In the Tenberen Kingdom, they called the powerless the Unawakened.
The impact of the word had a completely different feeling despite the simple linguistic difference.
Since there are so many unawakened people out there, there is little discrimination against them, right?
'Let's start my new life in a new place'
Lillian pulled out a small sketchbook from her bag.
Fluff—, fluff—… With every page she turned, there were drafts of designs for antique pieces.
'Hahaha. Oh, what beautiful things you are!
My future source of livelihood!
The artifacts equipped with control stones were, in short, medical devices and accessories in one.
'Because it controls the agitation of those with abilities, and calms the disease of ability as well.'
In this world, the number of Dominators was very small compared to those with superhuman abilities.
'Did it say the ratio is approximately 3 to 7?'
If the possessor of the ability did not find a Dominant that was compatible with him, he would have no choice but to rely on the artifact.
The Tillard family was a pioneer in this field.
By draining Lillian.
'They sold the artifacts I created in Iris' name, and didn't give me a single penny.'
Saying that people like you should serve Iris.
And you can't do anything alone.
But despite her appearance, in her “former life” she had set up a workshop entirely of her own.
So, as soon as she comprehended her previous life, she hurriedly prepared.
She secretly created a fake identity and secured a place to earn money in the new home country.
Now that she had disabled the archers and knights, she had to rush towards the border checkpoint.
***
After a period of hectic moving —
I finally reached the forest path leading north.
'I must meet the mercenaries who will hide me within their group.'
Lillian took out a map from her bag over her shoulder.
Both intersecting roads lead to the meeting place.
“Which one do I choose?”
But a scent emanated from the right road that gently tickled the sense of smell.
It was a pure and mysterious scent like a snow-covered forest, yet it suggested comfort.
'Phytoncide* is good for mental health'
* It is a natural volatile substance released by plants - especially trees - as a defense mechanism against bacteria, fungi and insects.
There are only matters ahead of me in the future that require strong psychological stability.
Let's choose the right path.
Lillian took a step forward.
It was a small leap, but for a petty villain in the “original novel,” it was a huge leap.
* * *
Aeterna District, the area bordering the northern border —
Although it was the beginning of winter, the forest filled with conifer trees was dense.
It was a refreshing sight, if it weren't for the blood of monsters splattered everywhere in bright colors.
“Don't let one of them get away.”
“Your command, Your Highness!”
“Kill it cleanly. Without cracking the heart (core).”
Following the commander's instructions, the 'Shadows' quickly waved their weapons.
Although the First Prince Efrain Tarandia, who had issued the orders, was slaughtering the monsters with complete indifference.
Rather, he was humming indifferently.
“Hmmmm...”
His long silver hair was tied loosely at his neck.
The chest of his black military jacket was open.
He looked quite like a playboy.
The reason he does not appear like this is his stunning beauty, which highlights his charming features.
His emotionless green eyes spotted a wolf-shaped monster trying to escape.
'Last left'
Funnily enough, that monster emanated a pure, white scent of flowers.
But Evren did not care and waved his sword.
The monster split lengthwise and was killed in an instant.
Tak —
Blood splattered everywhere.
"… millimeter?"
His low hum suddenly stopped.
Behind the monster's corpse, a pink-haired woman wearing a robe was standing, looking in amazement.
It was completely covered in the monster's purple blood.
* * *
After a few minutes, Lillian thought.
Phytoncide is pure pseudoscience nonsense.
Monsters appear and tell me about mental health?
Moreover, I was covered in monster blood.
'Ah, disgusting...'
However, she did not scream at the sight of the slaughtered monsters.
The living “villain of the original novel” is much more terrifying than the dead monsters.
And above all -
“Hmm, you saw it. You saw it.”
“May the protector of the world help you. Thank you for the good towel.”
“Miss, you saw what we were doing, didn't you?”
“Of course, I am grateful to His Highness the First Prince and feel more in awe of him than anyone in this world. I felt the highest degree of nobility in the empire seeing you tear apart monsters.”
“Did you also feel nobility when I was stealing hearts? You made me ashamed.”
“Oh my God, there is still monster blood in my eyes. Oh.”
Can you not ask me while you proudly commit an illegal act?
You've snatched hearts from monsters you've publicly killed.
The enemy of the heroine Iris and the protagonist of the novel, the Second Prince.
An S-class ability possesses the 'Annihilation Ability'!
…This villain was throwing a top-tier Forbidden Beast Heart and holding it lightly.
This required permission from the Emperor, which of course he did not have.
'I thought he was in the East now, so he lied.'
I researched well to avoid it before starting the original novel.
How did this happen!
There were many reasons why Lilian wanted to avoid Efrain Tarandia.
Firstly.
'I died because the hall collapsed because of the war this man started.'
Because he mobilized armies to seize the imperial palace.
Of course, it was my family that left me behind.
But since the accident was caused by him, he must feel uncomfortable.
And secondly.
'This man is a true villain who cannot be saved even by the heroine's love!'
Something bad would happen if I was fooled by his beautiful, softly smiling face.
He kills you if there is no benefit, and gets rid of you if he loses interest.
A god of destruction that combines calculations and impulsiveness?
Isn't he actually a "warm ice Americano" who walks on two legs?
But the Americano is a harmless drink, at least.
As for this guy, he is an S-class weapon.
What misery the controller would have to endure.
'Anyway, Iris will bear it, so I don't feel miserable for her.'
His occupation of the palace in the “original novel” was with the aim of taking Iris.
But now, Lillian is the one she has to face.
She continued to rub her eyes vigorously, pretending that she did not see the illegal actions.
rub —, rub —
“Why was the young lady passing by here specifically...”
“Oh, the reason I'm here is because... I ran away from home, Your Highness. Oh, my eyes.”
“Hmm. Escaping from home...”
“My fiancé cheated on me with my cousin, can you believe it? So I felt hurt and decided to move away for a bit, but—”
What if the mercenaries I agreed with leave while we're here?
But at that moment, two knights wearing black military uniforms appeared from the forest path.
"Your Highness! We're done here too!"
“Did you catch everyone?”
“Yes. We arrested all the mercenaries who did not have work permits and deported them.”
“They never understand, no matter how much we say that we will throw anyone who does not renew their permit in prison.”
...why?
Why does he arrest others when he himself commits illegal acts?
Once again, life really is unfair.
Then Evren tilted his head.
He was a beautiful man like snow.
Although his eyes were smiling, they were cold as graves.
“I wonder why? Why I can't believe that that quiet Tillard daughter has run away from home...”
“Loyal citizens have the right to flee their homes as well, Your Highness. And even the quiet ones do.”
“Then how can I trust your loyalty? I can’t use my ability against you when you are innocent...”
“…….”
“I only know the ways of dealing with monsters and fools. I am very concerned that I cannot use them against Tillard’s dear daughter.”
Does it really concern you?
Feel like you're looking for an opportunity to use your yard ability?
'With that ability one could dream up a perfect crime.'
Amazing. But for me to be the target is nothing short of amazing.
'Think fast'
Why is he here?
And a way to deceive him and get around this situation!
Suddenly, an idea came to Lillian's mind like a thunderbolt.
“Actually, I was on my way to the Aeterna region in the north.”
“Huh...”
“Because I recently discovered a new race of Control Stones.”
Then, for the first time, the villain's smile disappeared.
I hit the target!
The main material of control stones is the power injected by the 'controller'.
But of course there is a need for metals that will carry that strength.
But —
'The Taillard family monopolizes it and never sells it to the evil side.'
In fact, this man has not yet met a dominatrix who is compatible with him.
'So use monster hearts as a substitute.'
Unlike control stones, the time available before a rampage is short, and if a rampage occurs it is much more dangerous.
But it's better than nothing anyway.
… if!
“Since the news of my escape would arrive late at the main house, I was on my way there.”
And that place is not far from the border checkpoint as well...
“This is amazing. Coincidentally, I'm heading towards Aeterna as well.”
Liar.
“Oh my God, this is so cool!”
But I'm a liar too!
Tak—!
Lillian clapped her hands and smiled.
“I want my escape to be prolonged. I want to burn out my family’s nerves completely. And burning out the Tillard family’s nerves is also something Your Highness would like, wouldn’t it?”
“…….”
"Excuse me, I will gratefully accept the honor of joining Your Highness's convoy. When will we prepare to depart?"
Isn't this before the beginning of the original novel?
'Instead of avoiding it, if it's unavoidable...!'
Let me use the villain of the original novel, and move under the protection of the elite knights for free.
Then run away when the opportunity arises!