Memoirs of Your Local Small-time Villainess

Using the armillary sphere in Mistress’ office, Scarlett reappeared in the restroom where she had first initiated her vanishing act. She smoothed her dress, checked her reflection in the mirror, then returned to the Emperor’s Forum. As she entered the vast chamber, she noted that most of the guests had already returned, but she wasn’t the last to arrive. Both the emperor and several key figures at the central table were still absent.

Lady Withersworth and Duke Valentino’s wife greeted her as she approached their seats in the galleries. The former fixed Scarlett with a penetrating gaze, the curiosity in her eyes barely concealed. “I trust your meeting with your acquaintance was fruitful?” she asked.

Scarlett settled into her seat. “It went as well as could be expected,” she replied evenly. “There were a few unexpected developments, but nothing of great consequence.”

“Hmm.” Lady Withersworth’s lips curled into a faint smile. “If you say so, dear.”

Their attention was soon drawn to the chamber’s grand entrance as the royal herald’s booming voice rang out. The massive doors atop the staircase swung open, revealing the emperor’s retinue. Scarlett’s gaze was instinctively drawn to the raven-haired woman walking just behind the emperor. Mistress had finished up whatever talks she’d had with Malachi, it seemed, but Scarlett couldn’t help but wonder what those discussions had been about.

The emperor descended to his throne, the room falling into a respectful silence as he took his seat at the head of the central table. His gaze swept across the gathered nobles and dignitaries.

“I trust you have all had the time to reflect further on the matter at hand,” the man began, his voice effortlessly reaching every corner of the chamber. “Let us resume our discussion regarding the establishment of a barrier across imperial lands, to thwart the Tribe of Sin's use of teleportation magic. Those who wish to speak, now is the time.”

A stillness hung in the air, heavy and expectant. Then, as if a dam had burst, the chamber erupted into a torrent of voices. Lord Withersworth and his allies’ faction and their opponents clashed in a renewed cacophony of arguments that surged forward, mixed in with the occasional accusation and rebuttal.

Scarlett almost found herself marveling at how little the break seemed to have tempered the intensity of the debates as she observed nobles, one after the other, raise concerns over the astronomical costs of the project, the crippling of vital trade routes, and the potential devastation of defensive strategies that relied on the Kilnstone network. The counterarguments were just as fierce, pointing out the immediate threat posed by the Tribe of Sin and the need to combat the current incursions before anything else.

One noble stood and addressed the assembly, asking what would happen if the empire’s eastern borders faced an unforeseen attack from the Undead Council or monsters hailing from the Unresting Steppes. And what would they do in the—however unlikely scenario—of the Voneia Kingdom to the west staging an attack without them being able to rapidly deploy troops in defence through the Kilnstones? To that, both the Imperial General and several associates of different knight orders suggested that stationing more permanent military units in vulnerable regions was far from impossible, though some seemed to balk at the mere notion.

As the discussions raged on, Scarlett found it increasingly difficult to gauge which side held the advantage. Both factions boasted influential speakers. Just judging by the number of voices, those opposing erecting the barrier seemed to have a slight edge. Still, it didn’t escape her notice that certain groups—such as the Followers of Ittar—maintained a conspicuous silence throughout the proceedings.

Scarlett herself was a bit conflicted on the matter. While she recognised the need to stabilise the empire and had resolved not to obstruct the barrier’s implementation if it moved forward, that didn’t mean she had no reservations. Beyond her suspicions about how someone like Mistress would exploit the situation, the inconvenience of losing access to the Kilnstone network couldn’t be ignored. There was also the question of the costs that might be levied on nobles like Scarlett, even if she could really become exempt from some of them, as Mistress suggested.

Not to mention, this was a dramatic deviation from the familiar game narrative she had once known. It threatened to render her foreknowledge less useful, and the potential consequences and reaction from the Hallowed Cabal to an event like this wasn’t something she’d had the time to consider yet.

That said, it wasn’t as if her opinion held any sway here anyhow. Nothing she said would likely change the outcome.

After what felt like ages of heated debate, the emperor raised a hand, commanding silence. The gathered assembly obeyed, all eyes locking on the man seated on his throne.

“I can see that this will remain a contentious issue,” he began, folding his hands before him. “This does place me in a difficult position, as many of you have expressed valid concerns.” He paused, his eyes moving across the chamber. A palpable tension seemed to descend over the Forum as everyone awaited his verdict.

“….After careful deliberation,” the emperor continued, “we shall proceed with this proposal. Henceforth, the project shall be known as the Empyreal Barrier. It may not align with the wishes of all present, but I trust that each of you will do your part to ensure its success. For the sake of our empire and its people.”

The reaction was delayed, his words hanging in the air for several seconds. Then it was as if a collective gasp rippled through the crowd, followed by a din of whispers and exclamations. Scarlett cast a glance at Lady Withersworth, whose expression was unreadable. The same could not be said for several others nearby, their faces painted with a mixture of surprise, quiet apprehension, anger, and agreement.

Scarlett was curious about how this decision would shape things from here. Even among those who hadn’t been entirely opposed to the proposal itself, there seemed to be a lot of mixed reactions. Presumably, part of that concern came from the precedent set by the emperor using a conclave to push through such a major policy decision.

How would the rest of the empire’s nobility react? Among the absent were powerful figures like Duke Tyndall and Marchioness Thackeray of Wildscar. No doubt, many would question whether the emperor might already have made his decision long before the conclave and if the views brought up here had any real effect.

The growing murmur of voices was abruptly silenced when Mistress, under her guise as the ‘Imperial Advisor’, struck her staff against the floor. The sound reverberated through the chamber like a thunderclap, commanding immediate attention.

“With the decision made,” the emperor resumed, his tone now softer, as if to quell the unease, “the specifics will still need to be further explored by the Imperial Treasury, Ustrum Assembly, and the Imperial Diet. These bodies will oversee the allocation of funds and resources necessary to realise this project.”

While his words didn’t entirely dispel the strained atmosphere, none of the nobles challenged the emperor’s decision directly.

The emperor’s announcement that the matter was now closed shifted the discussion towards more mundane concerns — cooperative efforts, trade arrangements, and initiatives that the gathered nobles could undertake or expand upon. These discussions remained outwardly cordial compared to earlier, but an undercurrent of unease persisted through the remainder of the night, like a shadow that couldn’t be shaken.

As midnight came and went, the conclave began to wind down, with no further significant issues being brought up. The royal herald formally announced the conclave’s conclusion, and the emperor rose with his retinue, making their way up the grand staircase. Scarlett’s eyes followed them, lingering both on the emperor and Mistress before they left the room.

And with that, it was over.

 

 

“Scarlett,” a steady voice called out from behind as she and Lady Withersworth walked through the corridor outside the Emperor’s Forum.

Scarlett turned, her eyes landing on Leon as he approached. His polished black-and-gold armor gleamed under the soft light, the end of his dark hair swaying slightly with his stride. His hand rested casually on the hilt of his sword as he stopped before her.

“Sir Leon,” she greeted, her voice cool and measured, brushing off the curious glances from others in the hallway. “It has been some time.”

During the entire conclave, including her ‘interrogation’, the man had barely spared her a glance. Yet now, with the proceedings concluded, he wasted no time in seeking her out. She supposed she had to respect his sense of duty, even if it felt somewhat rude considering their official relationship.

Not that she was judging.

“Lady Withersworth,” Leon added, offering a respectful nod to the older woman. “A pleasure to see you again.”

“Likewise, Sir Leon,” Lady Withersworth replied, an entertained smile playing at the corners of her mouth as her eyes moved between him and Scarlett. “Perhaps I should give you young ones some privacy?”

Leon shook his head. “That won’t be necessary. This will only take a moment.” He turned back to Scarlett, his expression unreadable as his eyes studied her carefully, seeming to weigh his words. “You’ve been…busy,” he said at last.

Scarlett met his gaze evenly. “I have, yes. Though I assume the same could be said for you.”

“Maybe, yes.” His fingers drummed lightly against his sword hilt as the man shifted his weight. His voice grew lower, almost cautious. “…Scarlett, I’m not sure if you’re aware, but my family might be…preparing to take action against you.”

She arched an eyebrow at him. That’s what this was about? “I had noticed,” she said dryly.

Leon frowned slightly. “There’s likely more going on than just what happened during the conclave.”

“If there is, then Marquis Delmon and his wife will have no one to blame but themselves for what follows,” Scarlett replied coolly. “However, I personally doubt this will go much further.”

Leon’s brow furrowed deeper. “You don’t know my family like I do, Scarlett. Especially not my mother.”

“Perhaps not. But there are certain facts about them that you do not know either.”

Scarlett looked him in the eyes. It was clear from his expression that Leon didn’t fully grasp her meaning, but she was content to leave it at that. She had her own plans to deal with those who’d tried to interfere with her tonight, and the Delmons were at the top of that list. If possible, though, she would prefer an approach that was a bit more subtle than an outright confrontation. She did have more important things to focus on, after all.

“Was that all you wished to discuss?” she asked, looking past Leon in the direction he had come from. “If there is something more substantial, you are welcome to visit my estate tomorrow. This setting is hardly appropriate for an extended conversation.”

Leon’s frown eased slightly. “I’m afraid I won’t have that luxury. The order is moving out again in the morning. But there are things I’d like to talk about when the opportunity arises.” He glanced at Lady Withersworth, then returned his attention to Scarlett. “Also…I heard about your sister. You have my condolences. I hope she recovers swiftly.”

Scarlett’s expression tightened briefly, but she quickly composed herself. “I am certain that she will.”

Leon nodded. “That’s all for now.” His eyes moved around the corridor, seeming to note the other guests who were giving them curious looks. “I’ll contact you the next time I’m near Freybrook,” he added.

“Very well,” Scarlett replied.

With that, Leon turned and left. Scarlett watched his retreating form for a moment, her mind already moving past the conversation.

“Ah, the complexities of youthful relationships,” Lady Withersworth mused beside her.

Scarlett spared the elderly woman a sidelong glance. “By now, I am sure you have noticed that Sir Leon and I share no such relationship.”

“True enough, but it’s decidedly more cordial than rumors would have an old lady believe,” Lady Withersworth said. “That’s more than can be said for many young nobles.”

“Perhaps,” Scarlett replied noncommittally. It didn’t matter too much. Their engagement, whatever it might have once been, would end when convenient anyway.

Ignoring the gazes of those around them, Scarlett turned around and continued down the corridor. Guided by one of the palace attendants, they soon reached the palace’s entrance hall, where they stepped out into the extensive square courtyard, now bathed in the cool light of the starry night sky. A procession of carriages stood lined up, ferrying the evening’s guests away. The rhythmic clatter of hooves and the soft glow of lanterns faded into the night as one by one, the vehicles departed.

Scarlett and Lady Withersworth waited for a few minutes under the warmth of Scarlett’s pyrokinesis, using what had recovered of her mana during the conclave. Their own carriage soon arrived, and they climbed in. The older woman would be continuing her stay with Scarlett while her husband tended to affairs in the capital.

As their carriage rolled away from the palace, crossing the long bridge that connected it to the rest of the city, a comfortable silence settled over the cabin. Scarlett gazed out the window, her eyes tracing the frozen surface of Rellaria Lake, the lights of Elystead reflected on its ice. Exhaustion tugged at her consciousness as she went over the night’s events in her head.

The evening had unfolded in unexpected ways. While she wouldn’t go as far as to call it entertaining, it had certainly been…interesting. The sheer mental effort required to stay ahead of it all might have been the only thing keeping her alert during the seemingly endless proceedings.

The conclave itself had been a big surprise. Going into it, Scarlett hadn’t thought much of it, having been led to believe it was primarily a formality. The flimsy—albeit somewhat accurate—accusations leveled at her and Duke Valentino during the proceedings had been one thing, but this ‘Empyreal Barrier’ business was entirely outside the realm of her predictions.

She wouldn’t be shocked if this decision triggered another wave of violent attacks from the Tribe once they caught wind of it. When that time came, the empire would need to be fully prepared to deal with the consequences.

As for Scarlett’s own interactions throughout the night, there had been lots of unexpected developments there as well. Not only had Deacon Solnate’s approach and ‘request’ to meet with Raimond caught her off guard, but her meeting with Mistress had also unveiled more revelations than she’d anticipated.

Almost unconsciously, Scarlett touched a finger to her temple, rubbing lightly where the dull ache had been lingering most of the day. Mistress’ words about the legacy were troubling. While Scarlett wasn’t sure how much credence to give the woman’s warnings about its dangers, she couldn’t deny the side effects she’d already experienced. The headaches, though manageable, were becoming a regular occurrence when she overused it. The nagging question was how far those effects might go.

So far, it always stopped at headaches, and they usually subsided once she stopped using the legacy. Did that mean it was safe to continue using it as she had? Considering it allowed her to read Zuverian effortlessly, interact with ancient artifacts, comprehend runes and spell arrays to a certain degree, and even grasp arcane practices like the Rite of Primal Harmonisation, she was hesitant to simply give it up. But if it genuinely posed a danger to her life, was it worth the risk?

The uncertainty was the problem. Scarlett found it hard to believe that Thainnith—even if it had just been a fragment of the legendary archmage—would knowingly have set her on a path that could kill her. But other than him, Mistress and The Angler Man were the only individuals she was aware of who might possess reliable knowledge of these things, but trusting them entirely was the definition of ‘unwise’.

One thing she could be sure of, though, was that there was something special about her, something that provided her a measure of protection. At least if Mistress’ surprised reaction was to be believed. The most likely candidate was the system, or some mechanism related to it, but it was hard to tell when its inner workings weren’t even perceivable to Scarlett.

For now, she would probably continue using the legacy when necessary, albeit more cautiously until she learned more. She couldn’t afford to lose the advantages it gave her just yet, nor did she know how to.

Even if she did end up somehow having to give it up eventually, the silver lining was that she’d already reaped some tangible rewards. The creation of the [Crown of Flame’s Benediction (Unique)], for one, genuinely excited Scarlett. Although she’d yet to test its capabilities, she was eager to explore its potential. That artifact alone made the night worthwhile.

Moreover, the unexpected opportunity to glean more about the first princess’’ disappearance after her meeting with the Mistress had been fortuitous. While what she learned was neither conclusive nor as advantageous as she’d hoped, the existence of the book she had discovered in the princess’ quarters presented a lead worth pursuing.

The subsequent encounter with the second princess was a bit of a shock, but despite her initial concerns, Scarlett didn’t believe it would pose a real issue. Still, it might be wise if she treaded carefully in any future interactions with the girl — and with the entire imperial family in general, if possible. She doubted she would have been nearly as lenient or accommodating had it not been for the lingering reverence the original Scarlett held for them.

Though she had to admit, the fact that the girl had stirred certain memories from her own past likely played a small part as well.

Regardless, caution would be necessary moving forward. Especially since Scarlett needed to find a way to contact the second princess should she uncover more information about the first princess. She had, after all, given her word.

Beldon seemed the most obvious choice for facilitating this, though she couldn’t shake the unease that came with trusting him for such a task. Finding an alternative method would be preferable.

Scarlett exhaled softly as she sank deeper into her seat, feeling the weight of the evening settle on her shoulders as her eyelids grew heavier.

Whatever. Determining her exact course of action for that could wait for another day. Right now, she was looking forward to a night of well-deserved rest. Tomorrow, she would need to wrap up a few more matters in the capital before she could return to Freybrook.

As the carriage trundled on through the night, Scarlett let her thoughts drift, the events of the evening slowly fading into the background as more of the exhaustion began to claim her.