Living As the Villainess Queen

The urgent lockdown of the Holy City left Sang-je with limited information. Once the kings withdrew, he’d be scrambling to gather intel. To prevent him from exploiting their vulnerabilities, someone needed to keep an eye on the Holy City. Kasser volunteered for this critical role.

Fortunately, the kings had a valuable tool: the sorcery notebook. It allowed for rapid communication of crucial details, such as how long Flora would need to master the sorcery and when she could utilize transportation magic to reach the Holy City from the Hashi Kingdom.

If Flora’s training required at least two months, their entire operation would be delayed until the next dry season. Despite potentially inadequate preparation, Kasser was determined to act within the current dry season.

His motivation went beyond seizing the opportunity. His wife, Eugene, was entangled with the monster’s demands. Eliminating the creature was the most certain way to ensure her safety.

The monster itself wasn’t the true threat; internal discord was. While the kings were currently united, time could erode that unity. Sang-je’s cunning manipulations could sway someone’s opinion.

Eugene’s pregnancy offered Kasser temporary protection from criticism. For a king, securing an heir was paramount. But after the birth, the argument might shift to, “You have your heir, isn’t that sufficient?”

“Fourth King,” Richard began, “are we aiming for the end of the dry season as the deadline?”

Kasser’s response was sharp: “Five days.”

Richard furrowed his brow. “Five days… If we can deal with the monster within two days, and all the kings reach the palace before the active period starts, it’s tight, but achievable. However, that timeline excludes you. No matter how fast you travel, reaching the Hashi Kingdom from here will take at least three to four days.”

“Do you have a plan to address this?” Richard pressed.

Kasser shook his head. “No, not yet.”

A heavy silence descended upon the room. The worst-case scenario loomed large: the Hashi Kingdom entering the active period without its king. Kasser had never missed the active period before. His absence would undoubtedly lead to increased casualties.

He felt a wrenching choice before him: his wife or his people. He’d chosen his wife, a painful decision that gnawed at him with guilt, even though nothing had transpired yet. He felt like a deserter from his royal duty.

To demonstrate his unwavering resolve, Kasser had proposed a tight schedule. He reasoned that the other kings would be less likely to object if the one pushing this ambitious plan was himself sacrificing the most.

A tense silence followed his question: “Does anyone have any objections?” Seeing no dissent, the kings swiftly wrapped up their preparations and departed for their respective kingdoms.

Beyond readying for the active period, the kings had to gather materials for the operation. Since it was the dry season, there would be no larks – essential creatures for the controlling sorcery. They’d need to artificially break the seeds to summon them, but the exact number needed to breach the defensive spell was unknown. To ensure success, they would have to gather as many seeds as possible.

Breaching the defensive spell was just the first hurdle. Once inside the Holy City, they needed to quickly eliminate the larks. The controlling sorcery wouldn’t quell their inherent aggression towards humans. Lower-grade larks, easier to hunt quickly, would minimize damage to the city.n/ô/vel/b//in dot c//om

Therefore, each king directed their national seed storage to provide the lowest-grade seeds.

“Form multiple two-person teams and designate scouting areas,” Kasser ordered. “If anyone from the Holy City appears, apprehend them.”

“Yes, Your Majesty,” the warrior acknowledged before departing.

Alone, Kasser opened the sorcery notebooks. Finding no updates in either, he mulled over Richard’s words.

“Initially, we planned to enter the Holy City immediately,” Richard had said. “Focused on hunting the monster, we might have missed crucial details. The delay bought us time to think. With so many capable young kings, I trust them to handle the monster. I’ll prepare for the aftermath – gathering doctors and medical supplies for potential casualties within the Holy City.”

Richard’s words sparked discussion among the kings. Nicholas volunteered, “Honestly, I want to help the benefactor who cured my mother. They’re also the monster’s weakness. With everyone’s approval, I’ll go rescue them.”

Pered claimed responsibility for managing the post-defeat chaos. “Upon entering the Holy City, I’ll find my subordinates and retrieve information on the monster’s weaknesses. With some manipulation, we can sway public opinion to ensure the monster has no defenders. I want complete eradication, not just its demise.”

Akil, after a thoughtful pause, grinned. “Then I’ll take care of the monster’s vile henchmen. Now that’s the hunt I crave.”

Naturally, the kings divided their roles, all thanks to Richard’s quiet yet effective leadership.

He’s wise man indeed, Kasser thought, feeling a surge of gratitude towards Richard for his subtle yet effective support.

The flap of the tent door being roughly pulled aside shattered the quiet. Riner, the Fire King, stood in the entrance, his arrival completely unwelcome. Kasser silently glared at the intruder, a stark contrast to the other kings who had all departed for their own territories.