled, she turned towards the source, locking eyes with a young teenage boy who stood near the doorway. With each step he took closer to the table, his features became clearer. Smooth brown skin complemented his shoulder-length, flowing green hair, which possessed a regal allure. As he approached, his vibrant green eyes keenly assessed Aurianna, a wide smile adorning his face.
"V-vatium?!" Aurianna muttered in utter disbelief, her voice trembling as she struggled to process the sight before her.
’What in the world is he doing here?’ Aurianna’s mind raced with questions, unable to grasp the reality unfolding before her eyes.
"My sister remembers my name now, huh? What happened to ’seaweed-boy’?" Vatium chuckled, his teasing remark breaking through the shock.
"Vatium, come sit beside mama," Concubine Momo beckoned, motioning towards an empty seat next to her.
A whirlwind of thoughts overwhelmed Aurianna’s mind as she watched Vatium make his way to his mother’s side and take a seat. ’Why couldn’t I remember that Vatium was my own half-brother from the past? So everything he said was true!’ Aurianna’s thoughts raced, trying to piece together the fragments of her memory. The sudden revelation had left her shaken, and she struggled to maintain her composure.
"Well, someone probably erased your memory," Eva’s voice interjected, echoing inside Aurianna’s head, offering a possible explanation for the gaps in her recollection.
’And there’s only a couple of people who would do that, King Girsal and Wein,’ Aurianna realized, her eyes widening as she turned her gaze towards King Girsal, who affectionately patted her head.
"My beautiful daughter shouldn’t have such a cold look," King Girsal spoke tenderly, briefly caressing her head before withdrawing his hand.
’No wonder he was so determined in the past to defeat the Demon King! The Demon King was his own son, Vatium!’ Aurianna clenched her teeth, a surge of anger coursing through her. However, she swiftly masked her true emotions behind a forced smile, concealing her inner turmoil.
"Let them bring the breakfast!" King Girsal’s commanding voice echoed through the room.
"Yes, your majesty!" The maids and butlers responded in unison, swiftly making their way out of the hall. In just a blink of an eye, trays laden with delectable food seemed to glide onto the table, accompanied by the neatly arranged cutlery.
As Aurianna prepared to indulge in her meal, she glanced down and noticed that her own cutlery was made of plastic—yes, the kind commonly associated with the commoners. A mischievous grin curled at the corners of her lips as her eyes scanned the room, catching Ralph in the midst of laughter.
Once upon a time, she had naively believed their antics were all in good fun. But now, the truth dawned upon her: it had been nothing but outright bullying, with Ralph constantly belittling her and looking down upon her.
"So, who’s the one responsible for this?" Aurianna playfully inquired, her smile masking her true intent, as she raised the plain spoon in her hand.
"It was me, your highness," a butler stepped forward, his smile unwavering. "Is there an issue with your cutlery, Princess?" he asked, a hint of curiosity in his voice.
"No, no," Aurianna casually waved off the concern, shaking her head ever so slightly. Her gaze then turned towards King Girsal, her dear father, seeking his guidance.
"Daddy, how do you think I should handle those who dare to disrespect me?" Aurianna posed the question, her tone filled with genuine curiosity.
"You are a cherished member of our royal family, my dear, and anyone who dares to disrespect you deserves severe consequences," King Girsal responded, his voice tinged with unwavering protectiveness. He couldn’t resist playfully pinching Aurianna’s cheeks, a loving gesture between a father and daughter.
Once he let go, Aurianna let out a playful chuckle, her eyes glimmering mischievously as she locked eyes with the butler.
’Even though he witnessed what the butler did, he had no intention to help me from the start. My so-called father truly despises the weak,’ Aurianna contemplated, her mind filled with a mixture of anger and amusement as she rose from her seat.
"Thank you for the advice, daddy," Aurianna responded, her once innocent smile transforming into a sinister expression that sent a shiver down King Girsal’s spine.
"Come here," Aurianna commanded, her smile now bearing an unsettling edge as the butler obediently bent down, unsure of what was about to unfold.
"Prince..." the butler began to speak, but his words were abruptly cut off by an intense surge of pain in his left eye. It took him a moment to comprehend the horrifying reality.
Aurianna had shattered the spoon and forcefully thrust it into his eye.
"Aaaarggghh!!!" The butler’s agonized scream pierced the air as he collapsed to the ground, clutching his injured eye tightly. Writhing in excruciating pain, his cries reverberated throughout the room, filling it with an eerie silence that was broken only by his anguished wails.
"I demand the truth, and you will redeem yourself by answering honestly. Why was I given a plastic spoon?" Aurianna’s voice rang out coldly as she stared down at the writhing figure before her.
"I-I was just... concerned for... the Princess’s safety!" the butler stammered, his body trembling uncontrollably as he struggled to explain himself amidst the pain and fear that engulfed him.
"Wrong answer," Aurianna said, her voice dripping with coldness as she conjured an icicle from the ground. The butler’s fear intensified, spreading like wildfire to everyone else in the room. Some of the concubines instinctively pulled their children away, seeking to shield them from Aurianna’s chilling presence.
"Tell me, why did you give me a plastic spoon?" Aurianna asked, her tone deceptively sweet as she directed her gaze at the trembling butler.
Caught in a desperate bind, the butler glanced at Ralph, who ominously traced his finger across his throat, a menacing gesture that sent shivers down the butler’s spine. Trapped between a rock and a hard place, he found himself at a loss, unsure of how to proceed.
"Princess, I... I can’t say," the butler muttered, tears streaming down his face, his one remaining eye filled with torment.
’Perhaps if I appear pitiful, the princess might show me mercy. She’s known for her kind heart, she’ll surely forgive me,’ the butler thought, grasping onto a thread of hope.
"Oh well," Aurianna nonchalantly shrugged, Aurianna casually dismissed the butler’s plea. In an instant, the icicle shot forward, piercing the butler’s throat. Blood spurted from the wound, as he gasped for air, his futile attempts to scream silenced by his untimely death.
The room fell into a stunned silence, every gaze fixated on Aurianna, disbelief etched across their faces. The children trembled in fear, sensing the darkness that emanated from the once-familiar princess.
King Girsal broke the silence, his voice filled with incredulity. "You possess magic?" he questioned, his eyes locked onto Aurianna with a solemn expression.
"Just a little," Aurianna replied with a smug smile, settling down beside her father as she nonchalantly resumed her meal.
A wicked grin danced upon her lips as she addressed Ralph, her voice laced with menace. "And as for you, Ralph, don’t dare play such games with me. Otherwise, next time it might be your turn to meet the floor." She slid her finger across her neck in a chilling mimicry of his earlier gesture.
Ralph trembled, his thoughts consumed by disbelief. ’Is she truly the same crybaby Aurianna we once knew?’
