The Duke's Daughter Is A Villainess (13)

After exchanging a few more words, Dahlia asked Alice to bring her back to the room the duke was resting in, and they eventually parted ways.

Dahlia had a conflicted expression on her face as she watched Alice walk away. If only things were different...

[Host.....]

~I know, Buddy. I know.

[As long as you know....]

~Even though I don't like it....

[....Host!]

~What?

[Look! Lucas!]

While the duke was busy angrily grumbling into his teacup, Dahlia took that chance to walk over to the window and look out at the courtyard. She could see a figure in the distance, a man that seemed to be practising his swordsmanship. Even from this distance Dahlia could tell he was a handsome man.

~Now that we have another target in sight, it's time to put my gun to use, don't you think?

[Oh!!!!!!!!! Yes!!!!!!!!!!]

While Buddy was chattering on in her head about how excited they were at seeing the 'Love Scenario' gun in use, Dahlia made an excuse that she was bored to the duke so she was going to take a walk outside. The duke merely nodded before continuing to mutter to himself about when they were going to return Stella to him, while Dahlia made her way out of the room.

She walked until she was close enough to Lucas to see his features a bit more clearly, but not close enough that he would know she was there.

~So... I just have to shoot him, right?

[Yes!]

~It's not like shooting a real gun is it?

[Don't worry, Host! It won't hurt him.]

~I'm not worried about that, I'm just worried I'll miss.

[....The gun will automatically lock onto the closest target within view. As long as there's nobody in the way, you won't miss.]

~Oh, Great.

Dahlia lifted her arm to aim the gun at Lucas and took a shot without a second thought. Almost immediately, as if possessed by something, Dahlia began to walk towards Lucas.

~Is this the 'Love Scenario'?

[Yes, Host!!! It's controlling you so that you can have the perfect love scenario with Lucas!]

Dahlia frowned, not entirely enjoying the feeling of losing control over her body, but had to just deal with it as she began getting closer and closer to Lucas.

Just as she was about to get a better look at him up close, her head suddenly turned to the side, her eyes pointed to the flowers beside her, as if she were admiring them. She didn't get much time to actually look at them, however, because before she knew it she was suddenly pitching forwards, even though she didn't feel her feet tripping over anything.

A loud gasp came from her mouth as she fell, and her eyes closed as if anticipating hitting the ground. Thanks to the effect of the gun, instead of falling onto the pavement, she fell into the sturdy arms of a strong man.

~Wow... this gun really works well.

[Don't talk, Host!!! You're ruining the moment!!!!]

~...

Feeling two arms wrapping around her back and holding her steady, Dahlia found herself blushing all of a sudden.

When she lifted her head from where it was squashed against his chest, what Lucas saw a beautiful girl with flushed, pink cheeks and bright, wide eyes.

For a moment, Lucas seemed stunned by Dahlia's sheer beauty.