Chapter 23 – I Accidentally Gave Good Advice to a Future Villain
I Wasn't Trying to Get Involved… Seriously
After watching the princess's cutscene of inevitable tragedy, I did what any normal person would do.
I left.
…Or at least, I tried to.
But of course, the moment I turned the corner—
I nearly ran right into her.
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Face to Face With the Corrupted Princess
Up close, she was even more intimidating.
✔ Perfect noble posture.
✔ Expression calm and unreadable.
✔ Golden eyes sharp enough to cut through steel.
She didn't look angry or sad.
She just looked… tired.
Like she had already accepted that nothing she did would change anything.
She raised an eyebrow at me. "You were watching, weren't you?"
I didn't even bother denying it. "Yeah."
She tilted her head slightly. "Why?"
I shrugged. "Was curious."
---
She's Not Used to People Talking to Her Like This
She narrowed her eyes. "Curious?"
Her tone wasn't hostile—just confused.
Because no one ever said sh*t like that to her.
People either:
✔ Feared her because of her family.
✔ Avoided her because they didn't want trouble.
✔ Spoke to her with fake respect.
But I wasn't scared of her.
And I sure as hell wasn't about to treat her like some delicate noble flower.
So I just crossed my arms. "Yeah. I was curious to see how badly that idiot would mess up."
Her lips twitched. Just slightly.
Like she almost smiled.
---
She exhaled, her shoulders lowering just a little. "I suppose I was the fool for expecting something different."
Her voice was calm, but I could hear it—that tiny hint of frustration.
Like she wanted to believe things could change.
Like she wanted to fight back.
But she didn't know how.
So, without really thinking, I said—
"Then why don't you just do whatever the f*ck you want?"
She blinked.
"Excuse me?"
---
The Princess, Confused by Basic Freedom
I sighed, rubbing my temples. "Look, if the problem is that your whole life is controlled, why don't you just—y'know—ignore that sh*t once in a while?"
She stared at me like I had just spoken another language.
"It's not that simple."
I shrugged. "You sure? Seems to me like you spend a lot of time worrying about what other people think."
Her brows furrowed. "That's easy for you to say. You have no idea what it's like—"
I cut her off with a smirk. "Yeah, I do."
She paused.
And for the first time, she actually looked at me.
Like she was really seeing me.
---
For a Moment, She Actually Looks Lighter
A breeze passed through the garden, and the silence stretched between us.
Finally, she spoke—
"You're… strange."
"I'll take that as a compliment."
She exhaled, and for the first time, her posture relaxed.
Just a little.
Not enough for anyone else to notice.
But I noticed.
And for some reason, that annoying feeling in my chest lessened.
She wasn't fixed.
She wasn't saved.
But for one moment, at least—she looked a little less trapped.
---
She Leaves First, But…
She adjusted her dress, returning to her usual flawless noble composure.
"I'll consider your… crude advice."
I smirked. "Good. You should."
She turned away, walking back toward the academy.
I didn't stop her.
And I wasn't expecting anything more.
But then—
Right before she disappeared around the corner—
She glanced back.
Just for a second.
Then she was gone.
---
Final Thought – …That Wasn't Supposed to Happen
I sighed, stretching my arms. "Well, that happened."
The sword hummed. "You just changed the story, dumbass."
I scoffed. "Nah. I just talked to someone."
"Uh-huh. Keep telling yourself that."
I ignored it.
I had no plans to get involved.
But still…
That glance.
That hesitation.
It stuck with me.
And I had a feeling—
This wouldn't be the last time we talked.
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To Be Continued…