Reincarnated as the Villainess’s Unlucky Bodyguard

[Oh, come now. You know it's more than that,] the System reminded her, [and a significant opportunity for your growth.]

Liria didn't get a chance to retort before the door swung open with a loud creak. Enara strode in, her face set in an icy mask, hands on her hips. Behind her, a few castle servants trailed, holding an assortment of folded linens and dusting tools as if they were attending some grand ceremony.

"About time you showed up," Enara declared, her tone sharp. "Since you're supposed to be my 'bodyguard,' I expect you to start behaving as such. You'll be responsible for fetching anything I need, keeping my quarters spotless, and making sure you're around whenever I have to deal with royal affairs. Understood?"

Liria raised an eyebrow, crossing her arms with an amused smirk. "Fetching things? Cleaning up after you? Last I checked, bodyguard duties didn't include being a glorified maid."

Enara's glare sharpened, her eyes narrowing. "You're here to protect me, which means making sure I'm comfortable and well-attended. That includes everything I just mentioned."

One of the servants standing nearby, a demon with polished horns and a faintly smug expression, chimed in, "You heard the princess. If you're to serve in the demon court, you should know your place, human."

Another servant snickered, whispering, "How quaint. They expect her to protect our princess?"

Liria shot a glance at the group of servants, and her smirk vanished, replaced with a look of icy resolve. Her hand drifted unconsciously to the hilt of her sword, her grip tightening.

[Hold your ground, but remember, intimidation has its limits,] the System murmured. [If they test you, let your actions speak louder.]

"Trust me, I wasn't planning on backing down," she thought, before turning her attention back to Enara, whose expression was starting to waver under Liria's steely gaze.

"Listen up, 'princess,'" Liria said, her voice low but firm. "I may be here to protect you, but I'm not your servant. I'm here to ensure your safety, not to cater to your every whim. If you're uncomfortable with that, then maybe you need a lesson in what it means to show some respect."

A silence settled over the room as Liria's words hung in the air, the servants exchanging wide-eyed glances, clearly unaccustomed to anyone standing up to the princess like this. Enara's face flushed with embarrassment and anger, her hands clenching into fists.

Before Enara could respond, another figure entered the room, casting a shadow over everyone gathered. Daena, her expression colder than winter, surveyed the scene with a look that made even the walls seem to shiver. The servants froze instantly, their smug expressions draining into pure fear.

"Is there a problem here?" Daena's voice was calm, but there was a sharp edge to it that sliced through the room like a blade.

The servants immediately lowered their heads, stammering apologies and muttering excuses as they backed toward the door. Liria watched them go with satisfaction, catching the smallest hint of amusement in Daena's gaze before she turned her attention to Enara.

"As for you," Daena said, her voice taking on an even sharper tone, "you should remember that Liria is here as your protector, not your servant. You are a princess, Enara, and as such, you're expected to conduct yourself with dignity and respect toward those who are loyal to you."

Enara blinked, taken aback, her bravado crumbling under Daena's piercing stare. "I… I was only—"

"I don't care what you were only," Daena interrupted, her voice soft but unyielding. "You will apologize to Liria and act with respect toward her from now on. If I hear of any more disrespect, I'll personally see to it that your days here are filled with nothing but lessons on humility."

Enara's face turned pale, and she looked to Liria with reluctant, simmering anger. "I… apologize," she said through clenched teeth, each syllable sounding like it had been wrestled from her against her will.

Liria raised an eyebrow, barely hiding her amusement. "Apology accepted, Your Highness."

Daena's gaze softened a fraction, and she turned toward Liria. "Good. Now, if the two of you are done bickering, it's time to eat. Come along."

Liria and Enara followed Daena down the corridors to the dining hall. The castle seemed quieter than before, the hallways stretching in eerie silence as they moved past tall, stained glass windows and walls lined with tapestries of past battles and demon heroes.

They entered the grand dining hall, a vast room dominated by a long, dark wood table adorned with intricately carved symbols. The scent of roasted meats and spiced fruits filled the air, making Liria's stomach growl.

Verida and Nyssara were already seated at the head of the table, deep in conversation that immediately ceased as they saw the trio enter.

"Welcome, Liria," Nyssara greeted, gesturing for her to sit across from them, with Enara begrudgingly taking the seat beside her. "I trust you're starting to settle in?"

Liria nodded, glancing sideways at Enara, who was pointedly ignoring her. "Yes, Your Majesties. Though it's been… a unique experience so far."

Verida smirked, her golden eyes gleaming with a knowing look. "I'm sure you'll adapt quickly. After all, you seem to be handling our daughter's temper quite well."

Enara flushed, directing a deadly look at her plate as if it were Liria. Liria, in turn, took a seat, keeping her expression neutral but enjoying the moment of watching the once haughty princess squirm under her parents' scrutiny.

As servants brought out plates of food, Daena watched them closely, and Liria could feel the older woman's subtle approval in her gaze. It was a reminder that Daena had her back in more ways than one. She gave Liria a small nod, a gesture that needed no words.

[Quite the atmosphere here,] the System remarked, [though it's hardly a surprise. Nobility has its own code of conduct, one which Enara might benefit from studying a little more closely.]

"Or maybe just a code of basic courtesy," Liria thought back dryly, reaching for a goblet of spiced wine as her stomach finally won out over her irritation.

The meal passed in tense silence, with occasional glances and muttered exchanges between Enara and her mothers. Liria focused on her food, savoring the rich flavors of the demon cuisine, which was surprisingly delicious hearty meats, aromatic breads, and an array of spiced vegetables that warmed her from within.

Just as she was starting to feel at ease, Nyssara turned to Enara. "Since you'll be spending so much time together, I expect you to make an effort to understand Liria's perspective," she said, her voice firm but gentle. "She may not be of our world, but that's precisely why you could both benefit from this arrangement."

Enara grumbled something under her breath, but Verida caught her with a raised eyebrow, and she went silent again, focusing on her plate with a look that suggested she'd rather be anywhere else.

When the meal finally ended, Daena gestured for Liria to follow her back to her quarters. The tension of the dining hall melted away as they left, and Liria couldn't help but feel a rush of relief as they turned down the quieter hallways, leaving the rest of the royal family behind.

Once they arrived at her room, Daena looked at her with a small, almost motherly smile. "You handled yourself well today, Liria. Enara will come around, eventually. Just give her time."n/ô/vel/b//jn dot c//om

"Thank you," Liria replied, feeling a warmth in her chest. "I'll… do my best."