10

Lily.

A warrior with an indomitable spirit! One of the heroines of the main character, Robin, and a character who takes on the role of an assassin.

After losing her older sister in the past, she moved around the empire and eventually entered the academy at the age of 17.

When she entered the academy, her talent for assassination blossomed. She would swiftly ambush enemies and take on the position of leading battles to advantageous outcomes.

However, aside from her abilities, Lily showed an extreme obsession with the protagonist.

After her sister died, Lily led a lonely life until she met Robin at the academy.

Robin was always concerned about Lily, who constantly wore a hollow expression. As he continued to help her, he gradually filled the emptiness in her heart.

Since then, Lily has shown an excessive attachment to Robin, refusing to be apart from him for even a moment. She also displayed a strong hostility towards the other heroines around Robin.

"Especially Annie, Robin's childhood friend. She really hated her."

In the end, her obsession led to conflicts with the other heroines, and several incidents occurred because of it.

I pondered as I reflected on The Indomitable Warrior!

'Maybe this turned out for the better.'

My plan is to avoid getting too entangled with the protagonist, so as not to hinder his growth. However, I am willing to do anything that might help him.

Right now, Lily's sister, Dania, is still alive. Based on my guess, I've already dealt with Bram, who was a prime suspect in her sister's death. So, Dania shouldn't face any danger. Even if she does, I'll be there to protect her.

In that case, Lily's intense obsession with the protagonist should decrease significantly, and the various conflicts born from that obsession should be resolved amicably.

Besides, I know several ways for Lily to become stronger. I clearly remember how she experienced growth in the novel, so I could have her enter the academy in a far more capable state than in the original story.

Solving the scary obsession issue while leveling her up?

If I were Robin, I'd feel indebted enough to bow deeply.

Even if improving the party member's specs doesn't help the team, it certainly won't be a hindrance.

"Hello… hello, Unnie…"

I spoke to the girl staring intently at me.

"Hello. What's your name?"

When she heard my answer, the girl's eyes grew wide, and she immediately beamed with a smile.

"I'm Lily!"

Oh my, so cute.

My heart is taking considerable strain.

Thinking about Robin, who's going to steal this adorable girl away, I feel a strange sense of resentment.

But what can I do? He's the protagonist.

Instead, I consoled myself with the thought of the protagonist, who will have to suffer endlessly for the sake of the world.

Just as I was doing so, Dania spoke to me from beside me.

"Hera, what are you planning to do next?"

The bodies of Bram and his underlings lay scattered. As the ruler of the west, Bram's death would have a significant impact on this place.

To ensure I can enjoy a happy life in the west, I need to act carefully. After a brief silence, I spoke.

"First, can I change my clothes?"

The smell of blood is giving me a headache.

***

The place we arrived at was Dania's home.

It didn't seem like she lived a life of abundance, but the atmosphere felt warm.

"Go in and wash up first, Hera."

Dania handed me a change of clothes as she spoke. Wait a minute.

"No… no! You should go first, Dania."

Dania tilted her head in confusion, seeing my flustered expression.

"Huh? But you're in the worst condition."

Pointing at me, she indicated my body, drenched in blood.

Being in this state inside her house was quite a burden. I had no words to refute.

"Don't be shy, just go in already! Eek!"

"Wait… wait!!"

Dania pushed me into the bathroom and shut the door.

"…oh dear…"

I stood still inside the bathroom.

'… It's something I'll have to face eventually, anyway.'

Closing my eyes tightly, I removed my clothes, which were stained bright red.

Letting out a sigh, I glanced at the mirror and saw…

"…wow."

The woman in the mirror moved her lips exactly like I did when I spoke.

She was beautiful. It wasn't just because it was me—I really looked like someone had meticulously crafted this face stitch by stitch.

A petite face with a sharp nose and slightly flushed cheeks. Cherry-like lips and jewel-like shining eyes.

I thought I was beautiful when I saw my reflection in the water, but seeing myself directly in the mirror was even more so.

Then, as my gaze lowered,

"Gulp…"

My body, white and beautiful. I couldn't take my eyes off this sensual figure, as if God himself had sculpted it, and I just stood there in a daze.

How long had I been staring like that? Suddenly coming to my senses, I slapped my cheek.

"I-I have to hurry up! They're waiting for me!!"

I managed to pull myself together and washed my body clean before changing into the clothes Dania had given me.

It was a comfortable casual outfit. Except for the slightly loose chest area, the clothes fit just about right.

As I finished changing and was about to leave the room…

"Huh? Did I not close the door properly?"

I noticed the door was slightly ajar.

'Maybe Dania didn't close it all the way by accident.'

Thinking nothing of it, I stepped out of the bathroom.

"I'm all done, Dania."

A delicious smell wafted over, along with her voice from the kitchen.

"Oh yes! Please sit wherever you feel comfortable, Hera."

As I sat down casually, I saw Lily nearby.

But why is her face so red?…

Her breathing was rough as if she were ill.

"Lily. Are you okay?"

"Huh! Yes?!"

Startled by my call, Lily panicked and quickly lowered her head.

"I… I'm going to go wash up!"

She hurriedly ran into the bathroom, almost as if she were avoiding me.

'Did I do something wrong…?'

I felt a little hurt just now.

Not long after, Dania, having finished setting the table, called me over for dinner.

'Dania… are you an angel by any chance?'

The food Dania prepared was indescribably delicious. Ever since I possessed this body, I hadn't had proper food until now, but I was sure this would be top-notch even in this world.

She's beautiful, has a great personality, and can cook well. If this were the modern era, she'd be called the ideal wife and mother with no problem.

"You're thinking of taking over the west?"

Dania asked as she watched me eat with a satisfied smile.

"Well… something like that. Since I took down Bram, isn't it possible?"

Upon hearing my answer, she rested her chin on her hand and fell into deep thought.

Honestly, even though I said I wanted to take over the west, I had no intention of acting like a grand king.

With Bram's power and wealth, just living comfortably with Dania and Lily would be more than enough.

Although I'd have to send Lily to the academy at some point. But with about three years left, that could be dealt with later.

And by gradually reducing the crime rate and slowly repairing the buildings, we could probably live quite well.

After a while, Dania removed her hand from her chin and spoke.

"It won't be simple. Even though Bram is dead, there are still many people who followed him."

"Hmm…"

"Bram controlled all the food supplies and resources in the city, so you'll also have to take responsibility for that."

Now that I think about it, there was something I was curious about.

"I've been wondering, how does Drax get its food?"

Drax was a region so damaged it was beyond repair. It couldn't produce resources on its own.

Unless someone was helping Drax from somewhere, there was no way the city could be maintained.

"They usually get food through trade with merchants. Sometimes through hunting as well."

"Merchants?"

What kind of goods could Drax offer that would benefit merchants? Was there perhaps a mine or something?

"Yes. Once a week, merchants bring food and various supplies."

"Do you know what Drax offers in return?"

Dania shook her head as if she didn't know.

"Only a few of Bram's closest subordinates knew. But what I do know is that they usually traded at that large mansion where you caused a scene."

The trade happened on the first day of each week. Looking at the time, there were two days left until the next trade.

It seemed that I would have to ask the merchant directly that day. If there were no problems, it would be good to maintain the trade relationship.

"Ugh… It's more complicated than I thought. I thought everything would be resolved once I caught the leader."

Dania, smiling as she watched me groaning, moved to sit beside me.

"Let's take it slow and work on it together. This time, I'll help you."

Then, she linked her arm with mine and rested her head on my shoulder.

"Hyah? Dania??"

"To be honest… I was one of Bram's subordinates."

Dania spoke in a sad voice. It seemed there was some story behind it.

But more than that, the scent from Dania's hair… No, this isn't the time for such thoughts.

"After everything collapsed and I lost my family and everything, Lily and I wandered around this place. Then one day, the city ran into Bram and his subordinates."

"They tried to hurt Lily. So I fought back, but… I was no match for Bram."

"The people… I couldn't stand a chance against him."

Recalling that memory, Dania began to tremble.

"Dania…"

"I begged him. I pleaded with Bram. Please, don't touch Lily. Take me instead."

'Bram, that bastard. I killed him too easily. How dare he… Dania…'

While I bit my lip in regret, Dania continued to speak.

"Bram then said he would guarantee Lily's safety if I worked under him. And I… I couldn't refuse."

"I endured every day, thinking of Lily… but it was so hard. Sometimes, I thought of giving up."

"I spent every day in that hell until Hera saved me."

Though her eyes were filled with tears, her green pupils were still clearly visible.

Looking at me brightly, Dania…

Smooch-

Left a brief kiss on my forehead.

"Thank you so much, Hera. You've shown me such immense kindness."

'Please, let me repay you by staying by your side.'

I didn't quite catch her last words.

Huh?

Did she just… kiss me? It was just a peck, but still… huh?

What does this mean? Was it out of gratitude? Or something else?

No way… does she like me?.. But… I'm a woman??

Blank.

Like a blank page, my mind turned completely white.

"H-Huh?"

I let out an unintelligible sound.

No, in this situation, I need to act like a man… No, I'm a woman but…!

I tried to gather my scattered thoughts.

"Unnie?"

A voice, cold enough to give me chills, yet not entirely icy.

When did she finish her bath?

Turning my head, I saw Lily looking at us with empty eyes.

"What are you two doing?"

For some reason, a shiver ran down my spine.