Reincarnated as the Villainess’s Unlucky Bodyguard

"I'll leave you to your beauty sleep," Liria muttered, slipping out of her room and heading toward the dining hall.

The dining hall was already buzzing with quiet conversation when Liria arrived. Enara was seated near the head of the table, wearing an expression that suggested she was both supremely bored and mildly annoyed by the pleasantries around her. Her parents, Queen Verida and Queen Nyssara, were in their usual seats, exuding an aura of regal authority. Milara, ever the picture of excitement, was bouncing in her chair like she'd been fueled entirely by sugar and adoration for Liria.

Liria took a deep breath and entered, her boots clicking softly against the polished obsidian floor. As she approached the table, Enara gave her a brief glance before gesturing imperiously to the seat beside her.

"You're late," Enara said, her tone sharp but lacking malice.

"Had to dodge an overly dramatic pineapple," Liria replied, sliding into her seat.

Milara gasped, her amber eyes sparkling. "Ananara's back? Where is he? Can I see him? He's so cute—"

"Focus, Milara," Enara interrupted, her tone icy but her smirk betraying her amusement.

The first course had just been served when the doors to the dining hall swung open with a theatrical flair.

Standing in the doorway, her silhouette framed by the glow of the chandeliers, was Principal Seraphis.

Liria froze, her fork hovering in midair. Daena, who had just taken a sip of wine, nearly choked. The former demon queen set her glass down with the slow, deliberate caution of someone considering whether to flee or fight.

"Good evening, everyone," Seraphis said, her voice smooth and commanding as she strode into the room. Her silver hair cascaded down her back, shimmering like moonlight, and her golden eyes sparkled with mischief. She was dressed in a sleek black gown with shimmering silver accents, looking every bit like someone who knew she was the center of attention.

Daena leaned toward Liria, whispering urgently, "Don't panic. If we're quiet, she might not see us."

"Grandma," Liria whispered back, "she's literally walking toward us."

Seraphis reached the head of the table and inclined her head gracefully. "Queens Verida, Nyssara. Thank you for allowing me to join you this evening."

"It's an honor, Principal Seraphis," Nyssara replied with a polite smile.

Verida gave a curt nod but shot a wary glance at Daena, who was now subtly trying to edge her chair backward.

"I didn't realize we'd be having such illustrious company," Daena muttered, her voice tight.

"Nor did I realize you were still alive, Daena dear," Seraphis said sweetly, her golden eyes locking onto the former demon queen like a predator sizing up its prey.

Liria couldn't suppress the small gasp that escaped her lips. She immediately regretted it as Seraphis's gaze flicked to her.

"You look just as beautiful in person, Liria," Seraphis purred, her eyes lingering on Liria with an intensity that made her skin crawl. "I did hear you were quite a sight to behold in your magic lesson today. I almost wish I'd been there to see it."

"Not everything has to be about Liria, Seraphis," Daena snapped. The tension in the room was growing more palpable by the second, and Liria felt like she was stuck in the middle of a very public chess match.

"Oh, but this is about Liria," Seraphis countered, her smile growing more pointed. "It's about her unique talents and how they will be... fostered."

"Fostered?" Liria repeated, a shiver running through her. "What do you mean?"

Seraphis's smile was so sharp it could have sliced through stone. "I have decided to mentor you personally, Liria."

The room fell silent, and Liria's mouth dropped open. Even Daena looked shocked, her dark complexion paling slightly.

"I don't think that's necessary," Daena said tightly.n/ô/vel/b//in dot c//om

"Do you not?" Seraphis asked, her gaze still locked on Liria.

"No, she doesn't," Liria agreed quickly. The last thing she needed was more attention from this woman, and certainly not in such an intimate capacity. But it was too late. Seraphis's expression had already darkened, her eyes narrowing as though Liria's refusal had been a personal affront.

"I see," Seraphis murmured, her voice taking on a dangerous edge. "Then allow me to ask this, Liria: do *you* want my mentorship? Do you want to learn everything I have to teach you?"

Liria hesitated, unsure of how to respond. The room held its collective breath, waiting for her answer.

[Recommendation: Accept her offer. Rejecting it will likely antagonize Principal Seraphis. Your current level of stress is high and rising rapidly.]

Great, just what I need, Liria thought irritably.

"Sure," she said finally, hoping it would satisfy both the system and Seraphis.

The Principal smiled, her golden eyes glinting in triumph. "Excellent. I will collect you at sundown tomorrow."

And with that, Seraphis turned on her heel and strode from the dining hall, leaving the room in an uncomfortable silence.

Liria wasn't sure whether she should be relieved or worried. She had a feeling this was going to be much more complicated than she'd anticipated.

[Observation: Principal Seraphis's motivations are unclear. Proceed with caution.]

Yeah, no kidding. She really needed to work on her understatement skills. Liria shot the system a withering look before turning back to the room, trying to ignore the expectant stares and the one piercing gaze that seemed to follow her everywhere. She'd deal with this later. For now, she was too tired and too stressed to do anything but nod stiffly at Daena's questioning look. It would have to wait until after dinner. If she didn't collapse from exhaustion first.

The conversation around the table resumed slowly, but the lingering tension was undeniable. Liria was too exhausted and overwhelmed to contribute much, her mind whirling with thoughts of Seraphis and what this mentorship might entail. But she couldn't let herself dwell on it yet, not when she still had to finish her meal.

A sudden chime interrupted the growing din of conversation. The dining hall doors slid open, and a procession of waiters entered, each carrying a covered dish. Liria watched, fascinated, as they efficiently distributed the meals to each guest before withdrawing with the same fluid grace.

The first course was a pale pink soup with a delicate gold rim around the edge of the bowl. Liria eyed it warily, hoping it wouldn't turn out to be some exotic animal she'd never heard of. Enara, clearly noting her uncertainty, gave an annoyed huff before reaching out to remove the lid.

The dish that lay beneath was surprisingly familiar: shrimp chowder. Liria stared, momentarily stunned. The demons had shrimp chowder?

"It's not bad," Enara said grudgingly, taking a cautious spoonful. "They added a few ingredients to make it spicier."

Liria followed suit, dipping her spoon into the chowder and taking a hesitant bite. Her eyes widened as she savored the flavors, surprised at the way it melded so seamlessly with the spices. It was as though her taste buds were doing a small, internal dance. Delicious. She took another bite, enjoying the burst of flavors as they played on her tongue.

Enara shot her a look of mock surprise. "You can be civilized."

Liria shrugged, reaching for another bite. "Not much point in acting like a barbarian here."

Enara snorted but said nothing, continuing to eat with an elegance that made Liria feel like a caveman. The first course was followed by another, then another, each one more complex and delicious than the last. Liria tried her best to mimic Enara's elegance, but by the fourth course, she'd given up entirely and simply shoved food into her mouth.

The main course came with much fanfare: a massive roast turkey, its golden brown skin glistening with juices. It sat atop a bed of roasted vegetables, its plump body filling the room with mouthwatering aromas. Liria couldn't help but salivate at the thought of sinking her teeth into the juicy flesh.

"Milara," Verida chided, "try to show a little restraint. You're making everyone uncomfortable."

Milara, who had been practically drooling over the turkey, pouted. "I can't help it," she whined. "It smells amazing!"

The little demoness's expression was so pitiful that even Liria laughed. Milara looked at her triumphantly as though she'd just won something, and Enara shot Liria a withering look for encouraging the younger girl's antics.

The rest of the meal passed without further incident, and soon, the final course came and went. When the plates were cleared and everyone had finished, Daena turned to Liria, her expression unreadable.

"Well?" Daena asked quietly. "How was your first day at the demon school?"

Liria considered her words carefully, unsure of how much to reveal. "Eventful," she said eventually. "I learned a lot, but there's still a lot I don't know."

"That will come with time," Daena promised. "Just remember to keep your head down and your mouth shut. The less attention you draw, the better."

Liria nodded. Easy for her to say; she'd already left the school, and unlike Liria, she didn't stick out like a sore thumb. But if it was what Daena thought was best, then Liria would do it.