Arisia Lives As A Villainess ✔

Season 2: Chapter 5

Season 2

Chapter 5

Perhaps those pent-up feelings within the three years, having no interesting things by my side has affected me. Now, I am constantly thinking of him. I cannot believe that I am admitting that I truly missed him. It was just words, I have never thought I would feel this way over him. What is this? I feel suffocated but happy at the same time.

“How did you know?” He went flustered.

“That you have been following since morning?” Hilda has not reported it to me but I can feel his presence and smell his scent alone.

Tahimik akong suminghal.

If he knew of this, he would think of it as an act of a perverted.

“Just so you know, I am not following you. I-I am just bored that I have resorted to traveling with you.” He folded his arms, adorably snorted, and pursed his lips. Napaiwas siya ng tingin.

“Is that so?” Ngisi ko at tumabingi.

It has been a few days. I was thinking of planning on how to make tease him more once I return from the trip but I did not expect that he would follow me.

Napaawang ang aking labi.

A white lie. I may have expected him to do that. I mean, this is the Rionksy I am talking about. He may shy and adorably cute but he can also be bold sometimes.

“Yes.” He cleared his throat.

“Sinabi mo rin sana iyan sa hari. You could have traveled with us without hiding.”

“Who cares. I can decide what to do with how I want.” Tumaas ang kanyang boses. More flustered. An obvious sign of an excuse.

“Okay, okay. I fully understand.” Tango ko.

“Good to know.” He also nodded. Tumikhim ulit siya. His Adams apple moved. He stole a glance. I unknowingly averted my eyes. I pursed my lips.

Damn, why did I do that?

“Did you come alone?” Pilit akong ngumiti. I hid my awkwardness.

“Y-Yes.”

“You should have come with a guard, at least. It is pretty dangerous outside the kingdom.” Tumaas ang aking kilay. Bumigat ang aking paghinga.

What is he even thinking? Even if he is strong, it is still dangerous to be by himself.

I unconsciously clicked my tongue.

Am I worried?

Napaiwas ako ng tingin.

“No need. I didn’t bring any. It would just be a nuisance.” His lips pouted a bit.

“Is that so?”

“Yes.”

“I see. Then are you going to follow me until our trip is done?” A smirk from the side of my lips.

“N-No. Why would I?” Suminghal siya. Napailing pa.

“If you are that bored, then you should take detours. How is that?” Pinagkrus ko ang aking mga braso. Sumingkit ang aking mga mata. His eyes widened and his lips parted a bit.

“A-Atrocious...” He frighteningly looked at me.

“What?” A meaningful, threatening tone.

“Nothing. I will follow you.” Agad siyang umiling. He blinked a few times. Hinawi ko lamang ang aking buhok. I ran my fingers through my hair.

“How about work?” Tumabingi ako.

“Naroon si Estavio para gawin ang aking mga trabaho.” His tone changed upon saying it.

Is it just me or his tone changes upon talking about other people?

“Oh? You will skip your work for me?” Panunuya ko. I gently bit my upper lip, stopping myself from smirking again.

“I-It’s not that. I was just going along with you since...” Natigil siya. He reddened more.

“Since?” Pag-uulit ko.

It seems like he has no more excuse.

Palihim akong napahagikgik sa kanyang reaksiyon.

“Nothing.” Irap niya.

“How amusing.” My hand went to my lips.

“What?”

“Nothing. Where will you stay for tonight?” Lumapit ako. He stiffened. Umatras siya ng kaunti. His eyes did not stay still. He is nervous. My heart thumped a bit faster.

Well, I cannot deny that I am a bit thrilled. It has been a long time since I teased him like this. I was getting tired of this trip, anyway. It is no fun at all.

“In the nearest place, Fairoh kingdom, of course.” Sarkastiko niya.

“Then rest well. You cannot hide at the other carriages. Heiden might feel your presence.” Seryoso ko. His face changed. Sumeryoso din siya. His face darkened.

“Heiden?” Lumamig ang kanyang boses.

“Yes?”

“Tinatawag mo siya sa kanyang pangalan?” He tilted his head. Napakurap ako sa pinagbago niya sa isang segundo. He has become a different person, it seems. It even made my skin hair stand.

“Well, that is the case.” I unseemly retorted. It came on instinct.

“O-Oh.” His dark face lightened up.

“Jealous?”

“No.” His cheeks slightly flushed. “Why do you call him by his name?” May kaunting irita sa kanyang tono.

“It is nothing.” I shrugged. “Since you will come until Fairoh, I assume you will stay in one of your bases?” His bases in Fairoh kingdom are second to Ronschwald kingdom. In numbers and how large it is, his connections are enlarged in a gap wide against Heiden in the kingdom. Some are also in other kingdoms but Rionsky is exposed in Fairoh kingdom more than the others. I heard he also had deals with other kingdoms but it is rare. As for the center, the empire, only brave men can pull off making connections as the empire is strictly guarded upon at.

“Right.” Aniya. Our meeting was quick. Agad din akong bumalik sa aming kampo upang walang magsuspetya. Hilda meaningfully nodded at me as if she knew what was coming already. Umirap lamang ako at bumalik na sa kalesa.

We arrived at dusk at the entrance of Fairoh kingdom, the most nearby town to the castle. It is livelier than I expected. From what I have heard from the rumors, this town seems to be gloomier. From what I see, this town seems strange. The people are lively but the atmosphere is not at all.

“Maligayang pagdating.” We ended up at a normal inn.

We are in an incognito. Ang sinabi lamang sa iba ay mga normal na mangangalakal kami. The people who asked seemed to bought it. Hindi na kami pa inabala.

“Two large rooms for tonight.” Si Heiden sa may-ari ng tuluyan. The other soldiers also have their own rooms in another inn. They are on shift on guarding us. Hilda and Davidron are already used to not sleeping for days. They are still on guard for me. Umakyat na ako sa aking sariling kwarto.

The night slowly came as it seems. I quietly sneaked out the inn. Heiden can detect presence near him so Hilda stayed in my place.

Luckily, it seems that he also did not notice Rionsky since earlier, his scope did not reach him.

Davidron also stayed to avoid suspicions. I went alone to meet Rionsky. He was in the alleyway when I looked for him. Tinanggal ko muna ang talukbong ng aking kapa upang makita niya ako bago ko ito isinuot muli. He even waved but immediately stopped as if he realized what he just did. Agad niyang ibinaba ang kanyang kamay. I can see his red face while coming to me.

Cute.

“This town is not actually what it seems to be.” Ani ko habang iginagala ang aking paningin.

It seems that the town’s true nature comes when the sun comes down. The people’s liveliness disappeared. It is also silent and gloomy. How creepy.

“Well, that is to be expected.” He snorted. “They are trying to cover up their gloominess. Fairoh kingdom has smaller population than ours. Kaunti lang din ang mga pupunta rito. When there are visits, they will just pass through this street. The people here earn cheaper than how it seems. Rundown.”

“You seem to know this kingdom a bit.” Tumaas ang aking kilay.

“I have gone through inspections before. Whenever I travel, I sometimes pass this town. I also stayed here a lot during my missions. I even observed here without even realizing it.” A quick glance of him. Tumaas ang sulok ng aking labi.

He becomes different when it comes to connections to his duty as a prince. He completely forgot his adorable nature. So this is also an another side of him.

“Is that a strong sense of duty of a prince?” I ignored the gaze of the unfamiliar people.

Mukhang may mga lumalabas pa rin. I wonder what they does.

“Kuryosidad ko lamang.” Ngumuso siya.

“Well, it is not like you have to take care of them. You are not a part of this kingdom. Even if you are a prince, it is troublesome to meddle with another kingdom, even if it is a part of the empire.” Sagot ko. I ignored his penetrating look.

“You must be kidding me. I will not even lift a finger for this kingdom. Gagalaw lamang ako kapag may benepisyo.” Singhal niya at umiling.

“You are in the same page as me, huh?” Ngisi ko.

Well, it is true. Nothing comes in helping the dark side of this kingdom. Only fame. Rionsky is a prince so he does not need it.

Mabilis na tingin ulit sa kanya.

Now that I remember, a trait of him from the book says that he only does what benefits him. Selfish, arrogant, and unsympathetic. I am the same as him. I also do not want to lift a finger for other people if that does not benefit me. What good does it does, anyway?

“I am not as good as you think.” Bumaba ang kanyang boses. His eyes went down. My eyes squinted.

“I did not even think of that.” Bumuntong-hininga ako.

“A-Ano?” He pursed his lips at umawang ang kanyang mga labi.

“Nothing.” I keep my eyes on the road.

“Y-You mean you don’t even find my actions good sometimes? You think of me of such an evil person?” A chuckle escaped from my lips of what he said. Binasa niya ang kanyang mga labi.

“Why not guess?” I shrugged. I raised my pace.

“Stupid. Why would I care?” Bulong niya. Sinundan niya ang bilis ng aking paglalakad.

“You are calling me stupid even though you love me?” Napangisi ako. Umawang ang kanyang mga labi. He blushed and covered his shy face. Umiwas siya ng tingin at tumikhim. Kinagat ko lamang ang aking ibabang labi upang pigilan ang malawak kong ngisi. Nauna siya sa isang may kalakihang estraktura. A smithy. The chime rang when he opened the door.

“Welcome.” A plump old man greeted us. Gumala ang tingin ko sa loob.

It is full of normal-looking weapons and armors. The expensive-looking ones are in a different shelf. There seem to be nothing unusual about this shop.

The old man, busy in smithing, turned to us. Namilog ang mga mata nito at agad tumayo.

“Your Highness?” He bowed. Napatingin ito sa akin sa pagtataka.

“Prepare my room.” Rionsky ordered. I just eyed at him.

He looks completely different when he is with me. Right now, he is a prince with full of elegance and confidence. A serious royalty who can command anyone at any time.

I pursed my lips.

“As soon as possible, Your Highness.” Muling yumuko ang matanda. Agad itong binigyan kami ng upuan at pumunta sa isang silid. We were left in the smithing room. Umupo ako sa isang banda. I became comfortable but felt awkward when I felt Rionsky continuously glancing at me.

What is he doing?

Tinaasan ko siya ng kilay. He pursed his lips and avoided my gaze. He keep on glancing around and it makes me uneasy. Tumayo siya mula sa pagkakaupo sa aking harapan. I watched him touched a brewer. Tumabingi ako. Nang sumilip siya sa akin ay wala sa sarili akong tumingin sa isang tabi.

Good grief, I just unconsciously did that.

My hand went to my lips to hide my naughty smirk.

Tumingin muli ako sa kanyang naghahanda ng inumin nang nakatuon na ang atensiyon niya roon. He is unexpectedly focused in brewing coffee. Binasa ko ang aking mga labi.

I did not expect that. Why am I seeing a prince brewing a coffee by himself?

Kinagat ko ang aking mga labi.

This is so adorable. I wish I have a tool to capture every image of his everyday life.

Napakurap ako. I gently pinched my cheeks.

What did I just thought? It is like saying that I want to see him everyday. Good grief. This is crazy.

Napailing ako. I went into realization when I heard a fake cough. Tumingin ako sa kanya. He is holding a mug. Nakaiwas ang tingin niya habang pumupula ang mukha. My eyes squinted.

“Drink this coffee. I-Iinumin ko sana ngunit nagbago ang isip ko.” He stuttered. My eyes widened a bit but I did not let him realize it. I felt my heart skipping some beats. I pursed my lips to stop myself from smiling.

So that was it, huh? He was making a coffee for me. I see now.

Kinuha ko ang baso. The warmth enveloped my hands. “You should be thankful that I brew it myself.” He cleared his throat. Kita ko ang pagpipigil ng kanyang ngiti.

He is really making it obvious. This is cute.

Naramdaman ko ang pag-iinit ng aking mukha.

“Then, thank you.” Ngisi ko. Sumipsip ako mula sa baso. The aroma of the coffee reached my nose.

He brew a good one. Strange. This is just a cheap coffee. How can it taste so good? “Want some?” Tumaas ang aking tingin sa kanya. Namilog ang kanyang mga mata ulit. He is still blushing. Umiling siya agad. I snorted.

Really, this man... I just initiated an indirect kiss but he is too shy for it. I mean, what is there to be embarrassed for? We already kissed before.

I grinned. Footsteps, the old man came in here with a heavy and fast breathing. Agad na bumalik si Rionsky sa kanyang upuan. He averted his gaze, acting normal like nothing happened.

“Naihanda na ang iyong silid, mahal na prinsipe.” The old man in fidgety.

“That was slow.” Rionsky snorted. Niluwagan niya ang kanyang kuwelyo.

“Ah, ipagpaumanhin niyo, mahal na prinsipe. Umuwi na ang mga nangangalaga sa ibang mga gawain.”

“I will let it go since you are alone.” He crossed his arms. Umirap siya.

“Thank you, Your Highness.” The blacksmith bowed. Pumunta ang tingin nito sa akin. He seemed to be hesitant in asking about me. Binigyan ko lamang siya ng tingin. Rionsky took notice of it. He glanced at me, then back to the blacksmith.

“She is my...” Rionsky uttered. He cleared his throat. Sumingkit ang aking mga mata habang pinipigilan ang aking ngisi. Pasimpleng pumunta ang kanyang kamay sa kanyang mga labi. His cheeks reddened a bit. “...my lady.” He avoided my eyes. I mentally snorted.

I am surprised he managed to say that. It looked natural. Hindi halata na nahihiya siyang sabihin iyon.

The blacksmith’s eyes widened. Nagpabalik-balik ang tingin niya sa aming dalawa. I remained my calm nature and continued sipping on the coffee Rionsky brewed.

“Ah...s-should I add one more bed?” The blacksmith stuttered. Nakaawang pa rin ang bibig nito.

“No need. She will not be staying here.” Pumula ng kaunti ang mga tainga ni Rionsky. Tumabingi lamang ako. The blacksmith nodded. “Leave us.” Rionsky waved his hand. Iniwan kami ulit ng nagpapanday.

“D-Did he made you uncomfortable?” Rionsky turned to me. It seemed like all the embarrassment was flushed in his face and ears because of how red he is.

How adorable. His change of personality really changes so quick, huh?

“What if he did? How will you make up for it?” I hummed.

“I-I...” He continuously glanced sideways, not knowing what to retort.

“Kidding.” I grinned. His face showed annoyance. He folded his arms and pouted. Tumingin siya sa kabila.

“You drag your jests so far.” He grunted.

“You know that I cannot help it. You are too adorable.” Panunuya ko. He blushed again. He remained silent. “Rionsky?”

“I-I am just letting you know that I am not happy to hear that.” Tumayo siya. Umiiwas pa rin siya ng tingin dahil sa hiya. I glanced at him to see his face but he keep on avoiding my gaze. His jaw lightly protruded. I just snorted. Hinawi ko ang aking buhok at tumayo na rin upang sundan siya. He pushed a brick on the wall and an entrance going down opened. He pulled out a torch to light the dim way. “Come in.” Sinundan ko siya habang makarating kami sa isang pinto. He opened it. Gumala ang aking paningin sa naroroon sa isang kwarto. My eyes stopped at a certain weapon.

“This...” I muttered. Napalapit ako at hinawakan ang bagay.

“It’s called a gun. That one is a prototype.” He explained. My hand traced the gun.

It is designed like it is in the historical eras, a befitting for this era. I see. If only I know how to upgrade these ones, they would really become more powerful. It is a shame. I never thought I would come across with guns in these world. The only weapons I wielded were the ones that are common in eras like this. Though guns are also created back in the early days, I have not thought of wielding one here. In the first place, I did not think things like this were possible.

Napunta ang aking kamay sa aking mga labi.

If they had finished the guns and already knew how to use it, why did they lose to Heiden?

Binasa ko ang aking mga labi.

It does not makes sense. Does that mean that Heiden also had revolutionary weapons?

Ngumitngit ako.

This is something worth looking it up.

“I see.” Ngumiti ako. I put back the gun in its place.

“You still probably don’t know but this is not just the whole stock of our weapons.” Napatingin ako sa mga karton ng mga espada. There were also bows and arrows hanged on the wall. Karamihan ay mga espda ang mga naroroon. Some were spears and other more weapons I am not that familiar.

“Naroon sa norte ang iba, hindi ba?” Ani ko.

I have not visited the north yet. For the past three years, I was heavily guarded---no, eyed upon at by the spies. That was why Hilda went there for me. I have received various reports of the transports of the weapons and armors there but it is the first time that I have heard of a gun being made. When did they even started it?

“You even found out about that. How are you getting such true informations?”

“I have talented people, Rionsky. Hindi lamang ikaw.” Sarkastiko ko.

“I guess I will not have to be surprised of what are you going to do next.”

“Of course, you are the one who is most suited to that reaction, my adorable  Rionsky.” Ani ko. I gave him a meaningful look and lifted his chin. I leaned. Nagkalapit ang aming mga mukha kaya ramdam ko ang kanyang mga nakakakiliting mga hininga. Namilog ang kanyang mga mata sa aking ginawa. His lips parted. Saka siya namula ulit. I smirked. Lumayo na ako sa kanya bago siya may masabi. I chuckled. “Well, what are you waiting for? Send me to the inn.” I playfully said.

The rest happened as a continuation of teasing him. Thus, the night ended.