Reincarnated as the Villainess’s Unlucky Bodyguard

Enara's glare was icy, her voice dripping with venom. "Just stay out of my way. And try not to embarrass me."

Before Liria could toss out a retort, Verida's voice echoed through the grand hall. "Enara, why don't you show Liria around the castle while we discuss a few matters with Daena?"

Enara froze, her expression shifting from indignation to barely veiled horror. "But Mother, I—"

"No protests," Nyssara cut in smoothly, her lavender eyes gleaming with quiet authority. "You two are going to be spending quite a bit of time together. It's best to start getting… accustomed."

Enara's shoulders slumped in resigned frustration, but she didn't dare argue further. She shot Liria a withering look, her expression practically spelling out I'd rather get eaten by a lava wyrm than spend one more second with you.

Liria, on the other hand, grinned as if she'd been told she'd won a grand prize. "Lead the way, Princess," she said, giving a mock-bow that only made Enara's scowl deepen.

[Oh, this is going to be delightful,] the System commented, a note of humor in its otherwise flat tone.

Liria thought back at it with a touch of sarcasm. "Delightful doesn't even cover it."

With a huff of annoyance, Enara spun on her heel, leading the way down a wide corridor lined with ancient tapestries and portraits that seemed to glare down at Liria as she passed. Every surface in the castle was dark and grand, the walls carved from obsidian stone and the floors gleaming like polished night. Liria had to admit, it was a bit awe-inspiring, but she wasn't about to let Enara see that.

"This is the Hall of Ancients," Enara said stiffly, barely looking over her shoulder at Liria. "It holds portraits of all the former demon lords and rulers of the Dark Plains."

Liria squinted at one of the nearest portraits. The demon in the painting had fierce, glowing eyes, a mane of wild hair, and a set of horns that curved like a crown atop his head. The way his gaze seemed to follow her was unsettling, and Liria had the odd sensation that he was judging her.

"Looks like he disapproves of my 'commoner' presence," Liria mused out loud.

Enara didn't even attempt to hide her smirk. "He probably does. The Ancients had very high standards."

[The ancestors might be harsh, but it's statistically unlikely they care much about modern drama,] the System noted helpfully.

"Oh, thank you for the comforting words," Liria thought back with mock gratitude.

They moved on, with Enara keeping up a reluctant commentary as they passed through each new part of the castle. She pointed out the War Room, with its grand map of Noctir spread across an enormous obsidian table, markers placed on various demon territories and strongholds. Then came the Grand Library, with shelves reaching up to the vaulted ceiling, packed with dusty tomes and scrolls.

"Impressive," Liria said, genuinely taken aback as she gazed at the rows upon rows of ancient books. "I didn't peg you for the scholarly type, Enara."

Enara sniffed, folding her arms. "Not that it's any of your business, but I do read. And besides, the library isn't for you."

Liria rolled her eyes. "You're right, it's not my business. But if I'm going to be your 'bodyguard,' I might as well know my way around in case some ancient book demon attacks."

Enara raised an eyebrow, her lips twitching into a reluctant smirk. "Trust me, if a book demon attacked, I doubt you'd be much help."

[Confidence and sarcasm your strongest assets,] the System chimed in, though it sounded suspiciously like it was trying not to laugh.

"Hey, at least one of us has confidence," Liria retorted in her mind.

Their tour continued through winding corridors and narrow, shadowed hallways. Enara maintained a cold silence most of the way, pointing out various rooms with barely concealed disdain.

"This is the Hall of Feasts," Enara said flatly as they entered a cavernous dining hall with tables stretching as far as the eye could see. Banners of dark, shimmering fabric hung from the walls, and a massive chandelier, studded with black crystals.

"Wow, subtle," Liria muttered, taking in the grand display. "Do you always dine in here, or is it just for special occasions?"

Enara gave her an unimpressed look. "Unlike humans, we don't need to gorge ourselves constantly. This hall is for important gatherings and celebrations."

Liria shrugged, smirking. "I don't know, sounds like you're missing out. Food is one of life's great pleasures."

Enara's eyes narrowed. "Perhaps for someone who lacks purpose beyond indulging herself."

Liria fought back a laugh. "I guess that makes me blessedly un-boring, unlike some people I know."

Enara rolled her eyes and turned sharply, leading them up a spiraling staircase that seemed to go on forever. At the top, they emerged into a long hallway with grand windows overlooking the Dark Plains. Liria could see the endless stretch of dark, rocky land dotted with violet mineral formations and the occasional flash of lightning from distant storms.

"This is the East Wing," Enara said grudgingly, "where the quarters of the royal family are located. You're forbidden from entering without permission."

Liria raised an eyebrow. "Oh, don't worry. I'll do my best to avoid it. I'd hate to accidentally intrude on your royal sulking sessions."

Enara whipped around, her eyes narrowing. "You really don't know when to be quiet, do you?"

"I think it's one of my best qualities," Liria replied breezily. "Someone's gotta keep things lively around here."

[Your commitment to disruptive commentary is admirable,] the System added, with what sounded suspiciously like approval.

"See?" Liria thought with a grin. "At least someone appreciates my talents."

They reached the top floor, which opened onto a small balcony overlooking the castle grounds. Enara paused, leaning against the railing, her face softening ever so slightly as she gazed out over her homeland.

Liria stepped up beside her, curiosity getting the better of her. "Do you miss it?"

Enara's expression hardened instantly, and she glared at Liria. "What would you know about it?"

"I don't know," Liria admitted. "Maybe nothing. But I can still ask."

Enara sighed, her eyes fixed on the dark plains below. "This place… it's more than just a home. It's part of us, part of who we are. It's where I belong, where my ancestors and my people have lived for generations. You wouldn't understand that kind of connection."

Liria didn't have a snarky comeback for once. She nodded, watching as a distant storm rumbled on the horizon. The air felt heavy with tension, as if even the land itself could feel the weight of Enara's words.

Finally, Enara turned away, her cold mask slipping back into place. "Well, I've fulfilled my duty. I hope you're satisfied with your tour."

Liria gave her a crooked grin. "Oh, absolutely. Riveting stuff, really."

Enara scowled, pushing past her. "Good. Then stay out of my way, and I'll do the same."

As they made their way back down the stairs, Liria couldn't resist one last jab. "You know, for someone who's so against this whole 'bodyguard' thing, you sure seemed to enjoy playing tour guide."

Enara shot her a look that could've frozen lava. "Enjoy? Trust me, spending time with you is the exact opposite of enjoyment."

Liria smirked. "Aw, you're just saying that."

[Careful,] the System interjected. [If you irritate her too much, you may find yourself demoted to 'royal chew toy.']

"Oh, please," Liria thought back, trying not to laugh. "I think I've got this under control."

[Confidence is admirable. However, overconfidence… well, history has countless cautionary tales.]

"Noted," Liria thought with a mental eye-roll, though she had to admit the System might have a point.n/ô/vel/b//jn dot c//om

They finally returned to the grand hall where Enara's mothers and Daena were still deep in conversation. The adults glanced up as they entered, Daena's gaze softening as it landed on Liria, while Verida and Nyssara looked between their daughter and her new "bodyguard" with unreadable expressions.

"Finished with the tour, I assume?" Nyssara asked, her voice as calm and graceful as ever.

"Yes," Enara muttered, crossing her arms. "I've shown her everything she needs to see."

Verida raised an eyebrow. "Good. Now that you're both somewhat familiar with the castle, we can move on to the next steps."