The Villain's Side of the Novel

The next night, Fray found himself in the grand residence of the Lord of Astralhaven, having been graciously invited to stay as a guest. The Lord, a distinguished figure with a regal aura, extended his hospitality to Fray, recognizing his status as a fellow noble and a respected warrior.

The Lord's family gathered in the lavish dining hall the next morning, ready to share a breakfast feast with their esteemed guest. The atmosphere was filled with a sense of warmth and camaraderie as Fray joined them at the table. Lord Reginald, the gracious host, greeted Fray with a nod, acknowledging his presence with the utmost respect.

"How did you spend your night, Lord Parada? Did you sleep well?" Lord Reginald inquired, his genuine concern evident in his voice.

Fray met Lord Reginald's gaze with a nod of gratitude. "Yes, Lord Reginald, thanks to your hospitality, I slept comfortably. I appreciate your kindness."

Lord Reginald's wife, Lady Genevieve, radiated elegance as she gracefully seated herself beside her husband. Her eyes held a curious glint as she regarded Fray, her voice gentle but inquisitive.

"My daughter here is a big fan of you, Lord Fray," Lady Genevieve said, pointing to her shy daughter seated at the table. "She was at the Lionar Kingdom party and spoke highly of you. She mentioned your unwavering character and formidable skills in battle. It is an honor to have you in our home," her tone conveying both admiration and genuine interest.

Fray glanced at the shy girl beside Lady Genevieve, who was about the same age as him. Her eyes darted away whenever their gazes met. He observed her delicate features, a hint of curiosity shining through his usually stoic expression. There was something about her innocence and genuine admiration that stirred a flicker of warmth within him, though he chose to hide it behind a composed demeanor.

Fray maintained his stoic composure as he turned his gaze once again to Lord Reginald's wife, his voice calm and measured as he responded, "The honor is mine, Lady Genevieve. It is a privilege to be welcomed into your midst."

As the breakfast conversation flowed, the atmosphere was filled with a sense of mutual respect and genuine interest. Lord Reginald, intrigued by Fray's presence and reputation, engaged in a discussion about their respective kingdoms and the challenges they faced. The conversation gradually shifted, and Fray seized the opportunity to broach a topic of importance to him.

"Lord Reginald, did you have the time to think of my proposition?" Fray said, his voice steady and persuasive.

Lord Reginald leaned back in his chair, his expression thoughtful. He considered Fray's proposal, recognizing the potential for collaboration and the mutual benefits it could bring. After a moment of contemplation, he nodded in agreement.

"Lord Fray, your request is intriguing, and I appreciate your dedication to knowledge and progress," Lord Reginald replied, his voice filled with a sense of camaraderie. "I will gladly lend my support and provide you with a team of skilled scientists to aid you in your research. May this collaboration yield great discoveries and forge a lasting bond between our realms."

Fray acknowledged Lord Reginald's agreement with a respectful nod. "I am grateful for your generosity, Lord Reginald."

...

Meanwhile, in Iskar City...

After hours of travel, the troops had set up camp, their weary bodies finding solace in the temporary respite. The crackling of the campfire provided a warm glow amidst the encroaching darkness, casting flickering shadows upon their tired faces.

Suddenly, the tranquility of the camp was disrupted by the unexpected arrival of Elisa Parada, accompanied by two knights adorned in the family's crest. The soldiers tensed, their hands instinctively reaching for their weapons as they recognized the daughter of the powerful Parada family approaching their midst.

Elisa, her expression void of emotion, walked with an air of authority as she made her way to the center of the camp. The soldiers exchanged uneasy glances, unsure of what to expect from the young Parada heir.

As she stood before them, Elisa's piercing gaze swept across the faces of the troops, her voice cutting through the silence like a sharp blade. "Why have you entered Iskar territory without permission?" she demanded.

General Roderick, a condescending smirk playing on his lips, stepped forward, his arrogance undeterred by Elisa's presence. "Why shouldn't we, dear?" he retorted, his tone dripping with arrogance as his eyes roamed Elisa's body, displaying a disgusting look on his face.

Elisa possessed a beauty that commanded attention and admiration. Her features were delicately sculpted, a perfect harmony of gentle curves and defined angles. High cheekbones added a touch of elegance to her face, while her smooth, flawless skin glowed with a natural radiance. The faintest hint of a rosy blush adorned her cheeks, a subtle reminder of her vitality and spirit. Elisa's beauty caught General Roderick's attention, fueling his desire.

"The Parada family should be honored to receive the Niram Empire's troops within their city. It is an opportunity for your family to demonstrate its loyalty to the empire," General Roderick continued his arrogant words.

Elisa's eyes narrowed, a flicker of anger crossing her features before she regained her composure. With a calm yet commanding voice, she delivered her response. "General, I advise you to choose your words and actions wisely. The Parada family has been patient, but our patience wears thin. If your troops do not leave Iskar City within two days, it will be considered an act of aggression, and we will defend our territory."

The general, unfazed by Elisa's warning, continued to indulge in his own arrogance. He took a step closer, invading her personal space with an audacious swagger. "Sweetie, there's no need for threats. We can find a way to resolve this without resorting to war," he said, his voice dripping with an arrogant charm that only served to further provoke her.

Elisa's dead eyes held an unwavering determination as she met the general's gaze. "War is a last resort, but we will not tolerate the intrusion of unwanted forces on our doorstep."

The two knights flanking Elisa shifted angrily, their hands resting on the hilts of their swords. They were ready to defend their lady, should the need arise.

A tense silence settled over the camp as the soldiers watched the exchange between Elisa and the general. The weight of the impending conflict hung heavy in the air, uncertainty mingling with the flickering flames of the campfire.

Elisa took a step back. "You have two days." Her gaze lingered on the general for a moment longer before she turned to leave, the two knights following in her wake. As they disappeared into the darkness, a lingering sense of unease settled upon the troops.

The gravity of Elisa's warning hung heavily in their hearts. They now understood the consequences of their presence in Iskar territory. War loomed on the horizon, and their fate would be decided in the coming days. The once peaceful journey had taken an unforeseen turn, leading them down a path fraught with tension and uncertainty.

The campfire crackled, casting dancing shadows upon the faces of General Roder

ick and Captain Talon as they stood amidst the flickering glow. Tension hung in the air, palpable and thick, as the general seethed with anger and the captain maintained a calm, collected expression.

General Roderick's face flushed with fury, his voice laced with disdain as he vented his frustration. "How dare she? How dare that *** speak to me like that? The audacity!" he spat, his words dripping with venom.