Dada da-da…
The carriage rattled along the main road outside the Imperial Capital, the terrain relatively flat compared to the surrounding mountains.
The wheels rolled smoothly with little vibration, thanks to the constant upkeep of this main road.
The steady flow of people and carriages passing through had compacted the soil beneath, making it firm and resistant to damage.
Willis sat by the window, lifting the curtain to watch the scenery outside.
The sunset had already dipped below the mountains, leaving only a stubborn trace of light refusing to fade.
But soon, darkness would descend.
The distant mountain ridges stretched endlessly, their silhouettes gaining a mysterious beauty under the dimming light.
Closer by, the caravan passed scattered farmhouses and fields flanking the road, as well as ponds and small streams.
The air was fresh, filled with the chirping of insects and birdsong.
As night approached, the insects in the fields and grass by the roadside began their calls.
This picturesque scene was so beautiful that Willis squinted slightly, setting down the book in her hands to quietly savor the journey’s tranquility.
If only there was a beauty in my arms, it would be perfect…
With that thought, Willis leaned forward and looked out the window. “You, come here.”
A soldier she pointed to hurried over, matching the carriage’s pace as he ran beside it.
“Your Highness, your orders?”
“Go to the carriage behind. Have Ophelia come here.”
“Yes!”
The soldier nodded and took off. At that moment, the caravan slowed its pace.
Ophelia had also been enjoying the passing scenery. Although she hadn’t been able to ride in Willis’s luxurious carriage, being alone in her own carriage was the best option for her right now.
She didn’t want to see that hateful face, nor endure unwarranted humiliation.
Sitting quietly by herself, she cherished this small world that belonged solely to her.
The sense of peace and freedom she hadn’t felt in a long time intoxicated her.
Just as she was getting used to it, the slowing caravan made her suspicious, when suddenly a soldier appeared outside her carriage, bowing.
“Miss, Her Highness requests your presence.”
“Wh-what…”
Her moment of peace shattered, leaving Ophelia stunned.
Her rare solitude was broken, and the smile and comfort on her face vanished, replaced by resentment and displeasure.
“She told me to come, so I have to? Why!?”
A few minutes later, Ophelia sat across from Willis, snorting coldly before turning her head away to look out at the scenery once more.
The caravan resumed its journey. Meanwhile, Normankev approached to report the latest intelligence from the scouts ahead.
“Your Highness, it’s safe for now. No abnormalities.”
“Thank you for your hard work.” Willis nodded and asked, “Where are we headed next?”
“At this speed, we’ll reach Yufeng Valley in half an hour,” Normankev replied.
“Yufeng Valley, huh?”
Willis murmured thoughtfully. “Are we resting there tonight?”
“Your Highness…” Normankev hesitated but still voiced his concern.
“Didn’t we already inform the Second Princess that the Church of Judicature received intelligence of a possible Revolutionary Army attack…”
“Forgive my disrespect, Your Highness, but Yufeng Valley isn’t suitable for rest. Though it has natural barriers to fend off the cold night winds, it also makes an ideal ambush spot.”
Hearing this, Willis laughed—a radiant blossom in spring, bathed in morning sunlight and dew.
So beautiful that not only Normankev was captivated, but even Ophelia nearby was left momentarily dazed.
“Is the Duke of the Inquisitorial Academy worried about getting you involved? After all, you weren’t part of the original escort plan.”
“I dare not…” Normankev sighed, snapping back to attention. “But it’s true that Yufeng Valley isn’t suitable for setting camp…”
“Well, what if this Princess insists on resting there?”
Willis squinted and asked.
Normankev visibly stiffened, looking rather helpless.
“Very well, I will ensure the surrounding area is secure, so Your Highness can rest assured!”
“Hm. With the Duke here, I believe tonight will be safe. Proceed.”
Willis waved her hand, and Normankev took his leave to prepare.
Turning, Willis looked toward Ophelia, who was still dazed, and casually dropped the curtain.
As night fell, lowering the curtain dimmed the carriage’s interior, usually signaling the need for lamps.
But Willis didn’t light any.
At that moment, Ophelia inexplicably grew nervous.
“You… Willis… Master, what are you doing?”
The blonde girl clenched her small hands, heart fluttering with anxiety.
Even though she and Willis had shared the closest intimacy, this was still outside, inside the carriage…
She couldn’t imagine Willis would want to—
No!
Absolutely not!
Ophelia’s delicate body trembled, ready to reject Willis even if it enraged her.
But unexpectedly, Willis sat closer, her pleasant fragrance flooding Ophelia’s senses, making her even more nervous.
Willis!
You lewd woman! Don’t think you can touch me here!
“What am I doing? You’ll find out soon enough…”
Willis’s voice was teasing, dripping with an unusual seductive charm.
Ophelia felt her body heating up against her will.
Past reckless memories flashed through her mind, and though she steeled herself to resist, she opened her mouth but couldn’t utter a sound.
Panic inexplicably surged within her.
She couldn’t control her own body!
Willis… Willis…
In Ophelia’s mind, as Willis slowly reached out her hand, the name echoed like a devil’s whisper.
Up close, Ophelia could even see Willis’s wicked smile in the faint light.
At that moment, Ophelia suddenly felt everything else lose its significance.
After all…
She’d already been treated that way by her before, and she was a discarded pawn of her family…
It didn’t matter anymore. Do whatever you want.
Just as Ophelia was giving in to despair, Willis’s hand touched her, and the blonde’s body stiffened.
But seconds later, Ophelia’s eyes widened in disbelief.
“Y-you… Master, what are you doing?”
Her voice low and tense, even tinged with a hint of anger.
Willis was simply touching the fabric of her clothes, not even making contact with her skin. Her slender fingers slid from Ophelia’s sleeve to the fabric covering her arm.
If this action meant anything, Ophelia had seen it before in the tailor’s shop.
It was the technique tailors used when roughly measuring the size of clothing.
“Hm, don’t move. Let me see if it fits well.” Willis commanded.
Ophelia’s mind went blank. The storm she had prepared for never came, wasting all her readiness!
The blonde girl tensed up, utterly unable to fathom what had gotten into Willis to do something so strange.
After finishing the measurements, Willis sighed sadly.
“Alas, everything else is fine, but the chest area… it’s too small, too small!”
At that moment, an unnamed rage welled up inside Ophelia, and she shouted fiercely.
“Willis, I’m going to fight you!”
Seeing Ophelia lunging toward her, Willis looked genuinely puzzled.
“What’s the matter?”