The villain's side of the novel



Lioran Kingdom

Royal Palace

*slap*

The force of the slap sent me tumbling to the ground, my cheek stinging with pain and tears welling up in my eyes. It was a blow from a warrior of the third kingdom, and for an ordinary person like me, it felt as painful as a whip. In an instant, my cheek swelled, throbbing with agony.

"How dare you bump into me, you *****!"

Iman, my younger sister by a year, screamed at me with a fierce expression. Beside her, Elia, my older sister, appeared concerned for my safety, but as soon as she realized no one was watching, her face turned cold and disdainful. Several palace servants observed the scene from the corners of their eyes, remaining silent witnesses.

"But sister, you saw how she bumped into me. I can't forgive her for this rudeness," Iman protested.

"You're right, sister, but she must not have intended to do that. It was just an accident," Elia replied in her usual sweet voice.

An accident? She clearly bumped into me, I thought angrily. I grabbed my swollen cheek, trying to soothe the pain, even though I knew deep down that I was the victim of their plot. I couldn't help but clench my teeth and respond in a sad voice, "I'm sorry, sister. I wasn't attentive enough."

I had grown accustomed to this mistreatment ever since the incident that stripped me of my power and authority within the palace. I had become an outcast, enduring daily bullying from my sisters. Even my mother, the Queen, had turned cold towards me, as if I were her enemy. The palace servants, too, neglected me, refusing to heed my orders anymore. Initially, I had fought back, but over time, I had been broken, reduced to a shell of my former self.

"Even this damned apology annoys me," Iman said, raising her hands as if to deliver another slap.

"No, sister, don't forget the party is approaching. It would be detrimental if she were bruised. Moreover, that person might cancel the party altogether," Elia interjected.

"Ah! I forgot about that. You're right," Iman conceded, lowering her hands. She then turned to me, a mischievous glint in her eyes. "I haven't told you yet, but your ex-fiancé will attend the party too."

As soon as I heard those words, an intense expression washed over my face. The last person I wanted to see at the party was him. But why would he attend? I remembered how much he despised social gatherings. There must be a reason behind his decision.

"Haha, do you still hate him that much?" Iman laughed.

My unwilling expression seemed to quell her anger momentarily. After some muttering, they dismissed me and continued on their way, their backs turned to me. I struggled to rise from the ground, ignoring the pain radiating from my knee. As I stood there, lost in thought, I found myself gazing up at the clouds, muttering under my breath, "Fray..."

*****

Iskar City

Parada Palace

Elisa sat in a room of Parada Palace, her hand slowly moving through various motions. It was a remarkable sight considering the fact that she had believed she would never be able to use her hand again. Her face carried a grateful expression as she marveled at the progress she had made.

Fray, standing nearby, observed her with a mixture of surprise and satisfaction. He had expected Elisa's recovery to be much slower, yet here she was, defying the odds. 

"Thank you, Fray," Elisa said, her voice filled with genuine gratitude. "I thought I would never regain the use of my hand. You have truly worked a miracle."

Fray, though caught off guard by Elisa's warm and appreciative demeanor, maintained his composure. He nodded in response. "It's my duty to assist and support you, Lady Elisa. I'm glad to see your progress."

A smile tugged at the corners of Elisa's lips as she looked toward the medical bed in the room. "Did you find this ingenious bed in that place?" she asked, her eyes gleaming with curiosity.

"No, Lady Elisa," Fray replied, his voice tinged with a sense of pride. "I crafted it using the ancient knowledge I discovered during our time there. It seemed like a useful tool, and I'm glad to see it aiding in your recovery."

Elisa's eyes widened with appreciation. "Indeed, it is a remarkable creation. With this bed, we can save many lives within the Parada family. You have truly outdone yourself, Fray."

Fray nodded humbly, his gaze meeting Elisa's. "I am honored to be of service, Lady Elisa. It is my duty to ensure the well-being and protection of our family."

A brief pause filled the room before Elisa's expression turned serious. She looked directly into Fray's eyes, her voice steady yet filled with intensity. "Tell me, Fray, did you succeed in killing that monstrous creature?"

Fray's demeanor shifted, his usually calm and composed facade replaced by a colder, more resolute demeanor. "Yes, Lady Elisa," he replied, his voice carrying a steely determination. "I vanquished the beast. It posed a great threat to our knights and our family, but it is no more."

Relief washed over Elisa's face as she let out a breath she hadn't realized she was holding. "Thank you, Fray. Your bravery and skill have spared us from further danger. I am truly grateful."

Fray inclined his head respectfully, his eyes reflecting a mix of gratitude and determination. "It was my duty, Lady Elisa. I will always strive to protect our family and fulfill my responsibilities."

Elisa's gratitude overwhelmed her, and she felt a surge of admiration for the knight before her. Rising from her seat, she moved closer to Fray, her eyes filled with sincerity. Kneeling down before him, she unsheathed her sword and extended it to him, presenting it with both hands.

"Fray, you have proven your unwavering loyalty and dedication to our family. I offer you my sword and pledge my allegiance to you as my master," Elisa declared, her voice filled with conviction.

Fray's surprise was evident, but he quickly understood Elisa's intentions. A sense of honor and duty welled up within him as he reached out, accepting the sword from her hands. "Elisa Parada, I accept your loyalty," he proclaimed, performing the ancient ceremony that bound knight and master together.

In that moment, the room seemed to hold its breath, recognizing the significance of the bond formed between them. Elisa

 had found a master worthy of her loyalty, and Fray had gained a steadfast companion and ally. The echoes of their commitment reverberated through the walls of the Parada Palace, symbolizing a new chapter in their shared journey.