章 9: Chapter 9
"Cecil!"
"My baby daughter..."
Kai placed Cecil gently on her feet, supporting her. Seeing only her parents at the gate, Cecil was relieved.
The heroine and the protagonist are not present.
That's good.
Cecil allowed her parents to embrace her and she patted them with a tired smile. Her mother began fussing over her, wondering why she was so pale.
Her father began glaring at Kai, who stumbled back in alarm.
"Why are you dressed in this manner? Where did you go?! Are you alright? Oh, poor thing, you look so pale!"
"Mother, I'm fine, just a little tired," Cecil chuckled softly and turning to look at her father. "And father, Kai brought me back safely, he's a...good friend of mine, please stop scaring him."
Her father was an intimidating man, despite being almost fifty years old. His features were naturally fierce, and the only obvious physical trait Cecil received from him was the black hair.
"Let me talk to him and send him off first." she whispered to her parents, and they backed off.
She turned to Kai, who smiled kindly at her and she smiled back.
"Thank you, for carrying me back. You must be tired, I can't thank you enough for helping me with my training as well."
"Well, if you want to show your gratitude," Kai revealed something on his palm, still smiling at Cecil. "Keep this to remember me, and give me a kiss on the cheek."
Cecil blinked, her face impassive. "Simple enough."
She took the rock from his palm, her palr and smooth fingertips brushing against his callous palm. Kai relished in the brief physical contact, and he froze when he felt a pair of soft lips landed on his cheeks.
He even felt the same pair of lips puckered lightly.
He was only joking about the kiss on the cheek, he hadn't actually expect Cecil to accept his request.
The smile dropped from his face, and Cecil took a step back. Kai's eyes were still wide in disbelief as he blinked rapidly, trying to recover from the shock.
Cecil wore a blank expression, but on the inside, she was jumping in glee at having the chance to kiss one of her favourite alters in this novel.
I kissed the huge fluffy dog, Kai!
He's so cute!
So cute!
Super duper cute!
Kai looked at Cecil, still blinking in disbelief as his hand pressed against the cheek where Cecil kissed.
Cecil tilted her head, her clear onyx eyes held a look of askance. "What's wrong? You said you wanted a kiss on your cheek."
"O-oh...yeah, I-I did."
"My father doesn't look happy, and my mother is really anxious. Take care now, Kai. I'll definitely keep this, and treasure it as well."
Kai saw her gentle smile as she waved at him, walking towards her parents.
Kai couldn't help but feel a blush creeping up his face, towards his cheeks and his ears. He immediately spun around, dashing away as the gates closed behind him. After a minute of running, he skidded to a stop. He then clenched his fists, jumping into the air as he exclaimed happily.
Cecil's kiss was purely platonic on her end, but to the Kai who was still infatuated with her, it meant an entirely different thing.
Since it was a request from him, Cecil naturally wouldn't decline, if not she would have willingly kissed Kai, whom she believed belonged to Hana wholeheartedly. Alas, she didn't know her kiss had such an impact on Kai.
The morning sunlight filtered through the curtains, casting an ethereal glow on Cecil still sleeping on her bed. A second later, her eyes opened slowly and she shifted to a sitting position.
Yesterday, she revealed to her parents how she was training for her elemental energy, and how she has opened her first gate. Her parents calmed down after that, and were proud of her achievements and her dedication.
Cecil turned to look at her balcony, and she called out to AI500.
"AI500, how much time do I have left on the secret mission?"
[ Time limit : 54 days
6 days has passed since you have received the mission. ]
Cecil calculated the timeline in her head.
It has been twelve days for Kai, and his school trip would end in two days.
Cecil also knew, today would be the fateful day for the protagonist. There would be a few important events happening in succession, particularly for Hana.
She sighed, this is also where the protagonist suffered yet again.
Hana, with the previous Cecil, adding on to the events where Cecil was still indirectly taking advantage of Hana, would be visiting another restaurant.
The previous Cecil Lan was infatuated with Xue, and was extremely jealous of Hana getting all of his attention. She became more cruel to Hana, where Hana had been locked up in the library again, and it was longer this time. This was the first time in a week where Hana left the house, and Xue knew of Cecil's cruel action of locking Hana up in her mansion. Sadly, he couldn't break into the mansion and save her.
Cecil and Hana were supposed to come to this restaurant at a request of her father's friend to give comments about their food. It was an exclusive lunch, and there were other important guests. Hana would get into some trouble, like the typical damsel-in-distress. Cecil would pretend she did not see it and disappear from Hana's sight.
Xue became the hero of the day, saving his beloved wife, but alas, the guest that Xue offended was someone influential in this town, and the Eagle Academy.
The same academy where Xue would go to start his training onwards to the Supreme God.
That certain influential person would make Xue experience many unnecessary trouble and suffering that he didn't deserve.
The author is too cruel! Xue had to go through the excruciating pain of separating his soul into fifty fragments, and even losing the woman he loved.
She was reincarnated, but she completely forgot about him! And she caused so much trouble for Xue, getting him involved in so many unnecessary suffering that can make one puke up blood a thousand times!
Cecil turned away from her balcony, crossing her arms across her chest as she huffed indignantly.
If only this author...didn't make Hana such a trouble magnet, and a useless damsel-in-distress that is a total airhead...
Cecil lamented, and she began to grow more passionate than ever.
With her here, the protagonist and his beloved will never come to suffer any unnecessary beating! She will take advantage of the position of the young mistress from the Lan family, and abuse that power.
She will make use of her newly acquired elemental energy as well.
They want to bully these two? They have to get through me first!
The carriage arrived to a stop, and the two ladies inside the carriage stopped their lively conversation.
"Aw...I wanted to talk for a while more."
Cecil smiled, "we have plenty of time to talk later, Hana."
"Mhmm!"
Xue sat in the carriage along with them, Cecil had suggested to everyone to bring Xue along. Hana clearly appreciated her suggestion, while the rest were hesitant.
Cecil convinced them that Xue would act as their bodyguard, as well as their extra guest that they were allowed to bring along. However, Cecil only did this so she could keep an eye on Xue, ensuring that he would not offend that person. If he did, she wasn't sure if she could protect him completely from his influence.
At the very least, she won five more impressions points from Xue and her points rose back up to 85.04.
Moreover, the hostile gaze that she would receive from Xue constantly has dissipated. The gaze she received from him now were cold or confused.
It wasn't what she desired as a fangirl, but it was better than nothing.
The driver prepared to get down from the carriage, to help support the two beautiful ladies down from the carriage.
"No need, I'll help and escort them instead. Just prepare to pull the carriage away as soon as possible."
"Certainly, Mr. Xue."
Xue exited the carriage and stood by the side as he adjusted his outfit. It was a dark grey vest with a blue inner shirt, along with a matching grey tie and pants. His black shoes completed the whole outfit, and his lean figure was accentuated.
It matched his ash blonde hair, as well as his cold, grey eyes.
The moment Cecil saw his smart and neat outfit, she was clapping in approval in her heart.
My precious protagonist can really wear anything and still look utterly handsome. It's even better if it was an outfit like this, and his hair was even styled to perfection.
Xue wanted to bring his spear along, but only with Hana and Cecil convincing him that it was safe, did he finally agree not to bring it along.
Hana was the second to exit the carriage, and Xue made the effort to stretch his hand towards her, holding her hand gently. She held his hand, stepping down the stairs in a refined manner.
She glanced at Xue, admiring his handsome features once more, her fingers covering her mouth as she grew shy.
Likewise, Xue was admiring Hana, she was dressed in a forest green grown, it was off-the-shoulder but there were straps, revealing her fair shoulders. It was a long-sleeved gown, and the tips of the sleeve were white. The gown naturally emphasised on her perfect, slim figure and contrasted against her wavy red hair.
She adorned a familiar-looking hairstick on her hair.
"You look beautiful, Hana, especially with the hairstick." Xue smiled gently at her, the coldness in his eyes melting away.
Hana became more shy, stuttering out, "yo-you look handsome as well."
She then hurried into the restaurant, glancing once more at Xue.
Xue watched her enter the restaurant, dazed. He realised that the blush looked awfully good on her fair face, and he smiled unconsciously.
Cecil stepped down right after Hana, noticing Xue's enraptured gaze on the entrance of the restaurant, accompanied by a dreamy smile.
She knew that gaze was meant for Hana.
How cute.
Cecil smiled to herself, deciding that she didn't want to interrupt Xue, climbing the steps down herself as she held her own gown up.
When Xue heard the sounds of shoes hitting against the steps, he snapped out of his daze. He stretched his hand out, only to realise Cecil was already done, and she pushed his hand away.
"No need to, Xue."
Xue furrowed his eyebrows, observing the raven-haired woman before him. She was dressed similarly to Hana, only that her gown was a pale blue, and there weren't any other extra colours. Lili had braided her hair, clipping it to the side, and made it rather wavy as well, but not as wavy as Hana's hair.
"...my apologies, I wasn't paying attention."
"I have my arms, and I have my legs. I do not require your support." Cecil stated, letting go of her gown as she smoothed the creases.
Xue furrowed his eyebrows at those words.
Cecil assessed his appearance once more, just like Hana. However, she did not grow shy and maintained her usual frigid and conceited mien. "You look handsome."
Xue didn't expect Cecil to compliment him at this moment. She did not say a word before.
"You too." Xue blurted out, and he widened his eyes slightly.
Cecil raised her eyebrows. "I look handsome?"
"Uh, not handsome," Xue furrowed his eyebrows. "Beautiful."
Cecil hummed in response, an amiable smile gracing upon her plump, rosy lips. She ambled onwards, dropping her smile when she looked away from Xue, and Xue caught a whiff of a mild, refreshing fragrance from Cecil as she passed by him.
Wearing an unfathomable look, he closed the carriage door and trailed behind Cecil.
Cecil cut a small piece of chicken, a layer of sauce was seen at the top, glistening in the light. She placed the chicken into her mouth as she chewed quietly.
A hint of appreciation flickered past her eyes, and she cut up another small piece.
Tender, well-seasoned and cooked to perfection. The homemade sauce complements the chicken, and it is definitely well-prepared.
De-li-cious!
Cecil enjoyed another piece of the chicken, glancing up, when she realised Xue wasn't focused on his beloved Hana, but her. His gaze was intense, almost making her choke on her food and she looked back down at her food.
Great lord protagonist...have I done something to anger you?
Why are you looking at me in such a scary manner? I thought we were on good terms now...
Cecil felt like Xue was a leopard looking at her like a rabbit.
"The aftertaste of Widerlich is no longer there?" Xue questioned and Hana paused, glancing at her best friend.
Cecil blinked, surprised that the protagonist is talking to her, and not flirting with his wife instead.
Swallowing her food, Cecil dapped at her mouth with the serviette provided to them. "Yes, it has finally disappeared."
Thank god for that. I never want to drink it ever again.
It's true, one can never forget its taste for their lives. Until now, I can still taste it whenever I hear the word "widerlich".
Cecil shuddered internally.
"Really? That's great! It must have been hard on you, Cecil...you have hardly eaten for the past few days," Hana was sympathetic, and she cut up a portion of her chicken, passing it to Cecil. "Here, eat more. Let's go back to Plik later and enjoy their drink."
Cecil wanted to cry tears of joy as Hana beamed at her.
The female lead goddess! She is too nice! She even gave me the best part of the chicken, coated with a huge portion of the sauce!
Xue watched their interaction and he frowned, cutting his chicken up too, passing it to Hana.
Hana beamed at Xue, cutting up another small part of the chicken given to her, handing it to Cecil.
"Hehe." Hana continued smiling.
Cecil wanted to melt from her cuteness.
Goddess! Goddess! Goddess!
The one and only wife for the great lord protagonist!
Xue was speechless, looking at Hana who was only smiling at Cecil. Cecil was also smiling back and she lifted her hand up, patting Hana on the head.
"...why did you give her the chicken too?"
Hana turned to Xue, her smile falling and she seemed guilty. "I-I can't give it to her? I'm sorry..."
Hana looked back at Cecil, her lips trembling. "Sorry Cecil, Xue doesn't want me to give you the chicken, I-I thought he wanted to. I'll take it...back..."
Xue started to panic, and Cecil glanced coldly at him, making Xue flinch.
Great lord protagonist!
How could you make your wife sad! With her simple mind, of course Hana would think that chicken you gave was meant for me too!
"Don't fret, Hana. Xue doesn't mean it that way, he only wanted to reserve that chicken for you." Cecil comforted Hana.
Hana sniffled, staring at Xue with hopeful eyes.
With those beady, round eyes staring at him in such a manner, Xue softened. "I apologise, it's your food now, you can choose what you want to do with it."
Hana brightened up, nodding her head.
The three at the table continued their meal, and Cecil paused when she read a notification from AI500.
[ Your third mission has arrived!
Mission 3 : The second cannon fodder villain has arrived...
Objective : Ensure the villain doesn't set his sights on Xue, and protect the damsel-in-distress!
Reward : 20 points
Failure of mission will result in a negative 20 points. ]
"Second cannon fodder villain? Who's the first one, AI500?"
[ It's you! You still have the canon ending still looming over your shoulders! Oh, and the protagonist "Xue" has a bad impression of you once again.
Previous impression points : 85.04
Remaining impression points : 80 ]
Cecil upon knowing that the first cannon fodder villain was her, was speechless.
Cecil upon knowing that there was precise deduction of 5.04 impression points, was even more speechless.
"......"
"Cecil, what's wrong? Your face looks...strange." Hana remarked and Xue looked at her.
Cecil wiped any expression off her face immediately, switching back to her trademark demeanor.
Great lord protagonist, am I still not considered a loyal second female lead? And what is with the precise deduction of 5.04 points...?
What has the lowly me done?
She sobbed in her heart, feeling wronged. She just wanted to comfort his beloved wife, only to get bitten for it.
"Hello, Hana."
Cecil realised a new presence beside them, and she glanced up, her limpid eyes becoming icy-cold.
《 start 》
When Hana called me handsome with that blush on her face, I felt happy.
When that woman called me handsome with that cold look, I felt...I can't describe it.
Ah, and her fragrance is surprisingly pleasant.
...?
...what am I...
......
...there must be something wrong with my nose and my mind today.
Is it because I'm feeling the presence of another "me" here?
I feel restless.
《 stop 》
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