Chapter 126
Reputation Increased!
Reputation Increased!
The notification for the reputation skyrocketing went off like crazy. But the final number that appeared in the end was…
Reputation: 0
“Huh?”
So it finally reset to zero? Did all that infamy finally cancel out?
Just as she thought that, another notification popped up.
Reputation Decreased! -20
Reputation Increased! +30
Current Reputation: 10
Current Reputation: -5
Current Reputation: 3
The reputation numbers were fiercely swinging up and down around zero, like a tug-of-war.
‘Still, this is incredible,’ Elisia thought.
If numbers that high were recovering, this wasn’t an ordinary event. At this rate, there should be rumors spreading that Elisia had saved the empire herself.
‘Could it have already started spreading?!’
Well, all the nobles and knights in the palace at that time had seen it, so the rumors and effects were faster than expected.
Elisia was lost in thought when another ominous notification appeared.
Warning. Colli—Collision detected.
Debugging attempt — impossible.
A new main quest has arrived for Villainess Elisia.
Ding!
Main Quest
<Let’s See How Far You Can Go!>
Wow, saving the palace? That’s amazing. Truly, there’s no need to call anyone else a hero!
Finally, her reputation had recovered! It must feel like she’s back at the starting point.
But a warning followed.
‘At the very start, choosing your path carefully is important…’
So, which route will you choose?
The Hero Finally Loved!
…I’m Seeking the Truth.
Warning. The main quest will be determined by the route you choose.
Choose carefully. Once selected, it cannot be undone.
“…….”
The quest window sounded both congratulatory and chilling. At this point, Elisia suspected there was some intentional design behind the game mechanics.
She stared at the choices.
The first option, “The Hero Finally Loved,” sounded bright and wonderful just by name. Would the original Elisia have wanted this title? If she chose it, would the system start treating her as a hero instead of a villain?
But.
She hadn’t come here to play hero. Elisia made her decision without hesitation.
“…I’m seeking the truth.”
Ding!
“Are you sure about this choice?”
The system warned that she might miss out on a good opportunity from trivial curiosity.
If you choose option 1, some rewards from the next quest will be shown in advance! ><
→ Elisia, welcomed everywhere! And 10 Skill Preview Tickets!
‘A good opportunity?’
Becoming a hero a good opportunity? Sure, the 10 Skill Preview Tickets were tempting, but she wasn’t going to live here forever anyway.
Truth was more important to Elisia than anything. How did she come here? How could she return? She might gain clues while completing quests.
“I really am seeking the truth.”
Ding!
…Understood. You have selected option 2.
The main quest content has now been determined by your choice!
Main Quest
<Let’s See How Far You Can Go! – 2>
Want to learn more about the game?
This quest was prepared for you!
Objective: Discover a secret location within the palace.
Success rewards: 1 Skill Preview Ticket, 10 million cash, “Lady Marigold” production behind-the-scenes interview.
Failure: All stats reduced to 0.
‘The penalty is insane!’
She could tolerate being “removed as a player,” but having all stats reduced to zero? That’s excessive. She probably wouldn’t even be able to move.
But the success rewards weren’t bad—Skill Preview Tickets, 10 million cash, and even behind-the-scenes info on the game’s creation.
‘That could be useful information.’
The objective was no trivial task: a secret place inside the palace. She would need to visit the palace personally.
So, to complete this quest successfully, it would be advantageous to attend the “seat arranged for Elisia” by the emperor.
Elisia spoke after finishing her thoughts.
“What kind of event is this… probably a banquet?”
“…Most likely. The royal family would want to show that they are intact and unscathed.”
The event wouldn’t focus on the fact that monsters invaded. Rather, the palace would emphasize, “We’ve handled it easily, recovered from all damage, and are fine now,” just like a victorious nation celebrates with festivities.
“Then, I’ll go.”
Elisia said decisively. Seeing a flicker of concern on Howell’s face, she smiled confidently and added boldly:
“Now that I’m a hero, other people’s gazes don’t scare me at all.”
After that, things moved faster than expected. The palace held the banquet earlier than anticipated.
And meanwhile, countless letters arrived.
“Lady Semperion, I hope you are well. We planted new flowers in our garden. They are rare seeds from abroad, and it would be an honor if you visited…”
“Lady, do you remember me…?”
“We are planning a small tea gathering next week. It would be our greatest honor if Lady Semperion could attend…”
“……Oh, I’ve become popular.”
Looking at the pile of letters, Elisia muttered calmly. Dora nodded with a worried expression.
“Still, it’s best not to bring the letters out just yet. They’ve heightened security since last time…”
After someone had tampered with letters before, the dukedom became stricter about letter management. Now, even reading letters herself required several inspections while servants stood guard.
‘No one can send secret letters this way.’
Outside of official channels, letters would need to be handed personally. She was glad she had told the crown prince to “deliver it directly” earlier. Otherwise, everyone would have been shocked.
Elisia continued going through the letters. The name Nova Newbid was familiar. She had sent a simple thank-you letter for saving him. Dora was impressed.
“Wow, she saved your life!”
“Oh, no… I just didn’t use my skill…”
Elisia frowned slightly, realizing she appeared intimidating.
Next, she read a letter from Meirani. It was a long apology, begging for a chance to apologize in person.
“Wait, she actually said that to you?”
“You must accept the apology!”
The maids, peering over her shoulder, spoke firmly. Elisia lowered the letter in surprise.
It was probably the first time the servants had seen letters coming directly to her. Naturally, reading the lady’s letters was off-limits, and they likely didn’t know the details of the dances she attended.
“Don’t worry. It’s nothing.”
Elisia smiled as she stacked the letters. Most others were formal greetings or invitations from unfamiliar people.
She could see that attention was now on her. As she turned, the servants took the letters back. Some maids stayed close and asked:
“Lady, do you need anything prepared?”
“Didn’t you want anything when you came home?”
Elisia suddenly remembered a chat request.
“I’m curious about the strawberry cake recipe.”
“Excuse me?!”
The maids’ eyes widened.
“Recipe? May I ask why you want the recipe?”
“You don’t mean… you’ll make it yourself? That’s too dangerous!”
Even nearby servants looked startled. Elisia quickly explained:
“No, I’m not going to make it myself…”
“Then do you…?”
A maid seemed to realize something.
“You’ll request it to be made at the mage tower?”
“…You’re returning to the mage tower already?”
They had heard rumors and knew she might stay long at the mage tower. The maids looked slightly disappointed.
“You can just eat it there. Or ask them to send it, and everyone will rush to do it.”
“It’d be nice if you stopped by for the cake too.”
Elisia fell silent at the unexpected reaction. She hadn’t realized they would care so much. She recalled that when she went out as a mercenary, everyone had been shocked too. Were they speaking sincerely?
“Ah, Lady!”
One servant ran in from the entrance, catching his breath before speaking.
“The crown prince… has come personally.”
“Excuse me?”
All the servants were shocked. Not just a messenger, but the crown prince himself? Curious glances flitted between them, but Elisia seemed to understand.
‘Here to deliver the letters…?’
Considering her previous request, yes. The crown prince had been busy managing the aftermath of the monster invasion. Only now did he have time to care about the letters.
Elisia approached the entrance. Leona, who had just been guided to the duke’s house, brightened upon seeing her.
“Elly, it’s good to see you.”
Leona greeted her warmly.
“…Your Highness.”
Elisia greeted politely and tried to guide Leona to the reception room. It was best to discuss details over refreshments. But Leona spoke faster.
“Elly, actually, I’m here to request a partnership.”
“Huh?”
Elisia looked at him in disbelief, but Leona smiled softly. He gestured, and the royal attendants brought a jewelry box and bouquet, placing them in front of her. Leona continued with a tender gaze.
“We couldn’t attend together before. Will you give me a chance this time? If I can enter with the empire’s hero, it would be… an honor for me.”
“…….”
The dazzling jewelry and flowers, the prince’s composed gesture—an almost unreal, picturesque scene. The people around them were speechless, staring in amazement at the pair.
