9: Another Surprise Visit

THE system had become quiet the next day after finishing her daily quest. Perhaps, it knew that her body was too exhausted and needed to recuperate from extreme hunting task.

Nesca was practicing archery outside when she heard the sound of approaching carriages.

She lowered her bow. "Visitors, again?"

A golden carriage stopped before the entrance of the worn out gate of the cabin. Behind the vehicle, there were two long lines of magical beasts mounted by the uniformed demon guards.

"What a grand procession." Nesca gently shook her head and clicked her tongue. She immediately recognized the royal family crest on the black flag of the carriage, waving proudly.

Nesca scoffed as she guessed. "Probably another member of my problematic family."

When the carriage door opened, a beautiful woman wearing an elegant black dress stepped out. She looked gentle and regal. Her long tangerine hair flowed behind her, adorned with small crown atop her head. Her familiar golden eyes carried the same arrogance like Sitri.

Agni came rushing as soon as she saw their visitors. "Princess, that's your fifth sister, Fria!"

"My memory is hazy. Are we close?" she asked.

"No, Princess. She used to bully you, how can you forget that?" Agni whispered, afraid that Fria might hear her.

"She looked harmless though."

"Looks can be deceiving. Be careful," Agni warned.

Nesca smiled. "Then it's impolite if we don't receive her."

Fria walked elegantly toward Nesca with a mocking smile as soon as she finished scrutinizing the poor condition of the cabin. She didn't even hide her irritation trying to shoo the small bugs flying around the garden.

"Hello, dear sister. What brought you here?" Nesca greeted her.

"Well, well. I never expected you to still be alive." Fria looked at her as if disgusted.

Nesca gazed back at her unaffected, she only focused on eating the wild berries, while holding the bow on he other hand, doing it on purpose.

Even if Nesca's approach seemed harmless, Agni could feel the tension between the two princess despite the exchange of pleasantries.

"I will not waste my time any further. I came here because of the Centum."

Nesca remained silent and shrugged.

Fria spoke again. "I was told that you were informed about the matter. The Supreme Emperor will hold the celebration, and it's already approaching. Will you confirm your attendance?"

Nesca scoffed. "The Centum must be really important, huh? Imagine, two of my untouchable siblings came to pay me a visit in person. What are you scheming, Fria?"

Fria smiled. "You should feel honored. Even someone like you has received an invitation."

Nesca giggled this time. "Someone like me? Ah, yes. To the family, I'm simply irrelevant. If so, why are you all itching to send me as a tribute? Why not you or the other princess, like Sitri?"

"Don't misunderstand. You are not special. I'm simply curious whether you will embarrass the royal family by appearing in front of everyone. I meant no harm, Nesca. Now that you've recovered, it's time to fulfill your royal obligation."

"Why do you care whether I attend? Now it's suddenly my royal obligation." Nesca laughed. "Nice try, Fria. I'm not as gullible as you think."

Fria's usual cold face suddenly looked bothered. "If you refuse, Father might do something worse. We cannot offend the Supreme Emperor, he could easily annihilate the entire bloodline of the current monarchy."

"I get it now.You're worried about yourself." Nesca walked back and forth in front of her sister. "Am I right?"

"Of course. I'm worried for everyone of us. His Supremacy is not someone to be trifled with. He's like a living god, Nesca. I wished you have receive a formal education so you know the weight of this decision, too bad you were cursed as a child and grew up like this." Fria acted pitiful.

Nesca almost rolled her eyes for her sister's drama. Although she could assess that the threat of offending the Supreme Emperor must be real. But she wouldn't let Fria boss her around.

"You're worried about everyone, excluding me, obviously. I do not seek power or high status from the Supreme Emperor, I'm fine with this life as it is."

"You should've died if you want to escape this fate, little sister. The imperial family must send a pure-blooded tribute."

"Go ahead, beg, Fria."

For a moment, Fria seemed to be out of words to say. Probably she was not expecting that their weak little sister had become a completely different being.

"I can't believe you've become this hard-headed, Nesca. I shall ask Father for an edict then."

"Wow! Scary. Bring me the edict then." Nesca's usual sarcasm couldn't be concealed.

"I will not argue any further, Nesca. We're still blood related so I won't harm you. Consider this as your older sister asking you a favor." Fria may sounded calm, but the killing intent surrounding her was overwhelming.

Nesca didn't want to engage knowing the vast difference of their powers. If she continued to piss her off, Fria might actually send her to the afterlife for real.

Nesca heaved a deep sigh. "Okay, I'll think about it."

The killing aura surrounding Fria had slowly dissipated.

"Then I shall go now. I will wait for you in the palace." Fria smiled lightly.

"Apologies for not offering you a cup of tea, sister. You see the condition of my residence, I don't think I have anything that would suit your royal palate."

"I'm glad you know." Fria turned and flipped her hair, then ordered her guards, "Let's return back home!"

Nesca watched her leave. Then she continued practicing her archery as if nothing happened. But she immediately halted because the system appeared.

[Main Quest Updated.]

[Objective: Attend the Centum.]

[Warning: Host will enter a dangerous environment surrounded by enemies.]

Nesca looked at the carriage, nearly disappearing in the mist.

A faint smile formed in her lips. "Good. I'm going even if you don't oblige me."

She fire an arrow. "Let them gather, so I could finally meet them in person. The more the prying eyes who come to watch my humiliation and suffering…"

She pulled the bowstring. "The more witnesses there will be when I rise."

The arrow flew into the distance. And it pierced the center of the target.

"Finally, we're moving to the main quest." She fired all the arrow.