OO6.

Chapter 6

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third person

"HOW'S YOUR work there, Your Highness?" a man in knight's attire asked.

They were in a small cabin nestled deep within the forbidden forest. The cabin, though modest, was cozy, with wooden beams and walls adorned with simple yet charming decor. A warm fire crackled in the hearth, casting a soft glow and flickering shadows around the room.

"It was confusing," he replied, his brow furrowing slightly as he lifted his cup of tea. He sipped it slowly, savoring the warmth and aroma, hoping it might bring clarity to his muddled thoughts. "The one I've had my eyes on for years is gradually changing," he continued, placing the cup back on the table with a gentle clink.

The man smirked at his friend's confession. "Is it because you two have a date this afternoon?" He crossed his legs with a graceful ease, his movements exuding a casual elegance. Resting his elbow on his knee, he leaned forward, a mocking grin spreading across his face.

"She wants to take a stroll after being mute for a week," he said, ignoring his friend's teasing.

"Guard your heart, Sebastian. Reynald's wrath is not something to be trifled with," he muttered, his expression shifting to one of seriousness. His eyes gleamed with intensity as he gazed at his friend.

"I know, Charlie. Everything is under my control now."

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arthemice

The day of Arthemice's coming-of-age ceremony had finally arrived. It was an incredibly busy day. The servants woke me up in the middle of my comfortable sleep and dragged me to the bathroom at dawn just to bathe! What were they thinking?! Good thing the water they bathed me with wasn't cold, because if it was, I would've really bathed them with water full of ice!

"My lady, have you chosen which of these three dresses you will wear?" Stella asked me while she was drying my hair. I looked at the dresses hanging in front of me. My forehead creased when I saw the horrible dresses they wanted me to wear. Seriously?

The dresses were hideous, a mockery of fashion. One was a garish shade of yellow with ruffles that looked like they belonged on a clown. Another was a sickly green with a pattern that reminded me of mold. The third was a mismatched mess of colors and fabrics that clashed so horribly it was painful to look at. Who in their right mind would wear these monstrosities?

I smirked as an idea formed. Well, let's start the play without the system, shall we?

I stood up and approached the dresses. I held each hanger gently, grinning as I thought about what I would say. With the broken system, maybe I could humiliate this servant even more.

I saw the confusion in their faces as I handled the dresses. Are they seriously doing this to me right now? It was clear they didn't like Arthemice in the first place. Wearing one of these dresses in front of everyone in the hall made me want to tear these pieces of trash apart.

I turned to face them. "Well, would it look better if I hung your heads on these hangers?" I jested, my eyes gleaming with disgust.

I saw how they exchanged glances, looking at me in horror. I observed them quietly as I walked towards Stella and sat on the sofa.

Their nervousness was palpable. Sweat glistened on their foreheads, and their hands clenched their clothes tightly, especially Stella. Their eyes darted around the room, avoiding my gaze, and I could hear the faint, uneven breaths they were trying to control. It was as if they wanted to kill me right then and there.

"Bring me other clothes, and throw these pieces of trash away, or else I will do what I said earlier," I commanded, my brows knitting together in frustration. No one moved to leave the room or find new clothes. Seriously? How have you survived this long, Arthemice?

"B-But the young Duke chose these—" Stella started.

"Is this Darious' coming-of-age ceremony?" I exclaimed, glaring at them. "It is not, right? Now leave and find me new ones," I continued, but still, no one obeyed my order. Wow.

I massaged my temples in exasperation. It's way too early to be stressed out by such useless matters! It seemed like they wanted to humiliate me in front of the guests. High-ranking nobles and even the Imperial Majesty would attend the Grand Duke's daughter's coming-of-age ceremony, wouldn't they?

"Get out of my room before I kill one of you," I said. They didn't heed my threats, knowing I would never do such a thing. Instead, they looked down. I knew they were cursing me silently.

"B-But my lady, you need to be—"

"Shut it. Do you wish to be punished by the Grand Duke for mocking his own daughter?" I squeezed my eyes shut, taking a deep breath to calm my rising anger. When I opened them, I fixed a cold, piercing glare on each of them. "Are you all looking down on the Ducal Palace?" I added. They were taken aback by my words, their faces paling.

Their nervousness was almost enjoyable. The way they looked so horrified was just satisfying enough to make me grin inwardly.

"Now, leave!" I ordered. Panic flashed across their faces as they scurried out of the room. Stella's eyes were wide with fear, her lips trembling as she hurried to the door. The others followed, their steps quick and unsteady, each one casting a final, terrified glance back at me before shutting the door behind them.

I could only sigh as they all finally left. I acted too exaggeratedly this time, however, that was intense, yet satisfying. I didn't worry about the dress anyway, because I knew Arthemice had plenty more in her wardrobe.

"I see, so they want me to look childish with this ribbon rubbish?" I said, looking at the dresses with disgust. Even the colors were horrible and hurt my eyes.

I walked to the right side of the room and opened the wardrobe. There, I saw some beautiful dresses that could fit this lady. Well, I didn't work at the gaming company and design the avatar's clothes for nothing.

"Well, this one is good," I mumbled, picking the dress that caught my eye.

Then, I searched for accessories and materials that could make this dress more intriguing. I rummaged through drawers, pulling out lace, ribbons, and even a few pieces of delicate embroidery. Each item was carefully considered before I added it to the dress, envisioning how they would transform it.

I immediately tossed the rubbish on the floor when I found what I was looking for and started my work. I needed to redesign this dress to make it fancier. It was her birthday, and I would not disappoint the owner of this body.

Hours passed, and I saw the sun rising. Well, at least I am done now. I put the dress on a hanger and hung it up. I quickly removed all of my clothes to try it on but suddenly realized that I couldn't wear this dress all by myself.

"Should I call them?" I said, walking towards the door. But I was just wearing a chemisette and bloomers. I couldn't go outside looking like this. Well, living in this place is tough. I rolled my eyes at that thought.

I was about to put my clothes back on when suddenly the door swung open. I turned to face it. A figure stood at the entrance, panting and with sweat on his forehead, his eyes wide with urgency. Oh, great timing.

"Lady Loughsin?" I saw how Sebastian's eyes twitched when he saw me dressing myself. "I-I am really sorry, I should have knocked first before entering your room!" He was blushing furiously. I smirked at that. Considering how beautiful Arthemice's body is, it was no surprise he reacted like that.

"It's good timing anyway. Kyle, would you dress me?" I asked, showing him the dress I had hung up.

He was visibly startled, his eyes widening and his face turning an even deeper shade of red. His jaw dropped slightly before he quickly turned his back to me, clearly flustered. Oh, is this the assassin I really afraid with?

"I should call Stella," he stammered.

"No need. You're my personal knight, so you can do it," I said. His body twitched again at my words. "Besides, I just need you to assist me. All you have to do is zip it up and hold the dress. The rest, I can manage myself."

"Then put some clothes on first," he replied. I rolled my eyes. Does he not understand that I need his help?

"I don't have time for this. The guests will arrive at 10 am, and I need to hurry."

"Then why cause such a ruckus if you're in a hurry?" he retorted. So he caught on quickly. Is that why he came here so urgently?

I just heaved a sigh and walked towards him. As I arrived, I immediately closed the door and turned his face to mine. "It is an order," I said, looking directly into his eyes, before pulling him further into the room and pinning him gently against the door. The proximity made his breath hitch, and I could feel the tension radiating off him.

He swallowed hard, his resolve crumbling as he nodded. "Alright, but let's make it quick," he muttered, his voice barely above a whisper.

"Your gloves are wet. You don't have to be nervous because I know you wouldn't do anything inappropriate, right?" I said, avoiding his gaze as I grabbed the dress and handed it to him. "Here, I want to wear this. Given your height, you can reach my hands when they're like this, right?" I added, raising my arms.

I watched as his Adam's apple bobbed, a clear sign of his nervousness. He fumbled slightly as he adjusted his necktie, his fingers trembling. His eyes darted away for a moment, but he quickly regained his composure, taking a deep breath.

"Yes, my lady," he replied, his voice steadier now. He stepped closer, and the space between us seemed to shrink, the air charged with an electric tension. As he helped me into the dress, his hands brushed against my skin, sending a trail of warmth in their wake. We were so close that I could feel the heat of his breath on the back of my neck, each exhale sending shivers down my spine.

"Am I doing this right, my lady?" he asked. I tilted my head slightly, feeling a tickle from his breath. He paused when I did that. I couldn't see his expression, but I knew he was uncomfortable from his heavy breathing.

"Yes, Kyle, you're doing it right," I replied, helping him lower the dress. It was so thick that we barely managed to put it on correctly. Once I was in it, he gently gathered my hair and placed it in front of me. I was stunned by the intimate gesture, his body pressing lightly against my back. It felt like he was back-hugging me as he carefully moved my hair.

"The zipper will catch your hair if it stays there, my lady," he whispered, his breath hot against my ear, sending a shiver down my spine. Slowly, he picked up stray strands and moved them forward, his fingers grazing my skin.

"Yes, that was a smart move, Kyle," I responded, smiling while clasping my hands together. This position was so uncomfortable, for goodness' sake!

"I know," he said, and even though I couldn't see him, I knew he was smirking. Damn it.

He was about to zip up my dress when the door suddenly opened. I hastily looked towards the door, my mouth gaping wide open when I saw the Grand Duke together with Darious.

Kyle froze behind me, his eyes widening in shock. His hands, still holding the zipper, went still as he took a sharp breath. His surprise mirrored my own, we were both caught off guard.

"What an impudent act, my sister," Darious remarked, his voice dripping with disdain. He lifted his left hand to his face, his fingers splayed dramatically across his forehead, partially hiding his mocking grin from the Grand Duke. His eyes sparkled with malicious amusement, enjoying every second of our discomfort. "No wonder, for a child of a prostitute."

fin.